Different Gear, Still Speeding
by Beady Eye
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. AllMusic
    Mar 14, 2011
    80
    This untrammeled rock & roll gusto makes the bulk of Different Gear pure fun in a way the carefully considered post-Morning Glory records never were, and it also means that Beady Eye aren't quite as sure-footed on their ballads: they are a band of instinct, not introspection, and listening to them follow Liam's id throughout Different Gear, Still Speeding is infectious.
  2. American Songwriter
    Mar 7, 2011
    70
    This album, produced by Steve Lillywhite whose credits include U2, Dave Matthews Band and The Smiths, shows this band is ready to ready to compete for world-class status. Rock on.
  3. BBC Music
    Mar 1, 2011
    70
    The songs here are less oikish, more nimble and nuanced, than a lot of Oasis' ponderous later music.
  5. Clash Music
    Feb 28, 2011
    70
    Beady Eye are at the beginning of their own musical adventure - DG,SS, though hardly full of surprises, is a compelling way to start.
  6. Delusions of Adequacy
    Mar 15, 2011
    70
    The album is quite fun in places, and shows some actual songwriting acumen form Liam Gallagher.
  7. Dot Music
    Mar 1, 2011
    70
    Amongst the glam rockers and the tender janglers, it seems that Beady Eye have simply written a Supergrass album. Let's see if Noel has an answer for that.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    Feb 28, 2011
    75
    When it comes to carrying the torch for an earlier generation's idea of rock 'n' roll perfection, no one means as much business as Liam Gallagher.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 28, 2011
    70
    It allows this album to coast through even its dodgy moments and emerge as a loose and easy proposition.
  10. PopMatters
    Mar 4, 2011
    70
    Different Gear, Still Speeding is not without its faults. But it manages excess and grandeur far more gracefully than Oasis' own overblown collection, Be Here Now.
  11. Q Magazine
    Mar 1, 2011
    80
    Beady Eye's Different Gear, Still Speeding was always going to be one of the most important records Liam Gallagher would ever make. The gobsmacking reality is that it's also among the best. [March 2011, p. 102]
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  12. Spin
    Mar 2, 2011
    70
    Getting away from his brother really does seem to make Liam happy.
  13. The A.V. Club
    Mar 1, 2011
    67
    Noel ain't the only Gallagher that can competently lead a fookin' lad-rock band, mate.
  14. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Mar 1, 2011
    70
    Oasis minus the organ-grinder needn't be an entirely horrific prospect.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Most Discussed Album of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 76
  3. Negative: 16 out of 76
  1. sk75
    Mar 1, 2011
    10
    "Different Gear ,Still Speeding" is an album about love, hope,life & dreams.It sounds fresh
    free,uplifting,soulful,happy,and sensitive.A    "Different Gear ,Still Speeding" is an album about love, hope,life & dreams.It sounds fresh
    free,uplifting,soulful,happy,and sensitive.A great new start for Liam Gallagher and co , a huge surprise for everyone , even for Oasis fans.Perfect in its imperfection and that's finally how a rock n roll record should sound.These guys should be proud and we should feel lucky to hear that great voice singing again classics such as "The Beat Goes On" , "Four Letter Word", "Wigwam" or "Kill For A Dream" to name a few!Best debut album of the year by the best new band of the year!    … Full Review »
  2. kols
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    A great debut album by a great band. A huge surprise to see there s still life after Oasis with Beady Eye and their 'Different Gear StillA great debut album by a great band. A huge surprise to see there s still life after Oasis with Beady Eye and their 'Different Gear Still Speeding" lp.… Full Review »
  3. Juszczyk
    Mar 2, 2011
    10
    This album is truly remarkable. Whoever said Liam needed Noel to put together a great album was wrong. I listened to this album 16 times inThis album is truly remarkable. Whoever said Liam needed Noel to put together a great album was wrong. I listened to this album 16 times in one week it is truly amazing. 13 amazing tracks that really showcase just how great Liam's voice still is. Be sure to check out their b-sides as well.This album has so many remarkable sons not to mention 2 songs that are over 6 minutes. This is a well crafted album that is sure to make a splash.… Full Review »
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