Be Here Now - Oasis > Reviews > Not too bad

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Lacking inspiration
Lyrics	Mediocre
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Unmemorable
Value for Money

Advantages:	Simplicity, Vocals
Disadvantages:	Lyrics, doesn't compete with the first two albums

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Now Be Here Now is an album that was hammered by the critics, and since he has been clean from drugs, Noel Gallagher has certainly been critical of this album. I don't blame him, because he's the songwriter of Britain's most important guitar band and you've got to have high standards, but overall, Be Here Now is definetley listenable and has a few high points. If this was made by another, lesser known band i'm sure it would have been critically acclaimed. This is a unique album as far as Oasis' discography goes, because it's the album which was entirely written and recorded in a haze of drugs and drink. You can definetley tell this by listening to the lyrics. I don't think Noel knew what he was writing about at the time, and i'm pretty sure he doesn't know what the songs are about nowadays.

When Oasis were making this album there was apparently a really good buzz around, especially at Ridge farm, where a lot of the songs were recorded. The band would have mates round, get heavily intoxicated and have a good time. Inbetween this they were writing and recording Be Here Now. It results in an album that was certainly over hyped, especially by the Gallaghers. An example of everything seeming better than it actually is when you're under the influence. Some of the tracks lack direction. It's obvious that some of them are too long, and some just lack anything exciting. But remember this is Oasis were talking about and they hadn't put a foot wrong before rteleasing this album. Some say they haven't put a foot right since, but i'm certain there's still more life in Oasis.

Anyhows, the track listing is as follows-

1. D'You Know What I Mean?
A decent song, perhaps a bit long and over indulgent in itself. Nice and upbeat but i would neither say it was original or that it compares with Oasis' best work. Don't think much of the lyrics either.

2. My Big Mouth
The lyrics of this song are about Noel's Big Mouth, perhaps predictably, but i think they could have been better. A nice rock n roll song with decent vocals from Liam. It's simple, but Noel doesn't achieve what he has previously achieved with simple songs.

3. Magic Pie
A mellow track that Noel sings lead and backing vocals on. Good dynamics between the verses and choruses, with crashing guitars and drums. Leads to a good rolling melody. Some interesting bass playing as well.

4. Stand By Me
The fact that this is the only song from Be Here Now that Oasis regularly play live nowadays shows both that they don't value this album too much, and that Stand by Me is one of their strongest 'slower' songs. Very nice harmonies from Noel as Liam sings. One of Oasis' most emotional songs.

5. I Hope, I Think, I Know
Great upbeat bouncy song that i think would have worked live. Very good vocals from Liam again. Another nice and simple one, but i think shis song works well.

6. The Girl In The Dirty Shirt
I like this song. The vocals fit brilliantly and i am in love with the harmonies at the ends of each line. Some nice pieces of melancholy in this song, which stretches Liam's voice almost to breaking point, but results in a great sound. There's also some smooth slide guitar in there.

7. Fade In-Out
One of the weakest songs. It's got a smooth and polished sound, and the vocals are allright, but it's too long and doesnt know where its going most of the time. Definetly too long with not much happening to justify the length.

8. Don't Go Away
Another slower song with some good guitar at the beginning. Very chilled in the verses and the chorus fits in well. Liam's effortless yet stunning vocals make this song.

9. Be Here Now
Simplistic and rocky but the lyrics are poor and it really lacks imagination. There's some okay guitar work though, and in keeping with the rest of the album, Liam's voice is top notch.

10. All Around The World
In his drug haze, i think Noel probably wanted this song to be an anthem of Oasis, looking back he probably laughs because it's not really suited. I mean for one thing it just goes on and on and on... it should finsih about a quarter of the way through, but just persists and persists with key changes and little other variation. Secondly the lyrics, so unlike the first two albums, are not down to earth. They are not about cigarettes and alcohol. It's Noel being a bit clever and i don't think it works. Still it's not an awful song, in principle.

11. It's Getting Better (Man!!)
A fast song which in principle is good, but does get a bit repetetive with the same 3 chords. Nice to listen to, but nothing to get your teeth into.

Then there's the totally unneccesary 'All Around The World' Reprise, as if you hadn't allready had enough, but i suppose they couldn't finish the album with 'Its getting better (man)'

Overall its not at all a bad album. All neatly polished, well produced, excellent vocals and plenty of decent music. It's just it comes nowhere near the first two albums in terms of catchy, anthemic songs, and definetley in terms of lyrics.