Subscribe
Previous Post
The new Oasis album, Dig Out Your Soul, is released on Monday October 6th, but thanks to a preview screening on Oasis’ MySpace page, I’ve been able to review the album early.
Dig Out Your Soul is a strange beast because it is clearly Oasis, with hints of Britpop and old skool in there, but there’s also a feeling of the new and the experimental in there too. It feels like an album that’s sitting in the middle of a transition, as Oasis go from sneering British Indie band to alternative rockers.
Bag It Up – 8/10
An album opener that shows the way for the rest of the album. You can hear shades of their old stuff, and a twinge of The Beatles in there too. But overall, it’s a different, more ecelectic sound than we’re used to hearing.
The Turning – 9/10
A fantastic swooping track that is subtle yet anthemic at the same time. Liam’s vocals burst out during the chrouses spectacularly. Contrary to fan reports, it doesn’t sound like Cliff Richard’s Devil Woman.
Waiting For The Rapture – 7/10
A Noel sung song. A very strong bassline that isn’t really supported by equally strong vocals. It almost pumps its way through from beginning to end without ever reaching its needed crescendo.
The Shock Of The Lightning – 9/10
The first single off the album, and rightly so. It shows where the band is heading really well, leaving its Britpop roots behind to forge a new more rock-heavy sound. Catchy as hell but lacking the unforgettable chorus to keep you singing in the shower.
I’m Out Of Time – 7/10
A slower song to bring the pace down a little. Liam alters his vocals supremely to suit the overall melancholic feel and tempo to the song. It doesn’t stand out in any way but only because its surrounded by songs that dominate it.
Get Off Your High Horse Lady – 7/10
Another slower song, one that this time sounds like it has its roots in the wild west of America. It’s like a cross between a classic rock tune and some lame-ass country but somehow it works.
Falling Down – 8/10
Another song where Noel takes lead vocals and it works better as a result. That strong, pounding beat is present yet again but the vocals and atmosphere seem to be subdued and moody to juxtapose it.
To Be Where There’s Life – 6/10
The weakest song on the album but that’s not to say it’s bad in any way. It feels very cluttered with too much going on. A definite album track as opposed to a worthy single release.
Ain’t Got Nothin’ – 9/10
A strong contender for a future song. That pumping bassline is back in force but is this time accompanied by some sneering Liam vocals that fully do it justice. Quite a heavy sound for Oasis but it suits them.
The Nature Of Reality – 8/10
The start reminds me of the Kings Of Leon but then it goes quite old skool, harking back to The Beatles hippy days. The whole thing feels quite jaggy and disorganised until it all builds to a chaotic crescendo.
Soldier On – 8/10
A nice song to finish the album with. It slows everything down and leaves you feeling sated after hearing one of the best Oasis albums to date. Not strong enough to be a single but a very worthy album track.
********************
Unlike past Oasis albums, this isn’t a long player full of singles but a brilliant album nonetheless. Each song taken individually can hold its own but put them together for 45 minutes of listening and you have a record that demands another listen.
Oasis are definitely back to form but it’s a new Oasis that have emerged from those years where very little seemed to stick. It’s a better, more organised, more album oriented band, and I love the new direction they have taken.
Dig Out Your Soul – 9/10
[Photo Source: Amazon.co.uk]
