Johnny Marr Albums Ranked
Mike BellJohnny Marr is best known as the legendary guitarist of The Smiths, where he collaborated with Andy and Andy Rourke to create some of the most iconic music of the 1980s. Still, his solo career has proven that his songwriting, musicianship, and sonic innovation extend far beyond his work in the 1980s. In August 1987,
Marr briefly joined The Pretenders after leaving The Smiths, marking a significant moment in his career trajectory. Since launching his solo career in 2013, Marr has released many albums that showcase his signature ‘jangly’ guitar work, electronic-infused rock, and sharp lyrical sensibility. I have tried to capture the current story of Johnny Marr Albums collaborations in my studio album’s music map - tracing every musician across every album.
In this ranking, we analyze Johnny Marr’s studio albums based on their impact, musical innovation, and fan reception. His music collection, personally curated and compiled, reflects his artistic evolution and notable contributions across different albums.
Let’s tunnel into the journey of one of the most influential guitarists in modern music. Marr's creative process is deeply connected to his Crazy Face Factory, a purpose-built Manchester studio where he has been recording music over the past decade.
This current chapter of Marr's solo career marks a decade of artistic evolution and creative restlessness since he began this journey a decade ago. His songwriting has embraced an instinctive sonic evolution, establishing a significant phase in his music journey. The album track 'European Me' is a notable inclusion in his discography.
Throughout his career, Marr has been part of various music groups, and fans can hear his best work across different collaborations. After leaving The Smiths in July 1987, he went on to join several bands, showcasing his versatility and collaborative nature. Over the last decade, Marr has continued to evolve creatively, with his roots in Manchester playing a significant role in his music.
As a member of multiple bands, Marr's contributions have been significant. In October, reviews often highlight tracks like 'The Priest' from his recordings, showcasing his ongoing relevance. Marr has remained a restless creative, consistently producing solo work that reflects his evolving artistry.
The compilation 'Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr' features a curated selection of his notable tracks, including his work with the supergroup Electronic and his contributions to two albums with The The. His influence extends across the world, impacting the global music scene. Marr's skills as a writer further emphasize his ability to create great music independently, showcasing his artistic prowess beyond his known collaborations.
Introduction to Johnny Marr
Johnny Marr, born John Martin Maher, is a renowned British musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for his work as the guitarist and co-founder of the iconic band The Smiths. With a career spanning over four decades, Johnny Marr encompasses music that is a fusion of post-punk, indie rock, and new wave, showcasing his unique guitar-driven sound.
As a restless creative, Marr has released four full-length albums as a solo artist, including The Messenger, Playland, Call The Comet, and Fever Dreams Pts 1-4, all of which demonstrate his instinctive sonic evolution. Johnny Marr’s solo career has been marked by critically acclaimed studio recordings, collaborations with various artists, and a distinctive songwriting style that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Johnny Marr Albums Ranked
Below is the complete ranked list of Johnny Marr's studio albums:
|
Rank |
Album |
Release Year |
Notable Tracks |
Key Musicians |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
The Messenger |
2013 |
"Upstarts", "New Town Velocity" |
Johnny Marr, Iwan Gronow, Jack Mitchell |
|
2 |
Call the Comet |
2018 |
"Hi Hello", "Walk Into the Sea" |
Johnny Marr, Iwan Gronow, Jack Mitchell |
|
3 |
Playland |
2014 |
"Easy Money", "Dynamo" |
Johnny Marr, Iwan Gronow, Jack Mitchell |
|
4 |
Fever Dreams Pts 1–4 |
2022 |
"Spirit, Power and Soul", "Night and Day" |
Johnny Marr, Iwan Gronow, Jack Mitchell |
Johnny Marr Album Breakdowns
Each section covers:
- Why this ranking? (Production, reception, legacy)
- Notable tracks & musical highlights
- Guest musicians and collaborations
- Chart performance & awards
1. The Messenger (2013)
- Why it ranks here: Marr's solo debut established him as a standalone artist, blending classic British indie sounds with modern energy.
- Key Tracks: "Upstarts", "New Town Velocity"
- Guest Musicians: Iwan Gronow (bass), Jack Mitchell (drums)
- Chart Success: Peaked at #10 in the UK Albums Chart
2. Call the Comet (2018)
- Why it ranks here: A concept album with a futuristic, dystopian feel, featuring some of Marr's most ambitious songwriting.
