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Why Me? Why Not.
Why Me? Why Not.
Why Me? Why Not.
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Why Me? Why Not.
Studio album by
Liam Gallagher
Released20 September 2019 (2019-09-20)
RecordedApril 2018 – April 2019
Studio
  • Abbey Road & RAK, London
  • Bonnie Hill, Echo, & Republic, Los Angeles
Genre
Length39:30
LabelWarner
Producer
Liam Gallagher chronology
As You Were
(2017) 		Why Me? Why Not.
(2019) 		MTV Unplugged (Live at Hull City Hall)
(2020)
Singles from Why Me? Why Not.
  1. "Shockwave"
    Released: 7 June 2019
  2. "The River"
    Released: 26 June 2019
  3. "Once"
    Released: 26 July 2019
  4. "One of Us"
    Released: 16 August 2019
  5. "Now That I've Found You"
    Released: 11 October 2019
  6. "Gone"
    Released: 19 March 2020

Why Me? Why Not. is the second solo studio album by English musician Liam Gallagher, released on 20 September 2019 by Warner Records, a day before his 47th birthday.[1] The album's lead single "Shockwave" became one of Gallagher's biggest solo hits, the best selling vinyl single of 2019 in the UK, and his first solo single to top a chart in general after reaching No. 1 in Scotland.[2] The album received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, achieving silver certification in its first week and later being certified gold.[3][4]

Background and recording

[edit]

Gallagher, the former frontman of Oasis, had made a successful comeback following the break-up of his post-Oasis band Beady Eye with his platinum-certified debut solo album, As You Were (2017). The album entered the British charts at No. 1, outselling the entire top 10 combined and achieving gold certification in its first week, while also selling more copies than both Beady Eye albums combined. In addition, it received a positive reaction from critics and audiences.

Gallagher revealed that he had begun work on his second album in April 2018, confirming that he would again be working with producer Greg Kurstin as well as Andrew Wyatt, both of whom were involved with his first album. Recording began in April 2018 in Los Angeles and continued sporadically through to 2 April 2019.[5][6] Some recording was done at Abbey Road Studios in London, most famously used by Gallagher's idols the Beatles. The album features his 18-year-old son Gene playing bongos on the track "One of Us". Unlike his first album, all the tracks are co-written by Gallagher.

The album's name comes from two drawings by Beatles singer John Lennon that Gallagher owns; the first (titled "Why Me?") was bought by Gallagher from a Lennon art exhibition in Munich in 1997, and the second (titled "Why Not.") was given to Gallagher by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono shortly thereafter.[7]

Promotion

[edit]

On 30 May 2019, Gallagher did a live stream from a local pub's garden, in which he played a new song entitled "Shockwave".[8] The song was later debuted live at Hackney's Round Chapel in London[9] and made available for streaming 7 June as well as a physical vinyl release five days later. Second single, "The River", was released with a music video on 27 June, two days before Gallagher's appearance at Glastonbury festival, in which the song was debuted live.[10]

The documentary film Liam Gallagher: As It Was, which details his comeback and solo career beginnings, premiered on 6 June and featured a snippet of the song "Once".[citation needed] The song gained acclaim from fans and was finally released on 26 July as the third single.[citation needed] Gallagher himself declared it to be one of the best songs he has ever been involved with.[11][non-primary source needed]

Gallagher played an acoustic set for MTV Unplugged in Hull City Hall on 3 August, showcasing his solo songs as well as selected Oasis tracks. "Once" debuted live and new songs "One of Us", "Now That I've Found You", "Gone", and "Why Me? Why Not." were played publicly for the first time.[12] Gallagher also performed several Oasis songs, including "Stand by Me" for the first time since 2001, and "Sad Song" which he had never performed live before. For the Oasis material, Gallagher was joined on stage by former Oasis guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs.[13] The special aired on 27 September, several hours after the album debuted at number one in the UK. The performance was later released as Gallagher's first live album, MTV Unplugged (Live At Hull City Hall), containing 10 out of the 17 songs performed. It was released on 12 June 2020 and debuted at number one on the UK charts, becoming Gallagher's third UK no.1 album.[14][15]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?6.9/10[16]
Metacritic74/100[17]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[18]
The GuardianStarStarStar[19]
The IndependentStarStarStarStar[20]
MojoStarStarStarStar[21]
NMEStarStarStarStar[22]
Pitchfork6.3/10[23]
QStarStarStarStar[24]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarHalf star[25]
The TimesStarStarStarStar[26]
Uncut7/10[27]

Why Me? Why Not. received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Many positive reviews complemented the album for expanding on the sound of As You Were, with Gallagher's vocals also being singled out for praise. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received a weighted average score of 74 based on 20 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[17]

Track listing

[edit]

The final track listing was revealed by Gallagher on Twitter.[28] An exclusive original demo of the song "Once" appears on the Collector's Edition.

Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Shockwave"
Kurstin3:30
2."One of Us"
  • Gallagher
  • Damon McMahon
  • Wyatt
Wyatt3:25
3."Once"
  • Gallagher
  • Wyatt
Wyatt3:33
4."Now That I've Found You"
Aldred3:20
5."Halo"
  • Gallagher
  • Kurstin
  • Wyatt
Kurstin3:58
6."Why Me? Why Not."
  • Gallagher
  • Aldred
  • Aldred
  • Adam Noble
3:38
7."Be Still"
  • Gallagher
  • Kurstin
  • Wyatt
Kurstin3:00
8."Alright Now"
  • Gallagher
  • McMahon
  • Wyatt
Wyatt3:47
9."Meadow"
  • Gallagher
  • Kurstin
  • Wyatt
Kurstin4:05
10."The River"
  • Gallagher
  • Wyatt
Wyatt3:26
11."Gone"
  • Gallagher
  • Michael Tighe
  • Wyatt
Wyatt3:45
Total length:39:30
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
12."Invisible Sun"
  • Gallagher
  • Wyatt
Wyatt3:36
13."Misunderstood"
  • Gallagher
  • Aldred
Noble4:16
14."Glimmer"
  • Gallagher
  • Tighe
  • Wyatt
  • Constantin Veis
  • Alex Veis
Wyatt3:40
Total length:51:02
Collector's Edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."Once" (original demo)
  • Gallagher
  • Wyatt
Wyatt3:50
Total length:54:52

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from liner notes.

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[55] Gold 100,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Why Me? Why Not.

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Why Me? Why Not. is the second solo studio by English , released on 20 September 2019 by . The record was produced by and , who co-wrote much of the material with Gallagher, and was recorded across studios in and . Featuring eleven tracks, the album blends rock influences reminiscent of Gallagher's Oasis era with modern production, exploring themes of resilience, introspection, and personal defiance. Upon its release, Why Me? Why Not. debuted at number one on the , marking Gallagher's second consecutive solo chart-topper and his tenth number-one album overall when including his work with Oasis. It also achieved silver certification in the UK within its first week and became the fastest-selling vinyl album of 2019 in the country. The release was supported by five singles—"Shockwave", "One of Us", "Once", "The River", and "Now That I've Found You"—with "Shockwave" serving as the in June 2019. Critically, Why Me? Why Not. garnered generally positive reviews, earning a Metascore of 74 out of 100 on based on 20 critic scores, with praise centered on Gallagher's vocal delivery and the album's energetic rock sound. Outlets such as noted its evolution from Gallagher's post-Oasis projects, describing it as a more confident and cohesive effort compared to his earlier solo work. The album's title track and "Once" were particularly highlighted for their anthemic qualities and raw attitude.

Background

Conception

Following the success of his 2017 debut solo album As You Were, which marked Liam Gallagher's return to prominence after the dissolution of Oasis in 2009 and in 2014, Gallagher conceived Why Me? Why Not. as a deeper exploration of his artistic identity. He aimed for a more aggressive, "in-your-face" sound initially inspired by acts like the and , but the final product shifted toward introspective rock with emotional depth, reflecting on personal regrets, family dynamics, and his early career experiences. Unlike his debut, where he was absent from songwriting credits on two tracks, Gallagher co-wrote every song on this album, marking a deliberate step toward greater creative involvement. The songwriting process was collaborative and efficient, with Gallagher providing melodic ideas, lyrical fragments, and influences from bands such as the Faces and . He worked primarily with producers and co-writers (known for work with and Sia) and (of , who had contributed to As You Were), alongside Michael Tighe and Damon McMahon on select tracks. Gallagher described the sessions as straightforward, noting, "It's easy, man... I thought it'd be a lot harder and I thought there'd be loads of arguments, but they're just great songwriters." This approach allowed him to focus on his strengths as a singer and frontman while addressing his self-acknowledged limitations as a songwriter, resulting in tracks that blend raw emotion with polished hooks. His 18-year-old son, Gene Gallagher, contributed bongos to the song "One of Us," adding a personal family element to the recording. The album's title draws directly from two 1978 self-portrait drawings by , one of Gallagher's idols. Approximately 20 years prior, Gallagher purchased a piece titled Why Me? from a Lennon ; later, Lennon's widow, , sent him another drawing inscribed Why Not?, which together inspired the album's name as a nod to resilience and questioning life's circumstances. This connection underscores the album's thematic core of and defiance, themes Gallagher has long admired in Lennon's work.

