Oasis, the iconic Britpop band from Manchester, left an indelible mark on the music scene of the 90s and beyond. Known for their anthemic tunes, swaggering attitude, and the songwriting genius of Noel Gallagher, Oasis produced a vast catalog of songs that continue to resonate with fans worldwide. But with so much music to choose from, which tracks truly stand out? This article dives deep into the discography of Oasis to rank some of their best songs, offering a fresh perspective for both longtime listeners and new fans eager to explore the world of Oasis Songs.
30. Lord Don’t Slow Me Down (2007)
Released as a stand-alone single, “Lord Don’t Slow Me Down” is a high-energy track that reportedly was initially intended for the album Don’t Believe the Truth but was cut to reduce the number of Noel Gallagher-sung songs on the record. This song is a raw and powerful rock anthem, built upon a repurposed guitar riff reminiscent of the Yardbirds’ rendition of Bo Diddley’s “I’m a Man,” with nods to David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” and Sweet’s “Blockbuster.” It’s a testament to Oasis’s ability to blend classic rock influences with their own unique style, creating a driving and memorable song even if it doesn’t always feature in discussions of their absolute top-tier tracks.
29. Those Swollen Hand Blues (2009)
B-sides often hold hidden gems, and “Those Swollen Hand Blues,” the flip side to “Falling Down,” is a prime example in the Oasis catalog. Taking its title inspiration from Pink Floyd’s The Wall, the song evokes a distinctly unsettling and spooky atmosphere, channeling the vibe of Syd Barrett’s final, more experimental recordings with Pink Floyd. It’s an outlier in Oasis’s usual sound – authentically eerie and showcasing a darker, more experimental side to the band that is rarely explored in their more mainstream hits. For fans seeking a different flavor of Oasis songs, this B-side is a worthwhile discovery.
28. Be Here Now (1997)
The title track from the album Be Here Now, often criticized for its over-the-top production and perceived songwriting deficiencies, “Be Here Now” as a song still captures a specific moment in time. While the Be Here Now album itself is debated among Oasis fans, the title track embodies the chaotic, excessive spirit of the 90s. From its jarring opening to its bizarre finale, rumored to include the sound of someone urinating, the song is a sonic representation of an era spinning out of control. Its sheer audacity and overwhelming sound can be appreciated as a time capsule of 90s excess, even if it’s not considered one of their most musically refined pieces.
27. Gas Panic! (2000)
Standing on the Shoulder of Giants was Oasis’s attempt to move away from the sonic bombast of Be Here Now, but the album is often seen as lacking in memorable songwriting. “Gas Panic!” stands out as a notable exception. Inspired by a Tokyo bar of the same name, this track delves into the turbulent and unsettling world of cocaine addiction. Its churning, troubled soundscape is a departure from Oasis’s more straightforward rock anthems, offering a glimpse into darker lyrical and musical territory. “Gas Panic!” is a reminder that even during periods of change and experimentation, Oasis could still produce compelling and thought-provoking songs.
26. All Around the World (1997)
“All Around the World” is perhaps the epitome of the Be Here Now era’s “coked-out stupidity,” as some critics have labeled it. Originally conceived during Noel Gallagher’s early songwriting peak, the song itself is undeniably strong. However, its execution on Be Here Now saw it inflated to an epic nine-and-a-half minutes, laden with melodramatic key changes, extended guitar solos, and forced “Hey Jude”-esque “na-na-na” sections. Despite its excesses, or perhaps because of them, “All Around the World” has aged into a charmingly preposterous anthem. Twenty years on, its overblown nature feels more endearing than it did at the time, making it a unique and somewhat ironically appreciated entry in the list of Oasis songs.
