The Messenger - Johnny Marr
The Messenger Image
Metascore
69 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Smiths' guitarist wrote and produced his debut solo release.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Feb 27, 2013
    83
    His generically Oasis-y singing won't blow anyone away, but Marr's still a master at getting jangly new-wave energy and moody atmosphere out of his instrument. [1 Mar 2013, p.66]
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  2. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Mar 20, 2013
    80
    This isn’t an album that’s going to light people up or satisfy those who are still suffering from The Smiths refusal to reunite. However, if you take The Messenger for what it most organically is, a British indie rock album, you won’t be disappointed.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Mar 18, 2013
    60
    The massively influential Smiths guitarist finally makes the solid solo debut he should've recorded a quarter-century ago.
  4. Under The Radar
    Feb 7, 2013
    30
    An album that manages to sound like a blend of every Britpop and Madchester also-ran's 50 shades of beige. [Jan-Feb 2013, p.88]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. a69
    10
    Tip top spot of Indie Rock. Has shades of The Jam and New Order about it in places. Doesn't break much new ground, but I wouldn't expect a 50 year old to do so. Does what you'd want t to do and delivers the goods.… Expand

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