Album Review: Liam Gallagher - 'As You Were'

William John Paul Gallagher returns with his debut solo effort 'As You Were'. Liam was propelled to fame in the 90s as the lead singer of Brit Pop pioneers Oasis. After three line ups, seven studio albums, and hundreds of punch-ups with brother Noel, Oasis disbanded in 2009. Liam didn't waste much time before getting the band (partially) back together, forming new outfit Beady Eye a couple of months later. The Beady Eye dream didn't last long however, and after two studio albums they called it a day 2014. Now, after much anticipation, Liam is back with his first venture as a solo artist.

The album opens with 'Wall of Glass'; a rip-roaring, blues inspired banger. Produced by Greg Kurstin (Adele, Foo Fighters, Ellie Goulding), it appears that Liam is pandering to a new fan-base as much as his old one. The man means business with a strong vocal, dynamic drum beats and a gospel backdrop enough to make any LG fan well up with joy. Unfortunately, the pace and promise is instantly slowed down courtesy of second track 'Bold'. It is in these slower, down-tempo tracks where the strain of the years can be heard in Liam's voice. Third track 'Greedy Soul' is essentially a Beady Eye rip-off, whilst 'For What It's Worth' could have been a 'Be Here Now' B-side. Oasis fans will find their most nostalgic moments here, as well as potentially the best verses on the whole album.

There are, thankfully, several moments of brilliance. 'You Better Run' gives us what Liam does best in the form of good old fashion Rock 'n' Roll. These more energetic tracks accompanied by heavier riffs (see also 'Greedy Soul' and 'I Get By'), allow his attitude and gravelly tone to take centre stage. The highlight of the entire record must be 'Come Back to Me'. Though his brother Noel could easily have written it, Liam's performance and vocal range remind us why he was lead singer of Oasis in the first place.

 For a debut album, Gallagher has delivered something that's arguably a little obvious. Even the standout tracks sound a bit too familiar and its unlikely that the nostalgia trip will fully satiate fans. With influences appearing to come almost exclusively from past Oasis records and The Beatles (shout out to Helter Skelter popping up on 'You Better Run'), you could be forgiven for wondering where the originality is in Liam's songwriting. As the album title suggests, it's back to basics for LG x.

6/10

Best track - Come Back To Me

Worst track - Chinatown

Listen to 'Wall of Glass' here

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