oasis
It’s 2009, I’m 16, hanging out (attending class) in my creative writing/drama class (yes, I was a theater kid) when a fellow classmate starts plucking his acoustic guitar. This being a normal occurrence, as our fearless leader, being our teacher, encouraged us to be the weirdos and curious cats to our heart's desire. He starts to strum the infectiously known intro to Oasis’ Wonderwall. Absentmindedly, I start humming along next to him. Next thing I know, our leader is emboldening us to perform the song right then and there. Sweat starts to accumulate at the back of my neck, having somewhat of performance anxiety, so to stall, I said I didn’t know all the words. Begrudgingly, another clever and intrusive friend piped up that they would print the lyrics for me. Groan. Even though I was amongst friends that I know wouldn’t judge — HELLO its drama class! I was still apprehensive about getting any sort of spotlight, but momma didn’t raise no punk. Once I had the freshly printed lyrics, Leo and I made our way to the front of the class. It started shakily with the first few stances, but once we hit a stride, we eventually had the whole class singing along about winding roads and blinding lights. Although Oasis debuted only 14 years ago from this point in time, and even though they had (and have) been a steady reoccurrence in my daily playlist, this memory serves as not only a time where I actually performed in front of others, but formed one of my most prominent frisson experiences.
Now, just shy of 20 years later, I am reflecting on this time because I have given myself a task for the new year. Music, as you have seen/read, is a part of me in a way that is inexplicable. The rush of emotions, the fact that I always have a “friend” to share in my sorrow or joy. The powerful effect that 3-4 minutes or more can alter how I view reality or feel connected to it, as well as an overabundance of new and old that I have yet to tackle. Realizing that there is still so much I’m not privy to, I decided that I wanted to take an artist or group a month and go through their discography, their history, and get lost in the music again.
Being this memory that charged this revelation, I knew my first group was chosen — Oasis.
Being a fan of the band for more than 20 years, songs like Talk Tonight, She’s Electric, Supersonic, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova were always on any given playlist and on repeat some days…weeks…even months.
Of course, their true to Rock ' n ' Roll lifestyle personal dilemmas that led to their ultimate breakup in 2008 was also the stuff of legend and what most associate that lifestyle with. To me, it was a testament to their true passion. You cannot make music like they were making living neat, and square lives, however unfortunate the dynamics were. That’s something I hold with grace. These are humans dealing with real-life shit, and it never helps that their lives are on a microscope dish. The issues between the brothers, Liam (Lead Vocalist) and Noel Gallagher (Lead Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter) were tumultuous enough that soon the band’s drummer, guitarist, and bassist made their own split. However, this piece is not to detail their history - you are more than welcome to check out their documentary Oasis: Supersonic anywhere you can stream to get a more in-depth look. However, with this mission to go through their discography with a fine-tooth comb, my mind wanders back to their time together.
In the debut album Definitely Maybe, the sensation that engulfs me as I play the record is exhilarating. They’re making their name known with a BANG! In Rock ’ n ’ Roll Star that drips continuously through the record, giving us a no skip album. Each song was written and performed with such grit and teeth that it thankfully only became the launching pad for these Manchester blokes.
Gearing them to hit the metaphorical stratosphere, their sophomore album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory, was and is one of their most famous albums, giving us good ol’ Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back In Anger, She’s Electric, and Champagne Supernova amongst the rest, which I also fancy!
With much, and by much I mean otherworldly success, the band’s third album, Be Here Now, had more creative freedom, adding a more rambunctious sound - to me, this was more of their grungy, hit-the-wall, gut-punching album with the ever-present moody melodies Noel never fails to provide. Songs like My Big Mouth, I Hope, I Think, I Know, Don’t Go Away, and Be Here Now set the tone that Oasis was here to stay if the first two didn’t solidify their status. They showed that they still had an arsenal of lyricism and melodic tunes stowed away.
Moving on to their fourth studio album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, Oasis made a shift in their sound, giving a more psychedelic sound, melding electronica and drum loop aspects, steering away from the more Britpop sound we were accustomed to getting from these guys. We start to see a change not only in the music but in the band itself in this album. First, we get Liam’s debut songwriting contribution in Little James, a lullaby inspired by his son. Liam is no Noel when it comes to songwriting, but this song in particular held strong with me as it directly connected to my relationship and love for my own 7-year-old wonder. One whom I have also recruited in this wonderful, musical journey. In Gas Panic! I feel seen. As someone who often deals with panic attacks and a touch of the impostor syndrome, Noel takes 6ish minutes to put a face to it and delivers it on a silver platter. Other notable songs from this album include, Go Let It Out, Where Did It All Go Wrong? and Sunday Morning Call.
In the last three records of Oasis, that include, Heathen Chemistry, Don’t Believe The Truth and Dig Out Your Soul, we really start noticing a transformation in the lyricism and sound as Liam takes a more active role in songwriting producing Songbird, Born On A Different Cloud, Better Man, Love Like a Bomb, Guess God Thinks I’m Abel, and Ain’t Got Nothin’ to name a few.
This Supersonic band of brilliant musical geniosity is what I expected when I began this trek. Since the time of my musical awakening, which I hope to bring to you all soon, Oasis was a prevalent being; however, my thirst for music left out some really amazing albums and songs that, if not for my quest, I would have gone on in my life without. I have new favorites from this band, and I feel like a kid who loves music so much walking into a record shop for the first time. I am relearning, discovering, and ingesting new music from bands and artists that have helped shape my life. It’s a renewed hunger that has me ready for the next one.
— Before ending this piece, I would be remiss if I didn’t add The Masterplan. Oasis’ compilation of work that didn’t make the albums. You can find songs like Going Nowhere, Talk Tonight, a Live version of The Beatles’ I Am The Walrus, and Acquiesce, to name a few.
— Unfortunately, 2025 was a hard year for me, and I was not able to attend any concerts in their reunion tour, Live ’25. Saddened by missing such an opportunity, I wanted to acknowledge that after such a long time apart, seeing the brothers and band come together and having great success on the tour in 2025, I can only hope they’re not done yet.
