Chasing Yesterday
by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 125 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 104 out of 125
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 125
  3. Negative: 15 out of 125
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  1. davim
    Mar 3, 2015
    7
    If there’s one thing about Mr. Gallagher, its that he knows how to construct a song, and Noel has been around long enough now to know the tricks of the trade. This album intelligently provides a good balance of slightly more mellow numbers, such as ‘The Girl With The X-Ray Eyes’ and ‘The Dying of The Light’, compared to the more rocking ‘The Mexican’ and ‘The Ballard of Mighty I’. TheIf there’s one thing about Mr. Gallagher, its that he knows how to construct a song, and Noel has been around long enough now to know the tricks of the trade. This album intelligently provides a good balance of slightly more mellow numbers, such as ‘The Girl With The X-Ray Eyes’ and ‘The Dying of The Light’, compared to the more rocking ‘The Mexican’ and ‘The Ballard of Mighty I’. The track ‘Riverman’ is a fantastic opener to the album, another well-crafted song. A number of these tracks have a groovy feel to them, with a good use of instrumentation, syncopated drum patterns in particular.

    I’d say this album isn’t quite as up to the standard as Noel’s debut back in 2011, but it’s certainly not far behind. A decent effort.    … Expand
  2. LondonTexas
    Mar 4, 2015
    10
    Noel Gallagher's second solo effort is a traditional pop-rock album with "Noel Gallagher"-type songs. It also happens to be fantastic. He produced it himself this time, and, surprisingly, the result is a far more "lived in" and lively sounding album than the first High Flying Birds record. Noel apparently recognized the only major flaw in that first album - the stiff production sometimesNoel Gallagher's second solo effort is a traditional pop-rock album with "Noel Gallagher"-type songs. It also happens to be fantastic. He produced it himself this time, and, surprisingly, the result is a far more "lived in" and lively sounding album than the first High Flying Birds record. Noel apparently recognized the only major flaw in that first album - the stiff production sometimes stifled the songs and music. The new record has great flow and more musical variety. All of the songs are good, the weakest song for me being the second song, In the Heat of the Moment.
    The extra tracks are also interesting - Do the Damage in particular rocks in Noel's new found way. There are a couple of Oasis throwback songs on here, but generally this does not sound like any Oasis album. There's even a bit of mild weirdness and experimentation on the Right Stuff, and it works wonderfully. Chasing Yesterday is a grower in the best sense - great melodies, an abundance of guitar solos, a touch of melancholy; all the Gallagher hallmarks are there in a slightly new and interesting package. It is somewhat laid back and rockin' at the same time. You can also tell Noel Gallagher is having fun here, unlike on the later day Oasis albums. I am really glad someone is trying to make this type of music today - and doing so successfully.    … Expand
  3. Noiseblock
    Mar 7, 2015
    6
    Frankly, Noel Gallagher seems to be chasing some sort of yesterday all too often, but this might well come naturally when you once were part of one of the/the most popular Brit-Pop band in existance. Inevitably, much on this new album seems a bit like it could have been an Oasis-song of some sort even though the willingness to change is recognizable. Chasing Yesterday seems like theFrankly, Noel Gallagher seems to be chasing some sort of yesterday all too often, but this might well come naturally when you once were part of one of the/the most popular Brit-Pop band in existance. Inevitably, much on this new album seems a bit like it could have been an Oasis-song of some sort even though the willingness to change is recognizable. Chasing Yesterday seems like the transition from a band that sounds quite a bit like Oasis to a band that could well establish its own sound but has not fully embraced its potential yet. At least, Noel seems to be ready to move on. And to be honest, nearly everything on Chasing Yesterday is more elaborated and sophisticated than the lazy efforts of his brother Liam & Beady eye which did nothing else than just rehashing EVERYTHING Oasis did before. So have hope for the future, maybe Noel can establish a band that will be remembered for being formed by Noel Gallagher, not just one half of Oasis. The signs are there.… Expand
  4. prodigalsuun
    Mar 3, 2015
    8
    The “wisest man in rock”, according to a handful of UK music magazines, isn’t looking for success. He’s not looking for another number one album or climbing up the UK pop charts. He’s done that before, with one of the best bands Britain has ever seen, and even his first trek into solo-dom in 2011. It’s not his job or his place; ideally it is the job of the hundreds of other bands hisThe “wisest man in rock”, according to a handful of UK music magazines, isn’t looking for success. He’s not looking for another number one album or climbing up the UK pop charts. He’s done that before, with one of the best bands Britain has ever seen, and even his first trek into solo-dom in 2011. It’s not his job or his place; ideally it is the job of the hundreds of other bands his songs have blossomed. So, where does that leave an aging brit rocker? It seems it leaves him to do whatever he wants.

