Expectation by a savage U.K. music press can be a bitch, just ask Richard Ashcroft. Alone With Everybody wasn't everyone's cup of tea but it wasn't a complete waste of EMI's money either. I still lay claim that the single 'A Song For The Lovers' was the best five and a half minutes of music in 2000. But I digress

Former Smith's lead guitarist, Johnny Marr, didn't jump into the solo career straight away. Moonlighting on a few The The albums as well as being one half of the group Electronic throughout the 90s, Marr kept himself busy under the radar, all the while gaining some valuable experience in the art of making a great album.

How much more experience does a member of one of the most influential bands ever need you scream at me? Does John Squire's Seahorses answer your question?

Speaking of the Stone Roses, opener 'The Last Ride' is very reminiscent of the baggy Mancs, and bodes well for the rest of the album. 'Caught Up' continues the psychedelic guitar work fused with Marr's strong melodies (no doubt helped out by his recent touring with Neil Finn).

In saying that, lyrically he keeps comes up short a few times. 'Need It' sounds pedestrian in its repetitive chorus: "I don't need it but I want more" and therefore would've worked better as an interlude. 'Another Day' is a rehash of Oasis's 'Who Feels Love' (oh the irony), a song that was never fit to be a single in the first place.

The two jewels in the set show both ends of Marr's spectrum. Album closer 'Bangin' On' is an epic with a cool dance beat to it whilst 'Down On The Corner' is a timeless tune that once again evokes Neil Finn's work.

Aided by a drooling backing band, the Healers, that includes ex-Kula Shaka bassist Alonza Bevan and Zak Starkey (touring drummer for The Who and son of some guy called Ringo), Marr has the nucleus to build a successful solo career without forever being in the shadows of Morrissey and The Smiths.