Manchester quartet The Smiths helped pioneer the
College Rock sound of the '80s, while also marking an end of the
increasingly synthesized New Wave movement, which had recently peaked.
With jangly guitars, witty and literate lyrics, and catchy melodies,
The Smiths quickly became an underground favorite on both sides
of the Atlantic. Between 1984 and 1987, they released four studio
albums, all highly critically praised. Since disbanding, lead singer
Morrissey has enjoyed a successful solo career, while guitarist
Johnny Marr has been involved in many projects.
