The Smiths were one of the most influential bands in the 80s. The band consisted of Morrissey on vocals and lead guitar, Johnny Marr on guitars and backing vocals, Andy Rourke on bass guitar, and Mike Joyce on drums.
They broke up in 1987, but while active, they produced four studio albums, and their music still resonates with fans today. If you’re a fan of The Smiths, you’ll love these ten bands that are similar to them:
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1. The Cure
The Cure is a well-known alternative rock band that started in 1978 in Crawley, West Sussex. Their music often features dark, depressing, and gothic themes.
The band began as a punk rock group but their sound evolved. The Smiths, often compared to The Cure, share many similarities in sound and style.
2. The Jesus and Mary Chain
The Jesus and Mary Chain, a Scottish alternative rock band formed in 1983, are famous for their loud, distorted sound and chaotic live shows. They released six studio albums before disbanding in 1999.
The Jesus and Mary Chain reunited in 2007 and remain active. Their sound is similar to The Smiths, especially in “Just Like Honey” and “April Skies.”
3. Pulp
Pulp is an English indie rock band that started in 1978. They rose to fame in the 1990s, with their album “His ‘n’ Hers” hitting number nine on the UK Albums Chart. The band is best known for their hits “Common People” and “Sorted for E’s & Wizz.”
Pulp split in 2001, reunited in 2011, and remain active. Their music is Britpop and they are often compared to The Smiths.
4. The Psychedelic Furs
The Psychedelic Furs, an English rock band formed in 1977, are well known for their hits “Love My Way” and “Pretty In Pink.” They have released eight studio albums.
The Psychedelic Furs greatly impacted new wave and hard rock. Though predating The Smiths, their sound bore many resemblances.
5. The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses, an English alternative rock band formed in 1983, kickstarted the Manchester music scene and boosted the Madchester genre.
The Stone Roses released two studio albums before splitting in 1996. They reunited in 2011 and parted ways again in 2017. Their sound blends indie rock, psychedelic rock, and dance music, bearing similarities to The Smiths.
6. Talking Heads
Talking Heads is an American new wave band formed in 1975. Known for hits like “Psycho Killer” and “Burning Down the House,” they released eight studio albums before splitting in 1991. They reunited in 2002 and toured until 2008.
The Talking Heads’ music blends new wave, art rock, and funk. Both bands peaked around the same time and shared similarities.
7. New Order
New Order is an English synthpop band formed in 1980 by Joy Division’s members after Ian Curtis’ death. They’re best known for hits like “Blue Monday” and “True Faith”.
New Order broke up in 2006 but got back together in 2011. Their music blends synthpop, alternative rock, and electronica. Pioneers of dance music, they pushed the music generation forward like The Smiths.
8. Siouxsie and The Banshees
Siouxsie and the Banshees, an English rock band from London, formed in 1976. They’re famous for hits like “Hong Kong Garden” and “Hand in Glove.” Part of the British new wave and post-punk scenes, they released 11 studio albums before ending in 1996. Their style includes new wave, punk rock, gothic rock, and electronica.
9. Blur
Blur is an English rock band formed in 1989, best known for hits like “Song 2” and “Parklife.” They played a big role in popularizing Britpop in the 1990s. Though they broke up in 2002, they reunited in 2009. Blur’s music blends alternative rock, Britpop, and electronic elements.
10. Echo & the Bunnymen
Echo & the Bunnymen is an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1978. Known for hits like “The Cutter” and “Lips Like Sugar,” they play post-punk, new wave, and neo-psychedelia music. The band has released twelve studio albums.
