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Fever Dreams, Pts. 1-4 Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length solo studio release for former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown with half of the tracks released on two EPs (Fever Dreams Pt. 1 and 2) in 2021.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Feb 23, 2022
    100
    Fever Dreams Pts 1-4 is some great reward for the Marr faithful, a hope-fuelled 16-song set mounted on a generous, expansive balance of scope and detail.
  2. Mojo
    Feb 23, 2022
    80
    While tracks like The Whirl, Receiver, Sensory Street and Human are among Marr's most impressive, Fever Dream is too long, uniform and persistent to enjoy in one sitting. Perhaps best, then, to take your time and discover its sparkling delirium in its 4 x 12-inch singles form. [Apr 2022, p.81]
  3. Uncut
    Feb 23, 2022
    80
    Four albums in, feels like Marr is finally settled into the business of a solo career. [Mar 2022, p.31]
  4. Feb 24, 2022
    80
    Revealing, emotional, powerful and progressive, ‘Fever Dreams Pts 1-4’ is an impressive and committed body of work.
  5. Mar 2, 2022
    80
    Strictly speaking, there are no surprises or detours within these 16 tracks, yet it's unexpected to hear Marr maintain his drive through a full double album without lagging. He sounds in full command of his craft, and that's a pleasure to hear.
  6. 80
    It’s keyboards that take centre stage here on a set of energetic, electro-indie cuts that are as dancefloor-friendly as anything he has been involved with since Electronic.
  7. Feb 23, 2022
    60
    His perfectly serviceable croon is not quite strong enough to carry it across 16 long tracks. If only he’d given ‘Lightning People’ to Liam Gallagher, it might well have been the soundtrack of the summer. Moments of greatness are plentiful, but ‘Fever Dreams…’ shines brightest when Marr lets his guitar do the talking.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Jun 22, 2022
    10
    This album is Johnny Marr's best album since he left The Smiths. Johnny puts up a virtuoso performance in the entire album.
  2. Feb 25, 2022
    10
    When I heard the rest of Johnny Marr's Fever Dreams Pts 1 - 4, I couldn't believe it. The two EPs were so good, it's hard to believe that kindWhen I heard the rest of Johnny Marr's Fever Dreams Pts 1 - 4, I couldn't believe it. The two EPs were so good, it's hard to believe that kind of creativity could be sustained through 8 more songs, yet he seems to have saved the best for last. Veering anywhere from funky pop (God's Gift) to synth wave (Spirit Power and Soul) to acoustic gorgeousness (Human), there is almost too much heart-squeezing beauty to listen to in one sitting. Johnny and all the musicians that contribute have done a stellar job, excellent work all around! Lots to listen to and digest for weeks to come, a towering achievement. Expand
  3. Feb 25, 2022
    9
    Johnny delivers again and the former Smiths guitar legend has now easily surpassed Morrissey in what they have done in their solo careers.Johnny delivers again and the former Smiths guitar legend has now easily surpassed Morrissey in what they have done in their solo careers. Fever Dreams Parts 1-4 dropped in total (well, at least Parts 3 & 4 were new today) and it is glorious. Marr shows his versatility & originality throughout and the 16 tracks feel like a cool journey. Marr fans probably wondered what would follow '18's Call the Comet. Fear not, Marr is still very much in command and has plenty left in the tank apparently. Expand
  4. Mar 1, 2022
    9
    Johnny Marr returns with another natural progression. His last outing, CALL THE COMET, had a more cerebral, album-oriented sound than hisJohnny Marr returns with another natural progression. His last outing, CALL THE COMET, had a more cerebral, album-oriented sound than his previous solo outings, and FEVER DREAMS PTS 1-4 (six tracks of which came out last year as EPs) continues in that vein, mixing the pop smarts of rockers like the leadoff single "Spirit Power Soul" and the possibly Gorillaz-influenced "The Whirl" with airy, midtempo fare like "Lightning People" and the cavernous, beautiful cloud that is "The Speed Of Love". Along the way there are still suprises: the funk-pop mix of "God's Gift", the bass-heavy symphony that is "Ghoster". Like all his solo output to date, there are so many treasures and layers within the songs that it's hard to believe that most are under five minutes long. Once again, Mr. Marr gives us pop, AOR, and then some, and he does it all well. Treat yourself and dive in with headphones if you get the chance. Expand
  5. Mar 20, 2022
    8
    A solid, raucous piece of glam inspired indie from a professional who knows his craft. The opening track (Spirit, Power and Soul’) is destinedA solid, raucous piece of glam inspired indie from a professional who knows his craft. The opening track (Spirit, Power and Soul’) is destined to be a real live crowd pleaser. Indeed are many on this offering. The guys come a long way since the days of ‘Hand in Glove’ but the skill in weaving harmony, great riffs and bangers remains his gift to us all. Johnny Marr is definitely getting better with age and there’s not many guitar players you can say that about! Shout out to his band as well here, tight and know their way around their respective instruments, the perfect accompaniment for an artist that’s just getting better and better. Expand