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Post by loris86 on Mar 4, 2015 15:22:30 GMT -5
riverman is my favourite...the album is great  too bad there isn't a poll here where everyone can rate their fav songs.. that would be interesting.. i guess riverman would be in the top spot |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2015 15:29:15 GMT -5
riverman is my favourite...the album is great too bad there isn't a poll here where everyone can rate their fav songs.. that would be interesting.. i guess riverman would be in the top spot Yeah, that would be interesting... The Right Stuff & While the Song Remains the Same are my top two at the moment... |
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Post by johnwesleyharding on Mar 4, 2015 17:28:32 GMT -5
At first couple listens, I am disappointed. There have been songs from the solo career that have grown on me and I am open to that possibility, however...
Riverman - Noel reportedly said the saxophone was killed by the 80s and I agree. This song does not dispute this statement. I'd only be shocked if the saxophonist did not have a ponytail. It's okay, but doesn't do anything for me. Sounds like a weaker Alone on the Rope.
In the Heat of the Moment - Some brilliant mad audiophile out there made a version from the instrumental removing the Na-Na-Nas and it allows this one to shine. Sounds great in the absence.
The Girl With the X-Ray Eyes - A tune with a distracting rhyme scheme. I was hopeful for this one being a psychedelic romp but found a syrupy/poppy throwaway.
Lock All the Doors - Prototypical oasis first single. It is everything I wanted Four Letter Word to be. Can't help but imagine the Liam snarl filling stadiums with this.
The Dying of the Light - The sound check version is so strong I worried this would overblow the melody like the polished versions of Stop the Clocks and I Wanna Live in a Dream (In My Record Machine), but no. Strongest track on the record and an instant classic for the Gallagher canon.
The Right Stuff - A duet with a lady. The blue-eyed soul you'd expect from Michael Bolton or Michael McDonald. Embarrassingly bad and a song I never thought Noel would record. The fucking saxophone...
While the Song Remains the Same - Noel can write songs like this in his sleep, by-product of his brilliance. Not my favorite. He has average tunes like this without appeal i.e. Magic Pie or Where Did It All Go Wrong? M'eh.
The Mexican - Very bad. Two songs this bad on one album is disconcerting. Nothing redeeming here: Wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah.
You Know We Can't Go Back - Very good pop song with the exuberance of Round Our Way. Still got it.
The Ballad of the Mighty I - Great single typical of the new direction. With so many big solos, I wonder why Mr. Marr's presence isn't felt more, but can't argue with the end result.
Honorable mention for Do the Damage - Grew on me quite quickly. I heard it was originally the album's lead track and while it doesn't not have to be first, 10 songs with many missteps warrants the addition of a great tune. Do the damage, kid.
Overall, too much of a Bowie influence for my taste. I only hope the deluxe edition with flesh out the total songs enough to disregard the five tracks I'll likely skip.
I'm sufficiently prepared to revise my review.
The Riverman grew on me quite quickly and something with hearing it and watching the swirling snow made for a magical moment. I think the saxophone is subtle but a nice addition.
While The Song Remains The Same also changed as I heard it more and with better sound quality. It is much better than the two aforementioned songs I compared it to.
I feel the same about everything else I wrote. Since The Mexican and The Right Stuff are so poor and they are the only tracks to emerge from the AA sessions, I am no longer pining to hear the indefinitely shelved album. I am quite certain the instrumentals to those two tracks will be good and look forward to that. Adding the tracks from the deluxe edition and Leave My Guitar Alone (which is the best song from the CY era) makes this a satisfying album. The King is dead. Long live the King.
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Post by matt on Mar 4, 2015 17:54:21 GMT -5
riverman is my favourite...the album is great too bad there isn't a poll here where everyone can rate their fav songs.. that would be interesting.. i guess riverman would be in the top spot Yeah, that would be interesting... The Right Stuff & While the Song Remains the Same are my top two at the moment... While The Sing Remains The Same is getting played A LOT from me over the past couple of days. Awesome awesome song. |
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Post by vespa on Mar 4, 2015 18:10:30 GMT -5
Dying of the light is the best song in years...its a classic
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Post by batfink30 on Mar 4, 2015 18:44:26 GMT -5
:-( CY is getting poor reviews from my Oasis loving friends. Most think it's poor.
