Recommendations by Kristen Wilson

Everyone knows “Wonderwall,” but many people don’t realize that Noel Gallagher of Oasis continues to turn out genius melodies with his High Flying Birds. Gallgher’s 2023 album Council Skies is some of his best solo work, combining his elemental and instantly familiar songs with creative arrangements. Highlights for me include: “Pretty Boy,” featuring hypnotic guitar from The Smiths’ Johnny Marr; “Easy Now,” a gorgeous ballad with a huge build; and “We’re Gonna Get There in the End,” a optimistic, Bacharach-eque anthem with a killer horn section.