Oasis’ latest and seventh studio album Dig Out Your Soul was well worth the three-year wait. Dig Out Your Soul puts Oasis back in the mainstream with 11 new, hard hitting tracks.
In this current era of mediocre pop, Oasis cranks out another album that is nothing short of excellent.
While each track is successful on its own, each contributes to the album. It is not just a collection of songs, but a fully realized album.
The album incorporates a diverse set of songs and styles, kicking off with one of lead guitarist Noel Gallagher’s finer compositions, “Bag It Up,” a reference to his past drug-using days.
“The Turning” follows next with an initial jazzy feel that has seldom been heard in Oasis tracks. Next is a Noel-sung tune with a firm beat (as frequently heard in this album) called “Waiting For The Rapture.
The first single, “The Shock Of Lightening” is classic Oasis; it has a distinct riff, edgy melody and sophisticated ideas.
The other single, “Falling Down,” is the best on the album. It is the ballad of the album, but don’t expect the usual cheesiness often associated with that style of songwriting.
Oasis has made no secret of being heavily influenced by The Beatles, and a Lennon-esque feel is evident in the 10th track, “The Nature Of Reality.” Lead singer Liam Gallagher, grapples with the ideas of what’s real and what’s known.
“The nature of reality/ Is pure subjective fantasy/Space and time and here and now/Are only in your mind,” he sings.
A John Lennon sound bite is even heard in Liam’s song, “I’m Outta Time.” In this spirit, Ringo’s son, Zak played drums on the album.
In addition to some elements of blues and jazz, another less explored psychedelic sound is heard on “(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady.” Here, Oasis plays around with deeper sounds.
“Soldier On” wraps up the album. Trippy sounds and eerie
echoes deliver a trance-like state as Oasis brings the listener back to reality.
Oasis’ latest display of artistry is impressive. While they stick to their roots, this album incorporates a new sound that this review can hardly do justice. There are no acoustic or “soft” tracks, it is an album of pure power and pure rock that only a top band like Oasis can achieve.
Oasis is in no rush to get through their songs, they take their time to get each sound right, so don’t be any rush to get to the end.
This is an album for every lover of good music.