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cosmos
Oasis Roadie
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Post by cosmos on Mar 4, 2015 18:47:23 GMT -5
Riverman is a great album opener. It has a great chorus and it achieves its purpose: call your attention and introducing the mood of what is coming later on. Like if it this song was all Chasing Yesterday in 5 minutes. Here, Noel uses a fresh approach to a song that could´ve ended up as a new version of Talk tonight. It´s incredible how long Noel took to bring new instruments into his songs. The saxophone totally fits this song and stands out throughout the album. It works as another voice, an invited artist that establishes its presence and makes the album its own. While EIOTR had an unnecessary and plastic epicness, Riverman shines for its simplicity. As people say, sometimes less is more and this is a good lesson for Noel.
In the heat of the moment, the first single turned out to be the weakest track in the album. In spite of the well-tailored production, it does not work. It seems like Noel and company worked hard to make a radio friendly tune and that is why there is some weird air of fakeness in it. If there is a HFB compilation album in the future, I am pretty sure this song wouldn´t be there if it wasn´t for his “single” status.
The girl with the x rays eyes is a total surprise. The lyrics are cool and he is actually telling a story. David Bowie´s influence is present all over the song as well as some hint to Stairway to heaven. At the same time, Noel explores his musicianship. He had never used such a weird chords progression. The Bb and G# in the Am key give the song this obscure atmosphere that makes is special. The solo is amazing as well. Along with the first track, TGWTXYE brings Noel back to the guitar solos arena he had us used to in Oasis´s first albums. Additionally, In the heat… is among two great and “experimental” songs and this position contributes to reduce its impact, if not its presence. This is what happens when Noel stops revisiting his own songs (TIOBI > TDOYAM and later on WAL >BOTMI) and borrows from other artists that are not the Beatles.
Probably what ITHOTM didn´t achieve, Lock all the doors does it quite good. It is the energetic number of the album´s first half. In contrast to the previous tracks, Lock all the doors represents Noel at his most traditional and sometimes missed sound: distorted guitars and heroic choruses. In spite of being such a good track, LATD doesn´t justify the twenty something years in the making. The verses are not that special, the production wasn´t difficult to deal with or even the whole song´s structure isn´t… I mean, there is some difference between the Let there be love we find in DBTT and the It´s a crime demo. Here, the chorus has no difference compared to the 1992 version. My point is, I don´t believe Noel revisited this song all over these years as he says. It could´ve been in any Oasis album and it definitely must have. Is it a coincidence that we learned about the 92 song at the same time Noel was in the studio recording CY? If not, he excels as a publicity agent.
It is interesting to note that in contrast to the previous album, the use of old songs here makes a good contribution. I mean, I prefer to listen to Oasis demos of Recording machine and Stop the clocks than the versions in HFB. While LATD sounds fresh, RM and STC sounded older than they actually were.
The fourth track has a special role I think: to reassure the listener he is playing a NG album. It is, the dying of the light is one of those songs that you know were written by Noel. Somehow, there is some talk tonight, wonderwall, don´t go away, if I had a gun familiarity here. Some of his songs really succeed in their most simple versions: an acoustic guitar and an emotional voice. That is why TDOFTL works better as an acoustic number. Though the production is good, fans will always enjoy it more stripped down (as it´s already happening). Weak point, this is Noel in his safe zone. Very safe.
From this point on, we get into the most interesting and outstanding part of the album. The next songs represent a step way up in Noel´s role as an artist. Let´s be honest, compared to other artists of his generations, NG had never developed a career as a risk taker artist, let alone an innovative one. You might accused me of blasphemy, but we find a more developed and finer artist in Damon Albarn or Thom York than in NG. Is that important? Probably no, but what he proposes in the second part of CY refreshes NG´s career somehow. The right stuff is not the space jazz promised some months ago, much less it is not a song that explores new terrains in the name of artistry. It simply is a well-crafted tune by a songwriter who has departed from his orthodox ideas on music and dismiss of artistic effort and brainy music. As we already know, this song was created after the failed AA sessions and it gives us an idea of what that album could have sounded like. Had you ever imagined Noel sharing lead vocals with a woman in any of his songs? No, right? Well, here the experiment works tremendously well. And as for what NG and Oasis are about, the song doesn´t hurt their reputation as rock pop artists. Indeed, it reinforces Noel´s position as one of the most appealing British entertainers. Again, the sax was such a great choice.
As for While the song remains the same, I love this track. For moments sounds like something written by and X&Y Coldplay. It is like the young sister to Falling down, but prettier and more sincere than is older sibling. What work in these two last tracks are some little details. Following the FD comparison, Noel finally escapes from his Tomorrow never knows drumming obsession or that pounding rhythm so obscenely used in the HFB album (DO, TDOYAM, SBAJF, Wrong beach) plus Lyla, LDSMD and the unreleased She must be one of us. The drums here make a great job. I´m pretty sure TRS and WTSRTS do to CY what probably Alone in the rope would´ve made to HFB if it hadn´t been left out of the album. These tunes are so moody and their atmosphere is quite… sexy?