Recording

The recording of Why Me? Why Not. marked a collaborative evolution for , building on the success of his 2017 debut solo album As You Were. All tracks were co-written by Gallagher with producers and , alongside others including Michael Tighe and Damon McMahon on select tracks, a departure from the previous record where Gallagher had composed some songs independently. This approach was intentional, as Gallagher sought to elevate the material: "I wrote some songs on my own for the last album, but this time it’s all co-writes. Reason being is I want it to be even better than ‘As You Were’. I know my strengths and I know my limitations. I’m an ok songwriter, but I’m a great singer and frontman." Sessions took place across two locations: , where much of the initial writing and production occurred, and London's , a historic facility known for its work with artists like and . Wyatt handled production on tracks 2, 3, 8, 10, and 11, while Kurstin oversaw tracks 1, 5, 7, and 9; tracks 4 and 6 featured additional production by Simon Aldred and Adam Noble, respectively. Gallagher described the process as straightforward and efficient, emphasizing quick decision-making to avoid overcomplication. He would share initial ideas or "bits of s–t I’ve done" with the producers, who then refined them without unnecessary delays. This method allowed for a focused environment, resulting in 11 tracks completed relatively swiftly after the debut's release. The album's sound retained Gallagher's rock roots while incorporating polished elements from the producers' pop sensibilities, though specific session anecdotes, such as overdubs or live takes, were not publicly detailed beyond the collaborative songcraft.

Musical style

Influences and themes

The album Why Me? Why Not. draws heavily from influences, blending elements of 1960s and 1970s British rock with 1990s aesthetics. Tracks like "Once" evoke John Lennon's introspective balladry, reminiscent of "," while "" incorporates George Harrison-style and subtle David Bowie-inspired laid-back vocals. "Halo" nods to ' "" through its stomping rhythm and glam stomp, and "Be Still" channels the raw energy of , , and The Who. Additionally, touches appear in the Marc Bolan-esque guitar solo on "Alright Now," and psychedelic elements surface in the trippy breakdown of "Once." Overall, the production by and polishes these influences into a glossy pop-rock sound that expands beyond Oasis's shadow while honoring roots. Lyrically, the album explores themes of nostalgia, family estrangement, and personal reflection, marking a more vulnerable side to Liam Gallagher compared to his debut solo effort. Nostalgia permeates tracks like "Once," where Gallagher laments simpler times with lines such as "It was easier to have fun back when we had nothin'," evoking a yearning for the unburdened youth of Oasis's early days. Family dynamics, particularly the ongoing feud with brother Noel, surface in "One of Us," interpreted as an olive branch with pleas like "Act like you don’t remember, you said we’d live forever" and "Open your door," underscored by strings and a gospel choir. "Now That I’ve Found You" shifts to paternal affection, inspired by Gallagher's relationship with his daughter Molly Moorish, while "The River" critiques celebrity culture's superficiality. Broader reflections on resilience and change appear in "Meadow" ("Break the chains from your past life") and "Gone," contemplating the passage of time amid middle-aged contentment. These themes convey a sense of humility and introspection, balancing Gallagher's trademark bravado with emotional depth.

Production elements

The production of Why Me? Why Not. was handled primarily by Greg Kurstin and Andrew Wyatt, who also co-wrote the majority of the tracks alongside Liam Gallagher. Kurstin, known for his work with artists like Adele and Foo Fighters, brought a polished yet organic approach, emphasizing live instrumentation to capture a "band playing in a room" feel without excessive studio effects. Wyatt, from Miike Snow, contributed to the album's diverse textures, drawing on his pop-rock expertise to blend nostalgic Britpop elements with modern arrangements. Sessions spanned over a year across and , allowing for a raw that prioritizes Gallagher's snarling vocals amid big, brassy builds and stadium-ready anthems. The production avoids overproduction, opting for warm analogue tones and subtle psychedelic touches, such as spacey guitar solos and trippy breakdowns, to evoke 1990s Oasis-era energy while adding depth. Gallagher described the process as straightforward, noting, "It’s got that live feel, y’know? No fucking about with too much production." Instrumentation highlights the album's guitar-driven alt-rock core, with electric and acoustic guitars forming the backbone—crisp transitions from acoustic strums to electric riffs in tracks like "One of Us," and bluesy harmonica accents in "Shockwave." Lush orchestral elements, including undulating strings and a gospel choir, elevate emotional peaks, while organ swells and in "Meadow" add atmospheric layers reminiscent of influences. Pounding piano drives anthemic moments in "Halo," and unconventional touches like a recorder solo contribute to the record's eclectic, Beatles-inspired whimsy. Overall, Kurstin's glossy 21st-century template refines the meat-and-veg rock'n'roll style, making the album more textured and arena-filling than Gallagher's debut.

