Be Here Now

This is the album that defined my life, it was the first time that I walked into a shop and bought my own CD, it was at the height of Oasis mania and it was not a dissapointment.

Be Here Now had a lot to live up to, its two predecessors Definitely Maybe and What's the Story Morning Glory were by all accounts Great albums and both regularly feature in the top 10 albums of all time polls and on satellite music channels.

So here it came late summer 1997 and it had arrived, the most eagerly anticipated album since, well to be fair probably of all time.
You put this on and are blown away.

1.D'You know what I mean?
Mindblowingly brilliant song, from the helicopter at the start signalling Oasis arrival and the 5 piece drum intro. The guitars hit and then its Liam 's snarling voice ripping out of your cd player at you. This song straight away reminds you of what's missing in today's music charts, long songs that go on a journey and don't have any definitive purpose, they are just there, this is a great opener and arguably Oasis' greatest opener. 10/10

2.My Big Mouth.
Oasis at their snarling rocking best, from the start to finish with My Big Mouth you are bopping away bouncing away singing away, you get so caught up in this song you do feel disappointed when it ends though. 9/10

3.Magic Pie.
This is Noels first foray into singing on this album and he works himself and proves he can sing. This song starts slow and light for the first to lines then a cracking guitar rift lift this song right up and give it a rocky feel and like the opener this s lacking direction but that's what makes it, its just a good good rock song. A very unusual ending as it leads into song. 9/10

4. Stand By Me.
Anthemic sing along tune that only Oasis can mass produce. This is one of the standout tracks on a standout album its a song that everytime you here you sit up and listen, as a big Oasis fan having Liam back on this form is a dream. 9/10

5. I hope I think I know.
Along the same lines as Big Mouth and Magic Pie. This another rocking anthem a jump along to song and as it goes into the chorus, personally my favourite of all Oasis songs you again catch/find yourself perplexed and its a highlight of the album. Brilliant 10/10

6. The Girl in the Dirty Shirt.
Another very good song and another time on this album when you find yourself casting your mind back to other songs as with the start to this and theme running through it on an everyday album would have been the successor to Magic Pie but this album, is like this song a story that by the time you get here you are hooked on the album. 8/10

7.Fade In/Out.
Slow start to a rocking and brilliant song, 10 seconds before any music then a minute of guitar before a quick drum roll and the ever noticeable Liam snarl comes on, the song again dips away as it tries to be a melodic tune, but Oasis at this stage were making rock and roll songs and they eventually go for it with a snarling ahhhh halfway through the song when you actually think the song is fading out, drums guitars everything hits at you, its a great surprise and again shows the quality this album has. 9/10

8. Don't Go Away.
How do you describe this song, amazing!! Its a ballad of types along the lines of cast no shadow, a truly memorizing song from start to finish and is one of Oasis greatest songs. 11/10

9. Be Here Now.
The title track and again a rock and roll classic. Loud abrasive and rude, Liam is shouting out at you here as this album produces another flawless song. 8/10

10. All Around The World.
A masterpiece to say the least and at 9 minutes long it is the mainstay of this album which is intent on taking you on a journey. This is a sing along a hand waver this is Oasis at there very best and is just shaded in the race for best song on the album.The chorus is catchy and like all Great songs, this has no ending, it actually just drifts out at the end getting lower and lower. Na na na na na nananaaaaaaaaaaa!! 10/10

11. Its Gettin Better Man.
Amazing rock song, one which is much more appreciated when listened to live. It gets those hairs standing up on the back of your neck, its a song that was designed for Defiantly Maybe, its so loud you feel like you have put your volume up tenfold. This song does not get the credit it deserves. 10/10

12. All Around the World (Reprise). Instrumental version of song 10 and a fitting tribute to the end of a wonderful album. 8/10

To really enjoy and savour this album you need to relax get a drink and get a good 2 hours alone time, lie down and listen, you will be amazed.