I tried to do a thread on this too and found my list extremely difficult. My favourites have changed a bit since then though, so this is an update. All of these are important to me lyrically and most appeal to me musically too. Off we go...
Smiths
10.
'A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours' musically has a fantastic intro and is really rhythmic. Morrissey's vocals are great and "There's too much caffeine in your bloodstream and a lack of real spice in your life" is a fantastic line. The pure energy of this song actually kept me going through my GCSE History exam (it was stuck in my head that day).
9.
'Accept Yourself'. "I am sick and I am dull and I am plain, how dearly I'd love to get carried away" perfectly encapsulates the last few years of my life, and there's such a fantastic amount of positive energy and passion- "When will you accept yourself, for heaven's sake?". I find it really hopeful and comforting.
8.
'Nowhere Fast'. This was the first Smiths song I ever heard, and I fell in love instantly. The melody, rythym and expression of small-town inertia are captivating. What's not to like?
7.
'I Started Something I Couldn't Finish'. A great rockabilly-esque tune, with passionate vocals and possibly one of the best intros ever.
6.
'Is It Really So Strange?' is great fun, but also really emotionally charged.
5.
'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' amazes me on every listen. I really like the juxtaposition of tragedy and romance. "And in a darkened underpass I thought, 'Oh God my chance has come at last', but then a strange fear gripped me and I just couldn't ask"- enough said. The vocals on the outro are fantastic.
4.
'Reel Around The Fountain'. It's beauty lies in its simplicity I think. Despite what was regarded at the time as questionable subject matter (I don't see it that way, but I know some people did and probably still do), I find it romantic, and heartbreaking in parts. "Fifteen minutes with you- well, I wouldn't say no".
3.
'The Boy With The Thorn In His Side'. I couldn't explain this in words if I tried. Suffice to say it means a lot to me.
2.
'Paint A Vulgar Picture' Who knew a dual attack on the greed of the music industry and an exploration of music fandom could be so beautiful? So many of the lyrics reflect my opinions and experiences ("You're just the same as I am- what makes those people feel happy leads us headlong into harm"), and the melody is
. I first heard it shortly after Michael Jackson died, and the first few verses were the perfect antidote to the constant publicity and commercialism surrounding his death. Perfection.
1.
'How Soon Is Now'. This feels like an odd and awkward choice as number 1 for me. Maybe it's because it's often seen as quite overrated. However, the lyrics are uncannily appropriate for me and- dare i say it?- actually helped me in a way. I couldn't specify a particular favourite line from this though.
An honourary mention goes to: 'I Know It's Over', 'Frankly, Mr Shankly', 'I Want The One I Can't Have', and 'Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me'.
Morrissey Solo
10.
'I Have Forgiven Jesus'
Can't think of a way to explain these two atm.
9.
'Speedway'
8.
'Friday Mourning' See number 2 on this list. *sigh*
7.
'Girl Least Likely To'. "Well she lives for the written word, and people come second or possibly third". I'm with dailyalice on this one. It's an immensely comforting song to listen to when you feel like you'll never succeed in your passions.
6.
'In The Future When All's Well' intensity, passion, desperation with a dash of positivity. Again, really important to me.
5.
'It's Not Your Birthday Anymore' has incredible vocals. Also, the epic melody makes a really nice contrast with the bitterness of the lyrics.
4.
'Late Night, Maudlin Street' is so emotional and simple. Another one that makes me cry if I'm in the right state of mind.
3.
'Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed' is the best track from YOR in my opinion. It stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it. It's sung with great passion against an elaborate and thundering musical backdrop. Just great.
2.
'Seasick, Yet Still Docked'. Again, I really can't explain this. Almost painful to listen to in its emotional insight and expression of despair.
1.
'Now My Heart Is Full' is just beautiful. It's epic, sweeping and brilliantly sung. Despite the relative mystery of most of the lyrics, the chorus so clearly conveys a feeling of relative happiness and maturity. My all-time favourite.
I found this way more difficult than the Smiths one- there were so many songs I felt bad about leaving out, so I'll mention those too as they're all ones I love: 'Mute Witness', 'November Spawned A Monster', 'On The Streets I Ran', 'You Know I Couldn't Last', and 'Ordinary Boys'.
God knows my favourites will change again soon though.