Noel Gallagher is synonymous with alternative rock – which isn’t surprising as he was former lead guitarist for Oasis.
Post-Oasis, High Flying Birds is his first solo project. This first venture is a veritable masterpiece that encompasses his subtle mastery of music – especially songs laced with an undertone of comfort, reminding you that everything will be okay.
Coupled with melancholic verse lines and euphoric choruses, this album is definitely a hit with both the younger and older crowd, even though his music is not outwardly cool – no flashy music videos laced with product placement, just songs filled with pure human emotion.
Soldier Boys and Jesus Freaks showcases Gallagher’s sentiments on the war in Iraq. While it features descending chord defiance, this song lifts your spirits – the underlying message of finding happiness during the toughest of times resonates throughout the song, as well as the rest of the album.
High Flying Birds also features a requisite song on young love through The Death of You and Me. The lyrics “I seem to spend my whole time running” seem to hint that love is a means of escapism. Even though the lyrics may seem superficial and cliche at times, the music makes up for it.
Plug in your headphones, close your eyes and go with Gallagher’s soothing vocals.