25. Going Nowhere (1997)
Burt Bacharach’s influence on Noel Gallagher’s songwriting might not be immediately obvious, but it surfaces beautifully on “Going Nowhere,” an often-overlooked B-side. While a poster of Bacharach graced the cover of Definitely Maybe, it’s on tracks like this that his melodic sophistication becomes apparent in Oasis’s work. The sweetness of the strings and muted horns in “Going Nowhere” is undeniable, showcasing a tender side of Oasis that felt out of place amidst the deliberate sonic abrasiveness of the Be Here Now album sessions, explaining its B-side status. This song reveals Noel’s versatility and his ability to craft delicate and nuanced melodies, proving that Oasis songs weren’t limited to stadium-ready rock anthems.
24. Married With Children (1994)
Closing Definitely Maybe on a lo-fi, acoustic note, “Married With Children” is a minor entry in the grand scheme of Oasis’s discography, but it’s significant for a different reason. It’s one of the rare instances where the sharp wit and observational humor that are characteristic of Noel Gallagher’s interviews make their way directly into his songwriting. The song is a simple, relatable, and funny take on domestic life, a stark contrast to the grandiosity of some of their other early work. “Married With Children” offers a glimpse into the everyday and the mundane, proving that Oasis could be both bombastic and brilliantly down-to-earth in their songwriting.
23. Stay Young (1997)
Another B-side that arguably deserved more recognition, “Stay Young” was relegated to the B-side of “D’You Know What I Mean?” alongside a widely panned cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes.” Rejected from Be Here Now in favor of the critically dismissed “Magic Pie,” “Stay Young” possesses a captivating lightness and melodic grace that was notably absent from much of the Be Here Now album. It’s a breezy, uplifting track that showcases Oasis’s knack for infectious melodies and Liam Gallagher’s youthful vocal energy. “Stay Young” is a testament to the depth of Noel Gallagher’s songwriting during this period, with some of his strongest songs not even making the final album cuts.
22. Whatever (1994)
“Whatever,” Oasis’s 1994 Christmas single, is a classic example of their early anthemic style. Despite being the subject of a lawsuit that resulted in Rutles mastermind Neil Innes receiving a co-writing credit due to its melodic similarity to “How Sweet to Be An Idiot,” “Whatever” stands firmly as a great song in its own right. Live performances often saw Liam Gallagher incorporating lyrics that highlighted its resemblance to Mott the Hoople’s “All the Young Dudes,” further cementing its place within a lineage of British rock anthems. “Whatever” is a singalong classic, showcasing Oasis’s ability to create instantly memorable and emotionally resonant songs that transcend any legal disputes about their origins.
Oasis performing live in the Netherlands in 1994, capturing their early energy and burgeoning fame.
21. Shock of the Lightning (2008)
Towards the later years of Oasis, a push-and-pull dynamic seemed to emerge: Noel Gallagher’s inclination to experiment battling against the pressure to deliver the expected Oasis sound. “Shock of the Lightning,” a single from this period, hints at a motorik influence, a nod to krautrock rhythms, while still retaining the band’s signature insouciance. It’s a track that recaptured some of the raw energy and attitude of their early work, suggesting a potential new direction for the band. “Shock of the Lightning” demonstrated that even as Oasis matured, they were still capable of producing exciting and innovative songs that pushed their sonic boundaries.
20. Let’s All Make Believe (2000)
Once again, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants required digging into the B-sides to uncover some of its best material. “Let’s All Make Believe” is a quietly brilliant track whose lyrics delve into themes of atheism and potentially allude to the growing tensions within the band itself. It’s a low-key, introspective song, quite unlike the stadium-filling anthems they were known for, showcasing a more thoughtful and lyrically mature side to Oasis songs. “Let’s All Make Believe” is a hidden gem that rewards repeated listens, revealing layers of meaning and emotion beneath its understated musical surface.
19. Columbia (1993)
In their early days, some press outlets briefly labeled Oasis as baggy revivalists, drawing comparisons to Happy Mondays. “Columbia,” one of their earlier tracks, offers a glimpse into this perceived influence. With its loping dance beat, repetitive guitar riff, and somewhat druggy, cryptic lyrics – “What I heard is not what I hear / I can see the signs, but they’re not very clear” – “Columbia” hints at a different musical path Oasis could have taken. It’s a raw and hypnotic track that showcases their early experimentation and their grounding in the Manchester music scene. “Columbia” serves as a reminder of Oasis’s diverse influences and their evolution from a band rooted in the indie scene to global rock icons.
18. Lyla (2005)
“Lyla” served as the lead single from an otherwise unremarkable album, Don’t Believe the Truth. However, as a standalone track, “Lyla” is undeniably catchy and energetic. The description of it as a potential “lost junk-shop glam classic” if released in 1974 by a fictional band like “Thumper” or “Bumper” perfectly captures its retro, glam-rock vibe. It’s a high-energy, guitar-driven song that, despite being released later in their career, possesses the same infectious energy as their early hits. “Lyla” proved that Oasis could still craft compelling singles even as their album quality became more inconsistent.
17. Fade Away (1994)
The sheer ubiquity of Oasis’s early singles and the workmanlike approach that became their later default setting can make it easy to forget just how exciting and brash they seemed when they first emerged. “Fade Away” is a potent reminder of this early energy. Featuring a remarkably youthful-sounding Liam Gallagher, the song is punky, electrifying, and full of youthful swagger. It captures the raw energy and excitement of a band on the cusp of superstardom. “Fade Away” is a vital track for understanding the initial impact of Oasis and their undeniable youthful exuberance.
16. Half the World Away (1995)
“Half the World Away” has achieved a unique status as the theme tune to the beloved British sitcom The Royle Family. This connection is apt, not just because of their shared Mancunian origins, but also because of the song’s inherent warmth and vulnerability, qualities that are also central to the sitcom’s appeal. Like “Talk Tonight,” “Half the World Away” reveals a softer, more fragile side to Oasis, allowing Noel Gallagher’s vulnerable songwriting to shine through. It’s a gentle, acoustic ballad that contrasts sharply with their more aggressive anthems, highlighting their versatility and emotional range. “Half the World Away” is a testament to the enduring appeal of Oasis songs that explore quieter, more introspective themes.
15. Rockin’ Chair (1995)
Hiding on the B-side of the somewhat lackluster “Roll With It” single, “Rockin’ Chair” is a superb example of Noel Gallagher in his wistful, “get-me-out-of-Burnage-I’m-suffocating” mode. It betrays the clear influence of The Smiths in its intricate acoustic guitar picking and extended outro, showcasing a more introspective and melancholic side to Oasis. “Rockin’ Chair” is a beautifully crafted ballad that demonstrates Noel’s songwriting depth and his ability to channel his personal experiences into emotionally resonant music. It’s a reminder that Oasis songs weren’t just about bravado and anthems; they also encompassed vulnerability and introspection.
14. The Hindu Times (2002)
Oasis developed a frustrating pattern in their later years of releasing singles that falsely suggested a return to form, preceding albums that ultimately failed to live up to the hype. “The Hindu Times” is a prime example. While not quite reaching the heights of Definitely Maybe, it’s a raw, exciting, and insistent track that stands in stark contrast to the rest of the Heathen Chemistry album. It’s a powerful, guitar-driven song that briefly rekindled the energy of their earlier work. “The Hindu Times” is a reminder of Oasis’s capacity for raw rock energy, even in their later period, despite the overall inconsistency of their albums.
13. Round Are Way (1995)
“Round Are Way” is a complete anomaly within the Oasis catalog, a delightful and unexpected detour into sunshiney 60s psychedelia filtered through Noel Gallagher’s snarky lens. Decorated with gleeful brass arrangements, the song is a vibrant vignette of provincial life, unlike anything else in their discography. It’s a whimsical, upbeat, and genuinely joyful song that showcases a different side of Oasis’s musical personality. “Round Are Way” is a testament to their willingness to experiment, even if these experiments were rare, and to their ability to create songs that were lighthearted and fun.
12. Supersonic (1994)
Oasis’s debut single, “Supersonic,” emerged from a rough studio mix of a spontaneous jam session with hastily written lyrics. The famous anecdote about Noel Gallagher downing a large gin and tonic before writing the lyrics perfectly captures the song’s off-the-cuff, slightly chaotic energy. However, this spontaneity worked entirely in its favor. “Supersonic” sounded like an incredibly bullish statement of intent, a declaration of arrival on the music scene. It’s a raw, energetic, and instantly iconic debut that captured the raw essence of Oasis and their immediate impact. “Supersonic” remains a defining track among early Oasis songs, embodying their youthful confidence and raw musical talent.
11. Wonderwall (1995)
“Wonderwall” achieved near-instant ubiquity upon its release, a level of saturation that it has never truly lost. Decades later, it’s still a guaranteed busker staple, a testament to its enduring popularity. This overexposure has, inevitably, dulled some of “Wonderwall’s” initial charm, but songs reach this level of ubiquity for a reason. Liam Gallagher manages to imbue its somewhat nonsensical lyrics with genuine emotion, making it resonate with a vast audience. “Wonderwall” is a cultural phenomenon, a song that transcends musical trends and remains deeply embedded in the public consciousness as one of the most recognizable Oasis songs.
10. Talk Tonight (1995)
“Talk Tonight” is a deeply personal and revealing song, born from the aftermath of a disastrous, crystal meth-fueled gig in Los Angeles and a subsequent fight that led to Noel Gallagher temporarily leaving Oasis. This acoustic ballad finds Noel grappling with a profoundly un-Oasis-like emotion: fear of failure. It’s a raw and honest portrayal of vulnerability and self-doubt, set against a backdrop of band turmoil. “Talk Tonight” is a poignant and intimate song that showcases Noel Gallagher’s songwriting at its most emotionally resonant, revealing a depth rarely seen in Oasis’s more bombastic tracks.
Oasis photographed in New York in 1994, during their first US tour, capturing the band’s global ambitions and rising fame.
9. Cigarettes & Alcohol (1994)
Oasis’s often-cited “light-fingered” approach to borrowing from other artists’ songs is charitably interpreted by some as a rock equivalent of sampling. “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” heavily indebted to T Rex, is a prime example. This approach, however, resulted in a thrilling familiarity that, when combined with the venomous delivery of Liam Gallagher’s vocals, created a uniquely powerful sound. It’s a raw, rebellious, and instantly iconic rock anthem that embodies the hedonistic spirit of early Oasis. “Cigarettes & Alcohol” is a defining track of their early sound, showcasing their ability to synthesize influences into something distinctly their own.
8. The Masterplan (1995)
Oasis’s decision to relegate songs of the quality of “The Masterplan” – a song far more appealing and less pretentious than many of their later attempts at anthemic status – to B-sides was both a stroke of genius and a strategic error. Initially, it created the impression of Noel Gallagher’s songwriting being almost endlessly abundant. However, had he stockpiled these songs for album inclusion, Be Here Now and subsequent albums might have been drastically different, and likely stronger, beasts. “The Masterplan” is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant song that showcases Noel’s songwriting at its peak, a testament to the depth of material that often remained hidden on B-sides.
7. Rock ’n’ Roll Star (1994)
“Rock ’n’ Roll Star” is a perfect example of how context and circumstance can dramatically alter a song’s meaning. Initially a snarling hymn to self-belief and ambition, performed by a band on the very brink of fame, it sounded incredibly exciting and powerful. However, a few years later, performed by a band who were literally rock ‘n’ roll stars, it lost some of its original bite, verging on self-parody. Despite this shift in context, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” remains an electrifying and iconic anthem that perfectly captures the youthful ambition and swagger of early Oasis. It’s a song that embodies the band’s initial drive and determination to conquer the world.
6. Don’t Look Back in Anger (1995)
Footage of crowds spontaneously singing “Don’t Look Back in Anger” after the Manchester Arena bombing tragically underscored how deeply this song has become woven into the fabric of British life. The melody is undeniably indelible, and the lyrics, while containing some placeholder gibberish, also offer a prescient note of caution regarding hero worship: “Please don’t put your life in the hands / Of a rock’n’roll band / Who’ll throw it all away.” “Don’t Look Back in Anger” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a symbol of resilience, and a poignant reminder of music’s power to unite and heal. It stands as one of the most enduring and emotionally resonant Oasis songs.
