Meat Is Murder

On 'Meat Is Murder', The Smiths expanded their sound with more musical diversity, as Johnny Marr's increasingly complex guitar work layered rockabilly and funk influences over the band's post-punk foundation. Lyrically, Morrissey moved toward more overtly political and strident themes, directly addressing vegetarianism, corporal punishment, and alienation with assistance from engineer Stephen Street, who helped incorporate sampled sound effects. This pointed shift in both musical and thematic direction resonated with the public, making 'Meat Is Murder' the band's only studio album to reach number one on the UK charts.