Album: Especially for You by The Smithereens (1986)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Record Label: Enigma Records
Format: Album

Description: Especially for You is the first full-length album from New Jersey-based rock band The Smithereens, released in July 1986 by Enigma Records.

The album is notable for the hit "Blood and Roses", which has been featured in multiple movie and TV productions. Producer Don Dixon's co-production work on R.E.M.'s Murmur and Reckoning albums added attention to the record's initial release. Two of its songs became hits on Billboard's Album Rock Tracks chart: "Blood and Roses" reached No. 14, while "Behind the Wall of Sleep" peaked at No. 23. The album reached No. 51 on the US Billboard 200 as well as No. 5 on the UK Indie Chart. It was certified platinum in the US for sales over 1,000,000 copies. The album today is highly regarded by most critics, and was one of Kurt Cobain's favorite albums, as noted in his journal.

Artist Background: Dressed in leather, brandishing heavy guitars, and exhibiting an unabashed fetish for British Invasion pop, the Smithereens were an anomaly in the American college rock scene of the late '80s. Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Pat DiNizio stood out not only with his strange beatnik goatee, but also because his catchy hooks were haunting, not punchy, and because his lyrics were morose. As time wore on, the group became more straightforward, turning into an excellent bar band, one that attacked ... Part of the Carteret, NJ music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Carteret, NJ music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, 1980s, Album, Enigma Records

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Especially for You is the first full-length album from New Jersey-based rock band The Smithereens, released in July 1986 by Enigma Records.

The album is notable for the hit "Blood and Roses", which has been featured in multiple movie and TV productions. Producer Don Dixon's co-production work on R.E.M.'s Murmur and Reckoning albums added attention to the record's initial release. Two of its songs became hits on Billboard's Album Rock Tracks chart: "Blood and Roses" reached No. 14, while "Behind the Wall of Sleep" peaked at No. 23. The album reached No. 51 on the US Billboard 200 as well as No. 5 on the UK Indie Chart. It was certified platinum in the US for sales over 1,000,000 copies. The album today is highly regarded by most critics, and was one of Kurt Cobain's favorite albums, as noted in his journal.

Especially for You

The Smithereens

Track List

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