Then comes a nice and solid track: The Mexican. Though simple, it is enjoyable and sets the rock feeling in the album along with LATD. It takes us out of the chill out state of mind induced by the previous tracks. The riff is nice, its constant presence doesn´t sicken anyone. Actually it sounds kind of Beady eye-esque with those air instruments in the background. Sadly for this track, it is next to You know we can´t go back. This song is Noel playing homage to U2. Why has this song became a favorite and instant classic? One of the most attractive features in Oasis and in Noel´s work was this mix between optimistic and sing-along melodies. You know we… seems to announce the sun is rising, a better way is possible ahead, not back. While the album title could imply a longing for the past, this track calls for a better and optimistic future. The magic of this album.
Here lies a contradiction. Up to this point, the album´s best moments are those in where Noel has put some effort in broadening his sound, but now it is his most traditional and old qualities that contribute to make this album such a good one. This is something that absolutely lacked in the first HFB album (it sounds like Noel in his classicism period, which ranges from DBTT to that point) but it is welcomed and celebrated here. And this is the most brilliant aspect of CY: a great blend of orthodoxy and experiment, the best of the past and a bright glimpse of what future might bring.
Finally we find the Ballad of the mighty I, which is not a ballad at all. Once more, Noel is playing with some weird chords progressions compared to his own standards (he is so used to an Em-D structure, sometimes changing the key with the help of a capo but keeping the same progression). This is without a doubt the big sister to WAL, more epic of course. Johnny Marr is there but is a minor presence if we take in consideration the contribution made by the feminine voices and the sax in the album, the real “feat.” in it.
In summary, as I said in the beginning, I think CY is a refreshing work for Noel. He might not be reinventing music at all and he will never do so. As limited has his musicianship is, he is still a quality entertainer and one that keeps attracting people´s attention. In CY he shows at least a bigger commitment to his career than it seems at first look (look at all the interviews about laziness and careless vision on his music) and that he is capable of surprising his own fans. I think this album is better than the last one since it has the best of NG as a songwriter. While he restrained himself in High flying birds following his own formulas and bias, in CY we get some of what I assume were very “out there” experiments in the AA sessions. And it really works.
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Post by ETrilk on Mar 4, 2015 21:36:13 GMT -5
There is McCartney bass and Harrison circa White Album guitar all over this thing.
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Post by Lennon2217 on Mar 4, 2015 21:42:23 GMT -5
I don't know about you guys but I'm still really digging "In The Heat of The Moment".
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Post by The Crimson Rambler on Mar 4, 2015 21:49:49 GMT -5
I don't know about you guys but I'm still really digging "In The Heat of The Moment". A lot of people seem to rank the song as one of the weakest on the album, but it stands out as one of the higher points of the album for me. Spot on choice for a single. Hmm... will do a short review soon. |
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Post by Lennon2217 on Mar 4, 2015 21:52:33 GMT -5
I don't know about you guys but I'm still really digging "In The Heat of The Moment". A lot of people seem to rank the song as one of the weakest on the album, but it stands out as one of the higher points of the album for me. Spot on choice for a single. Hmm... will do a short review soon. To me the song just sounds so modern, especially considering its a Noel Gallagher tune. I also love the way he sings it. Very strong and powerful. Noel's come a long way vocally since 1994.  |
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Post by leak4ever on Mar 4, 2015 22:33:51 GMT -5
A lot of people seem to rank the song as one of the weakest on the album, but it stands out as one of the higher points of the album for me. Spot on choice for a single. Hmm... will do a short review soon. To me the song just sounds so modern, especially considering its a Noel Gallagher tune. I also love the way he sings it. Very strong and powerful. Noel's come a long way vocally since 1994. If you ever get the chance to sing it in a karaoke place, you should definitely try it. So easy to sing and it's glorious when you shout "...the moooorrree that you wannit". Can't wait to duet this with Noel at Budokan. |
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Post by matt on Mar 4, 2015 22:45:38 GMT -5
I don't know about you guys but I'm still really digging "In The Heat of The Moment". A fun tune, it doesn't try to be anything else. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2015 23:00:10 GMT -5
I've got to know this album really well since the leak so it's time for a proper review. I'm just going to type my thoughts while listening to it through again. RivermanIt doesn't sound like Wonderwall at all. A great opener for the album and one of the best songs that Noel's written in many years. The guitar solo is brilliantly fluid, combining elements of Santana and Dave Gilmour, which fades beautifully into the sax interlude before the groove starts up again. A sign of great things to come for the album and Noel certainly showing he doesn't need a professional producer. I know Noel said it sounds like a song from a smoky jazz room in '63 but this is actually one of the most modern sounding songs he's released. In The Heat Of The MomentThe first song any of us heard from the album and when I listened to it with virgin ears in November, I was apprehensive about the album; I thought it sounded slightly bland and I hoped that album wouldn't follow the same pattern as the song. It has grown on me since and was a good choice for a single. Even though the 'nananas' are somewhat