Raise Your Hands…

So it’s here. The eagerly awaited album from Liam Gallagher and John Squire. Two Manchester legends on one record, ten songs from the front man of one Britains biggest bands and the genius guitar player of a band that should have become one of Britain’s biggest bands.

Fans had a taste for this record with the two singles, the hit and miss ‘Just Another Rainbow’ and the brilliant ‘Mars to Liverpool.’ So how does the rest of the album fare. 

There’s moments of brilliance, ‘Mars to Liverpool’ is one of the best things either has done for a long time. A tribute to the Fab Four done by two legends from just down the M62. Squires guitar work is brilliant and Liam’s vocal has nods of early Oasis. ‘Love you Forever’ has a touch of the Hendrix and some snarling lyrics, which may or may not be about a certain Mr Noel Gallagher. ‘I’m so Bored’ has a certain touch of The Stone Roses with a glam stomp, this is a real highlight of the album. 

My personal favourite is ‘You’re Not the Only One.’ I think this song showcases them at their very best, Liam is on top form, and the guitar work from John Squire wraps everything together. The keyboards on this track really make it to.

‘I’m A Wheel.’ Is quite a bluesy affair, it reminds in terms of instrumentation anyway of something from Stereophonics 2003 album ‘You Gotta Go There to Come Back. ‘Just Another Rainbow’s’ lyrics are a real let down, it had potential but those lyrics really stop the momentum.

‘Mother Nature’s Song’ is one of Liam’s best vocals in the past few decades, it’s a song indebted to the 60s, even in its title. Almost a direct imitation of The Beatles ‘Mother Nature’s Son’.

Some of the songs are let down lyrically, but there’s a variety of songs here. Oasis and Stone Roses fans will be pleased with what they’ve offered. Liam has got to make a record with one of the men who inspired him to form a band. Squire also rekindled his love for music, after an injury that made him think he might never play guitar again.

Listen it’s not as good as The Stone Roses or Oasis but it was never going to be. There’s something here for people to enjoy. Even if the influences are direct and prominently displayed. This is firmly a Liam Gallagher and John Squire effort.

Thank you for reading x