The Smiths - How Soon is Now - 1984
The Smiths - How Soon is Now - 1984
The Smiths' "How Soon Is Now?" (1984)
The Smiths' "How Soon Is Now?" is an iconic song from the 1980s, renowned for its unique sound and introspective lyrics. Released in 1984, this track became one of the defining songs of the British indie music scene and remains a beloved classic.
Background and Release
"How Soon Is Now?" was written by the songwriting duo of Morrissey and Johnny Marr and originally appeared on the B-side of the single "William, It Was Really Nothing." Its popularity led to its inclusion on the album "Hatful of Hollow" and later "Meat Is Murder." The song is known for its distinctive guitar riff, created by Marr, and Morrissey's haunting, introspective lyrics.
Musical Composition
The song is famous for its use of a sliding guitar effect, which Johnny Marr achieved by combining several guitar tracks and using a tremolo effect. This created a sound that some have described as "quivering" and became a signature aspect of the song. The lyrics express themes of loneliness, longing, and existential angst, which resonated with a generation of young listeners.
Impact and Legacy
"How Soon Is Now?" is often cited as The Smiths' most recognizable and influential song. It has been covered by numerous artists and has appeared in various media forms, including films and TV shows. The song's enduring appeal lies in its blend of innovative sound and the emotional depth of its lyrics.
To learn more, you can visit the Wikipedia page about this song.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
In what year was "How Soon Is Now?" released? (1984) (!1982) (!1986) (!1988)
Who were the primary songwriters for "How Soon Is Now?"? (Morrissey and Johnny Marr) (!Morrissey and Andy Rourke) (!Johnny Marr and Mike Joyce) (!Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce)
On which album did "How Soon Is Now?" first appear? (Hatful of Hollow) (!The Smiths) (!Meat Is Murder) (!The Queen Is Dead)
What is the distinctive sound in "How Soon Is Now?" primarily created by? (Johnny Marr's sliding guitar effect) (!Synthesizers) (!Drum machines) (!Acoustic guitar)
What themes are predominantly featured in the lyrics of "How Soon Is Now?"? (Loneliness and existential angst) (!Optimism and joy) (!Romantic love) (!Political activism)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is the nationality of The Smiths? (British) (!American) (!Canadian) (!Australian)
Who was the lead vocalist of The Smiths? (Morrissey) (!Johnny Marr) (!Mike Joyce) (!Andy Rourke)
In which decade was The Smiths formed? (1980s) (!1970s) (!1990s) (!1960s)
Which of the following is another popular song by The Smiths? ("There Is a Light That Never Goes Out") (!"Wonderwall") (!"Creep") (!"Smells Like Teen Spirit")
How many studio albums did The Smiths release during their career? (Four) (!Three) (!Five) (!Two)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
Which line from "How Soon Is Now?" encapsulates its theme of alienation? ("I am human and I need to be loved, just like everybody else does") (!"Take me out tonight, where there's music and there's people") (!"Love is natural and real, but not for you, my love") (!"And if a double-decker bus crashes into us")
The lyric "You shut your mouth, how can you say I go about things the wrong way?" suggests what? (A defensive response to criticism) (!A carefree attitude towards life) (!A romantic confession) (!An optimistic view of the future)
How do the lyrics "I am the son and the heir of a shyness that is criminally vulgar" reflect the song's theme? (They express a deep sense of personal inadequacy and social anxiety) (!They indicate a proud acceptance of one's heritage) (!They show a disdain for societal norms) (!They represent a desire for fame and recognition)
The repeating of "How soon is now?" in the song's chorus emphasizes what feeling? (Impatience and urgency) (!Contentment and peace) (!Nostalgia for the past) (!Hope for the future)
What emotion is primarily conveyed through the lyrics of "How Soon Is Now?"? (Anxiety and isolation) (!Happiness and satisfaction) (!Anger and rebellion) (!Love and affection)
Memory
| 1984 | Year of "How Soon Is Now?" release |
| Morrissey and Johnny Marr | Songwriters of "How Soon Is Now?" |
| Sliding Guitar Effect | Distinctive sound in the song |
| Hatful of Hollow | Album featuring "How Soon Is Now?" |
| Loneliness and Existential Angst | Themes in the song's lyrics |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Exploring Indie Music of the 1980s: Create a playlist of iconic indie songs from the 1980s, including "How Soon Is Now?", and describe what makes each song unique.
- Lyric Interpretation: Write a paragraph explaining your interpretation of "How Soon Is Now?" and its themes of loneliness and longing.
- Music and Mood: Discuss how "How Soon Is Now?" affects your mood and why, focusing on its musical composition and lyrics.
Standard
- Comparative Music Analysis: Compare "How Soon Is Now?" with another song that discusses themes of isolation and alienation, analyzing lyrical and musical similarities and differences.
- Influence of The Smiths: Research the influence of The Smiths on later indie and alternative bands and discuss how "How Soon Is Now?" contributed to this influence.
- Song Structure Analysis: Analyze the structure of "How Soon Is Now?", focusing on its use of guitar effects, vocal style, and lyricism.
Difficult
- Cover Song Project: Record a cover of "How Soon Is Now?", experimenting with different instruments or musical styles.
- Deep Dive into Indie Music: Write an essay on the evolution of indie music in the 1980s, using "How Soon Is Now?" as a key example.
- Music Video Creation: Create a music video for "How Soon Is Now?", interpreting the song's themes visually.
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Oral Exam
- Genre Blending in Music: Discuss how "How Soon Is Now?" blends elements of different musical genres and what impact this has on its overall sound and reception.
- The Role of Lyrics in Music: Explore the importance of lyrics in songs like "How Soon Is Now?" and how they contribute to the song's emotional impact.
- Cultural Impact of The Smiths: Analyze the cultural impact of The Smiths in the 1980s, focusing on how their music, including "How Soon Is Now?", reflected and influenced the youth culture of the time.
- Innovation in Music Production: Examine the innovative production techniques used in "How Soon Is Now?" and their influence on music production in the indie genre.
- Musical Legacy: Discuss the legacy of "How Soon Is Now?" in modern music, considering its influence on current artists and music trends.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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