"Why Me? Why Not." Review

Liam Gallagher’s “Why Me? Why Not.” – Modern Brit-Pop with Nostalgia Bursting at The Seams

Gallagher’s second solo album packs an even larger punch than his first. With catchy guitar riffs and big string accompaniments, we are taken back to his gritty Oasis roots.

The 11 track LP, like his platinum-selling debut, was co-written by song writing giants Greg Kurstin and Andrew Wyatt. Liam has admitted on numerous occasions that his brother, Noel is the better songwriter in the duo, so it is not surprising to see him getting a helping hand on this project.

However, he is not quick to sing songs of praise for his ex-Oasis partner on this album.  In ‘Now That I’ve Found You’, one of the opening lines declares “Time builds a bridge through our blood line”, symbolising the fractured relationship. In ‘One of Us’ he makes reference to his Oasis days - ‘You said we’d live forever.’ This song is perhaps the most emotionally charged I have heard from Gallagher in his solo years. He brings meaningful lyrics to an audience that have followed him since the breakdown of his relationship with Noel. This is refreshing from the stone-faced rock star.

Opening track ‘Shockwave’ is a hefty introduction to an album rife with guitar ballads, whilst ‘One of Us’ and ‘Once’ seem sentimental, looking back on a life of highs and lows. The album manages to accomplish a level of diversity whilst maintaining the trademark Gallagher sound.  There are anomalies like ‘Meadow’ with its psychedelic influence, to add layers of depth and character to his 25-year repertoire. 

For the average listener, this album provides relatively easy-listening rock. However, the die-hard indie fans of old and new may be disappointed when listening to tracks, ‘Now That I’ve Found You’ and ‘Be Still’, which fail to make a lasting impact.

Gallagher’s vocals remain in top shape, even after many years of performing. On title track ‘Why Me? Why Not.’, and the rest of the songs, we can hear the signature Mancunian rasp that makes his solo work feel so familiar. Perhaps this makes him too safe in 2019, when we encounter such a vast variety of new and exciting music, but to me it makes him a comforting constant.

‘Alright Now’ is an example of how Gallagher and his musical counterparts have tried to delve further into creative exploration. The use of piano, strings, groovy bass and synth-like guitar create a nostalgic yet modern musical journey.  It is this attempt at variation that brings extra life to an album that might otherwise have been an example of ‘been there, done that.’

Closing track ‘Gone’, with its smooth string accompaniment and American style guitar and bass, creates a moreish aftertaste when the album ends. “But now I don’t know how long I’m gonna be gone”, he sings, leaving fans wondering when he will return.