Former Oasis singer/songwriter Noel Gallagher, the British-born bad boy artist, has been in the news as of late, both for his new album with the group the High Flying Birds as well as for another verbal battle in the press between him and his brother, Liam.
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But for whatever reason Noel’s name is in the ether, one thing is certain: the fella can write a great song. He’s done so, so many times, from “Wonderwall” to “Champagne Supernova.” His imagery and vocal delivery are distinct and beloved.
Over the course of his career, though, Noel has lent these talents to other artists. To wit, below are three songs you likely didn’t know the now-56-year-old Noel wrote for other artists—including an old rival.
1. “Walls,” Louis Tomlinson
Written by Noel Gallagher, Louis Tomlinson, Jamie Hartman, Jacob Manson, David Gibson
The titular song from Louis Tomlinson’s 2020 studio album. The track, which opens with piano and acoustic guitar, is dramatic, and emotional, showcasing Tomlinson’s raspy voice. While Tomlinson said the album’s closing track, “Only the Brave,” was inspired by Liam, it was Noel, along with a few other songwriters, who helped pen the album’s title song. You can even hear some of Noel’s signature meandering melodies in the vocal lines. Since its release, the song has garnered millions of streams.
Nothing wakes you up like waking up alone
And all that’s left of us is a cupboard full of clothes
The day you walked away and took the higher ground
Was the day that I became the man that I am now
2. “Let Forever Be,” The Chemical Brothers
Written by Tom Rowlands, Ed Simons, Noel Gallagher
Released by the British electronic music group the Chemical Brothers as part of the album’s 1999 album Surrender, the track includes uncredited vocals from Noel, who also co-wrote the song. Noel had worked with the group several years earlier, as well, on the duo’s 1996 track “Setting Sun,” from the Dig Your Own Hole record. The track hit No. 9 on the U.K. Singles Chart and fared well on several other charts around the globe, from Hungary to the U.S. If you bend your ears, you can hear a big Beatles influence on the music, from a Ringo-esque drum to psychedelic vocals.
3. “We Got the Power,” Gorillaz
Written by Damon Albarn, Jehnny Beth, Noel Gallagher
For years, Oasis was at war with Blur. The two “Brit Pop” bands were back and forth on the charts. But that rivalry ended in 2013 with Blur (and Gorillaz) frontman Damon Albarn taking the stage with Noel for a charity show. Since then, things seem peachy-keen for the artists. So much so that this song by Gorillaz, released in 2017 on the album Humanz, included backing vocals from Noel, a co-writer on the track. Speaking of the momentous occasion and their collaboration, Albarn said of Noel, “He’s fantastic in the studio. It’s nice when you see how someone goes about their business. He’s great.” Check out the big, wall of sound song below.
Photo by Matt Crockett / Permanent Press Media
