Johnny Marr
The Messenger
New Voodoo

It’s hard to believe but Johnny Marr has never released a proper solo album. After leaving the Smiths in 1987, he chose the route of collaborator; working as a member with such bands as The The and Modest Mouse since. He also spent the 90s partnering in such supergroups as Electronic with Bernard Summer from New Order. But after 25 years of collaborations and partnerships, Marr finally decided to give the solo thing the old college try, and The Messenger is a sharp and focused debut.

Instead of experimenting or trying something new, Marr sticks to what he does best, writing sharp guitar-hooked songs. The man that was responsible for some of the most memorable songs from the 80s as one half of the Smiths’ songwriting duo kills it from the opening guitar salvo “The Right Thing Right.” The shimmering guitar melodies that make up “European Me” are complete with a stellar backbeat that rocks and waves. The soaring title track is full of guitar grandeur as Marr sings, “Don’t want to be the messenger.”

It also helps that Marr is a decent vocalist. He may be no Morrissey or one whose vocals elevate a song to new heights; but they serve the songs well without working against them. Aerosmith’s Joe Perry may be a great guitarist, but he’s a lousy vocalist; which is why he needs a singer like Steven Tyler who can elevate the songs he writes. Marr doesn’t. He knows his strengths and vocal capabilities. As a result, there’s a British cool that fills the atmosphere throughout the record with “Lockdown,” “Sun & Moon” and the sheer brilliance of the angular guitar throttle of the closing “Word Starts Attack” being other highlights.

The Messenger showcases not only Marr’s brilliance as a guitarist but as a songwriter. The unrelenting guitar hooks, the intricate arrangements and elastic melodies make Marr’s debut a winner all the way – Jeff Noller.