A band in the 1980's that was a lot better than The Cure, by a long shot.
Music is meant to be subjective; but anyone realistic would see that The Smiths are a lot more relevant to the modern culture at that time. Especially in the UK.
Robert Smith(The Cure)'s music is fun, but it has no endearing qualities; and after a while; Robert starts to sound like a little boy that needs to grow up and is "
overdoing it". Just like a manchild. (to the point where it starts to
get weird.)
Example:
The Smiths were original and cool in the sense that their music was really cutting edge and also sappy. (edgy and melancholic at the same time - ironic) Their lyrics were funny but also depressing at the same time. They were consistent. Even the band name - The Smiths - was a mockery of modern society. (because there are loads of people out there
surnamed "Smith". The band were mocking the
unoriginality of the Post-Industrial UK society. So they took the band name "The Smiths" - to be ironic. Almost like mocking The Beatles and everyone with the last name Smith. That was the whole point of The Smiths' music - to mock the unoriginality and
banality of modern society.) In this aspect,
Morrissey was a genius and an originator. Plus in the 1980s, they did not wear makeup or style their hair, and just looked like normal gents. (not trying to stand out)
It is here, this is where The Smiths make
Robert Smith and The Cure look like a bunch of juvenile attention whores. The Smiths have an inner depth and seem like philosophers doing music; while The Cure just seem like a superficial band and only devoted to pleasure. Robert Smith has no sense of humor. While Morrissey was an ironic razor blade.