Album Review: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Back The Way We Came Vol. 1 (2011-2021)

How do you follow the success of an era-defining band? It’s been ten years since Noel Gallagher first attempted to answer that question – launching his post-Oasis career with the release of his debut album with his High Flying Bird. Now, a decade later – following three chart-topping LPs, and album sales in their millions –  he's decided that a little celebrating is in order.

For a man as famously self-assured as Gallagher, it’s no major surprise that he’s taking the Greatest Hits route now, with an 18-track project curated and compiled entirely by himself. But as the mine of material on Back The Way We Came Vol. 1 attests, there's plenty to celebrate. He's rising to the occasion, too – kitting out new tracks ‘Flying On The Ground’ and ‘We’re On Our Way Now’ with lush arrangements and rich backing vocals.

Spanning years and genres, Back The Way We Came offers a fascinating overview of the evolution of Gallagher as a songwriter over the last decade. From 2011's self-titled debut album, which contained tracks originally penned for Oasis, to the disco-pop approach of 2019's 'Black Star Dancing', he retains a wildly unwavering trust in his vision. Instead of re-recording ‘Dead In The Water’ for the project, as he originally intended, he embraces the raw authenticity of the sole radio-session recording, performed live at RTÉ 2FM's studio. Previously released as a bonus track on Who Built The Moon?, 'Dead In The Water' is a highlight of the compilation – showcasing the vulnerability behind the bravado that has always marked Gallagher as a captivating talent.