It is an unpretentious record from one of the UK’s most influential guitar players, and all the more effective for it

The Age of Everything isn’t the first of Johnny Marr’s solo albums to be able to stand on its own merits, but it’s the one that does it most confidently, a polished, consistent record on which he becomes a singer and guitarist rather than a singing guitarist

Restless arrangements and dependable guitar performances can’t prevent the former Smiths co-founder from occasionally stumbling through the noise on his new solo album

The Mancunian icon confronts modern malaise, fractured times and the shifting sands of the now with restless, life-affirming rock ’n’ roll with an added post punk inventiveness

Four decades on, he remains a class act, still curious, still innovative and still relentlessly cool. If ‘The Age Of Everything’ is about embracing possibility, Johnny Marr embodies the very best of everything music has to offer

When a punchier mood is conjured, the overall impact still fails to lodge in the memory

Marr isn’t releasing The Age of Everything as a grand statement of career intent; he has afforded himself the right to comfortably write tunes within his wheelhouse and release them to a dedicated audience

Another rock-solid, thoughtful set from guitarist/songwriter, one whose mirrored anxiety is partly offset by the hope and determination of tracks like "Beyond the Rain" and the rousing "Fire with Fire"

Once again, Johnny has delivered a strong and assured body of work, with his solo material continuing to go from strength to strength

The Age Of Everything is an exemplar of all those elements that have made Marr's solo career such a satisfying success: big, hooky songs, hummable melodies, insightful lyrics and a distinctive guitar sound. Print edition only

Former Smiths guitarist's fifth solo album may not contain any surprises but sees him refine his songwriting chops and deliver a solid record in the process

Five solo albums in, there’s no let-up in intent or quality, Marr’s restless creative curiosity well and truly benefitting himself

Best of all is waltz-time ballad In And Out Of Love, one of Marr's best solo songs, in which his yearning vocal underlines the fact he now as much of an accomplished singer as near-peerless guitarist. Print edition only