The Smiths Hatful of Hollow, released in 1984, is more than just a compilation album—it’s a raw and revealing snapshot of the band’s early brilliance. Whether you’re a longtime Smiths fan or just discovering their music, this article unpacks why Hatful of Hollow remains an essential listen and a standout in their discography.
Hatful of Hollow is a compilation album by The Smiths, released in late 1984 by Rough Trade Records. It combines BBC radio sessions and singles that predate their self-titled debut album, offering raw and immediate versions of now-iconic tracks like “This Charming Man” and “What Difference Does It Make?”
Unlike other releases, this album provides a window into the band’s evolution—Morrissey’s poetic cynicism, Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar work, and the tight bassline that tied it all together. For many fans, it’s the Smiths album they return to most.
Hatful of Hollow came out during the rising tide of alternative rock music in the UK. While their debut album had only just landed earlier that year, this record captured the band’s momentum through radio sessions with John Peel and David Jensen.
This allowed the United Kingdom audience, quickly followed by listeners in the United States, to hear their raw, intimate sound. The BBC airplay of these Peel sessions lent the Smiths a legitimacy that helped launch their cult following.
Where The Queen Is Dead is polished and militant, and Meat Is Murder is political and confrontational; Hatful of Hollow is melancholic, vulnerable, and spontaneous. It’s the sonic bridge between the Smiths’ studio ambitions and their live energy.
If you’re building your way through every Smiths album, this is the one that delivers emotional clarity through studio recordings, b-sides, and versions of songs not found elsewhere.
While the full tracklist contains 16 songs, these are 10 essential highlights:
The John Peel and David Jensen sessions offer more than just alternate takes—they reveal the recording imperfections and emotions that polished albums often hide. These radio sessions were stripped of studio gloss, leaving behind the bones of The Smith’s songs that feel urgent and heartfelt.
For example, “This Charming Man” loses its disco shimmer in favor of more pronounced bass and guitar textures. The Peel session of “Hand in Glove”—one of the Smiths’ earliest singles—highlights Morrissey’s vocals in a way the original single version doesn’t.
Johnny Marr’s signature jangle guitar is at its best on this album. His melodic lines in “Girl Afraid” and “Back to the Old House” showcase the musical empathy he brings to Morrissey’s introspective lyrics.
Even without complex solos, Marr’s style defined the band’s rock and roll aesthetic without mimicking anyone. These tracks highlight the significance of his contributions in making Hatful of Hollow a masterpiece.
As a phonograph record, Hatful of Hollow is a collector’s favorite, especially the early UK pressings with distinct cover variations. Many Smiths fans argue that the warmth of vinyl better suits the intimate nature of these recordings.
However, the compact disc version is also notable, especially the remaster which surfaced alongside reissues of Louder Than Bombs and The World Won’t Listen. It provides clean access to the entire discography in higher fidelity.
Both. If you’re just discovering The Smiths, this album features enough greatest hits-style material to get you hooked. But if you’re a deep fan, the song selection and b-sides offer fresh perspectives on familiar tunes.
You don’t just hear the ‘’80s—you feel it through these unvarnished takes. Songs like “The Night Has Opened My Eyes” and “Around the Fountain” help complete the emotional spectrum of what an album like this can deliver.
Hatful of Hollow is one of the best places to appreciate Morrissey’s sharp, ironic, and often melancholic lyrics. His words confront alienation, desire, class, and identity, making the album feel like a confessional set to music.
He sings not as a performer, but as someone reaching out through your speaker. Lines from “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” and “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want” still feel deeply personal and relatable, decades later.
What makes Hatful of Hollow timeless is its vulnerability. It’s not just an archival release—it’s a living, breathing document of a band finding its voice. It captures the moment before they were icons, when everything still felt possible.
It’s the one Smiths album that brings fans back again and again, precisely because it never tries to be perfect. It just is.
1. What makes Hatful of Hollow different from The Smiths’ debut album?
The debut was more polished and studio-driven, while Hatful of Hollow includes rawer versions from radio sessions and alternate takes of singles.
2. Is Hatful of Hollow considered a studio album?
No. It’s a compilation album, though its quality and cohesion make it feel like a true studio release.
3. What are the must-hear tracks on Hatful of Hollow?
“This Charming Man,” “Hand in Glove,” “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,” and “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want.”
4. Was the album ever remastered?
Yes. A remaster was released alongside other Smiths albums, such as Louder Than Bombs and Meat Is Murder.5. Where does Hatful of Hollow rank among Smiths fans?
Many fans consider it their favorite due to its raw emotion and unique song selection.
We started in 2010 as collectors that wanted find and rescue records from basements, attics, closets and garages. Now our main focus is to get records back into the hands of those who need them.
Phone: 720-291-7000
2025 Recycled Records LP
