Musical Icon: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

I have already done a post on Noel's former band ‘Oasis,’ but his ‘High Flying Birds’ have played an important part in my musical journey, so it’s only fair I do a post about them too.
Oasis split in 2009. I was only 9 at the time, so the breakup didn’t really affect me, and I definitely wasn’t an Oasis fan back then. I discovered their music much later on, and with it, Noel’s solo work.

His solo albums have captivated me just as much as Oasis did, and all three have become mainstays in my record collection. His self-titled debut picked up where Oasis left off, featuring classics like ‘Everybody’s on the Run’ and ‘If I Had A Gun,’ while also hinting at a new direction with tracks like ‘AKA… What A Life.’ That album had an emotional depth and lyrical intimacy that felt uniquely personal, while still carrying echoes of Oasis’ larger-than-life anthems.

What makes this album so compelling is its versatility. It’s an album that manages to sound intimate yet cinematic, with lush arrangements that complement the heartfelt lyrics. ‘If I Had A Gun,’ for instance, is a love song that feels universal yet deeply personal, while the driving rhythm and pulsating energy of ‘AKA… What A Life’ showcase his willingness to embrace a more modern, electronic-inspired sound.

The album is a testament to Noel’s songwriting prowess, proving that he could stand firmly on his own after Oasis. It’s an album filled with ambition and confidence, setting the stage for the artistic risks and bold experimentation that would define his solo career.

‘Chasing Yesterday’ did the opposite of its title by delving into new territory, including the use of saxophones on tracks like ‘The Right Stuff,’ setting the stage for his audacious third album. It felt like Noel was willing to take more risks, both sonically and thematically, exploring uncharted areas of his musicality.

This album marked the first time Noel took on the role of sole producer, a decision that added a raw, unfiltered edge to the record. The songs feel like an unadulterated expression of his vision, with an eclectic mix of influences coming to the forefront. Tracks like ‘In the Heat of the Moment’ bring a sense of swagger and energy, while ‘Ballad of the Mighty I’ offers a poignant, soaring conclusion to the album, bolstered by Johnny Marr’s distinctive guitar work.

The inclusion of brass and jazz-inspired elements on tracks like ‘The Right Stuff’ and ‘Riverman’ showcased a newfound sophistication, blending his Britpop roots with a more expansive, almost cinematic sound. ‘Riverman,’ in particular, stands out for its intricate layering, with its bluesy guitar riff, smooth saxophone solo, and reflective lyrics that evoke a sense of longing.

Lyrically, the album also saw Noel exploring deeper emotional terrain. Themes of introspection, nostalgia, and personal growth weave through the record, creating a body of work that feels both intimate and ambitious. Songs like ‘While the Song Remains the Same’ and ‘The Dying of the Light’ reflect on time, loss, and resilience, offering listeners a glimpse into his evolving perspective as an artist and individual.

‘Who Built the Moon’ was a bold departure from anything he’d done before, drawing more from his collaborations with The Chemical Brothers than his Oasis roots. With this record, Noel ventured into uncharted territory, blending psychedelia, electronica, and even a touch of funk. It’s a sonic adventure that defies easy categorization but demonstrates his fearless creativity. Songs like ‘She Taught Me How to Fly’ and ‘Holy Mountain’ showcase a playful and imaginative side that was previously unexplored in his music. Tracks like ‘The Man Who Built the Moon’ push boundaries with their atmospheric soundscapes, proving that Noel’s ability to innovate shows no signs of waning.

I’ve seen Noel live five times, and while I might be in the minority, I attend his gigs as much to hear his solo material as I do to experience the iconic ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger.’ There’s something uniquely special about the energy in the room when Noel performs his solo tracks; they resonate differently but just as powerfully as the classics. I've seen him in a variety of settings, in Manchester at the re-opening of the arena, following the attack, in my hometown, at a Castle in Warwick and in arenas. His shows have always been amazing. True live highlights in my gig going journey.

Noel has played a significant role in my musical education. His solo records are albums I deeply love and treasure, and they’ve been instrumental in shaping my taste and appreciation for music. As a teenager I fell in love with Oasis, but it was Noel's solo career that allowed me to explore further. He alongside his brother opened musical doors for me, from my late teens into my early 20s.

Without them I wouldn't have delved deeper on The Smiths, The Jam, The Beatles, Bob Marley, U2, The Chemical Brothers, Blur, The Verve, Sex Pistols. I could go on. 

Thank you for reading 

Jack