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Why Me? Why Not.
by
Why Me? Why Not. Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 68 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length solo release from the Oasis singer features contributions from producer Greg Kurstin, Damon McMahon, Michael Tighe, and Andrew Wyatt.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. American Songwriter
    Sep 23, 2019
    80
    Why Me? Why Not. is indeed comparable to one of Macca’s recent solo albums, a little modern, a little throwback, a lot of good stuff. Don’t miss out on the resurgence of Liam Gallagher while you’re hoping against hope for the return of his former band.
  2. Clash Music
    Sep 10, 2019
    80
    Gallagher remains an excellent interpreter of others’ lyrics, but he takes the skill further here and it results in a collection of classic songs drenched in melody, accompanied by clearly expressed, noticeable lyrics.
  3. Mojo
    Sep 10, 2019
    80
    There are a few other naff moments, but Gallagher's voice carries everything, sounding fantastic, high and bright in the mix. [Oct 2019, p.82]
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  4. Uncut
    Sep 19, 2019
    70
    Why Me? Why Not. ticks a number of boxes for his fanbase. [Nov 2019, p.25]
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  5. Rolling Stone
    Sep 20, 2019
    70
    It wouldn’t be a Gallagher record without an ode to John Lennon, and Why Me? Why Not checks all the boxes.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Sep 27, 2019
    69
    Why Me? Why Not. largely succeeds when Gallagher allows himself to dig deep into his past and get a bit personal.
  7. Glide Magazine
    Sep 19, 2019
    50
    There’s attitude aplenty from the very outset. In fact, its first track, “Shockwave,” contains the clarion call of electric guitars combined with bluesy harp, at least partially giving the lie to chest-thumping lyrics Liam delivers with an almost audible sneer. The repetition of the refrain might be better served with an extra dollop or two of spontaneity, and while this somewhat stilted production might well be expected from Kurstin and Wyatt–who’ve worked with the likes of Adele and Lady Gaga–it doesn’t lessen the dampening effect on this performance and that of “Now That’ I’ve Found You.”

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. sk75
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    Great 2nd solo album by Liam Gallagher and a successful follow up to his excellent debut "As You Were". A cohesive and mature piece of work,Great 2nd solo album by Liam Gallagher and a successful follow up to his excellent debut "As You Were". A cohesive and mature piece of work, with Liam doing what he knows best, delivering great catchy rock n roll tunes to sing your heart out.… Expand
  2. Jacksyn
    May 29, 2022
    10
    Just Song after song after great song!! He has such a lovely aggressive sound, and that really comes out on this wonderful record, Why me? WhyJust Song after song after great song!! He has such a lovely aggressive sound, and that really comes out on this wonderful record, Why me? Why not. Everything about it is so tasteful, the themes, the cover art, the lyrics, and music all come together and coalesce into this brilliant, ear dazzling marvel.… Expand
  4. rODIUM
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Great album. Executed the rock n roll Liam sound well. Great vocals and lyrics. Production is clean
  5. Milo74
    Sep 21, 2019
    9
    It’s not perfect but it’s pretty Good! Everything rock music should be and Oasis could still be
  6. yass
    Sep 20, 2019
    9
    Great album. I think this will suit a lot of people. Oasis die hard fans, or juste britpop fans. The album has some flaws (halo is prettyGreat album. I think this will suit a lot of people. Oasis die hard fans, or juste britpop fans. The album has some flaws (halo is pretty bad). Gone closes perfectlty the album.

    Best tunes after first listen:

    Why me why not
    Gone
    One of us    … Expand
  7. Ricko
    Oct 6, 2019
    8
    LG's press release for this was along the lines of if you like singers and songs who do exactly was it says on the tin, meat and veg rock nLG's press release for this was along the lines of if you like singers and songs who do exactly was it says on the tin, meat and veg rock n roll, then you'll like this. While straight up and the antithesis of his older brother, Liam Gallagher is doing himself a disservice. 2017's "As You Were" was a pleasant surprise in terms of the quality of songs on it and it marked a triumphant return to the spotlight. The follow up, coming just 2 years later builds on the momentum of "As You Were" with Gallagher teaming up with the same co-writers. While the singles lifted from "Why Me Why Not" are not as instant, once you give the listen a few albums those songs come into their own. This is a superior album to "As You Were", more ambitious songwriting, more risks and more confident delivery. LG is a self professed disciple of Lennon and you can hear nods to Lennon's early solo stuff all over this (particularly the title track). There are probably too many songs built around the "Dear Prudence" descending chord progression on the album but this is hero worship of The Stones and The Beatles done very well indeed. While "As You Were" had a few forgettable numbers and was frontloaded with most of the best stuff on side one, "Why Me Why Not" is more consistent, carries no passengers and just goes further in every way. Gallagher and his team have repeated the trick and improved it. Fair play on that.… Expand
  8. rock-omlet
    Sep 30, 2019
    5
    Насколько блестящим был сольный дебют младшего из братьев основателей легендарных Oasis, настолько серым и безликим оказалось продолжение.Насколько блестящим был сольный дебют младшего из братьев основателей легендарных Oasis, настолько серым и безликим оказалось продолжение. Может быть, это синдром второго альбома?

    Лучшие треки:
    Now That I've Found You
    Why Me? Why Not.
    Be Still    … Expand

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Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2019