Why Me? Why Not. cover

Why Me? Why Not.

Liam Gallagher · 2019

51 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock

Anthemic rock melodies entwine with Gallagher's signature vocal swagger, creating an invigorating and introspective listening experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shockwave — Opening the album with a powerful riff and assertive lyrics, this track sets the tone for Gallagher's bold return to rock music.
  • →
    One of Us — This song encapsulates themes of nostalgia and self-reflection, showcasing Gallagher's ability to blend personal narrative with universal sentiment.
  • →
    Now That I’ve Found You — With its catchy chorus and upbeat melody, this track highlights Gallagher’s knack for crafting radio-friendly anthems while maintaining emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, with most tracks relying on anthemic choruses and straightforward verse-chorus structures.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build upon Gallagher's lead vocals, enhancing the emotional impact.
  • The last three tracks shift to a more introspective tone, featuring softer instrumentation and reflective lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 mid-tempo reflective moments
  • uplifting melodies for daily motivation
  • introspective lyrics for personal connection
  • sing-along anthems for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek experimental and varied structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 20, 2019, Why Me? Why Not. was Liam Gallagher's second solo studio album, following his debut As You Were in 2017, which had marked his successful transition from Oasis frontman to solo artist. This album further solidified his identity outside the shadow of his former band, showcasing a more personal and matured songwriting approach.
Stylistic neighbors
Oasis· Richard Ashcroft· The Verve

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • One of Us

    A poignant moment occurs when the lyrics shift from longing to acceptance, revealing a deeper understanding of personal relationships.

    This transition from yearning to resolution marks a pivotal change in perspective that enriches the narrative arc of the song.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 2

  • 4 Once (original demo)

Disc 3

  • 1 Shockwave 3:31
  • 2 One of Us 3:25
  • 3 Once 3:33
  • 4 Now That I’ve Found You 3:20
  • 5 Halo 3:58
  • 6 Why Me? Why Not. 3:38
  • 7 Be Still 2:59
  • 8 Alright Now 3:47
  • 9 Meadow 4:05
  • 10 The River 3:29
  • 11 Gone 3:45
  • 12 Invisible Sun 3:35
  • 13 Misunderstood 4:16
  • 14 Glimmer 3:41
  • 15 Once (original demo)

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata