The music world is abuzz with the electrifying news of a potential Oasis reunion. Fuelled by a cryptic social media post from the band featuring the date August 27, 2024, anticipation reached fever pitch when it was officially announced that Oasis will indeed be taking the stage again for performances across the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2025. For fans worldwide, this marks the momentous return of one of the quintessential English rock bands of the 1990s and 2000s, stalwarts of the Britpop era. Alongside iconic bands like Blur, Pulp, Supergrass, and Suede, Oasis defined a generation, offering a vibrant British response to the American grunge scene, characterized by catchy melodies and lyrics steeped in British culture.
Oasis cemented their place in music history with a string of hit singles, with “Wonderwall” from 1995 achieving enduring anthem status. Their impressive record sales exceed 70 million, boasting 22 top-ten hits in the UK, and remarkable success in breaking into the notoriously challenging US market. However, the band’s narrative was as much about their music as it was about the volatile relationship between the brothers at its core: lead singer Liam Gallagher and lead guitarist Noel Gallagher.
Oasis has been absent from the stage since 2009, with their final, dramatic moments mirroring the band’s history. A scheduled performance at V Festival in Chelmsford was abruptly cancelled, officially due to Liam’s laryngitis, though Noel later cited a less glamorous hangover, triggering a defamation lawsuit that was eventually dropped. Their intended final show at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris in 2009 suffered a similar fate, cancelled before they even took the stage.
The definitive end came with Noel’s poignant announcement on the band’s website: “It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.” The Gallagher brothers then embarked on separate musical paths, Liam forming Beady Eye and Noel launching Noel’s High-Flying Birds. A highly publicized and enduring animosity persisted, with both brothers consistently denying any possibility of an Oasis reunion.
Despite their repeated denials, the fervent hope of fans for a reconciliation and reunion never waned. Now, fifteen years after their split, that hope is becoming a reality. As fans old and new prepare for their return, it’s the perfect time to delve deeper into their discography beyond the ubiquitous “Wonderwall.” For those intrigued to understand the enduring appeal of Oasis, here’s a curated list of essential singles and B-sides that will transform casual listeners into devoted fans. These Oasis Band Songs showcase the breadth and depth of their musical genius.
Supersonic
“Supersonic,” Oasis’ debut single, marked their explosive arrival, reaching number 33 on the UK charts. Remarkably, this track, reportedly conceived as a demo and penned by Noel in a mere half-hour, instantly showcased the band’s raw energy and rock sensibilities. From the iconic opening guitar slide, “Supersonic” is a quintessential introduction to Oasis’s dynamic sound, capturing their immediate ability to craft compelling rock anthems right from the start. It’s a testament to their spontaneous creativity and inherent musical chemistry.
Roll With It
“Roll With It” is more than just an Oasis track; it’s a cornerstone of the Britpop movement. Famously released on the same day as Blur’s single in 1995, this clash was sensationalized by the media as “the battle of Britpop.” While “Roll With It” peaked at number two, outpaced by Blur’s “Country House,” the song remains a vibrant and catchy embodiment of the Britpop sound. It masterfully blends glam rock influences with the melodic and harmonic nuances reminiscent of The Beatles. “Roll With It” stands as a testament to Oasis’s ability to create commercially successful and culturally significant music during the Britpop era.
Don’t Look Back in Anger
“Don’t Look Back in Anger,” a UK number-one single, stands as one of Oasis’s most enduring and emotionally resonant songs. The band openly embraces their admiration for The Beatles here, with opening chords strikingly similar to John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The music video itself, featuring mop-top hairstyles and colored glasses, further cements this homage. However, “Don’t Look Back in Anger” transcends mere imitation. Oasis infuses their unique identity into classic 1960s pop aesthetics, creating something distinctly their own. The track is enriched with chiming guitars, a captivating chord progression, a signature melodic guitar solo, and surprisingly poignant lyrics, making it a standout in the Oasis band songs catalog.
Whatever
“Whatever” served as a crucial single released between albums, often considered an underappreciated gem within Oasis’s discography. It shines as one of their most exquisitely Beatles-esque compositions, enhanced by a beautiful string quartet arrangement. The lyrics advocate for individuality and freedom of self-expression, resonating deeply with listeners. “Whatever” exemplifies Oasis’s capacity to produce sophisticated and lyrically meaningful songs that go beyond typical rock anthems, showcasing their versatility and depth.
The Masterplan
“The Masterplan,” notably a B-side to the mega-hit “Wonderwall,” arguably outshines its A-side in showcasing Oasis’s instrumental and harmonic capabilities. This track masterfully employs dynamics, beginning subtly and escalating into a rich tapestry of sounds. Featuring expansive horns, lush strings, keyboards, guitars, and more, “The Masterplan” is a sonic journey. It revealed the band’s ambition and skill in crafting complex and emotionally engaging music, proving that their B-sides were often as compelling as their main releases and essential to understanding Oasis band songs.
Stop Crying Your Heart Out
“Stop Crying Your Heart Out” diverges from typical Oasis anthems, presenting itself as a surprisingly tender ballad centered on resilience and optimism. Oasis’s lyrical style could range from abstract to profoundly direct, and this song exemplifies the latter with its simple, clear, and comforting message. Liam’s distinctive vocal grain, combined with the song’s grand and lush arrangement, creates a powerfully moving track. “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” highlights Oasis’s ability to explore softer, more vulnerable themes while maintaining their signature musical grandeur.
Half the World Away
“Half the World Away,” another B-side, this time accompanying “Whatever,” contrasts sharply with the string and keyboard richness of its A-side counterpart. Sung by Noel Gallagher, this song is notably quiet, acoustic, and deeply poignant. Its understated nature allows the lyrical content and Noel’s vocal delivery to take center stage, creating an intimate and reflective listening experience. “Half the World Away” demonstrates the band’s range and their ability to deliver powerful songs even in stripped-down, acoustic formats, enriching the spectrum of Oasis band songs.
Lyla
“Lyla” represents Oasis in their later period, blending pop sensibilities with psychedelic undertones. It’s built around the infectious catchiness of a love song, yet infused with innovative sonic textures that work surprisingly well. A standout musical element is the time signature change in the chorus, an unusual feature in Oasis songs. This rhythmic shift might challenge conventional dancing, but it adds a playful and distinctive musical quirk, making “Lyla” a unique and memorable addition to their catalog.
Who Feels Love
“Who Feels Love” showcases Oasis at their most dreamlike and psychedelic. Characterized by a groovy half-time beat, swirling reversed guitars, and a hypnotic drone, the song encourages listeners to sway and lose themselves in its immersive soundscape. It’s a modern reinterpretation of 1960s psychedelic rock, demonstrating Oasis’s capacity to evolve and experiment with different sonic palettes while staying true to their rock roots. “Who Feels Love” is a testament to their enduring creativity and willingness to explore new musical territories.
Live Forever
“Live Forever,” an early single, has become one of Oasis’s most iconic and anthemic tracks. Emerging in contrast to the prevailing grunge and alternative movements from the US, the song acknowledges hardship (“Did you ever feel the pain, in the morning rain, as it soaks you to the bone?”) while simultaneously offering a powerful message of hope and resilience (“We see things they’ll never see – you and I are gonna live forever”). “Live Forever” encapsulates the spirit of optimism and defiance that resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved and representative Oasis band songs.
As Oasis prepares to reclaim their place on stage, revisiting these songs offers both longtime fans and new listeners a comprehensive understanding of their musical legacy. From explosive anthems to introspective ballads, Oasis band songs continue to resonate, and their upcoming reunion is a testament to their lasting impact on music culture.
