Morrissey

For their many fans, the breakup of the Smiths was a tragedy. Happily for them, there was much more heartache in store via frontman Morrissey's solo career. With songs such as "Everyday Is Like Sunday" the master of misery shed the band that brought him fame, but retained his droll, despondent persona. Electrifying rockers, ballads dripping with melodrama, wit, and bile — Moz does it all, as you'll see yet again in our Next Steps.

In the early '90s, just when his recording career appeared to be stalling, Morrissey rallied with the likes of the forceful "You're the One for Me, Fatty". Over time, he moved to Los Angeles (check out his thoughts on the U.S.A. on "America Is Not the World") then Italy, without ever softening his inimitable cynicism one bit, or dulling his lyrical skewers. Passionate Moz fans will find much more in our Deep Cuts section.

Morrissey brings a unique combination of passion and disengagement to his work. We defy you to name another artist who's been able to so convincingly combine a teardrop with a smirk, and as his years have matured, his voice has warmed to a rich croon: When he tells us "Life Is a Pigsty", his delivery counteracts the sentiment. Here, we've included a Mozzer-trove of EP, single, and live work.

Few truly believed that the 1987 demise of the Smiths signaled the end for its charismatic frontman. Indeed, the magnificent Morrissey has continued to satisfy old fans here in Blighty while winning over a larger following across the Atlantic (especially in Latino-dense regions, like Los Angeles, where his standing is god-like). Who but Moz could pen songs with titles like "The World Is Full of Crashing Bores" and "I Have Forgiven Jesus" and make them moving? We combed the master miserablist's 20-year back catalogue, pulling together the tracks that no Morrissey obsessive should be without.