    Chasing Yesterday is what Gallagher sounds like with complete freedom. It’s an album with the sound of a 25 year old unibrowed Mancunian, but also the sound of a 50 year old West Londoner who still has a few clever tricks up his sleeve. The album begins with Riverman; a wofty folk song inspired by Brian Protheroe’s 1974 single “Pinball”, which slowly brings takes us into the depths of a Pink Floyd “Meddle” era guitar solo and leaves us showered in brass and saxaphone. Immediately, this album shows it won’t appease any Mancunian football hooligans who are “mad fer it”. Especially the Hotel California soundalike “The Girl With The X-Ray Eyes”, and the true ‘way-out there” moment, even for the usually conservative Noel, “The Right Stuff”, which sounds like walking into a smoky jazz club on a little acid and a lot of hash.

    But, in the albums lead single, “In the Heat of the Moment”, the 20-years-in-the-making “Lock All The Doors”, the song Josh Homme wish he’d written, “The Mexican”, and the US FM radio pop rocker “You Know We Can’t Go Back”, it’s obvious Noel still likes to churn out good, old fashioned, melody-driven, no **** rock and roll that can withstand the sensible boundaries of the record’s themes.

    Where the album shines most, and has the most in common with HFB1 is it’s most delicate and cinematic moments. ”While the Song Remains the Same” is the definitive song for skipping town just to find out if the grass really is greener on the other side; and even if it isn’t, at least you know. Noel’s ended up in paradise, here. ”The Dying of the Light” may be one of Noel’s greatest attempts at melancholia and one of Chasing Yesterday’s all around highlights. Now Gallagher is showing off his true songwriter craftsmanship. The album’s finale, “Ballad of the Mighty I”, only sets it into stone, and there with the hammer is Johnny Marr adding not too much, but just enough guitar to really make an impact.

