Since its mid-'90s heyday, Oasis' albums—while still selling well everywhere outside the United States—have been comfortable, even pedestrian affairs, usually rescued by a couple of uncomplicated singalong stadium anthems. "Dig Out Your Soul," however, is the sound of a band rediscovering its snarl. Lead single "The Shock of the Lightning" sets the template: It may not have a chorus as such, but boy, does it make a fantastic racket in search of one. Much of the album sounds similarly wired, with songs like "Bag It Up," "Waiting for the Rapture" and "The Turning" relocating the air of menace Noel Gallagher's songwriting seemed to mislay after "Definitely Maybe." On the downside, only Liam Gallagher's Lennon-esque "I'm Outta Time" is really instant enough for drunk people to warble in fields. Still, who needs tunes when you've finally got your mojo working again?—Mark Sutherland