Call the Comet
by Johnny Marr
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. AllMusic
    Aug 3, 2018
    80
    Call the Comet is more accomplished than compelling, but there is pleasure in hearing how all the parts fit together so tidily.
  2. Q Magazine
    Jul 3, 2018
    80
    Call The Comet firmly underlines Johnny Marr's commitment to his solo career. [Aug 2018, p.110]
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  3. musicOMH.com
    Jun 18, 2018
    80
    Marr offers a vision of a more humane, liberal future. While one Smith seems to have lost the plot, another has found his voice.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 18, 2018
    80
    Call the Comet is a resounding success, the first of Marr’s three solo albums to feel properly crafted. The loose thread it follows is that, in turbulent times, even the simple act of picking up a guitar and making music is political.
  6. PopMatters
    Jun 15, 2018
    80
    Call the Comet is a tuneful, energetic collection of songs that evoke a youthful 54-year-old who still has plenty of good ideas up his sleeve.
  7. The Guardian
    Jun 15, 2018
    80
    Call the Comet is a terrific album in its own right. In context, it’s a triumph.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 15, 2018
    80
    Call The Comet is Marr’s most assured solo effort to date. Rather than wallow in the mire of the now, Marr has dreamt of a better tomorrow. In doing so, he’s built one for himself.
  9. Mojo
    Jun 13, 2018
    80
    It's when Marr stops thinking "big festival rock sound" that this LP shines. ... Ultimately, it's all about the angle of his jangle--ever unimpeachable. [Jul 2018, p.88]
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  10. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 13, 2018
    80
    This is a record steeped in both the chilly yearning of Bowie’s “Berlin” albums and Ziggy Stardust’s glam apocalypse, as well as the science-fiction paperbacks by the likes of JG Ballard which inspired them.
  11. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 13, 2018
    80
    Call the Comet finds Marr in his element, making articulate, direct rock ‘n’ roll with an ultimately optimistic sense of purpose.
  12. Uncut
    Jun 13, 2018
    80
    It might be best to appreciate Call The Comet as a sublime soundtrack, possibly the most atmospheric, widescreen guitar album you'll hear all year. [Jul 2018, p.25]
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  13. Under The Radar
    Jul 17, 2018
    75
    There is nothing pretentious about Call the Comet, just gobs of alluring, guitar-based rock, tipping the scale in favor of Marr over Morrissey.
  14. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 25, 2018
    70
    A good chunk of this Comet is heaven-bound. [Summer 2018, p.92]
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  15. Clash Music
    Jun 19, 2018
    70
    Call The Comet doesn’t quite reach the heights it sets out to, as the execution on some tracks falls flat despite some interesting ideas. That being said, there are enough moments throughout the record to remind you that the Marr magic is alive and well.

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Shared Album of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. StanleyMoon
    Mar 2, 2019
    10
    I've lived with Call the Comet for 6 months and in this time, it has leapt into my all-time top 20 albums.Johnny Marr's songwriting showcasesI've lived with Call the Comet for 6 months and in this time, it has leapt into my all-time top 20 albums.Johnny Marr's songwriting showcases his enduring melodic creativity, his stellar guitar playing and cool, husky vocals. I love the opener "Rise" with its moving lyrics and stirring music. Throughout, the rhythm section is solid and muscular, yet has finesse and precision, particularly noticeable on goth/post punk songs like "The Tracers" and "Actor Attractor". The single "Hi Hello" is a chiming and emotive track full of wonderful layered guitars with a yearning vocal line. "Walk into the Sea" is a cinematic wonder, just when you think it can't get any better, it does and then again - this track still gives me goosebumps after dozens of listens. My two favorite songs are the glam-rocker "Hey Angel" and the closing track, the haunting "A Different Gun". Call the Comet is an amazing achievement for Johnny Marr, after 35 years of high-profile projects, he's still at the peak of his game.… Full Review »
  2. charliequaker
    Feb 23, 2019
    9
    On the 3rd studio album under his name, the former Smiths guitarist delivers another batch of well-written & immaculately produced, soaringOn the 3rd studio album under his name, the former Smiths guitarist delivers another batch of well-written & immaculately produced, soaring indie pop/rock tunes. Marr doesn’t have Morrissey’s voice, but his vocals are more than adequate, and his guitar—while never the only focus—shines through with a refined brilliance. His real strength may simply be that he uses his natural talent to full effect: presentation, arrangement and quality of songwriting all sound like the work of a consummate professional. His songs tend to grow on you slowly; their genius is subtle, becoming more obvious with repeated listening. The music is expansive; full of edgy atmospheres, synthesizers that complement the guitars, and more than a hint of classic rock song structure. The songs on “Call The Comet” ring with an underlying majesty and depth of feeling. You’ll want to hear them more than once. Recommended.… Full Review »
  3. gwimlot
    Jan 18, 2019
    8
    Johnny Marr's best album so far, the atmosphere in this album is outstanding and very powerful with tunes like Walk Into The Sea, Hi Hello andJohnny Marr's best album so far, the atmosphere in this album is outstanding and very powerful with tunes like Walk Into The Sea, Hi Hello and Day In Day Out. In this album Marr shows that he is still the guitar genius he was with his former band.… Full Review »
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