Believe me I am not an oasis fan. Until about a month ago I had only heard their greatest hits like wonder wall and don't look back in anger wrote off noel Gallagher as an average songwriter who got lucky because he’s from a poor background and he could relate to the millions in Britain. But after deciding to make an impulse buy at my local record store I found definitely maybe to be a very good album, in fact a great album.
Their sound strangely reminds me of nirvana, that may sound weird but both bands have strong hard hitting instrumentation but with very strong melodies and pop hooks. Noel’s sense of melody almost matches Kurt Cobain’s in terms of pure catchiness. Now I’m going to be getting on with reviewing the songs, remember Gallagher wrote them all, an admirable feat.
1. ROCK 'N' ROLL STAR
This gets the album of a good start and sets the scene very well. The belief in Liam’s voice as he sing "I’m a rock and roll star" is uplifting and the fast paced guitars keep the song zooming along the rock and roll track. A great track that shows what oasis is about and how they’re going to show it.
4/5
2. SHAKERMAKER
Anyone see the cola advert where there all singing on the hill? This song is an obvious rip off but to be honest who really cares. The lyrics are great everyone has a psychedelic groove to it. When Liam sings "shake along with me" he’s not asking he’s demanding. Also noel did a great job on writing the guitar parts
5/5
3. LIVE FOREVER
Look up classic in the dictionary and this will appear. Everything from the opening drum beat to the last eerie guitar chord inspires you to live. The chorus is epic and begs you to sing-along. Also there is something here that is lacking in other oasis songs, a hint of melancholy. The desperation in Noels lyrics and Liam’s voice to succeed is astonishing.
5/5
4. UP IN THE SKY
Fast paced and high spirited, this song will drag you up from your hole in a hurry. The distorted riff carries on all the way through the song and holds the fabric of it together. However the high pitched vocals in the verses are overused and slightly annoy me towards the end of the song.
3.5/5
5. COLUMBIA
"I can't tell you the way I feel because the way I feel is oh so new to me" is the unashamedly pop line that echoes threw Columbia, keeping it catchy and interesting on the first listen but after about ten listens is can get kind of annoying. One of those songs that you will love but you'll quickly get sick of it, well at least I did anyway.
3.5/5
6. SUPERSONIC
An obvious choice for their first single because you’re hooked as soon as noel runs up and down his string with a pick and a heavily distorted guitar. This tune just oozes self confidence and even arrogance, mostly because of Liam’s masterful vocal performance. You probably don't need being told this but it’s a fantastic track
5/5
7. BRING IT ON DOWN
This is a weird one. It lacks the obvious sing-along melody that’s present in the other songs on this record, but what it may lacks in melody it makes up for in pure punkish brutality. This track will remind that oasis definitely is a true rock band and not just pop rock posers.
3.5/5
8. CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL
Liam’s snarling voice stands out in this track as a monument to his originality and talent. the epic of the other songs is multiplied in this track to an almost 'be here now' standard but it never overstretches itself and like always plays to its melodic strength. Defiantly one of the standout tracks on the album
5/5
9. DIGSY'S DINER
I’m not sure if this is a joke song or not but either way it still sounds kind of good. it contains the same catchiness that is so potent in the other songs but it’s also got a sense of humour and its very refreshing after songs like bring it on down and cigarettes and alcohol.
3/5
10. SLIDE AWAY
Why didn't they release this as a single? Anyway this song has the loveliness that is apparent in live forever and the repetition of the word slide away gives the song a compelling focus, that’s as if the chorus wasn't catchy enough. The brilliant emotion in Liam’s vocals is also a bonus.
4.5/5
11. MARRIED WITH CHILDREN
There’s a word that perfectly suits this song and that’s nice. It’s one of those that will make you think "awww" and it will make you want to smile, an ideal end song to a brilliant album.
If you have any doubts about noel Gallagher’s ability to write amazing songs or Liam’s ability to sing them, then buy this album and your doubts will be put to rest, buried in a deep hole and safely locked away.
