I felt uneasy before this new Noel Gallagher album came out. Primarily because at first listen, I thought the promotional singles released a few months ago were pretty good and interesting but not remarkable. Nevertheless, as soon as the album was available, I spent a bunch of days sitting around and dissecting the lyrics and the overall sound of this album — And after a few listening sessions, it became apparent to me that Council Skies is Noel Gallagher’s most exceptional solo endeavor since his 2015 masterpiece, “Chasing Yesterday” — Which remains my favorite Noel Gallagher solo album to date.
Most significantly, Council Skies is a welcome departure from “Who Built the Moon” (2017) and a sign that Noel Gallagher’s experimental cosmic pop days may be well behind him. This new album is Noel’s 4th solo studio release — and while the entire album is an impressive collection of 10 songs, the bonus tracks on the Deluxe version offer an intriguing detour, though not without their quirks. Noel’s version of “Live Forever” stands solid, yet one cannot help but prefer the raw and original interpretation by Liam. Also, Noel’s cover of John Lennon’s “Mind Games” pays homage to a musical legend while infusing it with Gallagher’s distinctive flair. Additionally, the Robert Smith Remix of “Pretty Boy” is noteworthy — Smith’s touch injects a renewed vitality into the track.
The fiery string arrangements carry the album’s essence, skillfully woven by the maestro Rosie Danvers. Like an orchestra of emotions, the strings dance and surge, adding a captivating new dimension to the mood of this record. Still, Noel’s formidable songwriting prowess continues to shine brightly. I can easily assume that Noel’s recent divorce played a part here.
With Council Skies, Noel Gallagher takes on a musical journey that blends the past and present, igniting fires of nostalgia while forging a path to uncharted realms. This is an album that demands to be heard, relished, and dissected by those who refuse to be mere passengers on the mundane highway of the musical mediocrity of today’s music scene.
Here is a track-by-track breakdown:
Track 1 — I’m Not Giving Up Tonight:
A very optimistic tune to open this album — a soulful song with a gospel choir — Noel said he wanted this track to be the album’s closer. The chord progression is outstanding.
Track 2 — Pretty Boy:
This is the closest thing to a cosmic pop type of tune, but it has become one of my favorite songs in this entire album — it features Johnny Marr, and his guitar play is the highlight of this track — it has hints of Bowie and The Cure. Coincidently, Robert Smith remixed this track on the deluxe version.
Track 3 — Dead To The World:
Beautiful and magical tune. The chorus part is terrific.
Track 4 — Open The Door, See What You Find:
This song grew on me after a few listens — it is a very uplifting tune, and it reminds me of the Kinks a bit — Johnny Marr shows up here again. But the drums are what stand out the most here.
Track 5 — Trying To Find A World That’s Been And Gone Pt.1:
The global pandemic and lockdowns are the central themes of this track — This is another hopeful tune, a definite grower.
Track 6 — Easy Now:
Lyrically, this is my favorite tune of this album. The melody is haunting — It is probably the most anthemic stadium tune of this entire record. Plus, the guitar solo is excellent.
Track 7 — Council Skies:
Title Track; another grower for me — The title is borrowed from the book Council Skies by Cartoonist and Painter Pete McKee. There are themes of love, longing, and nostalgia all over this song. Johnny Marr’s distinctive guitar play takes over this tune.
Track 8 — There She Blows:
It’s the weirdest track of this album; it’s a nautical-themed love song with a 60s Beatles vibe — but it rocks and is another grower.
Track 9 — Love is a Rich Man:
Cool, uplifting song — Bowie 80s vibes in the chorus. A banger of a tune.
Track 10 — Think of a Number:
Another Bowie-sounding tune (Ashes to Ashes, 1981) with hints of 90s U2. Noel wanted this track to open the album, but it was too late to change it. Noel’s personal life and divorce resonate here; it feels like a breakup song. And although the outlook of the lyrics may not be as positive as expected to bring this record to an end — it still comes across as a hopeful tune.
Play it loud!!
Rod Rioja 