jarring, the song does have interesting elements sonically, not to mention a massive sing-along chorus. This is sure to be a standout live. The Girl With X-Ray EyesVery Bowie-esque as countless people have said. I've gone through periods of not really 'getting' this song and then suddenly really enjoying it. Some of the lyrics are a bit ropey but the chord progressions are euphoric at times, especially in the chorus. Lock All The DoorsI don't care if Liam's not singing it; it sounds absolutely rocking! Three chords and heavy distortion. That was the sound of Oasis during the glory years. That combined with an upbeat tempo and another huge sing-along chorus make this the prefect live song. The guitar solo sends me straight on a trip down nostalgia avenue, although if I had one complaint it would be that the vocal is slightly too low in the mix. The Dying Of The LightOf all the Wonderwall reincarnations, this is my favourite. I was underwhelmed after hearing the soundcheck version but still had high hopes for something really special. It doesn't suffer the same fate as 'If I Had A Gun' in terms of its production. On the contrary, the full band setting of this brings it to life in a way that an acoustic version could not. The combination of piano, acoustic guitar and the few other instruments I can't quite make out in the background just works perfectly. The lead guitar break manages to sound so familiar and yet so original at the same time and the lyrics are clearly heartfelt. The Right Stuff
One of my favourites. It's easy to pass over the lyrics on this song but there are some excellent lines in here. The bass line is groovy and drives the song along with the jazzy drumming. With a bass clarinet and a guitar that is reminiscent once again of Pink Floyd, this is like no other Noel Gallagher song we've heard. Then the vocal combination of Noel and Joy kicks in and we're treated to silky smooth singing, with an infectious refrain of "You and I got the right stuff." Add a saxophone into the mix and you've entered full jazz mode. When Noel eventually belts out "when your heart gets shattered", the goosebumps really start to show themselves, at which point we're treated to yet another guitar solo; they were sorely missed on his last record. Soon afterwards, all the instruments swell and then seem to explode in one giant musical orgasm. While The Song Remains The SameFading in from The Right Stuff, we hear an ambient glassy like synth and then the song kicks in with a simple yet memorable guitar progression. The lyrics contain a certain nostalgic tone and this comes across in the vocal delivery. Again, there are subtly interesting guitar parts which are low down in the mix here. A guitar solo that seems to fit perfectly the lyrical tone of the song bridges the chorus and the final verse nicely. Not an absolute standout for me but a very strong song nonetheless. The MexicanThe only track that I would consider to be filler on the album. Some questionable lyrics and a riff that doesn't really take off until the second chorus. In stark contrast to the 'nananas' of "In The Heat Of The Moment", I find the 'wah-wahs' hugely enjoyable, right before a guitar lick that is my favourite part of the song. I understand why it's on the album and it serves its purpose well. You Know We Can't Go BackA fast paced catchy pop song, which reverts to a more typical Noel Gallagher style. It's similar to Lock All The Doors in that it could easily be on an Oasis record. The chorus is memorable and uplifting while holding a certain longing tone in both its music and lyrics. There's no doubt it will be a live favourite and has a strong case to be a summer single. Ballad Of The Mighty IThe biggest grower on the album for me. The piano fades nicely from the previous track and kicks off with a pulsating bass line, somewhat reminiscent of 'AKA...What A Life!'. A surprising chord change shifts the mood and changes the dynamic from melancholic to euphoric in the blink of an eye and suddenly we find ourselves in the middle of a typically grandiose Noel Gallagher chorus. We get our first taste of Johnny Marr with his jangling guitar that is just quiet enough to avoid being overpowering. Even though the song follows the same pattern for over five minutes, it does not feel like it's dragging on in the slightest. The album's final guitar solo sounds tonally like no other on this album, possibly down the choice of guitar. Once again, the chord change pushes this song onto another level emotionally, leaving us with Marr's final contribution: a simple sounding, yet devilishly tricky guitar refrain that fades out behind a wall of strings, drawing the album perfectly to a close. Because this was released a few weeks prior to the album, it's easy to forget just how great a song this is. Overall ThoughtsThis is better than any post-2000 Oasis album and is a far more ambitious attempt than his eponymous debut. Whilst many of the songs maintain the melodies and chord structures that we've come to expect from Noel, the production and the instrumentation is unlike anything he has previously attempted. The runtime is perfect, finding the balance between leaving the listener satisfied without feeling bored or yearning for more. I can't remember that last album that I've replayed so much over only a couple of weeks. If I were pushed to give it a score I would say 8.7/10. tl;dr The album's fucking great and you're a lazy bastard! |
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Post by Lennon2217 on Mar 5, 2015 12:32:01 GMT -5
"Deluxe Bonus Tracks"
Do The Damage
We all first got a brief glimpse of this track on the documentary for the "High Flying Birds" album. Glad it finally surfaced on this album cycle! Could it have been on the album? Sure. Did it need to be on the album? Probably not. I personally love the tempo and swagger of the song. I hope Noel performs this live at some point. Loads of energy to go around. This song would not have sounded out of place on "Dig Out Your Soul". It gives me a strong "The Turning", "The Shock of The Lightning" and "Come On Outside" vibe. I wonder when the song was written? Wouldn't shock me to learn it is from around that period in time.
