Back with his third solo record in tow, Manchester music idol, Liam Gallagher takes a dive into the depths of brit-pop with C’mon You Know. Sitting pretty at twelve tracks long, the record boasts Gallagher’s sonic evolution as an artist, beginning at his roots in Oasis, sauntering through Beady Eye, and landing firmly on his feet as a one-man showstopper.
Opening with a chorus of voices in a transcendent soundscape, ‘More Power’ introduces us to C’mon You Know, with soft, palatable vocalisations before Gallagher joins in on the ballad to welcome us to this new era of his career. Jumping full throttle into ‘Diamond In The Dark’, his Oasis origins firmly shine through with infectious beats and drilling guitar lines that Gallagher has become all-too-well known for. ‘Don’t Go Halfway’ and title track ‘C’mon You Know’ take a dive into more rustic brit-pop that features soulful vocalisations as he moves away from his classic rock sound to reinvent his persona.
Brimming with Oasis nostalgia but splashed with Gallagher’s own unique twist, the lead single from the album, ‘Everything’s Electric’ is exactly what it says on the tin. Teaming up with Dave Grohl, the cut is the epitome of ‘Gallagher’, with a catchy chorus and soaring vocals complete with infectious instrumentation that lives up to his brit-pop heights. Overflowing with swagger, it’s almost too easy to envision the icon crooning into a mic with hands clasped behind his back as he reclaims ‘electric’ for himself.
‘World’s In Need’ lends a heavy nod to The Beatles, not only in title but through instrumentation. Featuring intricate and insatiable percussive beats whilst lamenting on peach and love, Gallagher pleads to save the world through romanticism and daydream getaways.
‘Moscow Rules’ holds its place firmly as the ‘ballad’ on the album as Gallagher lays bare his delicate side through melancholy vocalisations and soft piano trickles before diving into the electro-heavy, Happy Mondays-esque stylings of ‘I’m Free’. Featuring sultry spoken word and rife with beat drops, guitar riffs rip through atop roaring drums, ‘I’m Free’ sits as one of the most driving cuts on the record.
Penultimate track ‘Better Days’ dabbles in experimental tones as the track opens with swirling instrumentation with touches of psychedelia. Opting for optimism and looking forward to the “better days”, Gallagher reminisces on summer that takes obvious influence from his four idols – The Beatles. Featuring the title lyrics, the second single to be released from the album, Gallagher’s cocky attitude is undeniable and emanates throughout.
With ‘Oh Sweet Children’, the record rounds off in style. Beginning with electro melodies that sound straight from Underworld’s ‘Born Slippy’, Gallagher delivers one last effort at balladry that could easily be plucked off any of The Beatles’ records.
C’mon You Know is a triumphant return from Liam Gallagher, and it’s safe to say he’s moving away from his Oasis days and making a name for himself in his own right.
Words by Lana Williams
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