Iconic guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr has officially unveiled his latest single, “It’s Time.” The track serves as a powerful preview of his forthcoming studio album, The Age Of Everything, which is slated for release on October 2nd via BMG. With its driving energy and sharp lyrical focus, the song marks a significant moment in Marr’s solo career, positioning itself as a defiant call to arms against the backdrop of modern cynicism and corruption.
“It’s Time” is a widescreen anthem that captures the essence of Marr’s signature songwriting style—exhilarating, urgent, and deeply melodic. The track recently made its live debut on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, garnering immediate critical acclaim. MOJO has already hailed the song as a “standout from Marr’s latest album: a triple threat protest song that hits the sweet spot.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, Johnny Marr shared his perspective on the necessity of maintaining idealism in a challenging world. “It’s Time is my way of singing about some worldly issues but finding defiance in idealism,” he explained. “I wanted a lyric that matched the exuberance of the music but is actually about resisting cynicism and corruption: ‘Everybody ain’t making it, change the weather and breaking it. Mobilise to know the truth. Open eyes to know the truth.’ I guess it’s about the assholes with dodgy views.”
This new release follows a string of successful singles, including the urgent “Spin” and the dynamic “Ophelia,” both of which have received widespread praise for their creative confidence. The music video for “It’s Time” captures the intensity of Marr’s live performances, featuring footage from his sold-out homecoming show at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl. The performance, which showcased a mix of classic hits and new material, solidified his reputation as a master of the stage, with the Telegraph describing him as “the perfect rock star.”