The Smiths remain a remarkable band, despite Morrissey’s attempts to tarnish their legacy. Their artistry stands as a testament to four musicians dedicated to creating original music, free from the political turmoil surrounding Morrissey’s later years. Disavowing The Smiths due to their former frontman’s controversial statements is akin to declaring your favorite bar irrelevant just because it burned down; their brilliance endures regardless.
With that necessary disclaimer addressed and a firm condemnation of Morrissey’s recent behavior noted, let’s celebrate the seminal brilliance of Johnny Marr’s unique guitar work. Marr, a true tremolo wizard, became a one-man atmospheric powerhouse, defining the guitar sound of a generation while rescuing indie music from the clutches of the dreary synth-pop of the era.
Marr and The Smiths melded moody folk introspection with the raw edge of rock ‘n’ roll, soundtracking countless coming-of-age experiences. His adept use of the doppler slide adds a light flourish, creating melodies that combine ease with profound emotional depth. This deeply personal style is reflected in Marr’s favorite Smiths song.
“I’m often asked what’s my favorite Smiths song,” Marr shared during a Q&A event for his memoir, Set the Boy Free. “I’ve always been able to say it’s ‘Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me’ because it captures those transcendent, esoteric, spiritual qualities that mean so much to me, shared by every member of the band.”
This sentiment resonates throughout Marr’s career, echoed in a 1993 interview with Select Magazine, where he remarked, “Strangeways suffers because it was our last record, so people think there were arguments and horrors in making it, but there weren’t.
Morrissey and I both think it’s possibly our best album. That and some of The Queen Is Dead, which is widely considered our masterpiece. But Strangeways has its moments, like ‘Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me.’ Last time I met Morrissey, he said it was his favorite Smiths song.”
Marr isn’t alone in praising this track. David Bowie named it his favorite Smiths song in a 1992 interview with Q Magazine. Andre 3000 of OutKast expressed similar admiration in 2003, stating to MTV, “I personally wish I would have written that Smiths song ‘Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me.’ Genius song.” He credited a girl named Hannah from Atlanta for introducing him to The Smiths while discussing his love for bands like The Hives and The Buzzcocks.
“Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” epitomizes The Smiths’ essence, combining an esoteric blend of contentment and yearning. Its mournful lyrics create a sonic landscape that both comforts and complicates, making it a fitting swansong for a band that left a lasting mark without fading into obscurity.
