Other than this first sentence, I’d like everyone to note how I never bring up The Smiths anywhere in this little review of The Messenger.

Well, people will be pleased to hear the whole album is done in Johnny Marr’s distinctive playing style. This sounds like an album that could have been released in the ’90s along with the Britpop movement, but thank god Johnny Marr doesn’t have a dorky, high-pitched voice. It’s pretty standard really—not much range, but pleasant enough.

It’s just a pop rock album, which is totally fine by me. All the songs are good, and the quality of songwriting is consistent throughout. Yet, on my first listen, not many songs distinguish themselves. They do all sound a bit different, but there’s no surprises here. I wonder how much can really be said about this album. It’s catchy, cool, a little garage-y even. I would definitely go back to it. My only complaint is I can’t believe how this is nearly 50 minutes. Considering the depth of the songs, it could have benefited a lot from being 10 minutes shorter. Every song being shaved down by about 45 seconds would do everyone a favor.

Also I’m really reminded of Between the Times and the Tides because of the album cover. Both ex-members of much bigger bands releasing their first conventional solo album. Anyway, The Messenger is ‘aight. Pop rock songs of a consistent quality, Marr has a cool-guy voice, his guitar-playing style is as great as always. I like it.