And your ears shall hear…

In the realm of rock and roll, when two iconic figures join forces, it sparks both excitement and anticipation. The recent collaboration between John Squire, renowned guitarist of The Stone Roses, and Liam Gallagher, the unmistakable voice of Oasis, has given birth to a musical endeavor that, at times, transcends expectations, while at other moments, leaves a lot to be desired. Their new album, a fusion of Squire’s masterful guitar work and Gallagher’s distinctive vocals, offers a sonic journey that pays homage to their storied musical legacies while venturing into uncharted territory.

John Squire, celebrated for his groundbreaking guitar work with The Roses, brings his signature style that blends intricate melodies with a psychedelic edge. The first single, “Just Another Rainbow” works well as their debut and Liam’s spaced out snarl sells us on the idea, that this time around, it might not be “Just another rainbow.” It isn’t, as Squire goes all Stone Roses at about the 3:38 point of the song, dousing us in some majestic riffage reminiscent of “Fools Gold.” This 6-minute journey, in my opinion, should be their template going forward, songs where both artists do their thing to the best of their abilities.

“Raise Your Hands” is reminiscent of The Byrds and The Beatles, while sounding like a trumped up version of The Monkees’ “I’m A Believer.” It’s a straightforward affair save for a bluesy solo, that in the end seems a little too easy. It’s a nice song all the same as Gallagher stays in his lane, reminding us what a new Oasis single might sound like.

For his part, Liam Gallagher, the indomitable front man of Oasis, known for his raw and emotive vocals, brings a voice that has been the soundtrack to a generation, but not much else. Apparently we thought singing lyrics written by John Squire would bring out more creativity, but on songs like “Make It Up As You Go Along,” “I’m So Bored,” and Mother Nature’s Song,” we get a feeling that he’s just going through the motions. Hopefully it’s just a warm up for a sophomore record in which Liam has more control, if that’s something he wants. But on a lot of this material he feels uninspired.

The Hendrix-like, “Love You Forever” misses the mark, but Liam does the best that he can with this song idea which feels forced and unfinished, like the aforementioned “Make It Up As You Go Along.” The latter reminds me of the same trite material The Seahorses brought us years ago, which was essentially unlistenable after a couple passes.

One of the best songs on the dynamic duo’s debut album is “You’re Not The Only One.” The way that honky-tonk piano rocks along with Squire’s gritty guitar and, vocally, what Gallagher does with the phrase “You’re not the only one who feels like this” is pure magic. That, my friends, is what we are looking for as fans of both their earlier bands. A new sound, built on the backs of their predecessors, where both Gallagher and Squire find themselves charting new territory. Producer and musician Greg Kurstin plays keys, piano and mellotron on this record and maybe they should bring him on tour and eventually get someone like him in the band to further their songwriting. These two artists are great, but could use new inspiration and younger blood as they progress.

What makes this collaboration truly special is its ability to transcend generational boundaries. Fans of The Stone Roses and Oasis will undoubtedly find moments that harken back to the golden eras of both bands, yet the album offers a fresh perspective that is relevant to contemporary audiences. In a musical landscape often dominated by fleeting trends, the collaboration between John Squire and Liam Gallagher stands as a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll. Their new album is not merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a declaration that these two legends will continue to redefine their artistic trajectories.

As listeners embark on this sonic journey, they are treated to a masterclass in musical innovation and a reminder that true icons only get better with time. The album weaves a narrative that touches upon themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. With lyrics that reflect the wisdom of experience and the immediacy of the present, the songs invite listeners on a deeply personal and introspective journey. The evolution of two icons continues as a new generation can make their own preconceived notions. Together, these two musical legends have embarked on a creative journey that explores new dimensions while honoring the roots that made them household names