Introduction

The Queen Is Dead is the third studio album by the English rock band the Smiths, released in 1986. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential and acclaimed albums of the 1980s, and a masterpiece of indie rock. The album showcases the brilliant songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr, who crafted witty, poignant, and rebellious lyrics over diverse and inventive musical arrangements. The album also features some of the band’s most iconic songs, such as “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side”, “Bigmouth Strikes Again”, and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”. In this article, we will explore the background, themes, and legacy of The Queen Is Dead, and why it is still relevant and revered today.

Background

The Smiths formed in Manchester in 1982, and quickly gained a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim for their debut album The Smiths (1984) and its follow-up Meat Is Murder (1985). The band’s sound was distinctive and refreshing, combining Marr’s jangly guitar melodies with Morrissey’s crooning vocals and literate lyrics. The band also stood out for their outspoken views on politics, sexuality, and culture, often challenging the status quo and the mainstream music industry. However, the band also faced some difficulties, such as legal disputes, internal tensions, and media controversies. The Queen Is Dead was recorded in late 1985, amid these challenges and uncertainties. The band wanted to make a more ambitious and diverse album, and experimented with different styles and influences, such as garage rock, soul, and music hall. The album was produced by Morrissey and Marr, with the help of engineer Stephen Street, who had worked with the band on Meat Is Murder. The album’s title was taken from a novel by Hubert Selby Jr., and the cover art featured a still from a French film starring Alain Delon.