5. Live Forever (1994)
“Live Forever” is the song that launched a million closing-time singalongs and marked Oasis’s pivotal shift from music press darlings to mainstream phenomenon. Its enduring appeal is immediately apparent: the melody is simply fantastic, Liam Gallagher’s vocal performance is iconic, and its overall mood of battered-but-blazing optimism remains incredibly infectious. “Live Forever” is a timeless anthem of hope and defiance, a song that captures the spirit of a generation and continues to inspire and uplift listeners. It’s a cornerstone of the Oasis song catalog and a testament to their ability to write songs that resonate on a deeply emotional level.
4. Morning Glory (1995)
Cocaine may have contributed to the downfall of Oasis’s third album, Be Here Now, but before the inevitable crash, it fueled the creation of “Morning Glory,” one of rock’s great, albeit dubious, paeans to the drug’s power. Ironically, the song’s potency lies more in its sound than its lyrics. “Morning Glory” is potent, feral, and aggressive, topped off by a particularly sneering Liam Gallagher vocal. It’s a thrilling and intoxicating sonic experience, capturing the highs of hedonism, while also hinting at its inherent dangers. “Morning Glory” is a complex and contradictory song, both celebrating and warning against the excesses of rock and roll lifestyle.
3. Acquiesce (1995)
Noel Gallagher’s insistence that “Acquiesce,” a song of such undeniable quality, should be relegated to the B-side of the comparatively weaker “Some Might Say” single, was, in hindsight, an early sign of the hubris that would eventually contribute to Oasis’s artistic undoing. “Acquiesce” is a truly fantastic song, and the pleading tone of the chorus still resonates as a moving, albeit perhaps unintentional, depiction of sibling relationships, despite Noel’s repeated denials. It’s a powerful and anthemic track that showcases the vocal interplay between Liam and Noel, and the emotional depth of Noel’s songwriting. “Acquiesce” is a B-side masterpiece, a testament to the sheer volume of high-quality material Oasis were producing at their peak.
2. Slide Away (1994)
Definitely Maybe is overflowing with songs that express a yearning for escape from the confines of everyday life, but “Slide Away” stands as the greatest among them. The pent-up frustration of the verses, perfectly embodied by Liam Gallagher’s vocal delivery (“We talk of growing old / But you say ‘please, don’t’”), explodes into the chorus’s irresistible and longing euphoria. “Slide Away” is a powerful and cathartic anthem of escape and desire, capturing the youthful yearning for something more, something beyond the mundane. It’s a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt trapped or yearned for something greater.
1. Champagne Supernova (1995)
(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? famously opens with a song that playfully rewrites Gary Glitter’s “Hello! Hello! I’m Back Again” and concludes with Britpop’s equivalent of the great elegiac anthems that marked the waning of glam rock: think Bowie’s “Rock ’n’ Roll With Me,” Mott the Hoople’s “Saturday Gigs,” and T Rex’s “Teenage Dream.” “Champagne Supernova” earns its place in this exalted company. Self-aggrandizing and melancholy, it’s the sound of Noel Gallagher, at the absolute peak of Oasis’s success, seemingly realizing that it is, indeed, a passing moment. It offers the perfect epitaph for swaggering mid-90s hedonism (“Where were you while we were / Getting high?”), and delivers the oft-mocked line (“Slowly walking down the hall / Faster than a cannonball”) which is actually a rather astute, if whimsical, description of someone trying to navigate the world while chemically altered. “Champagne Supernova” is the ultimate Oasis song, a sprawling, epic, and emotionally complex anthem that encapsulates the band’s ambition, their vulnerability, and their ultimate place in music history. It’s a fitting culmination to any exploration of Oasis songs and their enduring legacy.
