Louder Than Bombs is a compilation album by English rock band the Smiths, released as a double album in March 1987 by their American record company, Sire Records. It peaked at number 62 on the US Billboard 200 album chart. Popular demand prompted their British record company, Rough Trade, to issue the album domestically as well. Upon its release in the UK in May 1987, it reached No. 38 on the British charts. In 2003, the album was ranked No. 365 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and ranked No. 369 on a 2012 revised list. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1990.
Louder Than Bombs
The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, composed of the singer Morrissey, the guitarist Johnny Marr, the bassist Andy Rourke, and the drummer Mike Joyce. Morrissey and Marr formed the band's songwriting partnership. The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important acts to emerge from 1980s British independent music.
The Smiths in 1984 (from left to right): Andy Rourke, Morrissey, Johnny Marr and Mike Joyce.
The Smiths in 1984
Morrissey performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas in 2006
Johnny Marr performing as part of the group the Cribs at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, in 2010