Release and promotion

Singles

The second studio album by English singer-songwriter Liam Gallagher, Why Me? Why Not., was supported by five singles released by Warner Records. These tracks—"Shockwave", "The River", "Once", "One of Us", and "Now That I've Found You"—emphasized Gallagher's signature Britpop-infused rock sound with themes of reflection and resilience. Four were issued prior to the album's September 20, 2019 release, while "Now That I've Found You" followed in October. Each single was accompanied by lyric videos or official music videos, and several were supported by limited-edition vinyl releases that contributed to strong physical sales in the UK vinyl market. "Shockwave", the , was released on June 7, 2019, as a high-energy opener produced by . It debuted and peaked at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart, spending two weeks in the Top 75, while topping both the Official Physical Singles Chart and Official Vinyl Singles Chart for an extended period due to its etched lyric B-side vinyl edition. The track amassed 17,299 combined sales in its debut week and ranked as the second best-selling vinyl single of 2019 in the UK, behind only Wham!'s "" reissue. A cinematic directed by François Rousselet, featuring apocalyptic imagery in America's , was released on June 13, 2019, enhancing its promotional reach. "The River", released on June 27, 2019, adopted a more introspective tone with acoustic elements, co-written by Gallagher and . It did not enter the main UK Singles Chart but peaked at number 66 on the Official Singles Sales Chart, bolstered by digital downloads and a limited vinyl pressing. The single received attention for its protest-like addressing social issues, and a lyric video was issued upon release to accompany its rollout during Gallagher's summer festival appearances. "Once", the third single, arrived on , , featuring emotional lyrics about and redemption, again co-penned with Wyatt. It peaked at number 49 on the UK Singles Chart, with five weeks in the Top 75, driven partly by streaming and a lyric video that highlighted its piano-driven balladry. The track's release coincided with pre-album , and its vinyl format contributed to sustained physical sales. The fourth pre-album single, "One of Us", was released on August 16, 2019, blending influences with orchestral swells in a symphonic rock style. It debuted at number 50 on the UK Singles Chart, charting for three weeks, and reached number 9 on the year's best-selling vinyl singles , thanks to a popular etched vinyl edition that topped the Official Vinyl Singles Chart upon release. Directed by Anthony Byrne and written by , the music video—released on August 28, 2019—dramatized themes of and legacy, garnering significant media coverage for its ties to Gallagher's Oasis . The single's physical peaked at number 1 on the Official Physical Singles Chart for 47 weeks cumulatively. "Now That I've Found You", the fifth single, was released on October 11, 2019, as a heartfelt track co-written by Gallagher for his daughter Molly Moorish. It peaked at number 61 on the UK Singles Chart for one week, supported by a lyric video and limited vinyl edition. The release extended post-album promotion, aligning with the tour.
SingleRelease DateUK Singles Chart PeakNotable Achievements
"Shockwave"June 7, 201922#1 Official Vinyl Singles Chart; #2 best-selling vinyl single of 2019
"The River"June 27, 2019Did not enter#66 Official Singles Sales Chart
"Once"July 26, 2019495 weeks on UK Singles Chart
"One of Us"August 16, 201950#1 Official Physical Singles Chart; #9 best-selling vinyl single of 2019
"Now That I've Found You"October 11, 2019611 week on UK Singles Chart

