Was "Be Here Now" That Bad?

Summary

In this video, the reviewer takes a deep dive into Oasis' album *Be Here Now*, examining its polarizing reception over the years. Initially celebrated as a triumph, the album later faced harsh criticism, only to regain some appreciation recently. The reviewer explores each track, offering mixed opinions on the songs. Highlights include the emotional *Don’t Go Away* and the anthem-like *Stand by Me*, while tracks like *Magic Pie* and *Fading Out* are criticized for their overblown production and lack of direction. Ultimately, the reviewer ranks *Be Here Now* as a 6/10, acknowledging its highs and lows while questioning its place in Oasis' legacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Be Here Now* was Oasis' third studio album, released in 1997, and has divided listeners into two camps: those who love it and consider it a masterpiece, and those who criticize it.
• 😀 When *Be Here Now* was first released, it received overwhelming praise, becoming the fastest-selling album in UK history, but opinions quickly soured in the years that followed.
• 😀 Despite early praise, *Be Here Now* received harsh reviews from critics in subsequent years, with Rolling Stone calling it 'a studio monstrosity.'
• 😀 Recent years have seen a resurgence in positive opinions about *Be Here Now*, with many revisiting it and even calling it one of Oasis' best albums.
• 😀 The album marked the end of the Britpop movement, with bands like Blur and The Verve moving in different directions by the time it was released.
• 😀 The song 'Do You Know What I Mean?' was the album's first single, and while it has a catchy groove, the reviewer feels it lacks substance and doesn't engage as strongly as other Oasis tracks.
• 😀 'My Big Mouth' is praised as one of the better tracks on the album, with its energetic and edgy vibe, earning a high rating from the reviewer.
• 😀 'Magic Pie' is criticized as a seven-minute track with no clear purpose, making it one of the album's weakest songs.
• 😀 'Stand by Me' is recognized as one of the best tracks on the album, with its feel-good vibes and crowd-pleasing potential at live shows.
• 😀 'Don't Go Away' is considered the emotional peak of the album, written by Noel about his mother’s battle with cancer, and it stands out as one of the best songs on the record.
• 😀 'All Around the World' is a polarizing track, with the reviewer describing it as one of the most bloated and overproduced songs of Oasis' career, despite its historical significance as a long UK chart entry.

Q & A

What was the initial reception of Oasis's album *Be Here Now* when it was first released in 1997?

When *Be Here Now* was released in 1997, it was met with overwhelmingly positive commercial and critical reception. It became the fastest-selling album in UK history at the time, selling 400,000 copies on its first day and receiving numerous positive reviews from publications like Q magazine and The Chicago Sun Times.

What led to the dramatic shift in critics' opinions on *Be Here Now* after its release?

After the initial success, critics quickly turned on *Be Here Now*, with publications like *Rolling Stone* and *NME* giving harsh reviews. The album was criticized for its overblown production, excessive length, and lack of meaningful content, which led to a major shift in its critical perception.

Why is *Be Here Now* often seen as the end of the Britpop era?

Many consider *Be Here Now* the end of the Britpop movement because, by the time it was released, other bands like Blur and The Verve had begun exploring new directions, while Oasis continued down a more excessive, nostalgic path. This shift marked a turning point in the genre's influence.

What is the main criticism of the song *Do You Know What I Mean*?

The main criticism of *Do You Know What I Mean* is that, despite its signature Oasis groove and strong melody, it feels repetitive and lacks a clear hook or meaning. The production is also considered too loud, which makes it hard to appreciate the subtleties of the song.

Why is *My Big Mouth* considered one of the standout tracks on *Be Here Now*?

*My Big Mouth* stands out because of its energetic, fast-paced feel and sharp commentary on the Gallagher brothers' public personas. Unlike many tracks on the album, it doesn’t feel overly bloated and manages to retain a strong, focused energy throughout.

What makes the song *Magic Pie* one of the weakest tracks on the album?

*Magic Pie* is often criticized for being overly long (seven minutes) with no substantial payoff. The song lacks meaningful lyrics or a clear direction, and it suffers from unnecessary repetition, making it one of the weakest tracks on *Be Here Now*.

Why is *Stand by Me* considered one of the best tracks on *Be Here Now*?

*Stand by Me* is considered one of the best tracks because it delivers an uplifting message, has a strong stadium anthem quality, and is seen as a fan favorite. Despite some repetitive aspects, it resonates as a feel-good anthem with great live performance potential.

How does the track *Fading Out* compare to other songs on the album?

*Fading Out* is criticized for being boring and lacking dynamic progression. The track builds to a loud, unremarkable climax, and Liam Gallagher's vocal performance is seen as annoying in parts, which makes it one of the less enjoyable tracks on *Be Here Now*.

What personal experience inspired Noel Gallagher to write *Don't Go Away*?

*Don't Go Away* was inspired by Noel Gallagher’s mother, who was at risk of dying from cancer. The emotional weight of this experience adds depth to the song, making it one of the more heartfelt and significant tracks on the album.

What is the general consensus on the song *All Around the World*?

*All Around the World* is a polarizing track. While it was one of the first songs Noel Gallagher wrote for Oasis and has a grand, anthemic sound, it suffers from being overly long (nearly nine minutes) with a repetitive chorus and excessive production that detracts from its impact.

What does the reviewer ultimately think of *Be Here Now* as a whole?

The reviewer feels that *Be Here Now* is a flawed album with too many excesses but still contains some strong tracks. While it is not considered a career-killing disaster, it has too many missteps to be deemed a truly great album. The overall score given by the reviewer is a 6 out of 10.