Musical Icon: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

I’ve 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. 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.’ ‘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.

‘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 ‘Who Built the Moon,’ 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

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.’

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. His solo career is a testament to his artistry and his ability to continually evolve while staying true to his roots.