Smiths: Meat Is Murder LP

The Smiths' eclectic 1985 release finds the band branching out into rockabilly, post-punk and flashes of funk, all while refining the guitar pop of their debut. Produced by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, Meat Is Murder is the band's sole studio album to reach No. 1 on the U.K. charts. "The Headmaster Ritual" and "I Want the One I Can't Have" are fine elaborations on the formula the band introduced on their debut, while "Rusholme Ruffians" is an infectious take on rockabilly. There was no other British group making music quite like this in 1985.