Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 30
  2. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. 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. 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]
  3. 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.
  4. 70
    The album is quite fun in places, and shows some actual songwriting acumen form Liam Gallagher.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Mar 2, 2011
    70
    Getting away from his brother really does seem to make Liam happy.
  8. Oasis minus the organ-grinder needn't be an entirely horrific prospect.
  9. 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.
  10. Mar 1, 2011
    70
    The songs here are less oikish, more nimble and nuanced, than a lot of Oasis' ponderous later music.
  11. 70
    It allows this album to coast through even its dodgy moments and emerge as a loose and easy proposition.
  12. 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.
  13. Mar 1, 2011
    67
    Noel ain't the only Gallagher that can competently lead a fookin' lad-rock band, mate.
  14. Mojo
    Apr 5, 2011
    60
    Whether Liam Gallagher's band is the start of a new story or a diverting subplot to an on-going saga remains to be seen -- and you can imagine where the smart money lies. [Mar. 2011, p. 92]
  15. Mar 11, 2011
    60
    Different Gear, Still Speeding is rife with the catchy, strum-intensive songs and nasal John Lennon impression the band was first known for.
  16. Mar 1, 2011
    60
    One listen to this album though and you come to realise that its Noel's absence that has made it.
  17. Mar 1, 2011
    60
    Full of derision that the less talented one out of Oasis is going to be found out on his own? You won't be dissuaded.
  18. Uncut
    Mar 1, 2011
    60
    It does still summon some of the spirit and occasionally the joyfulness that should attend a first record. [Mar 2011, p.90]
  19. Feb 28, 2011
    60
    The good news is that, from its amusingly headlong title down, Different Gear, Still Speeding feels a good deal less lumpy than the last few Oasis albums.
  20. Feb 28, 2011
    60
    The best bits of Different Gear Still Speeding sound least like the band Beady Eye used to be: the breezily melodic Millionaire is fantastic, the episodic Wigwam more ambitious than you might expect.
  21. Feb 28, 2011
    60
    Judging this Beady Eye debut without any preconceptions based on their polarizing frontman-be they positive or negative-will be difficult, but the vocal performances and songwriting should go some way to endearing even the staunchest detractors to the all-swaggering, piquant Mancunian.
  22. 60
    Beady Eye may be just Oasis minus Noel, but this debut is rather better than the past few Oasis albums, if sadly no more innovative.
  23. Apr 21, 2011
    58
    Different Gear, Still Speeding shows that the band is comfortable with themselves and their follow-up has every chance to be a stronger album – especially if they are brave enough to include more styles, even if they won't move beyond their British Invasion inspirations.
  24. Feb 28, 2011
    52
    Speaking of The Beatles, Different Gear continues the Gallagher quest for the perfect Lennon impression. It's yet to be found.
  25. Under The Radar
    Jun 8, 2011
    50
    The erroneously titled debut, Different Gear, Still Speeding, plays much like a latter-day Oasis album. [May 2011, p.83]
  26. Mar 16, 2011
    50
    So, sure, Beady Eye's first effort is worth a listen. It's not a throw away by any means, and has its keepers, but it does come with its share of faults.
  27. Mar 1, 2011
    50
    Different Gear, Still Speeding could be a good album if they just scaled things down a bit.
  28. Mar 1, 2011
    50
    On Different Gear, the group attempts stripped-down, Stones-y rock but ends up with Be Here Now-style guitar bluster and Liam's blithely boilerplate lyrics.
  29. Mar 3, 2011
    40
    Different Gear, Still Speeding is not a disaster: by and large it radiates the stolid competence of a band on autopilot, with a couple of flashes of likeable enthusiasm.
  30. 37
    Beady Eye's eagerly awaited debut represents Liam Gallagher's uninspiring foray into the spotlight without Noel, his battle-weary brother and Oasis's chief songwriter.
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 76
  2. Negative: 16 out of 76
  1. 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. 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. 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 »