Who: Noel Gallagher joined brother Liam's Manchester band, formerly known as The Rain, in 1991. Such was his influence, Noel was given the nickname The Chief, ostensibly because it was his songs and guitar riffs that paved the way for the success of the band, soon to be known as Oasis. Its acclaimed 1994 debut album, Definitely Maybe, was outdone by sophomore effort (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, and third studio album Be Here Now, which became the fastest-selling album in UK chart history. In August 2009, following an altercation with his brother, Gallagher quit Oasis.
About the album: Two years on, Gallagher has come out with a solo album that sounds, well, a little like Oasis. If you can get past the overblown strings of opener Everybody's On the Run and the frequently inane lyricism, the occasional acoustic guitar flourish lifts this effort beyond ordinary and provides a reminder of Gallagher's talent for melody.
Highlight: Soldier Boys and Jesus Freaks.
For those who like: Hmm - Oasis?
