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Mar 18, 2013The massively influential Smiths guitarist finally makes the solid solo debut he should've recorded a quarter-century ago.
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MagnetMar 15, 2013He's perfectly adequate as a singer and melody writer, but he doesn't have the indelible personality of a Morrissey or Isaac Brock. [No. 96, p.56]
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Mar 8, 2013The lyrical flaws are not a fatal stab, but it’s an enormous burden.
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Mar 7, 2013His vocals do the job, even as his lyrics will probably keep the majority of ears fixed on the instrumentation.
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Feb 27, 2013So, no, Marr isn't exactly reinventing rock here--he already did that. The Messenger feels more like a tribute to his youth, to his home, and to all the musicians he's worked with over the past three decades.
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The Independent on Sunday (UK)Feb 25, 2013He's not breaking any moulds--it's solid, guitar led, pop-rock--but then Marr is the man for that job.
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Feb 25, 2013The [emotional] connection is missing because of The Messenger's overarching weaknesses: the voice and the lyrics.
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Feb 19, 2013This is a solid, enjoyable solo debut that’s certainly worth investigation if you’re a long-term Marr watcher.
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Q MagazineFeb 8, 2013Everyone, while unsurprised that his vocals are unobtrusive and his lyrics unspectacular, will seek that greatness in the guitars. [Mar 2013, p.94]
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Feb 26, 2013The disc’s overall pleasantness and pasteurized charm are what save it from being wholly aggravating.
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Feb 8, 2013Marr’s guitar work can be fascinating--but it’s forever shadowed by less-appealing vocal work.
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Jun 4, 2013Trouble is, the songs themselves are instantly forgettable, devoid of alluring melody or interesting lyrical content, and sung by a limited vanilla voice lacking in character.
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Feb 22, 2013Some of the riffs are winners, but it's just not enough to carry the album.
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Feb 20, 2013The result is a collection of workmanlike indie-rock songs that fall some way short of being a good album and a long, long way from being the work of a Godlike Genius.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 18 out of 19
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Mixed: 0 out of 19
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Negative: 1 out of 19
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Jan 31, 2014
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Mar 21, 2016
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Apr 30, 2013