After an 18 year rollercoaster with one of the most defining rock & roll bands the UK has ever produced, Noel Gallagher is on the verge of releasing his debut solo record “Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds”.
In August of 2009, Oasis finally imploded during a furious row between Noel Gallagher and his younger front-man brother, Liam, backstage at France Seine festival. Liam wasted little time as he rushed out a sort of oasis mk II group called Beady Eye, with the critics and fans lukewarm at best in praise for the younger Gallagher’s bands first album.
However, Noel took the long term approach in developing the solo album that millions of oasis fans have been waiting for. Ever since the giddy heights of Knebworth and playing to 250,000 people over 2 nights in 1996, the rumour mill surrounding a potential solo record has been ongoing. Fast forward to 2011 and it’s finally here.
Having listened to the 10 album tracks continuously over the past couple of days, one can be fogiven for asking if Noel had stockpiled his best songs for a solo project since 1997, or if he is going through a creative purple patch after years of artistic stagnation. I personally think it’s a bit of both as we know there are at least 2 songs that have been mentioned over the years that make an appearance on this record. The rest of the album gives the sense that Noel has picked up where he left off around the mid-Nineties, when tracks like The Masterplan and Talk Tonight indicated a musical ambition greater than just rocking stadiums.
So, was it worth the wait? Here is my track by track review:
1.Everbody’s On The Run
A grand arrangement with soaring background vocals and heart-tugging strings make this a great first track with Noel singing like an impassioned soul - "Hang in there love/ you gotta hold on/ 'cause everybody's on the run," as he pleads in the chorus.
2. Dream On
Trumpets and horns with a pounding beat alongside brisk acoustic guitar make Dream On feel like a throw back to New Orleans rock. Expect this to be a live gig favourite with the “La –la – la” chorus sing-along.
3. If I Had A Gun
Die hard oasis fans, of which I'm not ashamed to admit I am, will have heard a leaked sound check demo of this song on the internet many moons ago and wondered if it would ever see the light of day. We need not wait any longer, with piano and acoustic guitar guiding him, Noel delicately starts... "If I had a gun, I'd shoot a hole into the sun/ and love would burn this city down for you".
Haunting background vocals create a stirring effect with electric guitars, heading right into the first chorus in which Noel sings... 'Scuse me if I spoke too soon/ my eyes have always followed you around the room/ 'cause you're the only God I will ever need/ I'm holding on and waiting for you to find me."
Poetic songwriting resulting in one of the finest songs Noel has produced.
4. The Death Of You And Me
Now who saw this coming? A gentle tap on the door rather than breaking in with a sledge hammer. The first single off the album and something of a whisper and a high falsetto that takes you back to the era of the Kinks inspired pop as a melancholy Noel sings, not ironically,... "High time, summer in the city/ kids are looking pretty/ but isn't it a pity in the sunshine."
5. (I Wanna Live In A Dream In My) Record Machine
True to rock & roll form, this song has everything, from a slow acoustic guitar start, to bass and electrics taking over with Noel singing from the top of his lungs as chorus kicks in with strings. A gentle break follows but not for long as the end heads towards a grand finale.
6. AKA... What A Life
What A Life takes Noel out of his traditional comfort zone and into a disco arena helped on with Piano heavy rock as he sings in a cynical way... "Some say you might find your hero/ some say you might lose your mind." Piercing guitars give it an edge and an unexpected solo too breaks out that is just spine tingling.
7. Soldier Boys & Jesus Freaks
Desolate guitars and a moving bass line during which Noel sings what are perhaps his most meaningful political lyrics. Horns and cymbal heavy chorus pay homage to 1960s UK fashion that reminds you a little of Sgt. Peppers.
8. AKA... Broken Arrow
Sparkling mix of drums and acoustics with Noel’s voice rising and falling effortlessly as he sings... "Fallen angel/ a broken arrow/ she comforts me and eases my troubled mind/ she shines a light out into the shadows/ all the world that we will leave behind." An oasis throwback sound the listeners will recognize and appreciate.
9. (Stranded On) The Wrong Beach
Possibly the weakest link in the album, but only because the standard set is so high. Nevertheless a thumping old school rock tune with a glowing bass pattern as Noel sings in a pensive voice.
10. Stop The Clocks
Originally intended to be included on 2004's Don't Believe The Truth, Stop The Clocks has achieved something of a mythic status amongst Oasis fans, with studio and live versions leaking onto the internet over the years. I must say the final version that Noel has created makes good on all past promises.
"Stop the clocks and turn the world around/ let your love lay me down," ... Noel sings in the opening verse, displaying his full emotion and heart. A full on dramatic song with a furious build up and a monstrous lead guitar, it’s a star turn for sure, and the fit and proper way to sign the album off on the highest of highs.
Overall, High Flying Birds has some super catchy songs mixed with slight elements of experimentation, subtle dance grooves and gravelly blues alongside the expected guitar anthems, and it makes for one of the finest solo records of this generation.
It’s an album full of hope and quietly placed optimism that is presented to us by a fresh and re-invigorated Noel Gallagher. Noel may not have wanted to go solo, but it gave him an opportunity to push himself and the result is a truly wonderful record that will no doubt take Noel to a level alongside the likes of Neil Young and Bob Dylan.
Whisper it quietly or shout it from the roof tops, the Chief is back with an absolute classic.
Rating: 9/10
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds is available now to download or buy from all good record stores.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds is available now to download or buy from all good record stores.
Peace love & happiness.
TanRockstar
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