The Gallagher brothers are back (!!!!). After 3 years of absence from the scene, the two grumpy smurfs of rock return with an album that's up to par with "Definitely Maybe," a record full of creative (and lively) ideas compared to the latest releases from the Mancunian band ("Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants" and "Heathen Chemistry" leave, aside from "The Hindu Times," QUITE a bit to be desired).
As usual, the controversies were not missing and the first single "Lyla" certainly did not help to completely dispel them. Too similar to the old works of The Who and (speaking as a drummer) with drumming that, in the long run, becomes tiresome and feels heavy, "Lyla" has nonetheless proved to be a major radio and commercial success. "It's the most commercial single since Roll With It" said Noel, and frankly, we don't believe him ("Stop Crying Your Heart Out", "Go Let It Out" and "Stand By Me", where do we put them, Mr. Gallagher?), even though the chorus is one of those that gets stuck in your head from the first listen. Anyway, aside from the flaws of "Lyla," "Don't Believe The Truth" is a great album, probably the best English rock CD released this year, at least among the big bands (Coldplay turned out to be a disappointment and so did U2).
It starts with the pounding chorus of "Turn Up The Sun," passes through the snare drum 4/4 of "Lyla," the ballad "Love Like A Bomb" with Liam's pleasantly raucous voice, and arrives at what is somewhat the gem of the album, "The Importance Of Being Idle," probably the most refined song Oasis have ever made.
And it was about time, because you really do expect a bold move from a great band.
"The Importance..." is proof that the Gallaghers are broadening their horizons, and they do so while musically keeping ties to the past with terribly catchy acoustic and electric guitars, but at the same time looking towards a pulsating, obsessive rhythm, favoring the snare drum and bass drum 4/4. And all this turning out to be very, very enjoyable. In conclusion, a somewhat basic but incisive mod-beat ballad, "Let There Be Love." Welcome back, lads!
The hopes of those (almost) everyone can safely be said to have been repaid in the best way.
'Turn Up The Sun'—a jewel of the album, showing the band’s change and harder, engaging sound.
This is a MILESTONE, people, a MILESTONE.
'Turn Up The Sun'... perhaps the best opening track in rock history.
Oasis hit the mark by producing an album that contains just one thing: ROCK!
‘Let There Be Love’ ... The alternating voices of the brothers make it all more magical.
"The tracks are more 'stripped down' compared to the good old days, but still always direct and sincere."
"Don't Believe... represents hope for the future with all four band members writing songs."
"I think 'don’t believe...' is a beautiful album that recalls the carefree spirit of 'Definitely Maybe' while innovating with original songs."
‘‘It’s unacceptable to dismiss with quick insults a band that has contributed so much to rock music over two decades.’