Who Built the Moon?
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds · 2017
48 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic rock and lyrical introspection layered over lush instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Holy Mountain — This track stands out for its infectious energy and celebration of freedom, encapsulating the album's thematic focus on liberation from constraints. Its catchy chorus and vibrant instrumentation make it a standout anthem.
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She Taught Me How to Fly — With its introspective lyrics and ethereal arrangement, this song beautifully captures themes of love and personal growth, showcasing Gallagher’s ability to weave emotional depth into his music.
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If Love Is the Law — This track combines a driving beat with lyrical optimism, presenting an uplifting perspective on love's transformative power, which resonates throughout the album’s narrative arc.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has moments that disrupt its overall flow.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a more reflective tone with softer dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo shifts, such as 'Black & White Sunshine', which transitions from a steady beat to a more frenetic pace.
- The album includes interludes that break up the flow, specifically 'Interlude (Wednesday Part 1)' and 'End Credits (Wednesday Part 2)', creating a sense of narrative progression.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow for reflective moments
- vibrant soundscapes for exploration
- uplifting energy for social gatherings
- interludes that invite contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike cohesive listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on November 24, 2017, 'Who Built the Moon?' is Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' third studio album, following 'Chasing Yesterday' in 2015. This album marked a significant evolution in Gallagher's sound, embracing more experimental production techniques and collaborating with producer David Holmes to create a vibrant sonic landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Richard Ashcroft· The Verve· Coldplay
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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It's a Beautiful World
The bridge shifts from a reflective tone to an assertive declaration about finding beauty amidst chaos.
This structural change emphasizes resilience and hope, contrasting earlier contemplative moments with a powerful affirmation of positivity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fort Knox 3:57
- 2 Holy Mountain 3:54
- 3 Keep on Reaching 3:24
- 4 It’s a Beautiful World 5:17
- 5 She Taught Me How to Fly 5:02
- 6 Be Careful What You Wish For 5:40
- 7 Black & White Sunshine 3:41
- 8 Interlude (Wednesday Part 1) 2:10
- 9 If Love Is the Law 3:25
- 10 The Man Who Built the Moon 4:28
- 11 End Credits (Wednesday Part 2) 2:27
- 12 Dead in the Water (live at RTÉ 2FM Studios, Dublin) 5:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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