Oasis of musical talent never seems to dry up
If you thought Oasis was just another of rock’s has-beens, think again.
After critics deemed Be Here Now and Standing on the Shoulders of Giants massive disappointments, Oasis released the band’s sixth studio album Heathen Chemistry with hopes of returning to its former glory. With Noel Gallagher now sober and the brothers immersed in fatherhood, it seems Oasis has finally gotten its head problems sorted and is ready to focus on its music. Brother Liam has followed suit, giving up the alcohol and rededicating himself to the band, and new recruits, guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell, add a ‘gifted musicians’ point of view to the new sound.
This album salvages the broken pieces of the Oasis jigsaw to deliver a laid back, straight-up rock ‘n’ roll sound minus the pompous rumblings of a band too focused on living the life of a rock star. Noel, the artist behind most of the bandÃiacute;s previous work, has now stepped out of the limelight to allow input from all members of the band, including his younger brother Liam, who writes and sings a few of the album tracks. Six out of the 11 tracks are Noel’s work and include album opener and UK No. 1 single “The Hindu Times,” a cheery crowd-jumping rock tune based around a simple guitar riff which resembles the Stereophonic’s “Same Size Feet.” The line “Cos’ God gave me a soul in my rock ‘n’ roll band” shows the band’s new faith in itself, while other tunes like “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” compare to the likes of “Wonderwall.” “Probably All in the Mind” sounds as psychedelic as the Sgt. Pepper generation, and “Little By Little” has the potential to be a hit, despite weak lyrics.
Liam scribbles down three tracks, and his arrogance is still as dominant as ever, even proclaiming his work to be as good as the Beatles’. Liam’s voice on “Songbird,” written about his former girlfriend, has him sounding very much like John Lennon, and his other songs, “Born on a Different Cloud” and “Better Man,” are definite stand out tracks, with a clear Beatles influence.
Surprisingly one of the best songs on this album is Gem Archer’s “Hung in a Bad Place,” an electric guitar-blazing, drum-thumping anthem that reminds true Oasis fans of the Definitely Maybe era.
Oasis may not be back in full force, but they are back in style, selling out three dates at London’s Finsbury Park in early June. Although not a stellar buy at the record store, this album improves with every listen, and is a must-buy for any fan of the boys from Liverpool.
