TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The rock band Oasis, formed in Manchester in 1991, is known as one of the most successful British rock acts, producing a series of hit songs that became staples in the music scene.
In Indonesia, Oasis enjoys a loyal fan base, and their music continues to be widely played. However, internal conflicts among the members eventually led to the band’s breakup. Even so, their songs remain a lasting legacy of the band's golden era.
Some of their most notable tracks include Live Forever, Don't Look Back in Anger, Wonderwall, and All Around the World.
1. Live Forever
"Live Forever" was inspired by a conflict, although not between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher as was often the case. Songwriter Noel Gallagher wanted to convey a positive and uplifting message in a subtle, non-preachy way. The message resonated deeply with fans, making "Live Forever" one of Oasis’s most beloved tracks.
Gallagher wrote the song as a response to the negative and depressive themes found in grunge music, which dominated rock radio and record labels in the early 1990s. He specifically pointed to Nirvana’s "I Hate Myself and Want to Die" as a trigger that pushed him to share a more optimistic message.
"I can't have people like [Kurt Cobain] coming here, off their heads on heroin, saying they hate themselves and want to die. That's nonsense. Kids don't need to hear that stuff," Gallagher told American Songwriter.
With "Live Forever," Gallagher expressed gratitude for the gift of life. In the repeated verses, he emphasizes a preference for focusing on daily possibilities rather than meddling in others’ affairs. He also highlights that beauty can be found everywhere, even in pain.
2. Cigarettes & Alcohol
In the days when Noel Gallagher still wrote deeply meaningful lyrics, blunt honesty became his hallmark. This song reflects the reality of working-class life in England, especially in Manchester. From its T-Rex-inspired guitar riff to Liam Gallagher’s signature vocals, this track became a defining symbol of Oasis’s rock identity.
3. Let's All Make Believe
Though known as a brilliant songwriter, Noel Gallagher was less adept at curating album tracklists. Many high-quality songs ended up as B-sides, and "Let’s All Make Believe" is among the best of them. This track could have significantly elevated the Standing on the Shoulder of Giants album.
With a mood of emotional darkness and personal reflection, it mirrored a difficult period when two Oasis members left. Gallagher may have left it off the album because it felt too personal.
4. Lord Don't Slow Me Down (Liam’s Version)
By the mid-2000s, Noel’s vocals were arguably more pleasant to hear than Liam’s. However, this track proves that for raw rock and roll energy, Liam remained the ideal frontman. The song sounds like a passionate and determined roar.
5. Don't Look Back in Anger
"Don't Look Back in Anger" is one of Oasis’s most iconic songs. Its piano intro became instantly recognizable and reflects Gallagher’s admiration for John Lennon. In the UK, the song topped the UK Singles Chart and remains a fan favorite.
6. Wonderwall
As a Britpop band, Oasis gained broad popularity, including in the United States. There, "Wonderwall" became their most recognized hit. Its success was even certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Gallagher wrote the song as a dedication to his then-girlfriend, Meg Matthews.
7. Stand By Me
Featured on their third album, Be Here Now, this track was released on September 22, 1997. It entered the Top 10 charts in several countries, including Finland, Italy, Norway, and Sweden. Noel Gallagher wrote the song as an expression of the love his mother had for him.
8. Champagne Supernova
This closing track from the album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? was released on May 13, 1996. It became a chart-topper on various US radio stations. Like many of the band’s songs, it was written by Noel Gallagher.
9. Whatever
Released on December 18, 1994, this single helped propel Oasis’s debut album Definitely Maybe to success. Written by Gallagher, the song promotes living life freely, without being controlled by others.
Despite its popularity, the song became entangled in a copyright dispute. Musician Neil Innes sued Oasis for allegedly copying the melody from his song "How Sweet to Be an Idiot." The case ended with Oasis agreeing to pay royalties and credit Innes as a co-writer.
10. All Around the World
This track was written by Gallagher even before Definitely Maybe was released. He considered it one of his best compositions, but the band’s label, Creation Records, lacked the funds at the time to produce it to the grand scale he envisioned.
Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, the song features orchestration and key changes, reflecting the lavish style of Be Here Now. It became one of Oasis’s most ambitious efforts and holds the record as the longest single to reach number one on the UK charts.
Eiben Heizar contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor's Choice: Oasis Reunites in Cardiff with Heartfelt Moments After 16 Years
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