Revolution Song
AKA..........."Solve My Mystery". Every Oasis fan has had this track living on their computer since it leaked with the SOTSOG demos back in early 2000. Not sure which arrangement I prefer but I know I am happy to have them both!!! A long time ago, I once feared that a potential Noel solo career would only sound like songs like "Revolution Song", "Carry Us All", "Just Getting Older" and "One Way Road". Glad that in not the case and Noel's songwriting has much variety to it.
Freaky Teeth
Another song many of us have been desperately waiting for since Noel first talked about it in the fall of 2008 as his "James Bond" tune. It definitely has that feel. Not sure a Hollywood producer would ever ring Noel up in 2015 to compose one but hey.......you never know. This track could have easily been on "High Flying Birds" for me after "AKA...What A Life!". Would have given that album another "proper" rocker which I think it really needed when looking back on it three years later. I'm also surprised Noel never released it as a stand alone single or EP while on the High Flying Birds tour. I know we got the crappy demo recording for the live Blu Ray but the song probably deserved a better fate than deluxe bonus track in 2015. At least we finally got the thing after all these years!!!!!! Victory for us!!!
In the Heat of the Moment (Remix)
This Toydrum remix by some of the U.N.K.L.E. guys is excellent. Very different from previous Oasis/Noel electronic remixes. I love the pulsating beats. It has always reminded me (especially the beginning) of a song U2 might have created during their infamous "POP" album sessions. We've heard early rumors of Noel releasing a remix EP down the road. Hopefully more tracks like this would appear on it. I've always LOVED when Noel embraces his inner electronica side.
Leave My Guitar Alone
A true throw away type song but boy it is a fun listen. When first hearing the title it sounded fake and a dig at Oasis' demise in that Paris dressing room back in August 2009. It has to my ears a very Plastic Ono Band feel to it. I love the way Noel sings it, very light with plenty of space between all the instruments bouncing around. A nice little treat to have in my iTunes collection. Nothing more, nothing less.
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Post by drhumbert on Mar 5, 2015 14:39:48 GMT -5
Riverman 8/10
In The Heat Of The Moment 8/10
The Girl With X-Ray Eyes 8/10
Lock All The Doors 6/10
The Dying Of The Light 8/10
The Right Stuff 7/10
While The Song Remains The Same 7/10
The Mexican 6/10
You Know We Can't Go Back 6/10
Ballad Of The Mighty I 10/10
The jury is still out on a few of the tracks but I feel this is pretty much my final opinion. Album takes a dive for me about halfway through. The problem with the album for me is that there aren't too many songs on it that I feel compelled to listen to. Never sinking into mediocrity but never hitting that much highs.
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Post by saf211 on Mar 6, 2015 18:56:41 GMT -5
I'm a little late to this party, but I didn't listen to the leak and just got the album this week. I wanted to give it a few spins before I put down my thoughts. So here goes:
Riverman (9/10)
First listen, good song. Second listen, great song. Third listen, wow. I love the chorus, the sax, the solos, everything. The verses start a little slow, but otherwise excellent song.
In the Heat of the Moment (8/10)
I've liked this from the beginning. The nananana's don't bother me. Love the bells and the bass. Will be great to sing along live.
The Girl with X-Ray Eyes (9/10)
Noel has mentioned in interviews that songs sometimes are 'instant.' Well that was the case for me with this one. As soon as it started playing, I loved it. The guitar, the lyrics, the melody...I don't mind that it doesn't have a big sing-along chorus.
Lock all the Doors (7.5/10)
This one grew one me. I liked it somewhat at first, but now I enjoy it. Great to sing along to.
The Dying of the Light (9/10)
Loved it from the time of the demo. Although based on reading others, the production wasn't what I was expecting, but I like it a lot. Love the addition of the piano and the backing vocals. The only reason it isn't higher rated is that it's about a minute too long.
The Right Stuff (8/10)
I like the different direction and the ethereal vibe to this song. The backing vocals are great too. Love to just sit in the car on the commute home and let this play.
While the Song Remains the Same (6/10)
This one is just not clicking for me. I love the lyrics, but the melody just doesn't do it for me. Funny enough, if this were on an Oasis album and one of the few Noel-sung tracks (like Part of the Queue, Falling Down), I think I would appreciate it more. But in an album full of Noel songs, it's just ok.
The Mexican (7/10)
This one is growing on me. Love the guitar riff, don't mind the silly lyrics. It's gone up from a 5/10 after a few listens.
You Know We Can't Go Back (9.5/10)
I absolutely love this song. It's energy is so uplifting and infectious. Very excited to hear this one live. My current favorite on the album.
Ballad of the Mighty I (9/10)
Love the bass on this and how intricate it is. Very well done song and a great closer.
Overall 8.5/10
I like the album a lot, I think it's better than NGHFB (7.5/10). The production is great, so many instruments, the guitar solos, the backing vocals. Great album.
The B-Sides
Do the Damage (7.5/10)
Revolution Song (9/10) Great improvement on the demo
Freaky Teeth (7.5/10)
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Post by Jgrp on Mar 8, 2015 5:43:44 GMT -5
I've only got it yesterday (first time ever I've not bought on release day)
On first listen You Know We Can't Go Back is my fave but need to listen more yet
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Post by beentherenow on Mar 8, 2015 11:45:42 GMT -5
Thought I'd give this album 5 entire listens and wait until I'd seen it live before reviewing
I won't go into too much detail but overall I'm very disappointed. I wasn't one of the many who listened to the leak but I did read people's comments on here so my expectations were quite high based on them and it doesn't even get close to meeting them
Riverman was the one I was looking forward to the most and I must be hearing a different song to everyone else because it's decent but nothing more. Wasn't there a thread saying it's in Noels top 10 ever songs?? It's not even in HFB top 10! I like the Floyd vibes but the core of the song is quite weak for me. The singles are so-so, I love the Dying of the Light and Girl with the X-Ray eyes. The Mexican sounds like a mid-Phonics era ripoff, lock all the doors sounds exactly like what is is, a DM era castoff and I can't even remember the names of the others which sums them up
I was a let down by the debut and after listening to this initially thought it was a step up but subsequent listens have change my mind and I actually think whilst the production is better the songs are weaker
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Post by shoreline on Mar 8, 2015 15:06:31 GMT -5
I didn't listen to the album from the leak, from itunes, amazon or spotify or whatever. I waited for my deluxe edition to arrive in my mailbox, so I've only had the album since thursday. I feel ready to try doing a review of it now. And remember: if you think I'm being too negative with the ratings, try to think about what rating you would give Live Forever or Slide Away. Is the song that good?
Riverman
I know people are probably gonna hate me for this, but I don't get what's so amazing about Riverman. Nice intro and outro, decent chorus. The saxophone sounds good and the song has a comfortable atmosphere. It's a good song, but it's not really doing that much for me at the moment. Also it's a bit long for a opening track. It's slowly growing on me a bit like BOTMI, but for now it's not an amazing track for me. Just good. Give me some more time to listen to it and I'll probably like it more. 6/10
In the Heat of the Moment
This is weird. But after listening to the song on youtube for countless times, the song didn't sound as great as I first thought it was. But then after listening to it in the context of the album, it has started to grow on me again. Love the groove, the guitar arpeggios... Love Stacey's drumming on this track. That little thing with the second guitar in the background on the verses is a cool detail too. It's got a decent chorus, not great, but it works. It will probably sound even better live. The structure of the song, the arpeggios and everything help the last choruses really soar. Great production, bass-heavy and Noel's vocals sound great with the perfect balance between clear and distorted. Still, the almost false-sounding and teasing nanana's is not a good thing, and some of the lyrcs sound a bit bland (besides the opening line "they tell me you've touched the face of god / at the sound of the rope cracking at your neck"). 7/10
The Girl With the X-Ray Eyes
Interesting track, with a decent chorus (musically) and some good instrumentation. It has some poor lyrics though. The rhymes with "she shot me to the sun / like a bullet from a gun / and when the deed was done / in the morning she was gone" seem pretty lazy. And is he talking about sex with the deed-line? If so, what a weird word to use. Makes me cringe a bit. Actually like how it sounds when he sings that "we gathered pearls and swine" though, I can't really say why. 6/10
