What makes The Messenger by Johnny Marr notable?

The Messenger received positive critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising Marr's songwriting and guitar work. It debuted at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart and was highlighted by several publications as a strong return to form, solidifying Marr's status as a significant figure in alternative music. Released in 2013, The Messenger is Johnny Marr's debut solo album after years of collaboration with various artists and bands, including his tenure with The Smiths. This album marked a significant shift for Marr, showcasing his evolution as a songwriter and frontman while establishing his distinct identity outside of his previous projects.

How many songs are on The Messenger?

The Messenger has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

The Messenger

Johnny Marr · 2013

48 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant mix of jangly guitars and infectious melodies that encapsulate a modern take on classic pop-rock sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Right Things Right — This opening track features an upbeat tempo and catchy hooks, effectively setting the tone for the album with its energetic vibe and lyrical optimism.
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European Me — With its reflective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes, this song captures Marr's ability to blend introspection with engaging melodies, making it a standout piece.
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New Town Velocity — This track highlights Marr's intricate guitar work and clever lyricism, showcasing a narrative style that resonates with themes of change and urban life.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Marr's debut showcases strong songwriting and guitar work, balancing upbeat tracks with varied tempos.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of jangly guitar riffs that drive the melodies across most tracks.
Several songs employ a call-and-response vocal structure, enhancing the interaction between the lead and backing vocals.
The tempo varies throughout, with tracks like 'Lockdown' slowing down significantly compared to the more upbeat 'Generate ! Generate !'.
The last three tracks create a gradual build-up in intensity, culminating in a more energetic finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 Right Things Right 3:41
2 I Want the Heartbeat 2:47
3 European Me 3:56
4 Upstarts 3:38
5 Lockdown 3:58
6 The Messenger 4:29
7 Generate ! Generate ! 4:21
8 Say Demesne 5:37
9 Sun and Moon 3:23
10 The Crack Up 3:52
11 New Town Velocity 5:11
12 World Starts Attack 3:29

What to play next

Listen next

Playland

2014

Go back to

Boomslang

2003

Full Johnny Marr discography Artists like Johnny Marr

alternative rock indie pop indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata