Oasis, one of the most iconic Britpop bands of the 1990s, has left a lasting legacy in the world of music. The group, fronted by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, rose to fame with their catchy tunes and rebellious attitudes. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Oasis produced some of the biggest hits in British music history. From their chart-topping singles to their anthemic ballads, Oasis’s discography is a treasure trove of timeless classics that continue to resonate with fans around the world.
Oasis: A Brief History
The story of Oasis begins in Manchester, England, where brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher grew up in a working-class family. Both brothers shared a passion for music and were heavily influenced by bands like The Beatles and The Stone Roses. In 1991, Oasis was officially formed, with Liam on vocals and Noel on lead guitar and songwriting duties.
Their debut album, “Definitely Maybe,” was released in 1994 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album’s lead single, “Supersonic,” quickly became a fan favorite and set the stage for Oasis’s meteoric rise to fame. With their swaggering attitude and infectious melodies, Oasis captured the hearts of a generation and became the poster boys for the Britpop movement.
Oasis’s Top Hits
Over the years, Oasis released a string of hit singles that solidified their status as one of the biggest bands in British music history. From anthems of defiance to heartfelt ballads, Oasis’s songs resonate with fans of all ages. Let’s take a journey through some of their greatest hits:
1. (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
One of Oasis’s most iconic songs, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” remains a fan favorite to this day. Released in 1995 as the title track of their second studio album, the song reached number two in the UK and Ireland charts and topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand. Known for its anthemic chorus and infectious guitar riffs, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” has become a staple of Oasis’s live performances and a defining moment in their discography.
In a Best of British poll by Radio X in 2016, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” was voted the ultimate British song, solidifying its status as a classic. The song’s enduring popularity was further highlighted when a piece of paper with handwritten lyrics by Noel Gallagher fetched a staggering £46,875 at a Propstore’s auction in November 2022. Despite never reaching the number one spot on the UK charts, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” remains a timeless anthem that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
2. Don’t Look Back In Anger
Another standout track from “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” is “Don’t Look Back In Anger.” Released as a single in 1995, the song quickly climbed to the top of the UK and Irish charts, solidifying its status as one of Oasis’s most beloved songs. Known for its uplifting lyrics and anthemic chorus, “Don’t Look Back In Anger” has become a symbol of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
The song took on new significance in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, when a crowd spontaneously sang it at a memorial event. Noel Gallagher’s performance of the song at the arena’s reopening captured the hearts of thousands and highlighted the power of music to bring people together in times of crisis. Speaking about the song’s impact, Noel described it as “bigger than me,” emphasizing its lasting legacy and universal appeal.
3. Champagne Supernova
One of Oasis’s most enduring hits, “Champagne Supernova” continues to captivate audiences with its dreamy melodies and poetic lyrics. Released as a single from “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” in 1996, the song enjoyed popularity in the US and solidified Oasis’s status as an international phenomenon. Known for its enigmatic lyrics and soaring guitar solos, “Champagne Supernova” remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Oasis’s live performances.
In a “most weird lyrics” poll by online streaming service Blinkbox Music in 2014, “Champagne Supernova” ranked number 10 for its iconic line, “Slowly walking down the hall, faster than a cannonball.” The song’s timeless appeal was further highlighted in the Best of British poll by Radio X in 2016, where “Champagne Supernova” was voted third, cementing its status as a classic in the pantheon of British music.
4. Stop Crying Your Heart Out
Released in 2002 as a single from Oasis’s fifth studio album “Heathen Chemistry,” “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” quickly became a fan favorite with its heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies. The song peaked at number two on the UK singles chart and became the unofficial soundtrack to England’s football World Cup defeat in 2002, showcasing its universal appeal and emotional resonance.
In 2020, more than 20 artists joined forces for a star-studded cover of “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” for BBC Children In Need’s charity single, highlighting the song’s enduring legacy and its ability to bring people together for a good cause. With its powerful message of hope and resilience, “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” remains a timeless anthem that continues to inspire listeners around the world.
From their anthemic classics to their heartfelt ballads, Oasis’s top hits have left an indelible mark on the world of music. With their infectious melodies and rebellious spirit, Oasis continues to captivate audiences with their timeless tunes and unapologetic attitude. As fans eagerly await a possible reunion of the Gallagher brothers, the legacy of Oasis lives on through their greatest hits and the memories they have created for generations of music lovers.