Lock All The Doors:
Noel doesn't have a rock 'n' roll voice, but he still does a great job here. What a fantastic song! The first verse is the best part; "She wore a star shaped-tambourine / prettiest girl I've ever seen", the lyrical rytm of those two lines along with the music is just awesome. Really reminds me of Morning Glory, just with better mixing and audio quality. Strong songwriting. It also brings much needed energy to the album and speeds things up. The chorus is great for a sing-along, without being mindblowing lyrically. The guitar solo is perfect. One of the albums two strongest tracks. 9/10
The Dying of the Light:
Don't misunderstand me, I really love TDOTL. But the album version doesn't sound right to me. I would much more prefer that it was more similar to the acoustic version he did for RTÉ 2fm, which I think is truly amazing. The drum beat is way too loud and dominant in the song, and Noel's singing seems to follow that instead of the melody from the guitar. The lyrics are amazing though, some of the best Noel has done in a long time; "Man I was told / the streets were paved with gold / and there'd be no time for getting old / when we were young" And "it's alright, if you dance with me tonight / we'll fight the dying of the light, and we'll catch the sun". The guitar solo is also really good. 7,5/10
The Right Stuff:
My first listens to this song left a pretty positive impression on me. Lots of small details, a comfortable atmosphere, good bass guitar lines giving it a nice groove. After listening to it several times though I don't like it that much anymore. The guitar solo is not a favorite of mine. Not a strong melody. Nice pre-chorus. The chorus is a bit boring in the long run, and the song is a little bit too long. The backing vocals from that woman is pretty nice though, and the outtro is very cool. 6,5/10
While the Song Remains the Same:
I really love this song, and it has been the biggest grower on the album. Reminds me a bit of Falling Down. First I didn't notice it and thought it was just one of the better tracks, but now I think it's almost genius. I just love the line where he sings "hold that thought, don't let me go / we can dance beneath the fireflies on an empty road". I can imagine it in my head when he sings that line. Just beautiful. Wonderful instrumentation, so many brilliant details that you can listen to the song over and over again and notice new things. Strong songwriting. The guitar solo in the middle is brilliant. Amazing vocals. Noel's best song in several years. 9,5/10
The Mexican:
At first this sounds a bit like a worse version of a Beady Eye song, maybe Wind Up Dream or something. Is saved by a pretty good second half, the backing vocals and the lead guitar and everything makes it sound really good and rocking. Also does a decent job in the contect of the album giving some energy. 6/10
You Know We Can't Go Back:
In my first listens to this song it was my favorite along with Lock All Doors. Really shakes things up again, great energy. The lyrics of the chorus is a bit too simple in the long run to be that inspiring though, and the fact that it has almost the same beat all the way trough makes it a bit monotonous. Still a great track, should've closed the album. 8/10
Ballad of the Mighty I:
Not one of my favorites, but it has grown on me. Not the typical Noel Gallagher song, but it's interesting. Love the disco beat of it, and the bass line is pretty cool. I like the lyrics, and the backing vocals on the verse after the first chorus is just wonderful. Still have the feeling that it teases a chorus that doesn't stand out as much. Don't think the chorus is that good, to begin with it sounds more like a pre-chorus, but when he repeats it in the second half of the song I feel like I can get more into it and like it. Don't think the guitar solo in the middle of the song is that amazing, but I really like the outtro thing that Marr plays. The strings also sound nice. 7/10
Overall rating: 7,25/10
Extra tracks:
Do The Damage:
This song has actually grown on me, at first I didn't like it at all. The energy would've shaken things a bit on the album with all the mid-tempo tracks. The saxophone solo is pretty good. Still, it sounds like several songs Noel has written already, just not as good. The repeated piano note reminds me of Dig Out Your Soul, but is a bit annoying. 6,5/10
Revolution Song:
I really like this song, but I get why it wouldn't fit in stylistically on the album. But it's an welcome meeting with what feels like a real oasis song, not a HFB-song. Brilliant production and mixing. Nice backing vocals. 7,5/10
Freaky Teeth:
Much better than the terrible demo version, but not as good as the live version. Lacks Rowe's organ/keyboard magic which really makes the song become the brilliant crazy James Bond-House-Of-The-Rising-Sun thing it is. It still is really great, though it doesn't quite have the same energy as the live-version. Could have been included on the album. 7,5/10.
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Post by AdidasNG72 on Mar 14, 2015 3:26:44 GMT -5
I'm still not sure on this album. There are a few tracks I really love - Lock All the Doors, You Know we can't go Back and Revolution Song. But I guess I love these because they sound like old Oasis again to me, old Oasis from their heyday in the 90's.
