Two years after leaving Oasis, Noel Gallagher returns to charts with his debut solo effort. With several tracks beginning their development over a decade ago was it worth the wait?
Opener “Everybody’s On The Run”, begins with some background studio noise before a snare drum quickly grabs your attention making way for a rousing string section. With an infectiously catchy melody and lyrics it is the perfect way to open an album. Next track “Dream On”, has an unmistakable Oasis sound to it; it definitely has the potential to be huge radio hit up there with “She’s Electric” or “Roll With It”.
When listening it is hard to not think about Oasis, “If I Had A Gun” opens with a sound reminiscent of “Wonderwall”. This could be a bad thing; instead what we are presented with is the vastly improved sibling of “Wonderwall”. Musically it is fantastic, but lyrically it surpasses anything ever produced by Oasis. It is in the lyrics of the album that Noel’s talents as a songwriter are really showcased.
Having already released two singles, “The Death Of You And Me” and “Aka… What A Life!” fans will already have an idea of the direction Mr Gallagher has decided to go with his debut album. Although both songs are impressive, on hearing the rest of the album you realise they are just the tip of the iceberg.
It would be impossible to review this album without comparisons to Beady Eye. Although neither Beady Eye nor Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds stray too far from the Oasis sound; the differences are vast. It can comfortably be said that Beady Eye will never produce an album anywhere near this standard. Although often said in the past, this album proves that Noel truly is the talented Gallagher brother.
This album is a spectacular debut for an artist who it seems has been unable to reach his full potential, until now. Lyrically the product is superb, yet it is in the delivery through Noel Gallagher’s underappreciated voice that it really is allowed to shine. High Flying Birds is the probably the best complete body of work he has been involved with since “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” It will delight old fans and is likely to attract new ones too.