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The Smiths were a British indie rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. The group, composed of Morrissey (lead vocals, lyrics), Johnny Marr (guitar, songwriting), Andy Rourke (bass), and Mike Joyce (drums), is widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic bands of the 1980s. The Smiths' music is characterized by Marr's jangly guitar riffs and Morrissey's distinctive, often melancholic vocal style and poetic lyrics. Their sound combined elements of indie pop and alternative rock with influences from 1960s pop and 1970s punk. The band released their debut single, "Hand in Glove," in 1983, which garnered attention and set the stage for their breakthrough. Their self-titled debut album, "The Smiths" (1984), featured tracks like "This Charming Man" and "What Difference Does It Make?" The album's success was followed by "Meat Is Murder" (1985), which included hits like "Shakespeare's Sister" and "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore." This album solidified their reputation and was noted for its socially and politically charged themes. In 1986, The Smiths released "The Queen Is Dead," widely regarded as their masterpiece. The album featured iconic songs such as "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," "Bigmouth Strikes Again," and "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side." It was celebrated for its innovative sound and insightful, often ironic lyrics, and is considered one of the greatest albums of the decade. Their final studio album, "Strangeways, Here We Come" (1987), marked a shift towards a more polished production style and included hits like "I Started Something Good But I Didn't Finish" and "Girlfriend in a Coma." Despite its success, tensions within the band led to their breakup in 1987, just before the album's release. The Smiths' influence extended far beyond their active years, shaping the development of indie and alternative rock and inspiring countless bands and artists. Morrissey and Marr went on to successful solo careers, with Morrissey continuing his distinctively lyrical and provocative style and Marr contributing to various projects, including his own solo work and collaborations with other artists. Despite their relatively short career, The Smiths' legacy endures through their innovative music and lasting impact on the alternative music scene. Their songs continue to resonate with fans and new listeners, maintaining their status as a seminal band in modern music history.

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