- Key Tracks: "Hi Hello", "Walk Into the Sea"
- Guest Musicians: Iwan Gronow, Jack Mitchell
- Chart Success: Peaked at #7 in the UK Albums Chart
3. Playland (2014)
- Why it ranks here: A natural follow-up to The Messenger, filled with energetic guitar-driven indie rock.
- Key Tracks: "Easy Money", "Dynamo"
- Guest Musicians: Iwan Gronow, Jack Mitchell
- Chart Success: Peaked at #9 in the UK Albums Chart
4. Fever Dreams Pts 1–4 (2022)
- Why it ranks here: A more experimental and electronic-leaning album, showing Marr's continued evolution.
- Key Tracks: "Spirit, Power and Soul", "Night and Day"
- Guest Musicians: Iwan Gronow, Jack Mitchell
- Chart Success: Peaked at #4 in the UK Albums Chart
The Evolution of the Sound of Johnny Marr Albums
Johnny Marr's career is one of constant reinvention. While he first gained recognition as the jangly-guitar mastermind behind The Smiths, his post-Smiths work shows a restless creativity that has taken him through various musical landscapes.
Early Collaborations and Expanding Horizons
After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Marr didn't simply continue in the same indie vein. Instead, he sought out new challenges, joining The The and playing on their influential 1989 album Mind Bomb alongside Matt Johnson. His work with The The saw him embrace a more political and anthemic songwriting style, moving away from the melancholic lyricism of The Smiths.
During the 1990s, Marr co-founded Electronic, a collaboration with New Order's Bernard Sumner. The project blended synthpop, dance music, and alternative rock, with contributions from Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant. Their self-titled 1991 debut produced hits like "Getting Away with It" and "Feel Every Beat," proving that Marr was just as comfortable in electronic-driven music as in traditional rock bands.
Session Work and Experimentation
Throughout the late 90s and 2000s, Marr continued to explore different musical styles. He worked with Beck, Talking Heads, and even Hans Zimmer, contributing to the Inception soundtrack. His role in Modest Mouse (joining them for 2007's We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank) and The Cribs (playing on 2009's Ignore the Ignorant) showcased his ability to adapt to American indie rock and punk-influenced music.
A Solo Career Rooted in Independence
By 2013, Marr was finally ready to step into the spotlight with The Messenger. This album cemented his ability to lead a project entirely independently, blending his love for post-punk, Britpop, and electronic textures into a cohesive sound. His later albums, especially Call the Comet, show an artist who has not only refined his sound but is still willing to take risks—whether it's through dystopian concept albums or incorporating electronic and ambient elements into his work.
Marr's solo career has proven that he is far more than just “the guitarist from The Smiths”—he is a musician with a distinct voice, capable of shaping rock music in his own image while still pushing the boundaries of his sound.
Notable Tracks
Some of Johnny Marr’s most notable tracks include “New Town Velocity”, “Spirit Power and Soul”, and “Tenement Time”, which showcase his ability to craft catchy, melodic hooks and introspective lyrics. The song “Armatopia” is a standout track, featuring Marr’s signature jangly guitar work and a soaring chorus. “The Answer” is another notable track, with a driving rhythm and thought-provoking lyrics that demonstrate Marr’s skill as a songwriter. The compilation also includes “Night and Day”, a hauntingly beautiful song that highlights Marr’s ability to create atmospheric, introspective music.
Music Style and Genre
Johnny Marr’s music style is a unique blend of post-punk, indie rock, and new wave, characterized by his distinctive guitar-driven sound and introspective lyrics. As a solo artist, Marr has explored a range of genres, from the atmospheric soundscapes of Fever Dreams Pts 1-4 to the more upbeat, energetic tracks like “Upstarts” and “Candidate”. Marr’s music has been praised for its melodic hooks, innovative production, and thought-provoking lyrics, which have captivated audiences and established him as one of the most respected and influential musicians of his generation. With his instinctive sonic evolution and restless creative spirit, Johnny Marr continues to push the boundaries of his music, exploring new sounds and styles while remaining true to his artistic vision.
What's Your Favourite Johnny Marr Album?
Do you agree with this ranking? Which album would you put at #1? Drop a comment below!
