1985 – How Soon is Now – The SMITHS
1985 was another great year in music. It was the year of Live Aid, and the year Dire Straits released their album Brothers in Arms, one of the first ever albums to be released in a new format called Compact Disc. Strangely enough, I have no recollection of CDs back then, but I was still purchasing LP records at the time.
How Soon Is Now by The Smiths, had been previously released as a B-side in 1984, in spite of that, it is my choice for 1985 because it was released as a single that year, reaching number 24 in the UK Singles Charts.
It is a song of discontent and longing. I remember hearing it in clubs at the time, and relating to how Morrissey must have felt when he wrote it, but it’s not just those sad desperate lyrics that give the song its dark power, add Johnny Marr’s excellent guitar work throughout, and you’ve got an extra layer, which gives the song an amazing and powerful atmosphere.


Too sad and dismal for my tastes . . .
On happy days, I listen to happy music as I dance around. On down days, I listen to happy music to lift my spirits.
I know it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but glad you gave it a listen and happy you are happy with happy music ^_^
You are quite a connoisseur of music.
Thank you Nancy. Music is my life, I could not live without it…
Very cool song!! Love your musical journeys, Alannah, keep going
Thanks Eva, glad you’re enjoying this as much as I am
The Russian band t.A.T.u. did a cover of that song, but I’m sure it’s far inferior to the original.
Yeah, I saw that Maggie, on YouTube, not very good at all. A better cover version was one done by Richard Butler’s band after The Psychedelic Furs, called Love Spit Love, their cover ended up as the “theme” tune to Charmed. Nothing beats the original though.