JOHNNY MARR – THE AGE OF EVERYTHING

When you’re made and/or cut from a pedigree that has never known any bounds, it might be difficult to live up to it. Either that or you just deliver something that you’re used to and let the work stand and speak for itself. But it’s Johnny Marr we’re referring to here, and the stuff that has made him legendary. Throughout the decades, Marr has proven himself time and time again; first with The Smiths, then with Electronic, and also contributing to a variety of artists like The The, Modest Mouse, The Cribs, as well as releasing his own material.

Marr has just released his 5^th solo studio album, The Age Of Everything (BMG), which finds him positioned in a different light. The album’s opening track, “Spin,” is a straightforward number filled with treated guitars that avoid any jangle-like reference, and although it’s a good song, there are safety measures in place. The song moves within a verse-chorus-verse formula and is catchy, but we can all see why the label would choose it as its “focus track.” With its harmony-filled chorus, Marr seems almost explosive here, vocally, while still remaining, ahem, focused. There’s nothing wrong with labeling a track as such, but Marr isn’t known for holding back and working within safe spaces. And it’s “Beyond The Rain” that has the 62-year-young guitarist continuing to spread his proverbial wings with this Latin-infused song, which opens with lightly jangled guitars before the rhythm actually sets the mood

I think I have to preface this with a disclaimer though: I’ve never really been a fan of The Smiths, finding the music a bit pretentious with a vocalist who couldn’t seem to get past his own ego. Or so I thought. It was just the vocalist. Listening to “It’s Time,” the song gives off a bit of nostalgia, and Johnny Marr, as a guitarist, is derivative of himself. That’s how it is within the bounce of the song, which is a pop wonder. His plucked notes give off that sense of familiarity; yes, that would be the nostalgia, as he strums along across its landscape of harmonies and chorus. Marr asserts himself as a strong vocalist here and leaves no doubt for the naysayers. Marr doesn’t hold back, allowing the instruments to take on a life of their own, and he’s just along for the ride. Yes, the song is meticulous and that good. The melancholy of “In And Out Of Love” isn’t missed, as the bass notes keep the song centered as guitars are strummed with precision, and Marr’s voice? Well, it seems to ride the crescent wave of that second guitar strum that is layered beneath it all. The eerie sadness surrounding it showcases how Marr can switch things up at the drop of a hat, and his songwriting throughout the years has only gotten that much better. My words aren’t important; just listen to “Just Once More,” as that thundering rhythm makes way for guitars where necessary. And again, his voice, the texture within it, blends in so well, laying waste to everything coming in its way.

Like a fine wine, The Age Of Everything is destined to defy space and time, remaining such a poignant release for years to come. Marr shows everyone what he does; his music is craftsmanship, and he’s become masterful at what he does. Never taking things lightly, this release is by far one of my favorites this year.