It’s funny that my first Oasis-related post should be about Liam Gallagher, when Noel is my true love. But I’m pleased and maybe a little surprised to report that Liam’s new single “Wall of Glass,” his first as a solo artist, is actually quite good. Like a lot of the best Oasis songs, it’s melodic and loud with a vaguely empowering message. It’s also got a cleaner pop sound, lacking the slathered on layers of Noel’s guitars and maybe even getting a touch danceable.
What’s exciting to me about “Wall of Glass” is that Liam co-wrote it with Greg Kurstin, a professional songwriter who co-wrote Adele’s “Hello,” along with tracks for Sia, Kelly Clarkson, and tons of other hitmakers. (Better still, Kurstin is also one half of The Bird and The Bee, purveyors of the fantastic “Polite Dance Song,” as well as an entire Hall and Oates cover album.) I generally love it when superstar songwriter teams up with a classic act. This combo has produced some unexpectedly enjoyable late career hits like Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” (co-written by Max Martin) and Aerosmith’s “Pink” (co-written by Glen Ballard). The addition of a co-writer seems to have given Liam some new life as well, especially after the disappointment of the second Beady Eye album.
Liam said in an interview that’s he’s happy to work with other songwriters and that his real gifts are his ability to interpret and deliver a song. Especially for a certain kind of listener, it’s easy to fall into the trap idolizing only those rare individuals who can deliver the whole package: writing, singing, playing, and performing. And that’s impressive. But it’s also important to remember that great interpreters of songs are not no-talent hacks. Liam’s voice sounds strong and brash on “Wall of Glass,” and the material really suits him. Given the synergy that Liam and Greg Kurstin have so far, I’m hopeful that the full album will deliver at least a more more winners.
It’s also worth noting that Liam as a successful songwriter is not unprecedented. Admittedly he’s kind of like the veggie burger to Noel’s real burger: usually a serviceable substitute, but occasionally transcending his status as an imitator on his own merits. The two Oasis singles he wrote — “Songbird” and “I’m Outta Time” — are both great. “Songbird” is uncharacteristically simple with a gentle harmonica and some basic two-chord strumming. “I’m Outta Time” is a solo-Lennon pastiche with a delicate touch of falsetto at the start of the verses, supplemented by Noel’s trademark poignant guitar. It would be great to hear a few of these more contemplative tracks on the new album, perhaps penned by Liam himself, as a counterpoint to the big, loud stuff.
This tension between obnoxious and contemplative is the crux of Liam’s appeal. (It’s probably Noel’s appeal as well, but in a less exaggerated way.) On Oasis’s DVD video compilation, Liam provides commentary for his two Oasis single credits. On “Songbird,” he talks about how the song was a really honest expression for him and concludes with a bit of insight only Liam Gallagher could come up with: “All these geezers walking around, thinking they’re tough and all that. If there’s not a songbird inside you, then you’re a fucking pussy.”
Liam’s kind of a lout, but I’m glad he’s back.