Marketing campaigns

The marketing for Why Me? Why Not. emphasized Liam Gallagher's enduring rock persona through a mix of digital teasers, brand collaborations, multimedia releases, and live events, building anticipation from May through the album's September 20, 2019, launch on . The campaign kicked off with the debut of "Shockwave" via an informal Live stream on May 30, 2019, where Gallagher previewed the track from a pub in , holding a and letting a portable speaker play the song for fans. This raw, accessible approach garnered immediate buzz, leading to the single's digital release on June 7 alongside a directed by François Rousselet, featuring Gallagher in a cinematic journey through America's with apocalyptic themes. Subsequent singles "Once" (July 26) and "One of Us" (August 16) followed with their own videos, maintaining momentum with themes of nostalgia and resilience that tied into the album's lyrical focus. A key partnership was with Spezial, launching the limited-edition LG SPZL sneaker on August 30, 2019, just weeks before the album. Based on the SPZL silhouette, the design incorporated Gallagher's input for a neutral, understated look with a modified tongue, reflecting his lifelong affinity for the brand since his early days wearing Adidas Kick trainers. The collaboration positioned the footwear as a cultural extension of Gallagher's style, with promotional imagery linking it directly to Why Me? Why Not., encouraging fans to "step into" his solo era. This tie-in not only boosted visibility through retail drops but also aligned with Gallagher's roots, amplifying the album's heritage in fashion circles. Digital and multimedia efforts included a humorous promotional video for Amazon Music, released on September 24, 2019, featuring Gallagher "conversing" with an Alexa device. In the clip, he commands Alexa to follow him on the platform, describe him as a "godlike genius," and praise the album as "biblical," blending self-deprecating wit with direct calls to stream Why Me? Why Not. on Amazon. This interactive ad, shared across social media, drove streaming engagement and positioned the album within modern tech ecosystems. Complementing this was the documentary Liam Gallagher: As It Was, directed by Charlie Lightening and released in the UK on June 7, 2019 (with wider international release in September), which chronicled Gallagher's post-Oasis struggles and resurgence, culminating in the making of the new record. The film, distributed by various platforms including digital rentals, provided narrative depth to the campaign, humanizing Gallagher's solo journey and syncing with the album's themes of reinvention. Live promotion centered on the Why Me? Why Not. Tour, announced in June 2019 with pre-sale access bundled to album pre-orders via Gallagher's official store, incentivizing early purchases. The UK and European leg kicked off in October 2019 at arenas like London's O2, featuring full album performances alongside Oasis classics, while a North American tour followed in early 2020. This strategy not only extended the campaign's reach but also solidified Gallagher's live draw, with sold-out shows reinforcing the album's commercial viability. Overall, the multifaceted approach—leveraging social media virality, branded merchandise, and personal storytelling—helped Why Me? Why Not. debut at number one on the UK Albums Chart.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release on 20 September , Why Me? Why Not. received generally favourable reviews from music critics, earning a Metascore of 74 out of 100 on based on 20 reviews, with 17 positive, three mixed, and none negative. Critics frequently praised Liam Gallagher's distinctive vocals and the album's polished production, while noting its heavy reliance on Oasis-era influences as both a strength for fans and a limitation for broader innovation. NME awarded the album four out of five stars, describing it as "a classic sequel that adds depth of character" to Gallagher's solo career, particularly highlighting introspective tracks like "Once" for their emotional maturity and the overall confidence in his delivery. Similarly, Mojo gave it four stars (equivalent to 80/100), commending Gallagher's "fantastic, high and bright" voice that carried the melodic hooks effectively, and positioning the record as a satisfying continuation of his post-Oasis work. Q Magazine also rated it four stars, appreciating the uplifting choruses and rock elements that avoided heaviness, though noting the persistent personal themes. Rolling Stone rated it 3.5 out of five stars, lauding the "snarling and soulful" vocals and strong melodies that evoked Oasis' heyday, but critiquing the nostalgic formula as feeling like "Oasis by numbers" despite its heartfelt execution. assigned three out of five stars, acclaiming the "astonishing voice, all yearning and defiance" on standouts like the bluesy "Shockwave" and orchestral "Once," yet faulting most tracks for peddling "tame, low-stakes nostalgia" laden with clichés and sentimentality. offered a more tempered 6.3 out of 10, recognising the professional sheen from producers and —evident in the cinematic variety of tracks like "Gone"—and Gallagher's maturing ballad style, but arguing the album lacked forward momentum, overly recycling past tropes without emotional depth or novelty. Overall, reviewers agreed the album succeeded as a crowd-pleasing sophomore effort for Oasis loyalists, with Gallagher's charisma shining through, but it fell short of transcending its retro roots to offer fresh artistic growth.

