Rising to the occasion of solo artist when much of the career is defined by group work is no small feat. Britpop hangovers still linger for Liam Gallagher, whose setlists are often dominated by Oasis glory. Strange, since the confidence shown on the latest album C’mon You Know is a caricature captured on tape, a piece that exceeds the image of Oasis’ “lads, lads, lads” mentality and offers up genuine and thoughtful processions. Gallagher continues that tough love and looks back on the experiences of the past with arguably the most emotionally driven and passionate song of his solo career so far, Too Good for Giving Up.
There is an intensity and a warmth to Too Good for Giving Up that explodes in those opening moments. A sombre collection of piano keys paves the way to Gallagher’s vocal range, which has improved over time and changed into a piece that does not rely on nasally snarls as much as the Oasis days did. Growth of an individual in the face of new artistic pursuits is so crucial. Gallagher identifies that and crafts a track that would not have been possible in his meteoric heyday. This is not just a track that challenges Gallagher’s previous work though, it is a piece with a point to it and a positive one at that. Important it is to mark that, Gallagher strips back the usually heavy, articulate details of his usual audience. He peeks behind the curtain that has bolstered his image to tackle a serious issue and does so well.
Within Too Good for Giving Up is an emotional core that should hopefully prove helpful to those that need it. For a musician as broad and well-known as Gallagher to take on the troubles of mental health in song form is both reassuring and interesting. Inspired lyricisms that feel fluid and well-contained by what Gallagher offers as a performer. Striking up a conversation of “imposters” and “misfits” showcases a positive message that is hard to criticise. A strong message paired with the simpler charms of a stripped-back production is the guiding light of this call to arms, one that hopes to make its listeners reflect on “how far they’ve come”. Those that are suckers for string quartets will love Too Good for Giving Up.
Regardless of potent and worthy lyricisms, Gallagher’s track would work even without its cultural examination. Too Good for Giving Up is an incredibly important track that features well on C’mon, You Know, not just because it shows growth for Gallagher’s solo career but because it targets a worrying issue. For such a big artist to tackle it is one thing, for them to do so with good grace and exceptional results is another. Too Good for Giving Up could have bombed and crashed out. The fine line of cash-in and care is no stranger to art, but Gallagher makes sure to maintain that genuine care throughout, one that marks this track as one of his most exceptional. Simple chord structures paired with a hopeful string arrangement are the key to a powerful message that is very much the core of this Gallagher effort, and what a strong effort it is.
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