    If Chasing Yesterday tells us anything at all, it’s that it makes Noel’s first solo record look a little safe. If HFB1 was getting the Oasis out of his system, Chasing Yesterday is a pure injection of The Chief. It’s Noel paving a true path for himself and setting the tone for the future of his solo career…a bright future.    … Expand
  5. Muddsjr
    Mar 7, 2015
    4
    Decent moments pop up here and there, but I wouldn't name them, since alone they remain simultaneously unmemorable. On the whole, yes, a bland boring indie effort.
  6. MaxGuitarFan
    Mar 3, 2015
    9
    The first Noel Gallagher solo album was great, but was a little safe. It played too much like Oasis, but still managed to get some fresh ideas. Now, with this album you can't say that, as Noel tries a lot of moods, atmospheres and genres that go from Space Jazz (The Right Stuff), to Punk Rock (You Know We Can't Go Back). Still, Oasis makes an appearance in the album, with "Lock All theThe first Noel Gallagher solo album was great, but was a little safe. It played too much like Oasis, but still managed to get some fresh ideas. Now, with this album you can't say that, as Noel tries a lot of moods, atmospheres and genres that go from Space Jazz (The Right Stuff), to Punk Rock (You Know We Can't Go Back). Still, Oasis makes an appearance in the album, with "Lock All the Doors", that is maybe the best song in the album. Even if it's not a typical Noel Gallagher release, I'm sure it will please all the fans out there.… Expand
  7. Ricko
    Feb 3, 2018
    9
    Noel Gallagher's debut effort was always going to be an easy one to produce for such a prolific songwriter. After the bones of 15 years with Oasis there were plenty of ideas left unfinished with Noel being able to cherry pick which ones to bring to fruition. The results were impressive if not gamechanging. You would have expected the follow up to be a somewhat more difficult affair,Noel Gallagher's debut effort was always going to be an easy one to produce for such a prolific songwriter. After the bones of 15 years with Oasis there were plenty of ideas left unfinished with Noel being able to cherry pick which ones to bring to fruition. The results were impressive if not gamechanging. You would have expected the follow up to be a somewhat more difficult affair, starting from zero more or less. In reality, "Chasing Yesterday", NG's 2nd solo album, sounds effortless and marks his best piece of work in at least a decade. It's got everything a fan of Noel's is going to look for. At 10 tracks, most of which clock in around the 4 minute mark, "Chasing Yesterday" is both trim and focused but also very fresh sounding for a man close on 50. The album is loaded with catchy melodies and trademark Gallagher anthemic music. Opener "Riverman" is a brooding but expansive number, saxaphone included. "In The Heat of The Moment", the album's lead single is typically catchy Gallagher fare but as different a single as he's ever put out. "The Girl With The X-Ray Eyes" gets a bit psychedlic and reminds me slightly of 70's Bowie. "Lock All The Doors" should have Liam Gallaghers vocals all over it - it was made for Oasis, a rocker in the vein of their "Definitely Maybe" material. "The Dying of the Light" is the obligatory lighters in the air moment while the psychedelia continues with "The Right Stuff", a sprawling track that sounds almost like a jam, where Gallagher lets it all hang out with no complaints. It's not until we get to the final third of the album that any questions arise. Up to that point its pretty flawless but it loses ground with the last 3 tracks. "The Mexican" is a bit dodgy at first but to be fair does grow on your after time despite having the feel of a "Standing on the Shoulder of Giants" era B-side. "You Know We Can't Go Back" is Gallagher water treading. "Ballad of the Mighty I" closes the album and for me its essentially a reworking of the single "AKA What A Life" from his debut. All in all top end stuff from the chief.… Expand
  8. bercan2000
    Mar 9, 2015
    9
    It is the album many oh us, old Oasis fans, have been waiting for years. Songs are as good as in his first solo album (which was probably his best set of songs since Be Here Now) but this one is more sonically varied . If you like anthemic, uplifting rock with sky-scraping melodies, look no more.
  9. JFH
    Apr 25, 2015
    10
    This is an excellent album. The production is very good. Noel should produce all his albums going forward. I love the jazz feel of some of the songs. Highly recommended.
  10. Tate-Laycraft
    Mar 3, 2015
    7
    In October 2011, Noel Gallagher released “Noel Gallagher’s high flying birds” as his first solo effort following the 2009 breakup of Oasis. The album eliminated any question of his capabilities sans brother Liam and other oasis members, while it also established a different sound for him as a solo artist. With his newest release, “Chasing yesterday”, the ex-oasis guitarist and occasionalIn October 2011, Noel Gallagher released “Noel Gallagher’s high flying birds” as his first solo effort following the 2009 breakup of Oasis. The album eliminated any question of his capabilities sans brother Liam and other oasis members, while it also established a different sound for him as a solo artist. With his newest release, “Chasing yesterday”, the ex-oasis guitarist and occasional singer aimed to further distance himself from titles such as just given; some will find that he’s done just that, while others will find that he’s done the opposite.
    The album opens strong with three consecutive classic sounding Gallagher tunes incorporating just enough experimentation to keep things interesting. “Riverman” and “In the heat of the moment” are particularly quite stellar with the first serving as a nostalgically acoustic tune and the second as a more unique rock stomper. The album goes on to reveal several tracks with a dream pop influence. Echoing guitar in “The dying of the light” is reminiscent of work from The Verve’s Nick McCabe which is in no way a bad thing, while “Ballad of the mighty I” establishes its own psychedelic feeling with help from Paul Weller of The Jam. Cutting away from individual songs though; one of the best things this album does as a whole is demonstrate to fans how Noel Gallagher does still hold some tricks up his sleeve. Chasing yesterday is by no means a reinvention of the wheel, but its dreamy atmosphere is new and unlike anything from any previous oasis or high flying birds’ record. It does for the most part a fantastic job of establishing its’ own sound.
    On the other hand, there are parts of the album which fall flat making many feel like songs may not have reached their full potential. “Lock all the doors”, an oasis demo from 1993 that never saw the light of day until now is a prime example of this. Some can’t help but imagine Liam Gallagher’s raspy yet soothing voice ramble the opening lyrics, leaving people with a hunger for something more. Meanwhile, “The right stuff”, a song which Gallagher recently labeled as one of the 12 best songs he’s ever written starts strong and shows a lot of promise only to develop into a somewhat lame attempt at a bluesy Britpop fusion. These songs, along with a few others, are a result of mostly failed experimentation and leave people longing for something more… Perhaps an oasis reunion? Maybe. But we won’t get into that.
    When it’s all said and done, “Chasing yesterday” is what most would expect from a Noel Gallagher album. It’s solid and catchy where it needs to be, which therefor makes up for the areas where it falls short. While it remains very oasis-esc there are some new sounds to it; some for the better of the album and some for the worse. It makes one wonder though; will Noel Gallagher ever catch yesterday?

