Liam Gallagher + John Squire - Liam Gallagher + John Squire

Guffaws of derision were audible upon the release of ‘Just Another Rainbow’ in early January, the first offering from the former Oasis frontman and legendary Stone Roses guitarist. Those cynics are likely to find more targets of mirth across the album, not without some cause; for all his strengths as a musician and songwriter, Squire’s lyrics (he wrote the entire album) would have benefitted from another polish. But few can sell nonsensical lyrics with more conviction than Liam Gallagher who – obviously impressed – is in sky-scraping form throughout.

After an astonishing run of success in his solo career, kudos to Gallagher for shaking things up, even if the price was achieving his dream of (nearly) being part of The Stone Roses. Liam infamously claimed the album was “better than Revolver” but was about eight months out; with its carefree vibrancy and energy, it’s closer in spirit to Rubber Soul. 

Exposure will dilute the impact of those lyrical faults (it’s not difficult to imagine a compliant audience reciting the colours of the rainbow with gusto) and Squire remains an astonishing musician, filling every nook and cranny with licks or riffs. The freewheeling, honky-tonk ‘You’re Not The Only One’ finds him holding nothing back, a slice of Imperial Era Exile On Main Street Stones for the 21st century.

https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/liam-gallagher-john-squire-liam-gallagher-john-squire/