Oasis

Be Here Now

Overhyped, d'you know what I mean?

Review Score:

(6/10)
Their 3rd and *almost* disappointing studio album. I say disappointing because it's release was so over-hyped that no album could live up to it (not to mention "Morning Glory" success.)The album lacks restraint and many songs go over produced and reasonable time limits.It's major epic (and number 1 hit in England) "All Around The World" best exemplifies this. It's chorus is repeated so often you can only give it a listen once a month 'cuz you get sick of it. (It does have it's good lines. "If you're lost at sea I hope that you've drowned.")Rightfully so the album is kicked off with the rousing and thunderous "D'You Know What I Mean". Some of Noel's best lyrics are contained in this one. "Look into the wall of my mind's eye, I think I know but I don't know why. The questions are the answers you might need." Again, it's production could have been scaled back but it's drum beat has you banging your head so you don't take too much notice."My Big Mouth", don't listen to this too loud or your ears will suffer some damage (as mine were when I saw Oasis live in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1996. I was literally deaf for the 3 days following!) Upon first reading the title, you'd think Noel was making fun of himself (I'm sure most of you have heard of Oasis boasting, etc.) In the song, he does both, boast and poke fun. "Into my big mouth, you could fly a plane. Who'll put on my shoes while they're walking slowly down the hall of fame?"There (of course) is the tear jerker and it is embodied in "Don't Go Away" (which with my luck, came out shortly after I was dumped for a second time by my then boyfriend.) Usually, when you love someone and lose them, you want them back and will say anything to do it. "Don't go away, say what you'll say but say that you'll stay, forever and a day."Noel has lead vocals for "Magic Pie" and even though he has an extended guitar solo in it, that doesn't excuse the track's length.Johny Depp (!) has a cameo in "Fade In-Out" playing slide guitar. Not sure which bits he played but it all sounded good so he must not be all that bad eh?A good album to be sure but it's weaknesses take some of the glitter away.

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