Council Skies
by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. AllMusic
    Jun 2, 2023
    90
    The way these splashes of color and invention intertwine with the carefully sculpted ballads result in a testament to Gallagher's enduring craft that's unusually satisfying.
  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jun 2, 2023
    80
    Its 10 tracks offer a timely reminder of just why Oasis resonated so widely, empowered by a melodious and snappy songwriter with plenty of heart and soul.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 1, 2023
    80
    It’s the brightest, most listenable collection of songs he’s pieced together in some time.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 1, 2023
    80
    Council Skies is guaranteed to make the old fans feel right at home.
  6. American Songwriter
    Jun 1, 2023
    80
    Those memorable, sweeping, soaring melodies the older Gallagher is known for prevail. Horns adorn some selections but it’s the strings, recorded at Abbey Road, which push these songs from very good to the next level.
  7. Uncut
    May 31, 2023
    80
    Reaffirming his faith in rock as transformative thrill, and adding atmospheric detours recalling late-period Weller and Bowie. [Jul 2023, p.27]
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  8. Classic Rock Magazine
    May 31, 2023
    80
    He doesn't disappoint as he smatters the bulk of this new record with orchestral strings. The pick of the tracks here are the pulsating Pretty Boy, the string-laden I'm Not Giving Up Tonight and the soaring Open The Dorr, See What You Find. [Jul 2023, p.84]
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  9. Mojo
    May 31, 2023
    80
    Council Skies is very much a creative success. It's the sound of Noel Gallagher pushing onwards, while once again playing to his strengths. [Jul 2023, p.85]
  10. Clash Music
    May 31, 2023
    80
    Surefooted, revelatory, well-rounded and emotionally deep, ‘Council Skies’ cements his reputation as one of the best songwriters the UK has ever produced.
  11. Record Collector
    May 31, 2023
    80
    This is exactly the album Gallagher should be making to remind people how good he can be.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. bepohal
    Jun 2, 2023
    0
    pretty boring album with 2 mediocre songs and the rest isn't good. big let down
  2. manonwire40
    Jun 2, 2023
    9
    This is a fine record, full of superb production and lush instrumentation. Melodic, uplifting and yet melancholy this is a mature, reflectiveThis is a fine record, full of superb production and lush instrumentation. Melodic, uplifting and yet melancholy this is a mature, reflective Noel Gallagher, featuring his most consistent collection of songs. There is very little on here that falls flat and the utilisation of strings to add layers in the right places versus just for show is a wise choice. The strings add much to the atmosphere but the real plus here is Gallaghers vocals, as he gets older, he becomes a stronger vocalist in terms of range and emotion, The extended version features an excellent new version of Dont Stop and his lock down single 'We're Gonna Get There in The End' that should really have featured on the album proper.… Full Review »
  3. jcm899
    Jun 2, 2023
    10
    If you are a Noel Gallagher fan there is nothing to not like about this album. Every song is great.
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