Meat is Murder | The Smiths

Meat Is Murder is the second studio album by the English rock band the Smiths, released on 11 February 1985 by Rough Trade Records. Following the release of their self-titled debut album in early 1984, the Smiths maintained a prolific output with non-album singles and the compilation Hatful of Hollow, while also drawing media attention for their outspoken political views and provocative lyrics. The band began working with engineer Stephen Street during this period, a collaboration that continued into Meat Is Murder.

Recording for the album took place between mid-1984 and December of that year, with sessions held in London at the Fallout Shelter and Jam Studios, and in Surrey at Ridge Farm Studio. Guitarist Johnny Marr developed many of the demos in his Earl's Court flat, often incorporating BBC sound effects records provided by Morrissey, a technique that became a recurring part of their creative process.

Musically, the album expanded the band's sound, incorporating elements of indie rock and post-punk. It marked a shift toward more overtly political themes, with songs addressing vegetarianism, corporal punishment, and social alienation. It became the band's only studio album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart, and stayed on the chart for 13 weeks. The album was an international success, spending eleven weeks on the European Top 100 Albums chart and peaking at number 29. In the United States, it reached number 110 on the Billboard 200. 

Track Listings

Side 1

1     The Headmaster Ritual (2011 Remastered Version)
2     Rusholme Ruffians (2011 Remastered Version)
3     I Want the One I Can't Have (2011 Remastered Version)
4     What She Said (2011 Remastered Version)
5     That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore (Single Version)

Side 2

1     Nowhere Fast (2011 Remastered Version)
2     Well I Wonder (2011 Remastered Version)
3     Barbarism Begins at Home (2011 Remastered Version)
4     Meat Is Murder (2011 Remastered Version)