I refuse to accept the non-inclusion of
Hatful of Hollow and
The World won't listen, whose status as "not real studio albums" is in my opinion absurdly formalistic, so I'm choosing six.
Though I will concede that the tracks on TWWL that is also on TQID should be considered only for the latter.
Anyway:
The Smiths: Suffer Little Children. Much because of the lyrics - an extraordinarily sensitive and beautiful treatment of such a difficult subject, it highlights not just Morrissey's gifts as a lyric writer but also a certain greatness of humanity. Normally I'd say Still Ill, but for some reason I'm a bit tired of it at the moment.
Hatful of Hollow: This Charming Man. The best song ever made, by anyone, and the perfect expression of their unique blend of melancholy and merriment, musically speaking. And I prefer this version over the several others.
Meat is Murder: Well I Wonder. Always had a soft spot for that, though I've recently and finally developed a fancy for Rusholme Ruffians.
The Queen is Dead: There is a Light That Never Goes Out. I never tire of it.
The World Won't Listen: Ask. Their finest cheerful moment, and a key song.
Strangeways, Here we come: Unhappy Birthday. I know, it's not a great song. But the reason I dislike (relatively speaking) Strangeways is its airiness, its lack of dynamics and forward thrust, and UB is really the only song on it that doesn't have that shortcoming.
cheers