Retrospective assessments

In the years following its release, Why Me? Why Not. has been viewed as a pivotal entry in Liam Gallagher's solo , solidifying his transition from Oasis frontman to a standalone rock artist with enduring appeal. In MOJO magazine's 2025 comprehensive ranking of all 18 albums by Oasis, , Liam Gallagher, and , the placed 12th overall, earning for its unwavering consistency and Gallagher's vocal swagger that channels the raw energy of Oasis' heyday. Critics highlighted how the record doubles down on Gallagher's rock 'n' roll persona, with every track co-written by collaborators to emphasize his strengths as an interpreter rather than a primary songwriter, resulting in a confident collection that prioritizes attitude and melody over innovation. While not rivaling the seminal impact of Oasis classics like (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, retrospective assessments commend Why Me? Why Not. for maintaining Gallagher's commercial and artistic momentum post-As You Were, helping to bridge his solo era with the band's 2025 reunion. The album's blend of nostalgic hooks and introspective ballads, such as "Once" and "Gone," has been noted for showcasing Gallagher's maturing presence as one of rock's premier vocalists, ensuring its place as a reliable highlight in his post-Oasis output.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Why Me? Why Not. debuted at number one on the , marking Liam Gallagher's second consecutive solo number one after As You Were in 2017. The amassed 68,000 chart units in its first week, including 17,000 vinyl copies, which made it the fastest-selling vinyl of 2019 in the UK to that point. It spent a total of 30 weeks on the and topped several format-specific charts, including the Official Vinyl Albums Chart, Official Physical Albums Chart, and Official Album Downloads Chart. In Scotland, it also reached number one and charted for 50 weeks. The peaked at number two on the Official Irish Albums Chart. Internationally, it entered the Australian Albums Chart at number seven and spent one week in the top ten.
Chart (2019)Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)7
Irish Albums (IRMA)2
Scottish Albums (OCC)1
Albums (OCC)1

Sales and certifications

In the United Kingdom, Why Me? Why Not. debuted at number one on the Official Albums Chart, accumulating 68,000 combined units in its first week, which included physical sales, downloads, and streaming equivalents. This marked Liam Gallagher's second consecutive solo number-one album, following As You Were in 2017. The (BPI) certified the album on 27 September 2019, denoting shipments of 60,000 units, and on 25 October 2019 for 100,000 units. Vinyl sales contributed significantly to the album's commercial success, with 17,000 copies sold in the debut week alone, establishing it as the fastest-selling vinyl LP of 2019 in the UK. By year's end, Why Me? Why Not. had become the highest-selling vinyl album of 2019, with 30,000 units overall. Internationally, the album achieved modest sales without additional major certifications. In the United States, it peaked at number 21 on the Top Album Sales chart with approximately 15,000 units (pure sales) in its first week.

Track listing

Standard edition

The standard edition of the album Why Me? Why Not. by contains 11 tracks, recorded primarily in and with producers and .
No.TitleLength
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"3:00
8"Alright Now"3:47
9"Meadow"4:05
10"The River"3:26
11"Gone"3:45
Total length: 39:30.

Deluxe edition

The deluxe edition of Why Me? Why Not., released on September 20, 2019, by , expands the standard 11-track with three exclusive bonus tracks, totaling 14 songs. These additions include "", "", and "Glimmer", which were recorded during the same sessions in and at in . The edition also comes with an enhanced 20-page booklet featuring lyrics, credits, and artwork.
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Shockwave"Gallagher, Kurstin, WyattKurstin3:31
2."One of Us"Gallagher, McMahon, WyattWyatt3:25
3."Once"Gallagher, WyattWyatt3:33
4."Now That I've Found You"Gallagher, AldredAldred3:20
5."Halo"Gallagher, Kurstin, WyattKurstin3:58
6."Why Me? Why Not."Gallagher, AldredAldred, Noble3:38
7."Be Still"Gallagher, Kurstin, WyattKurstin3:00
8."Alright Now"Gallagher, McMahon, WyattWyatt3:47
9."Meadow"Gallagher, Kurstin, WyattKurstin4:05
10."The River"Gallagher, WyattWyatt3:26
11."Gone"Gallagher, Tighe, WyattWyatt3:45
12."Invisible Sun"Gallagher, WyattWyatt3:36
13."Misunderstood"Gallagher, AldredNoble4:16
14."Glimmer"Gallagher, Tighe, Wyatt, VeisWyatt3:40
Total length: 51:02

Personnel

Musicians

  • Liam Gallagher – lead vocals (all tracks)
  • Gene Gallagher – bongos (track 2)
  • – bass, drums, acoustic guitar, , harmonica, percussion, , , organ, (tracks 1, 5, 7, 9)
  • Mike Moore – (tracks 3, 4, 6, 12, 13, 14), acoustic guitar (track 14)
  • Dan McDougall – drums (tracks 3, 4, 6, 10, 12, 13)
  • – acoustic guitar, drums, , bass, synth, additional guitar (tracks 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14), backing vocals (track 1)
  • Parker Kindred – drums (track 2)
  • – (tracks 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11)
  • Christian Madden – keyboards (tracks 4, 6, 13)
  • Richard Craker – guitar, percussion, keyboards (track 4)
  • Scott Poley – pedal steel guitar (track 13)
  • – bass (track 14)
  • – drums (track 14)
  • Antoinette "Toni" Scruggs, Briana Lee, Charissa Nielsen, Mark Diamond – backing vocals (track 4)

