A sensational opening volley of new Noel Gallagher songs establishes a standard it can’t quite sustain. But for the main part, Oasis’s first album in over three years comes close.

BAG IT UP

Four-to-the-floor opening shot features a multi-tracked Liam Gallagher declaring, “I’m gonna take a walk with the monkey man.” Monster chorus can’t even be derailed by the questionable claim, “I’ve got my heebeegeebees in a little bag.” Should distinguish itself as an instant live favourite when the UK tour begins on Tuesday.

THE TURNING

One of Oasis’s most atmospheric recordings. Moody electric piano gives way to affirmative come-ons on a series of increasingly rock-tastic choruses. Cheeky Dear Prudence-style coda heralds the beginning of a series of Beatles borrowings, thankfully more artfully deployed than on previous occasions.

WAITING FOR THE RAPTURE

Intro reminiscent of The Doors Five To One gives way to a Noel third-person account of being ensnared by a predatory woman. Dave Sardy’s production cleverly allows the needle to stay firmly in the red – although any sonic bombast is once again trumped by an excellent chorus.

THE SHOCK OF THE LIGHTNING

The first single from the album. Pacey, energized delivery from Liam, coupled with a performance that recalls 1995’s Morning Glory. As a result, probably the song most likely to find favour with fans of “vintage” Oasis.

I’M OUTTA TIME

Liam’s first and best contribution to the album. Featuring a sample of John Lennon’s final interview at the end, the song itself is a tender love song which deploys several key Lennonisms in its instrumentation. Hard to equate such open-hearted sensitivity with the man who, in a recent interview, declared, “SpongeBob SquarePants is a mental, full-of-beans sponge. He’s mad for it.”

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