Since 1994's What's The Story Morning Glory, Oasis have been on a downhill slope, giving us mediocre (Heathen Chemistry), to downright poor (Standing on the Shoulders of Giants) albums. The only exception, probably being Don't Believe The Truth. I would probably not be wrong in saying that 90% of this was to do with the fact that Noel split up the song writing duties and began stockpiling his own work. Well, 17 years later and Noel no longer has anyone to answer for. All I can say is the Chief is back.

Opener Everybody's on the Run is an epic, Ennio Morriconne inspired, string laden love song which could easily have been the last track on the album. 'Hang in there love, you gotta hold on', is probably my favourite lyric on the album. It's a beautiful song.

The first 6 songs of the album are breathlessly good. Dream On is a jumbled up, crowd pleasing, sing-a-long in which Noel sings about 'running out of batteries' and 'hanging from a ladder.' Its absolute nonsense but its amazing.

A dodgy, phone recorded version of I Had a Gun has been on the internet for a while but it doesn't quite prepare you for the epic nature of what could easily be Noel's greatest ode to love. 'Let me fly you to the moon' Noel exhorts in what is an undoubted stand out moment on the album.

The Chief wanted to come back with a whisper with first single The Death of You and Me, which has elements of The Importance of Being Idle, but what he does is transport us to New Orleans for Mardi gras. It's pure magic. (I Wanna Live in a Dream In My) Record Machine is the next song, one which has been bandied about for a few years. There have been demo versions of this floating around YouTube for a while so expectations were high. No disappointment here. The song has a fantastic guitar solo which is very reminiscent of early Oasis. The biggest shock on the album is AKA...What A Life. It is underpinned by a massive drum beat and fierce piano riff which gives us Noel's first dance song. 'I'm gonna take that tiger outside for a riddddddddde'. Noel is certainly on top form and this tiger better be strong as we are all on this ride.

The next chapter is this incredible album is Soldier Boys and Jesus Freaks which could easily be influenced by The Kinks. 'All the people on the village green are gathered round their TV screens'. Great stuff. AKA...Broken Arrow is probably my favourite track on the album as I type. This could be Wonderwall II. No one does acoustic better than Noel and I fucking love it. (Stranded on) The Wrong Beach could be the catchiest song on the album. 'Oh me oh my' Noel blares as he takes us on his journey.

The last song on the album is Stop The Clocks. Noel apparently wrote this song in 2001, declaring it as probably the best song he has ever written. He has never quite got it to fit on an Oasis album but here it is a perfect ending to a perfect album. It is finished with an erratic guitar solo which leaves us breathless for more.

Reading this review I am sure you don't need me tor recommend this anymore than I already have. It's an incredible collection of songs written by the finest songwriter of our generation. Buy it now.

Download AKA...Broken Arrow, Everybody's on the Run and If I Had A Gun