It's a record that, yes, isn't at all a creative or experimental endeavor for the two UK rock legends but one that showcases their talents and coolness to the masses in a way that's fun, joyful, sticking to their guns and honestly not giving a fuck. If that isn't Liam Gallagher & John Squire, I don't know what is.
If you've ever been into the 90's Britpop scene, grew up in it, or simply have heard "Wonderwall" or "Champagne Supernova" at your local pub or rock radio station, Liam Gallagher has been a part of your life somewhat... big or small. The moody, forever endlessly cool frontman of Oasis has always been in the tabloids, silly quotes about hating on his brother Noel forever documented on a music site of your choosing. Surprisingly it took years after Oasis and his side project Beady Eye (a glorified Oasis cover band without Noel) for Liam to go solo under his own name. Now three albums in already in a span of six or seven years or so, Liam is back with a fourth. This time, it's not just Liam and his backing band. Titled Liam Gallagher & John Squire, you could probably guess who's on this album alongside Liam. It's John Squire, guitarist of the legendary Stone Roses! Honestly considering Oasis and Liam's admiration and inspiration from The Stone Roses, it's surprising it took this long for the two to link up. Just having these two names together marks a lot of hype and speculation in the rock world. Is Liam Gallagher & John Squire as good as it's hyped up to be?
Let's first start by me saying that Liam Gallagher & John Squire is pure fun. Plain and simple. If you take away anything from this record, take that it is pure joy, simplified anthemic rock with a touch of blues and soul. Produced by amplified pop producer Greg Kurstin, you know that this record will be loud, upfront, and unabashedly in your face within its production. There's no subtlety with Kurstin and that is no surprise with this record. Quite frankly, that is exactly what the key feature is with this record. The production, although not my preference, is perfect for the anthemic stadiums and arenas in the world. It amplifies Liam's still ultra cool singing style and John's colorful, vibrant guitar playing to an eleven. They are both unmatched and are still ultra talented at what they do. I could see them together being quite the spectacle in a live setting. Even the album's first song, "Raise Your Hands," is the ultra perfect example of this. The booming drums, shredding guitar, handclaps, and Liam's striding moan are all steadily paced towards that of a singalong stomp and clap rally at a football stadium (not soccer... football. We're talking about Liam and John here). It honestly perfectly encapsulates what Liam and John are aiming to do on this album and showcases what each of them are good at.
Despite what their ultimate goal is and them succeeding this tenfold... is this what I want to listen to personally? Is this revolutionary within both of their careers? Is this genuinely game changing or head turning? Is this the best they can do? Sure, no, no and definitely no. This record is certainly an interesting one because they clearly are doing what they're set out to do. The songs are super catchy, fun, colorful, and perfect for fans of both Oasis and the Stone Roses. But if you delve into the songs themselves they are so straightforward, simplified, and flat. Liam and John can do this in their sleep. Neither of them are challenging themselves one bit to create something new or different. I bet you we've heard these songs before. These aren't new ideas despite the fact that these are indeed new songs. They just aren't. The way they are displayed is so straightforward, predictable, and expected and the production is simply the proof in the pudding. And I don't care how big of a fan you are of either of these artists, you gotta admit that this isn't their best BY A MILE.
Now despite me saying all of these negative things, which are 100% true by the way, this is still a very enjoyable album. Just taking it for what it is and accepting the album's extremely straightforward and to-the-point attitude, this record is still pure fun. It just is! Try not to frown when listening to this, I dare you. If you absolutely hate this, then you hate yourself, I'm sorry. I enjoy listening to this album, I really really do! Have you heard the chorus of "Mars to Liverpool" and the gloriously psychedelic guitar playing on "Just Another Rainbow?" The cheeky attitude on "Make It Up as You Go Along" and the immense swagger on "I'm a Wheel?" The bluesy riffs on "Love You Forever" and the shamelessly classic rock radio instrumental on "You're Not the Only One?" I mean c'mon! It's impossible to not have fun with this unless you're just a grumpy Gus. It's a record that, yes, isn't at all a creative or experimental endeavor for the two UK rock legends but one that showcases their talents and coolness to the masses in a way that's fun, joyful, sticking to their guns and honestly not giving a fuck. If that isn't Liam Gallagher & John Squire, I don't know what is.
My Rating: 7 / 10
Favorite Songs: "Just Another Rainbow," "Raise Your Hands," "Mars to Liverpool," "I'm a Wheel," "I'm So Bored"
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