Other songs I quite like are the 2 singles released.
But the rest I am struggling with. I like the Riverman sax, but the chorus isn't particularly catchy. Likewise, the rest of the songs to me almost come across as rather drab, plodding and lifeless.
I appreciate Noel has moved on from Oasis, but I guess I haven't, and I still yearn for more songs like Lock all the Doors. I still want to feel uplifted by Noel's songs, still want to feel that it is party time, go out and celebrate, anthem stadium rockers, orchestras an' all.
I think Noel has lost his ability to write a decent chorus. Lock all the Doors sounds unique on the album, because it has such a catchy chorus, but again, this was a song from a long time back when Noel could write those kinds of songs.
Judging the last few Oasis albums, and Noel's first solo album, I don't think he has it in him anymore to write the kinds of songs I love - The Fame, I got the Fever, Stay Young, I hope I think I know, Step Out and Some Might Say.
I guess I'm trapped in a timewarp.....
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Post by icebreath on Mar 14, 2015 3:43:40 GMT -5
I think Noel has lost his ability to write a decent chorus. Lock all the Doors sounds unique on the album, because it has such a catchy chorus, but again, this was a song from a long time back when Noel could write those kinds of songs.
Unfortunately, that is true. He's not writing great choruses like he used to. In this album the songs with catchy chorus are less. Only Lock All The Doors, The Girl With X-Ray Eyes and In The Heat of The Moment have. Thus the luck of a mega hit like What A Life was. |
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Post by Mean Mrs. Mustard on Mar 14, 2015 4:30:22 GMT -5
I don't mind the fact that most songs on CY don't have big sing along choruses, because I feel most songs on there don't need it.
I was underwhelmed with Riverman as well. I got so excited about that one, but when I heard it I thought it was just alright. However I do think it wouldn't benefit from a big chorus, because of it's mood
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Post by batfink30 on Mar 14, 2015 5:01:57 GMT -5
I was watching a Noel interview from the other day and he said when he was in Oasis he felt the need to write "Stadium rock" I'd assume that meant big choruses etc. CY is a more swirly melodic album, it doesn't need it. I'd say theres a few powerful choruses on NGHFB like EOTR and Dream On etc. The funny thing is people would be saying he's not "moving on" if he was still writing Stadium rock with giant choruses. I think we need something more refrained and though out now from him which CY seems to be starting, it's quite a mature and thought out release.
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Post by AdidasNG72 on Mar 14, 2015 5:41:32 GMT -5
I was watching a Noel interview from the other day and he said when he was in Oasis he felt the need to write "Stadium rock" I'd assume that meant big choruses etc. CY is a more swirly melodic album, it doesn't need it. I'd say theres a few powerful choruses on NGHFB like EOTR and Dream On etc. The funny thing is people would be saying he's not "moving on" if he was still writing Stadium rock with giant choruses. I think we need something more refrained and though out now from him which CY seems to be starting, it's quite a mature and thought out release. I do get the whole `Noel isn't moving on' thing if his new album was full of tracks like Lock all the Doors, and that he hasn't matured, and stuck in the past writing stadium rock numbers.
But unfortunately this is kind of stuff I loved about Noel's songwriting. It's why I became a huge Oasis fan, and its ultimately what I am still looking for, and still expect, when I hear something from the man who once wrote huge numbers like Rock n Roll Star, Live Forever, Some Might Say, Stand By Me and DYKWIM.
I don't care if the album would get criticised, if Noel got criticised for writing such songs. Hell, he gets criticised even now for trying to move away, mature and depart from his past, and write songs that sound very different from Oasis, so what's the difference? He'll be slated regardless.
At least he would be writing stuff which would unite the fans together again, and would be a record the public would love, even if the critics didn't, instead of writing drab, offbeat tracks that are trying desperately to be different from what he has done before. It's about time Noel stopped trying to depart from where he came from, and go back to what he's best at. I get the impression there is still a rock star inside Noel trying to get out, and deep down he would still prefer to write songs like Supersonic and Cigarettes & Alcohol, even if it sounded old and dated, but he is now too afraid to anymore, instead trying desperately to please the critics, and prove that he has matured as a songwriter, which in many respects he has. It's just that I don't like what he has matured into.
I get the impression many die-hard fans are trying to like the new album because it's Noel Gallagher, and cannot bring themselves round to the idea that he could be losing it, so will accept anything he does, even if its not a patch on the stuff he was once famous for.
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Nov 4, 2024 5:04:30 GMT -5
Nov 4, 2024 5:04:30 GMT -5