"A compilation of singles, B-sides, album tracks, and BBC sessions assembled for the American market, Louder Than Bombs is an overlong and unfocused collection that nevertheless boasts a wealth of brilliant material. The singles "Shakespeare's Sister," "Panic," "Ask," "Shoplifters of the World Unite," and "Sheila Take a Bow" are all definitive, as are the elegiac "Unloveable," "Asleep," "Stretch Out and Wait," and "Half a Person," which are all unavailable anywhere else (excluding the British counterpart to Louder Than Bombs, The World Won't Listen). Furthermore, the sneering, bouncing pop of "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby" and the bizarre travelogue of "Is It Really So Strange?" are two other essential songs not available anywhere else. Though The World Won't Listen is a more concise collection, Louder Than Bombs is a necessary purchase for any Smiths fan." -- All Music Guide

Track Listing
1 Is It Really So Strange?
2 Sheila Take a Bow
3 Shoplifters of the World Unite
4 Sweet and Tender Hooligan
5 Half a Person
6 London
7 Panic
8 Girl Afraid
9 Shakespeare's Sister
10 William, It Was Really Nothing
11 You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby
12 Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
13 Ask
14 Golden Lights
15 Oscillate Wildly
16 These Things Take Time
17 Rubber Ring
18 Back to the Old House
19 Hand in Glove
20 Stretch Out and Wait
21 Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want
22 This Night Has Opened My Eyes
23 Unloveable
24 Asleep