Far Out Magazine revisits a list Morrissey once compiled of his 13 favourite songs of all time, using it as a way to explore the enduring influence of the former Smiths frontman on British indie music. Despite his career increasingly being overshadowed by controversial political statements in recent years, the piece argues his role in shaping Britpop and independent music through The Smiths, alongside guitarist Johnny Marr, drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke, remains historically significant.

The article explores Morrissey's songwriting process and philosophy, noting his lyrics tackle alienation, loneliness and working-class struggle, while his melodies reportedly emerge instinctively from backing tracks rather than deliberate composition. It traces his musical evolution across four studio albums with The Smiths, a lengthy solo career, and a later comeback, before introducing his list of 13 influential singles, citing the New York Dolls, whose UK fan club he once presided over, as an early and formative inspiration.