Song Stories: The Smiths: How Soon Is Now

After the news this week, and the statements by both Morrissey and Marr. I felt as if we should talk about The Smiths. However, let's not dwell on the friction between the two frontmen, or even the breakup in 1987. Let's talk about what makes them great. The songs, and in my opinion, this one is their best. 

‘How Soon Is Now?’ stands out for its sonic ambition, emotional honesty, and philosophical depth. It’s a track that not only defined The Smiths’ sound but also transcended its time, becoming one of the most iconic songs of the post-punk era. It’s remarkable to think that such an enduring anthem first appeared as a B-side to ‘William, It Was Really Nothing’ before later finding its rightful place on the compilation album ‘Hatful of Hollow’. What was once an afterthought quickly became a cornerstone of alternative music.

From the very first note, Johnny Marr’s hypnotic, oscillating guitar riff creates a soundscape that feels both otherworldly and deeply human. Using vibrato, slide guitar, and layered reverb, Marr achieved a shimmering, pulsating effect that was lightyears ahead of its time, a sonic texture that still sounds futuristic decades later. The guitar doesn’t just carry the song; it envelops it, creating an atmosphere of longing and detachment that perfectly mirrors Morrissey’s introspective vocals.

‘How Soon Is Now?’ pushed beyond the boundaries of post-punk and indie, venturing into something almost cinematic. Its slow, enveloping rhythm and dense layering would go on to influence entire genres, from shoegaze and dream pop to goth and Britpop. It’s the sound of a band daring to be expansive, emotional, and experimental all at once.

At its core, ‘How Soon Is Now?’ is a song about loneliness, alienation, and the desperate yearning to belong. Morrissey’s lyrics distil this ache with piercing simplicity: “I am human, and I need to be loved / Just like everybody else does.” It’s one of his most direct and painfully honest confessions, a universal sentiment expressed with startling clarity.

The song captures a raw depiction of isolation, the kind that feels both intimate and infinite. Its words speak for every introvert, outsider, and dreamer who has ever felt invisible in a crowd or uncertain of their place in the world. While The Smiths often balanced wit with melancholy, here Morrissey abandons irony altogether, offering vulnerability without disguise.

With its hypnotic guitars and haunting vocals, ‘How Soon Is Now?’ becomes an anthem for the introverted and misunderstood, a song that doesn’t just describe alienation but makes you feel it, wrapping the listener in sound and solitude. It’s expansive, atmospheric, and emotionally overwhelming, the kind of track that feels almost spiritual in its depth.

Today, ‘How Soon Is Now?’ is widely regarded as one of The Smiths’ defining works, a masterpiece that perfectly captures the emotional intensity and innovation of 1980s British music. Its influence continues to echo through generations of artists who see it as a blueprint for how pop music can be both deeply personal and sonically groundbreaking.

A timeless anthem for anyone who has ever felt lost, out of place, or unseen. ‘How Soon Is Now?’ remains one of the greatest songs of the 1980s, recorded by one of Britain’s most important and enduring bands.