What makes Boomslang by Johnny Marr notable?

The album marked a significant return for Marr, earning positive reviews and charting in multiple countries. It was noted for its eclectic sound and helped solidify Marr's reputation as a versatile musician outside of his work with The Smiths. Boomslang is Johnny Marr's debut solo album, released in 2003 after his time with The Smiths and various collaborations. At this point, Marr was transitioning from a celebrated guitarist to an established solo artist, having honed his songwriting skills through years of experience in the music industry.

How many songs are on Boomslang?

Boomslang has 11 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Boomslang

Johnny Marr · 2003

50 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of jangle pop and alternative rock, infused with melodic hooks and introspective lyrics that invite deep listening.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Caught Up — This track showcases a captivating fusion of upbeat melodies and reflective lyrics, embodying the album's blend of joyful sound and introspective themes.
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You Are the Magic — With its expansive instrumentation and evocative lyrics, this song encapsulates Marr's ability to create atmospheric soundscapes that linger long after listening.
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Down on the Corner — This track stands out with its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus, highlighting Marr's knack for crafting memorable hooks while maintaining lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and varied structures but lacks a fully cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that features jangly guitars and layered harmonies, setting a consistent tone for the first half.
The final three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Last Ride 4:28
2 Caught Up 4:27
3 Down on the Corner 4:25
4 Need It 5:47
5 You Are the Magic 7:09
6 InBetweens 3:39
7 Another Day 4:58
8 Headland 1:34
9 Long Gone 4:39
10 Something to Shout About 4:22
11 Bangin’ On 5:06

What to play next

Listen next

The Messenger

2013

Full Johnny Marr discography Artists like Johnny Marr

alternative rock indie pop indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata