Oasis is back. Arguably the quintessential British band of the 90s (and beyond), the Gallagher brothers reinvented the rules and overshadowed their competition, representing a golden age of rock 'n' roll in a way that few other bands could match. Although it ended with the sound of guitars shattering backstage in Paris, for more than ten years, Oasis consistently surpassed any other British act, producing hit after hit.
As their highly anticipated reunion shows commence in Cardiff this evening (July 4th), here’s our selection of the 15 greatest Oasis songs.
**‘Supersonic’**
Right from the start, ‘Supersonic’ serves not just as a debut single but as a declaration of a new era, with Liam’s scowl and swagger echoing the lyrics – “I need to be myself / I can't be no one else” – complemented by a torrent of guitars, merging Spector’s influence with touches of the Mary Chain. Full of raw energy and unrestrained boldness, its compelling arrogance still feels incredibly electrifying. Additionally, the iconic live performance on The Word adds to its legacy; even Mark Lamarr’s quirky introduction cannot overshadow the moment of turning a page and crafting a new narrative.
**‘Acquiesce’**
Despite the brilliance of Oasis, they often let some great songs go to waste, didn't they? Had the band managed their prolific creative output from 1993 to 1996 a bit more strategically, they might have enjoyed a longer and wider reign. This is now mere speculation: it does mean that dedicated fans recognized ‘Acquiesce’ long before the mainstream caught onto it – “we need each other,” the Gallagher brothers proclaim, creating an apt headline for the reunion reviews and (without a doubt) securing a prominent spot in the setlist.
**‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’**
On one level, ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ is simply a single released under Creation Records, representing a significant moment in Britpop history. Yet it transcends that – it’s a cultural milestone with few parallels, acting like a contemporary Stonehenge, filled with emotional resonance. Listening to ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ goes beyond the mere sound – the ‘Imagine’ piano riff and Noel’s finest vocal performance – it connects us to our emotions and the song's meaning in our lives. It’s no surprise that it evokes tears in grown men; it symbolizes weddings, the birth of a first child, graduation, or a friend’s funeral. Despite its frequent airplay, ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ holds a unique place in its own universe.
**‘Some Might Say’**
The contrasting appeal of Oasis spans from raw psych-punk aggression to reflective acoustic moments, transitioning from Liam’s defiant growl to Noel’s introspective doubt, embodying the ‘Definitely’ alongside the ‘Maybe’. Their first number one single, ‘Some Might Say’ marks the moment when the alchemical magic truly happened, as Oasis’s unstoppable force embraced and triumphed over sadness. Despite having a pile of dirty dishes in the sink and facing unfavorable fates, “we will find a brighter day…”
**‘Go Let It Out’**
After the release of ‘Be Here Now’, Oasis lost some of their dazzle, their draw, and half of their lineup. Hailing from the often underestimated ‘Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants’, ‘Go Let It Out’ showcased Oasis at a low point: a psych-pop gem where Noel set aside his party-hard reputation for sober nights immersing himself in Beta Band records, this song boasts exceptional songwriting with an infectious Macca-style bassline and a perfectly timed Liam vocal. The infamous Gallagher brothers confront the world yet again.
**‘The Hindu Times’**
Though Noel has remarked on his limitations as a guitarist, this has resulted in some remarkable instances of minimalistic creativity. Would Stevie Ray Vaughan or Matt Bellamy craft the riff for ‘The Hindu Times’? Probably not. It’s a complete earworm, and Liam's exuberant vocal – “God gimme some of your rock ‘n’ roll” – is irrefutable evidence of the band's vitality post-2000.
**‘D’You Know What I Mean?’**
In the lead-up to Cardiff – the inaugural night of Oasis’ reunion tour – speculation about the setlist has been rampant. What about opening with ‘D’You Know What I Mean?’? Over-the-top in the best way, its venomous and sneering defiance flips the bird to the skeptics. The cocaine-infused opening of 1997’s ‘Be Here Now’ radiates confidence with every note. For extra flair, the Gallaghers could even pull a full Kevin Keegan and arrive at Vitality Stadium’s center circle via helicopter, channeling the song’s dramatic opening motorblades.
**‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’**
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Oasis has returned. Arguably the most iconic British band of the 90s (and later), the Gallagher siblings shattered the conventions and crushed their competition.