Johnny Marr Albums Ranked
Mike BellJohnny Marr is best known as the legendary guitarist of The Smiths. Still, his solo career has proven that his songwriting, musicianship, and sonic innovation extend far beyond his work in the 1980s. 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. Let’s dive into the journey of one of the most influential guitarists in modern music.
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.
What’s Your Favourite Johnny Marr Album?
Do you agree with this ranking? Which album would you put at #1? Drop a comment below!
