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The Messenger
by
The Messenger Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

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

New Town Velocity
Left home a mystery, leave school for poetry I say goodbye to them and me, mission velocity It made me just run faster now, I’m gonna take it off... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
  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. AllMusic
    Feb 25, 2013
    80
    One quick listen to The Messenger brings all his signatures rushing back--the intricate, intertwining arrangements, the insistent riffs finding a counterpoint in the elastic yet precise melodies, a romance with the past that doesn't negate the present.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 7, 2013
    78
    The Messenger rediscovers what made the Smiths' albums great--an open-minded approach to tone and a feel that colors tunes for miles.
  4. The Boston Phoenix
    Feb 25, 2013
    63
    While lukewarm as a whole, The Messenger doesn't suck nearly enough to bruise Marr's status as a guitar deity on wheels.
  5. No Ripcord
    Mar 8, 2013
    60
    The lyrical flaws are not a fatal stab, but it’s an enormous burden.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 25, 2013
    60
    The [emotional] connection is missing because of The Messenger's overarching weaknesses: the voice and the lyrics.
  7. 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: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. a69
    Apr 30, 2013
    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 50Tip 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
  2. asbks123
    Mar 21, 2016
    8
    Johnny Marr continues to showcase his instrumental brilliance with The Messenger. It's true...the songs are lyrically uninspiring at times,Johnny Marr continues to showcase his instrumental brilliance with The Messenger. It's true...the songs are lyrically uninspiring at times, therefore missing an opportunity to connect with listeners. However, for a lover of high quality guitar work, that can be excused. Fantastic sound! And hey, his vocals aren't too bad either!… Collapse
  4. McScary
    Jan 31, 2014
    8
    A lot of sniffy cynicism in the main musical press for this album and I'm mystified. This is a fine piece of work with riffs and hooks onlyA lot of sniffy cynicism in the main musical press for this album and I'm mystified. This is a fine piece of work with riffs and hooks only Johnny could lay down. Listen, Don Van Vliet in the power vocal department he ain't but neither was Jimi Hendrix or Bert Jansch. The guy's unique ability with the guitar overrides any lack of octaves in his voice. Anyway his voice is great on this record. Another critique from the press is the lyrics. Is this because they were hoping for some Morriseyesque whimsical poetry? Had this record been released by a trendy new outfit of 19 year olds the hacks would be raving with 5 stars.… Expand