"How Soon Is Now?" is a song by the English rock band The Smiths, written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. It was originally released in 1984 as the B-side to the single "William, It Was Really Nothing" before being featured on the compilation album Hatful of Hollow and on some editions of the album Meat Is Murder. The song was later released as a standalone single in the UK in January 1985, reaching No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart, and upon re-release in 1992, it peaked at No. 16
. The song is known for its distinctive tremolo guitar riff and atmospheric sound, which guitarist Johnny Marr created by focusing on a single chord with heavy use of tremolo effects. It was recorded in 1984 at Jam Studios in London with producer John Porter. The recording sessions were marked by a relaxed atmosphere, including heavy cannabis use by the band members
. Though not initially a major chart hit, "How Soon Is Now?" has become one of The Smiths' most enduring and iconic songs, often regarded as a touchstone for themes of alienation, longing, and vulnerability. It is widely considered one of the best songs of the 1980s and a defining track for the band, despite not being fully representative of their typical style
. The original full-length version runs nearly seven minutes, with a shorter edited version used for the 7-inch single release. The song has been covered by several artists and featured in popular media, including the TV series Charmed and films like The Craft and The Killer (2023)
. In summary, "How Soon Is Now?" is a seminal track by The Smiths from 1984, celebrated for its unique sound and emotional depth, and remains a significant cultural and musical landmark from the band
