Noel Gallagher, the more talented half of Oasis' infamous Gallagher duo, has finally released his debut solo album — and it's OK. Since Gallagher announced that he was going to strike out on his own, Oasis fans worldwide have been betting for months that the album just wouldn't have what it takes to follow up Oasis.
While "Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds" still retains that unmistakable Oasis sound, it also represents everything the artist couldn't do as a member of the group. He's no longer inhibited by his brother's insistence that they stick to familiar territory.
The opening song, "Everybody's on the Run," is the album's strongest track. Unfortunately, the album slowly and steadily declines from that point on.
Though listeners should try to distinguish Noel Gallagher from Oasis at this point, it's easier said than done when he's singing "hold on" to almost the exact same chord progression from "Stop Crying Your Heart Out."
Obviously, Noel Gallagher's aim with the album was to deviate from the rusty vocals Liam Gallagher delivered on every Oasis song. He even brought in a choir to give the tracks a more mystical air. However, it's hard not to consider how "Everybody's on the Run" would be near−perfect if Liam were singing instead, as his brother doesn't quite have the vocal power to pull off such a vibrant song.
Though Noel Gallagher referred to "Dream On" as a throwaway filler song in an interview with XFM radio, it also happens to be one of the catchiest songs on the album — imagine if Oasis were sort of cheerful.
That perky sound is also evident in the album's first single, "The Death of You and Me," to which Gallagher's lilting vocals lend a cheeky feel. The song features a veritable orchestra, with a musical saw and a brass band playing in the background.
It's hard not to think of the family drama playing out in the Gallagher household when Noel Gallagher sings, "Forever we'd be free/Free to spend our whole lives running/From people who would be/The death of you and me." Does anyone else think that's a thinly veiled reference to his sibling?
"(I Wanna Live In a Dream In My) Record Machine" is another catchy yet somehow empty song. Though Noel Gallagher is capable of writing mass−friendly music and elegantly phrased lyrics, he lacks the appeal of a frontman — the glaring, the boisterous energy that Liam Gallagher brought to the table. Somehow, each song showcases this deficiency.
The most unique track on "High Flying Birds" is the house music−inspired "AKA … What a Life!" The track revolves around Gallagher's jazz−pop fusion piano riff. This song is lighthearted and fun, and it signifies to listeners that Gallagher seems to enjoy making music without his brother breathing down his neck and constantly swearing at him.
Gallagher's lyrics provide the primary contrast to Oasis' music; Noel was always the thinker of the Gallagher brothers, penning such songs as "Wonderwall." However, it seems Liam Gallagher may have been doing his brother a favor by holding him back, considering the questionable philosophy Noel puts forth in "Stop the Clocks": "What if I'm already dead/How would I know?"
"High Flying Birds" is a Gallagher album and will definitely appeal to anyone easily pleased by melodies and trumpets. However, anyone expecting another Oasis album sans one brother will likely be pleasantly surprised.