    The good: “Riverman”, “In the heat of the moment”, “The dying of the light”, and “Ballad of the mighty I”
    The mediocre: “The girl with x-ray eyes”, “Lock all the doors”, “The Mexican’, and “While the song remains the same”
    The bad: “The right stuff” and “You know we can’t go back”    … Expand
  11. ctmazin
    Jun 4, 2023
    9
    I liked, but ultimately found Noel's firs album a bit disappointing. It has some terrific songs, but the production is flat as hell and the pacing is kind of plodding. The production and pacing on this album is leagues better, with some different tempos and a production style that lets the songs breathe--you can hear the individual instruments and spacing between sounds (unlike Noel'sI liked, but ultimately found Noel's firs album a bit disappointing. It has some terrific songs, but the production is flat as hell and the pacing is kind of plodding. The production and pacing on this album is leagues better, with some different tempos and a production style that lets the songs breathe--you can hear the individual instruments and spacing between sounds (unlike Noel's debut). As for the songs, if you like classic Noel Gallagher songwriting, you won't be disappointed. Lock All the Doors sounds like it should've a great album track on Morning Glory or Definitely Maybe. Riverman, Dying of the Light and The Right Stuff are all beautiful, brooding epics. If Noel had had the good sense to replace the Mexican and When the Song Remains the Same with b-sides Freaky Teeth and DO the Damage, this could have been right up there with Oasis' best.… Expand
  12. stebai
    Oct 4, 2019
    2
    Sorry, but the whole thing bored me. Big Oasis fan, loved the first Noel CD, this one is so bland it hurts. Not one hook that I could remember after 3 listens. Every song plods along in a mid tempo, over produced haze, I'm actually quite sad to be writing this about a guy I have held in high esteem for so long. I'm marking so low because this guy is a song writing god and should knowSorry, but the whole thing bored me. Big Oasis fan, loved the first Noel CD, this one is so bland it hurts. Not one hook that I could remember after 3 listens. Every song plods along in a mid tempo, over produced haze, I'm actually quite sad to be writing this about a guy I have held in high esteem for so long. I'm marking so low because this guy is a song writing god and should know better. For years Noel always seemed to be pushing the boundaries, he doesn't even appear to be pushing himself nowadays, What a life indeed..… Expand
  13. Richie4422
    Mar 10, 2015
    10
    This is far more better than his previous album and his previous album was great. Chasing yesterday contains amazing melodies, complex diverse songs with additional instruments and enjoyable backing vocals. I love stronger presence of guitars. Noel shows progress and he's an example of an artist who is always evolving in to bigger greatness.
  14. juddresnick
    Mar 12, 2015
    8
    While not quite as inventive or expansive as his first solo album, NG'sHFB's sophomore effort still brings a whole lot of Gallagher's trademark catchy songs with sing-along-worthy lyrics, and it gets back to a more traditional rock sound whereas the last album brought in a lot of different sounds. Most of the songs could've fit perfectly into any old Oasis album and none of us would'veWhile not quite as inventive or expansive as his first solo album, NG'sHFB's sophomore effort still brings a whole lot of Gallagher's trademark catchy songs with sing-along-worthy lyrics, and it gets back to a more traditional rock sound whereas the last album brought in a lot of different sounds. Most of the songs could've fit perfectly into any old Oasis album and none of us would've known the difference. Any Oasis fan will enjoy it as much as any of their albums or Noel's last.… Expand
  15. NoelyG
    Jun 12, 2015
    9
    Noely G has done it again! Produced so well with a Jazzy and phsycodelic feel, this is a stunner. From the hard drumming beats of 'lock all the doors' 'the mexican' and 'ballad of the mighty i' to the emotional 'the girl with x-ray eyes' 'while the song remains the same' and my favourite 'the dying of the light', this album is the best and strongest album for a good few years.
  16. KZorroFuego
    Aug 1, 2015
    8
    “We let love get lost in anger chasing yesterday.” So sings the scribe (but not always the voice) behind some of Oasis’ biggest hits during their 1990’s heyday. Speaking of the phrase itself, Gallagher clearly has no problem “chasing yesterday” from minute 1. Opener “Riverman” rides an identical groove as “Wonderwall.” Some might call this lazy, but it manages to transcend the carbon“We let love get lost in anger chasing yesterday.” So sings the scribe (but not always the voice) behind some of Oasis’ biggest hits during their 1990’s heyday. Speaking of the phrase itself, Gallagher clearly has no problem “chasing yesterday” from minute 1. Opener “Riverman” rides an identical groove as “Wonderwall.” Some might call this lazy, but it manages to transcend the carbon copy label some might apply to it. Liam brought his sneer and bravado to “Wonderwall.” On “Riverman,” Noel’s measured, more relaxed tone turns the tune into something fresh while still retaining familiarity.

