Rating: 7/10

‘Why Me? Why Not?‘ is the second solo album from the former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher. The album follows 2017’s ‘As You Were‘, and whilst this new album feels more fine-tuned than his first solo record, it still feels like it’s missing something.

There are only 11 tracks on the standard edition of the album, totalling just under 40 minutes in length and whilst I can’t pick out a bad song on the project, sadly I don’t think there are any amazing songs either. The opening track and lead single for the album, ‘Shockwave‘ has an undeniably catchy hook, and a solid instrumental, but I couldn’t help but feel that it was a bit bland and one-dimensional. I know that Liam’s style is often nonchalant, but I kinda wanted a bit more oomf on this track and on many other moments across the project.

‘Now That I’ve Found You‘ is one of a few quite personal tracks on this project and I felt that I could actually feel the emotion behind the song’s lyrics – as Liam talks about reconnecting with his estranged daughter for the first time. Whilst the lyrics do tread the line between heartfelt and cringeworthy, it feels like there is a real sentiment behind the lyrics and the chorus as catchy as any pop song out there.

One thing that surprised me with this album, was how so many of the tracks felt like more traditional ‘pop music’, than the rock or alternative style I expected. ‘Be Still‘ and ‘Alright Now‘ both feel like they could have been tracks from any old pop-rock group, with their rather basic structure and reasonably catchy chorus. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I’d actually say that ‘Be Still‘ was one of my favourite tracks on the project, but I just expected something punchier and more unique from Gallagher.

There are moments where Gallagher tries to be edgier, notably on ‘The River‘, which sets itself up as a bit of a protest song, with lyrics of: “Change comes when the water falls / I’ve been waiting so long for you down by the river” which isn’t too bad, but I’m just not a fan the delivery of his message and attempt at being an everyman. It all just feels a bit fake to me, as Gallagher promotes his ideas of revolution and self-belief, striking down fake MP’s and celebrities – I’m sure he’s still just as much of an anarchist at heart as he was back in 1991 when Oasis was first formed, but it just doesn’t feel as convincing anymore.

The album dwells on his troubled relationship with his brother, Noel Gallagher, as well as the end of Oasis, but the track ‘One of Us‘ is perhaps the only song where these topics are so openly discussed. The song feels like Liam is proclaiming how much he misses his brother, rather than necessarily stating he misses being in Oasis with him. The line in the chorus, “You said we’d live forever” cleverly references the Oasis classic ‘Live Forever‘ on what is ultimately quite a heartfelt track.

It’s unclear what the future holds for Liam – I personally wouldn’t put any money on an Oasis reunion any time soon, but you never know. For now though, ‘Why Me? Why Not?‘ gives Gallagher plenty more catchy tracks to play live, interspaced with songs from his first album and the classic Oasis covers that fans eat up. This isn’t a bad project at all, I just hope whatever comes next packs a bit more of a punch.