Production

  • – production, engineering (tracks 1, 5, 7, 9)
  • – production (tracks 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15)
  • Simon Aldred – production (tracks 4, 6)
  • Damon Duell McMahon – additional production (track 2)
  • Richard Craker – additional production (track 4)
  • Adam Noble – engineering (tracks 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14), production (tracks 6, 13)
  • Lewis Jones – strings engineering
  • Julian Burg – engineering (tracks 1, 5, 7, 9)
  • Alex Pasco – engineering (tracks 1, 5, 7, 9)
  • Jacob Munk – engineering (tracks 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14)
  • Jens Jungkurth – engineering (tracks 11, 14)
  • Will Purton – assisted engineering (tracks 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14)
  • Jay Reynolds – engineering (tracks 13)
  • Brandon Bost – engineering (tracks 14)
  • Geoff Alexander – coordinator
  • – string arrangements (tracks 1, 2, 4–14)
  • – mixing (tracks 2, 14)
  • Mark " – mixing (tracks 1, 3–11)
  • Michael Freeman – assisted mixing (tracks 1, 3–11)
  • Richard Woodcraft – brass section recording (track 11)
  • – brass section recording (track 11)
  • – mastering (all tracks)

Design and photography

  • Tom Beard – cover shot, photography
  • Liam Gallagher – art direction, design
  • Richard Welland – art direction, design
  • François Rousselet – photography

Tour and live performances

2019–2020 tour dates

The Why Me? Why Not. Tour was 's second major solo , promoting his 2019 album of the same name through arena and festival performances across multiple continents. Announced in June 2019 alongside the album's reveal, the tour encompassed over 60 shows from late 2019 into early 2020, blending tracks from the new record with Oasis classics and selections from Gallagher's debut solo album As You Were. Support acts varied by leg, including for dates, for Australian shows, and for European performances. The tour was impacted by vocal issues in , where Gallagher abbreviated a set after four songs, but otherwise proceeded to completion before the halted further plans.

UK and Ireland Leg (November 2019)

The tour's initial arena leg focused on the UK and Ireland, starting in Cardiff and culminating with two nights at London's O2 Arena. These 12 shows sold out rapidly, emphasizing Gallagher's enduring popularity in his home territory.
DateCityVenueCountry
11 November 2019CardiffMotorpoint ArenaUK
12 November 2019BirminghamUtilita Arena BirminghamUK
14 November 2019AberdeenP&J LiveUK
15 November 2019GlasgowOVO HydroUK
17 November 2019NewcastleUtilita ArenaUK
19 November 2019LiverpoolM&S Bank ArenaUK
20 November 2019ManchesterManchester ArenaUK
21 November 2019LeedsFirst Direct ArenaUK
23 November 2019Dublin3ArenaIreland
26 November 2019NottinghamMotorpoint ArenaUK
28 November 2019LondonThe O2 ArenaUK
29 November 2019LondonThe O2 ArenaUK

Australia and New Zealand Leg (December 2019)

Following the UK run, Gallagher headed to the for a mix of headline shows and festival appearances, with several dates selling out upon announcement. This leg highlighted Australasian demand, prompting an additional Perth performance.
DateCityVenueCountry
6 December 2019Fortitude Music Hall
7 December 2019Fairgrounds Festival
9 December 2019
11 December 2019
13 December 2019MeredithMeredith Music Festival
14 December 2019WoodsideBird in Hand Winery
17 December 2019PerthFremantle Arts Centre
18 December 2019PerthFremantle Arts Centre
20 December 2019

European Leg (February 2020)

The tour concluded with a European arena run, beginning in and ending in . Originally announced in July 2019, these shows marked Gallagher's return to continental Europe post-album release, drawing large crowds despite the incident. The final performance at Paris' on 21 February served as the tour's finale.
DateCityVenueCountry
1 February 2020
2 February 2020Annexet
4 February 2020
5 February 2020Sporthalle
7 February 2020
8 February 2020Belgium
11 February 2020
13 February 2020Tonhalle
15 February 2020
16 February 2020Mediolanum Forum
18 February 2020Gasometer
20 February 2020Halle 622
21 February 2020Zenith Paris

