Music that inspired The Smiths: Morrissey’s 13 favourite songs of all time
As his career continues to be shrouded in conjured controversy amid his controversial political stance and outspoken opinions, it’s easy to forget the highly influential role Morrissey played in the solidity of indie rock as we know it today.
As one of the major pillars in the formation of Britpop by fronting iconic rock band The Smiths, Morrissey and his baritone voice, combined with his literary daring lyrics, made him an undoubted British cultural icon. His work alongside guitarist Johnny Marr, drummer Mike Joyce, and bassist Andy Rourke helped change the face of independent music thanks to their affiliation with now-famed label Rough Trade Records.
Lyrically, Morrissey is a master of wit, melancholy, and biting social commentary – facets that have since tranitioned into his daily viewpoints on life in general. His songs often explore themes of alienation, loneliness, unrequited love, and the struggles of the working class. Whether he’s crooning about the mundane frustrations of everyday life or waxing poetic about profound existential questions, Morrissey’s lyrics possess a literary quality that elevates them above the standard fare of pop music.
However, Morrissey’s transition from an anti-establishment, self-deprecating figure who actively avoided all clichéd stereotypes of rock music to a controversial celebrity aligned with far-right politics and a certain vision of English national identity has been one that has ruffled more than a few feathers. His outspoken opinions on animal rights, vegetarianism, the royal family and politics aside, Morrissey has impacted alternative music greatly and, to this day, his legacy can be found in different aspects of all new bands breaking through.
Four studio albums with The Smiths, 13 as a solo artist, a change in music direction, and a major comeback in later life has seen Morrissey continually push his musical adventure and tour relentlessly around every release. “Nothing is important, so people, realising that, should get on with their lives, go mad, take their clothes off,” he once said when discussing the concept of seizing the moment. “Jump in the canal, jump into one of those supermarket trolleys, race around the supermarket and steal Mars bars and kiss kittens,” he continued.
Never shy to openly discuss musical influences throughout his career, Morrissey created a list a few years ago that consists of the 13 singles that he holds dearly—a fascinating insight into different songs that had an impact on his artistic vision. “When they bury me in a church and chuck earth on my grave, I’d like the words ‘Well, at least he tried’ engraved on my tombstone,” the singer once said, and it’s hard to argue with that.
As many will know, Morrissey was an avid fan of the New York Dolls and was even the UK fan club’s president. He stated during an interview with Kirsty Young that the group, and others like them, were a defining moment in his life. He calls it “the great separating moment” from his family after his father thought he was a “lunatic” for liking the band.
With that, Morrissey later wrote how the New York Doll’s now-iconic 1973 appearance on the Old Grey Whistle Test changed his life. “Both of my parents watch unimpressed,” Morrissey wrote. “Pride and joy electrify my body as the revenge motif dates every other modern pop artist in an instant. Snarl matches visual art and the New York Dolls were mine.”
With the likes of New York Dolls, The Tams, The Crystals, Roxy Music and more, see the full list, below and find the full playlist below that.
Morrissey’s 13 favourite songs:
- New York Dolls – ‘Jet Boy’
- Sparks – ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both of Us’
- The Sundown Playboys – ‘Saturday Nite Special’
- Bob & Marcia – ‘Young, Gifted and Black’
- The Tams – ‘Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy’
- Buffy Sainte-Marie – ‘Soldier Blue’
- Al Martino – ‘Granada’
- Shocking Blue – ‘Mighty Joe’
- The Crystals – ‘All Grown Up’
- Paul Jones – ‘I’ve Been A Bad, Bad Boy’
- The Supremes – ‘I’m Livin’ In Shame’
- Roxy Music – ‘Do The Strand’
- Mr Bloe – ‘Groovin With Mr Bloe’
