When it comes to Noel Gallagher, the headlines tend to write themselves. Whether it be the Oasis reunion calls that’ll seemingly follow him to his grave, or contentious opinions on fellow musicians, the eldest Gallagher brother is never far from the news.
Speaking on his new album, the 56 year old said, “It’s going back to the beginning. Daydreaming, looking up at the sky and wondering about what life could be.” Taking that into consideration, as well as recording the whole album in the home of Manchester, it should paint a picture for fans of what to expect.
Often easy-going and smooth throughout its entire 48 minute playtime, opener I’m Not Giving Up Tonight feels like Noel wanted to welcome the listener in with a sheer feeling of optimism. “Keep dancing to the sound of the music” sings Gallagher with a feel-good tone in his voice. However, follow-up Pretty Boy sticks out as an almost track; it’s got the feeling of a long lost Oasis that somewhat lacks the grit you’d want from a song of its nature. Despite this, it does have Johnny Marr on lead guitar providing tidy licks and an extremely likeable chorus of yeah yeah yeah’s that’ll undoubedtly sound electric live.
Acoustic ballad Dead To The World makes an impressive shout for being the best song written post Oasis to the point where even Liam likes it. It does more than just reinstate Noel’s position as an incredible songwriter (in case anyone forgot), but also proves something else; he’s best with an acoustic guitar in his hands. What’s particularly impressive as well about the track is the vocal performance, with high notes being smashed whilst being elevated by strings as the song comes to its climax. If Noel’s solo career has done anything, it’s make everyone aware of just how good of a singer he is.
Single Easy Now and There She Blows! reminds everyone that Gallagher’s biggest influence is The Beatles, both possessing lush harmonies and ambiguous lyrics, “Where we’re going, no one knows”. Both songs as well as the title track also do a good job of injecting a sense of urgency into what has been a mostly soft but pleasant ride until now.
Think Of A Number has a nice tune with its guitar solos and punchy bass but it unfortunately never succeeds in justifying its near 6 minute length. Council Skies successfully ends, however, the same way it began with an ode to better times. Finisher We’re Gonna Get There In The End has everything you would want from a High Flying Birds song with its sentimental lyrics and mature songwriting; a strong finisher to what is an impressive return to form.
Council Skies finds its place neatly in Noel’s entire discography, and it’s likely that Oasis fans will find what they’ve been missing this past decade. Acoustic ballads take the stage, and Noel can only shine his brightest in years right at the centre of it.
Written by Niall McGreevy