    Noel stated in NME that being in Oasis was “all about the struggle and the chaos.” Chasing Yesterday is an album mostly free of chaos, even if it starts to ramp up rather quickly with second track and first single “In the heat of the moment.” This is a track distinctively featuring Noel circa 2015. Gone are the dense, over-packed arrangements of Be Here Now era Oasis. In their place is a tight, muscular groove that gets the job done and gets out of the room. The early half of Chasing Yesterday is all yin/yang, ducking and weaving between relaxed larks like “The girl with x-ray eyes” before coming out with guns blazing again. “Lock all the doors” was written before Oasis formed, and it shows. It sounds like something that could have ended up on Definitely Maybe, but didn’t quite get there at the time. Some of Noel’s limitations show here. He has the vocal chops to pull off the fast, hard-scrabble rockers, but he never quite sounds at home singing them. His is a voice built for quiet reflection, which he seems keen to remind listeners of with another truly “Noel circa 2015” track “The dying of the light.” Tracks like this one succeed by being rooted in the here and now. This is not the “high as a kite” version of Noel talked up here. This is the music firmly rooted in an older, wiser, and more reflective ethos that simply was not as prominent early in his career.

    About the only thing that has carried over from that time is the length - 4 of the songs on this album cross the 5 minute mark, but none overstay their welcome. One track, “While the song remains the same” even has an intro that begs to be adapted as a walk-on-stage number to start shows, with the ethereal build leading into a rousing mid-tempo stomper. Here Noel shows how while he is still clearly a fan of “busy” tracks, he has learned a great deal since the early days of his career on how to manage that feeling and filter songs down. Now, they feature a well-balanced mixture, never overwhelming or stuffed with too many instruments just because the artist felt like putting them in there.

    Taking this album as a whole, it comes down to a mostly even mix of Noel doing what he does best, and some fleeting glimpses of stepping outside his comfort zone. Album closer “Ballad of the mighty I” rides a skittering, chaotic groove that is more outside the comfort zone than anything else on this album. Johnny Marr’s guitar work on this track feeds that chaos like a gas can tossed on a bonfire, and the end result is something light years ahead of most of this album’s output. Bottom line - Noel Gallagher shows off the talent with Chasing Yesterday, but leaves the listener wanting more of the forward-leaning moments that peak out from behind the curtain over the album’s run time.    … Expand
  17. LUKEOPERCOUP
    Jan 7, 2018
    9
    Chasing Yesterday keeps the high level Noel stablished. Another album with such good songs on it. Still wondering why this is not on every top chart. The epic single 'In The Heat Of The Moment' along with songs like 'Lock All The Doors' , 'The Mexican' and 'The Dying Of The Light' makes it sensational rock. Chasing Yesterday is another strog step for Noel.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Most Discussed Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Magnet
    Apr 15, 2015
    60
    Standout moments exist but the apparent slap across the face of preparedness results in meandering transitions, misplaced sax bleating that's part downtown jazz, part "Careless Whisper," and the feeling that there was a fair amount of sleepwalking through the process. [No. 119, p.55]
  2. PopMatters
    Mar 5, 2015
    50
    Chasing Yesterday, despite alluding to the framework of time in its title, is an album of no time: not interested enough to truly mine from the past, seemingly incapable of moving forward with new ideas, and too stuck in old rhythms to be called music of its time.
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  3. American Songwriter
    Mar 4, 2015
    80
    There is always room in the world for another well written, classy pop-rock gem, and with Chasing Yesterdays Noel Gallagher proudly delivers 10 of them.
    Read full review
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