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Boomslang Image
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

  • Summary: The Smiths' guitarist takes a turn at the microphone for the first time, handling vocal duties for his new band, The Healers. The lineup also includes Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr) on drums and Kula Shaker bassist Alonza Bevan.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 15
  2. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. Boomslang is the album Marr fans have been waiting a lifetime for.
  2. Uncut
    80
    Most rewarding are the serene "Something to Shout About" and the cascading "Down On The Corner": respectively, the No 1 smash Electronic should have had and the massive hit a reformed Smiths still could. [Mar 2003, p.95]
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    The album's arrangements are limp and unimaginative. [28 Feb 2003, p.80]
  4. Boomslang's heavily treated vocals, nondescript songwriting, and swirling, noisy production doesn't leave much room for personality to pop through.
  5. Q Magazine
    40
    Boomslang labours under the delusion that The Stone Roses' Second Coming was a good idea worth pursuing in greater detail. [Feb 2003, p.100]
  6. Left to his own devices here, Marr has penned vague lyrics and delivered them in a monotone, coupled with uninspired melodies that only underline the singer's limitations.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. Andy
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    Boomslang is a great record. Marr has kept it simple and not gone for broke with an overly polished & epic yet empty record - much like the Boomslang is a great record. Marr has kept it simple and not gone for broke with an overly polished & epic yet empty record - much like the ones we here from the likes of Coldplay. The musicianship is fantastic; Starkey's a great drummer...probably the best around at the moment. Great stuff. Expand
  2. JohnT
    Jul 12, 2005
    9
    Very surprised at the mediocre reviews. This is a fantastic record.
  3. GerryL
    Feb 13, 2003
    8
    hypnotic, melodious, very nicely done
  4. GeorgeA
    Jun 10, 2004
    8
    This album is ALLOT better than the average reviews indicate, song are very un smiths like,the OASIS parody critism is ridiculous it's This album is ALLOT better than the average reviews indicate, song are very un smiths like,the OASIS parody critism is ridiculous it's just because he sings a bit like liam(mancunian accsent?) this is musically better than OASIS!, This album is worth buying just for last ride alone great song! Expand
  5. Jan 21, 2012
    2
    For an album penned by the greatest pop guitarist ever, this is a sad affair. Johnny has clearly been caught up in the originality Black HoleFor an album penned by the greatest pop guitarist ever, this is a sad affair. Johnny has clearly been caught up in the originality Black Hole that engulfed almost all post britpop bands. None of these tracks show the genius guitar work that we know as trademark Marr- rather a mixing pot of all of the worst aspects of 2000's guitar culture. But its ok, we forgive you Johnny. Collapse