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A pivotal moment came after they performed on John Peel’s BBC Radio 1 show shortly after they released "Hand in Glove." Following this, Rough Trade signed the band, resulting in fruitful yet tumultuous recording sessions that would solidify their place in music history. Their next release, “This Charming Man,” on Halloween in 1983, generated massive media attention and turned them into household names in alternative rock.
The band’s self-titled debut studio album, released on February 20, 1984, received both critical and commercial success, making it to number two on the UK Albums Chart. Songs like “What Difference Does It Make?” helped establish The Smiths as one of the forebearers of the Britpop movement, a genre that emerged from their influence.