A Retrospective on Britpop Legends: The 20 Essential Hits of Oasis
In the mid-1990s, few bands burned brighter than Oasis. Hailing from Manchester, the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, stormed the music scene with an unapologetic swagger and a collection of stadium-sized anthems that defined the Britpop era. Their music, a heady blend of The Beatles’ melodies, The Sex Pistols’ attitude, and T. Rex’s glam-rock stomp, captured the hearts of a generation. Here, we revisit twenty of their most essential tracks—songs that cemented their legacy as one of the most important British bands of all time.
The Early Anthems: Definitely Maybe
“Live Forever”
A defiant response to the gloomy nihilism of grunge, “Live Forever” is a hymn to optimism. Written by Noel Gallagher, the track’s soaring chorus and classic guitar solo are pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll spirit. It became a generational mantra, a song that promised hope and immortality.
“Supersonic”
Oasis’s debut single, “Supersonic,” arrived fully formed, a blast of chaotic energy and swagger. With its driving rhythm, searing guitar riff, and Liam Gallagher’s sneering vocals, it was a mission statement: they were here to take over.
“Cigarettes & Alcohol”
This track perfectly encapsulates the band’s rebellious ethos. Built on a T. Rex riff and a “My Generation” attitude, it’s a loud, brash anthem for the working class, a celebration of slacker culture that resonated deeply with their young fans.
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Star”
The opening track from their debut album, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star”, is an audacious declaration of intent. It’s a blistering fantasy of fame, fortune, and self-belief, powered by a massive wall of sound that would become their trademark.
“Slide Away”
A towering ballad from their debut, “Slide Away”, showcases Noel’s songwriting at its most romantic and heartfelt. It’s an epic love song with a colossal chorus, proving that even amidst the chaos, there was a tender heart beating at the core of Oasis.
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“Wonderwall”
Arguably, their most famous song, “Wonderwall”, transcended its Britpop roots to become a global phenomenon. Its gentle acoustic strumming and iconic chorus made it a timeless ballad, the song that everyone knows—and everyone has a story about.
“Don’t Look Back in Anger”
The band’s first UK number-one single to feature Noel on lead vocals, this track became an unofficial anthem for a nation. From its Lennon-esque piano intro to the anthemic chorus, it’s a masterclass in stadium-rock songwriting.
“Champagne Supernova”
The sprawling, psychedelic epic that closes their second album, “Champagne Supernova”, is a journey. It’s a six-minute-plus track that perfectly captured the feeling of being on top of the world—a haze of lyrical non-sequiturs, sweeping strings, and a mesmerising guitar solo.
“Some Might Say”
Oasis’s first UK number-one single, “Some Might Say,” is a punchy, up-tempo rocker. With its infectious guitar riff and sing-along chorus, it’s a perfect example of their ability to craft simple yet hugely effective pop songs.
“Roll with It”
The song at the centre of the “Battle of Britpop” against Blur’s “Country House,” “Roll with It” is a no-nonsense rocker with a huge, carefree hook. It was a defiant statement of purpose for a band at the peak of their powers.
Hidden Gems and B-sides
“The Masterplan”
Widely considered one of the greatest B-sides of all time, “The Masterplan” is a magnificent, orchestral masterpiece. It’s a philosophical and musically ambitious song that showcases Noel’s songwriting depth far beyond the simple rock anthems.
“Acquiesce”
Another legendary B-side, “Acquiesce”, is a fan favourite for its call-and-response vocals between the Gallagher brothers. It’s a powerful anthem of friendship and brotherhood that perfectly captured the essence of the band’s dynamic.
“Half the World Away”
A gentle, acoustic track that became the theme song for the beloved sitcom The Royle Family, “Half the World Away” is a poignant reflection on a longing for something more.
“Whatever”
This stand-alone single from 1994, with its beautiful string arrangement, was an early sign of the band’s ability to create grand, expansive music. It’s an uplifting track about individualism and freedom.
“Talk Tonight”
A Noel-led acoustic ballad, “Talk Tonight”, is a raw, emotional track written during a moment of crisis in the band. It’s a simple, honest song that reveals a vulnerable side to the famously cocky songwriter.
The Later Years: Maturing and Evolving
“D’You Know What I Mean?”
The lead single from Be Here Now, this epic seven-minute track with its helicopter sound effects and dense layers of guitar marked a shift toward a more maximalist sound.
“The Importance of Being Idle”
This Noel-sung track from Don’t Believe the Truth is a delightful, Kinks-inspired slice of Britpop. Its jaunty rhythm and clever lyrics about laziness and contentment made it a late-career highlight. Many fans tried to emulate the band’s iconic look and sought out Oasis clothing to capture that rebellious, mod-inspired style.
“Stop Crying Your Heart Out”
A poignant ballad from Heathen Chemistry, this song found a new life as an anthem of resilience and comfort. Its stirring strings and heartfelt message provided a moment of solace.
“Lyla”
A huge comeback single from Don’t Believe the Truth, “Lyla” is a blast of pure rock energy. With its driving rhythm and infectious chorus, it proved that the band could still write an undeniable rock ‘n’ roll tune. This era saw a renewed interest in the band’s distinctive style, with fans scouring vintage shops for classic Oasis clothing like parkas and track tops.
“Go Let It Out”
The lead single from Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, this song marked a departure from their earlier sound, incorporating elements of psychedelia and funk. It’s a groovy, confident track that showed the band’s willingness to experiment. The enduring influence of their style is a testament to their cultural impact; a quick search for Oasis clothing reveals a vibrant subculture of fans still inspired by their iconic look.