Notable live renditions

The performance at Hull City Hall on August 22, 2019, served as a pivotal showcase for several tracks from Why Me? Why Not., marking Gallagher's first unplugged appearance and highlighting his in an acoustic setting with orchestral accompaniment from the Urban Soul Orchestra. The set included intimate renditions of "Now That I've Found You," "One of Us," "Once," and "Gone," which emphasized the album's rock anthems stripped to their emotional core, blending solo material with Oasis classics for a reflective tone. This concert, filmed in Gallagher's hometown, was later released as the live album on June 12, 2020, via , capturing the raw energy of the performance and earning praise for revitalizing the unplugged format. During the Why Me? Why Not. Tour, which spanned from June 2019 to February 2020 across , , and the , Gallagher frequently debuted and elevated album tracks in high-profile settings. The tour opener on November 11, 2019, at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena featured a surprise appearance by former Oasis guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, who joined for renditions of Oasis staples alongside album cuts like "Shockwave" and "The River," adding nostalgic depth to the 21-song set that also included the live debut of "Be Still." This collaboration underscored the tour's blend of Gallagher's solo evolution with his Oasis legacy, drawing sellout crowds and critical acclaim for its raucous energy. A standout intimate gig occurred on September 21, 2019, at Manchester's O2 Ritz, coinciding with Gallagher's 47th birthday and promoted by Radio X with opener , whose own debut album topped the charts that week. Bonehead again guested onstage for select numbers, while the crowd spontaneously sang "Happy Birthday" during the encore, amplifying performances of "Halo" and "Why Me? Why Not."—the title track receiving its emphatic live premiere amid fervent singalongs. The event, limited to 1,500 attendees, captured Gallagher's charismatic stage presence and the album's anthemic appeal in a venue tied to Oasis history. The North American leg culminated in a high-energy support slot for The Who at the Hollywood Bowl on October 13, 2019, where Gallagher delivered a 10-song set heavy on Why Me? Why Not. material, including explosive takes on "Once," "Shockwave," and "One of Us" to a 17,500-capacity crowd. This performance, amid The Who's orchestral tour finale, highlighted the album's stadium-ready hooks and Gallagher's enduring rock swagger, with notable crowd interaction that led to lighthearted post-show comments from the artist on social media.

Legacy

Cultural impact

The release of Why Me? Why Not. marked a pivotal moment in Liam Gallagher's post-Oasis career, solidifying his transition from frontman to a viable solo artist capable of evoking the raw energy of while exploring personal vulnerability. The album's introspective lyrics, particularly in tracks like "One of Us" and "Now That I've Found You," delved into family dynamics and reconciliation, subtly addressing Gallagher's strained relationship with brother Noel and his bond with daughter Molly Moorish, resonating with fans amid the brothers' long-standing . Critics praised the record for its confident blend of and rock influences, positioning Gallagher as a steward of Oasis's legacy without relying on alone. Songs such as "Once" captured a wistful reflection on and simpler times—"It was easier to have fun back then when we had nothing"—echoing broader cultural sentiments of escapism in an era of saturation and critique, as seen in "The River." This thematic depth helped the album connect with both longtime Oasis enthusiasts and younger audiences discovering guitar rock, fostering a renewed appreciation for authentic, attitude-driven music. By demonstrating Gallagher's artistic independence—co-writing most tracks with producers like and —the album challenged perceptions of him as merely a charismatic vocalist, earning acclaim for its emotional maturity and live-ready anthems. Its timing alongside the 2019 documentary Liam Gallagher: amplified this narrative, portraying his sobriety and growth, which in turn sustained public fascination with the Gallagher saga. This cultural resonance contributed to the momentum for Oasis's 2025 reunion, as Liam's solo triumphs underscored his enduring star power and the band's lasting influence on British rock identity.

Reappraisals and influence

In subsequent years, Why Me? Why Not. has been viewed as a pivotal step in Liam Gallagher's solo evolution, building directly on the commercial and critical momentum of his 2017 debut As You Were. The album's emphasis on anthemic rock structures, co-written with producers like and , showcased Gallagher's vocal swagger and confidence, solidifying his identity as a standalone rock frontman rather than merely Oasis's singer. A 2025 retrospective ranking by Mojo magazine placed Why Me? Why Not. 12th among all Oasis, Beady Eye, and Gallagher solo albums, commending it for reinforcing Gallagher's post-Oasis viability and highlighting tracks that capture his rock essence without relying on band nostalgia. This reappraisal underscores the record's role in shifting perceptions of Gallagher from a volatile personality to a resilient artist capable of sustaining a career on his own terms. The album's influence extends to broader Britpop revivalism, as Gallagher's solo output—including its blend of raw charisma and big-chorus hooks—helped reignite demand for 1990s-style guitar rock amid a landscape dominated by electronic and hip-hop genres. By maintaining Oasis's anthemic spirit while exploring personal themes of redemption, Why Me? Why Not. contributed to Gallagher's elevated profile, which industry analysts credit as a key factor in Oasis's 2025 reunion announcement and tour. reports note that Gallagher's solo success has seen his star rise more than his brother Noel's in recent years, sparking renewed cultural interest in their shared legacy.

References

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