What makes The Smiths and Morrissey stand out from other artists?

[Danny_]

I think it was because they brought different influences from the normal into pop music. Most other bands use musical influences and other lyricists. At the time there were bands using literary influences, but it was always quite serious and "meaningful". Morrissey did the literary thing, but he did it with a lightness of touch and humour. Also his film influences really made him stand out. Innovation is about putting unexpected things together and therefore making connections that people haven't made before.