Call the Comet
by Johnny Marr
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Pitchfork
    Jun 21, 2018
    60
    The album is so densely packed that it’s easy to miss Marr’s overarching themes, a shame exacerbated by his habitual neglect to draw attention to his lyrics. A pleasantly flat, unassuming singer, he functions mostly as a conduit for his melodies, which is only a detriment on an album with so much potential thematic resonance.
  2. Boston Globe
    Jun 14, 2018
    40
    Songcraft is a problem throughout the album’s 12 bloated tracks, but the fact that they’re long isn’t the issue--Marr can, and has, held our attention before. It’s more that they lack conviction and structure.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. StanleyMoon
    Mar 2, 2019
    10
    I've lived with Call the Comet for 6 months and in this time, it has leapt into my all-time top 20 albums.Johnny Marr's songwriting showcasesI've lived with Call the Comet for 6 months and in this time, it has leapt into my all-time top 20 albums.Johnny Marr's songwriting showcases his enduring melodic creativity, his stellar guitar playing and cool, husky vocals. I love the opener "Rise" with its moving lyrics and stirring music. Throughout, the rhythm section is solid and muscular, yet has finesse and precision, particularly noticeable on goth/post punk songs like "The Tracers" and "Actor Attractor". The single "Hi Hello" is a chiming and emotive track full of wonderful layered guitars with a yearning vocal line. "Walk into the Sea" is a cinematic wonder, just when you think it can't get any better, it does and then again - this track still gives me goosebumps after dozens of listens. My two favorite songs are the glam-rocker "Hey Angel" and the closing track, the haunting "A Different Gun". Call the Comet is an amazing achievement for Johnny Marr, after 35 years of high-profile projects, he's still at the peak of his game.… Full Review »
  2. charliequaker
    Feb 23, 2019
    9
    On the 3rd studio album under his name, the former Smiths guitarist delivers another batch of well-written & immaculately produced, soaringOn the 3rd studio album under his name, the former Smiths guitarist delivers another batch of well-written & immaculately produced, soaring indie pop/rock tunes. Marr doesn’t have Morrissey’s voice, but his vocals are more than adequate, and his guitar—while never the only focus—shines through with a refined brilliance. His real strength may simply be that he uses his natural talent to full effect: presentation, arrangement and quality of songwriting all sound like the work of a consummate professional. His songs tend to grow on you slowly; their genius is subtle, becoming more obvious with repeated listening. The music is expansive; full of edgy atmospheres, synthesizers that complement the guitars, and more than a hint of classic rock song structure. The songs on “Call The Comet” ring with an underlying majesty and depth of feeling. You’ll want to hear them more than once. Recommended.… Full Review »
  3. gwimlot
    Jan 18, 2019
    8
    Johnny Marr's best album so far, the atmosphere in this album is outstanding and very powerful with tunes like Walk Into The Sea, Hi Hello andJohnny Marr's best album so far, the atmosphere in this album is outstanding and very powerful with tunes like Walk Into The Sea, Hi Hello and Day In Day Out. In this album Marr shows that he is still the guitar genius he was with his former band.… Full Review »
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