Blog #21 - Why Oasis' Definitely Maybe Is My All-Time Favourite Album

My Copy of Definitely Maybe & lead single Supersonic on vinyl

If you were to ask me what my favourite album is I could give you an answer right away… Definitely Maybe. Oasis’ 1994 Debut is an absolute classic full of multi-generational anthems that speak accurately and honestly about being young, being broke, having big dreams, the highs and lows of love and most importantly being “Rock N Roll”.

Starts with a BANG

From the very first track you can get an idea of who Oasis are and what they wanna do. The distorted guitar fast-paced and catchy opening sets an upbeat tone as Liam sings about his dissatisfaction with everyday life and his desire to leave it all behind to become a Rock N Roll star. The band speaks exactly to their position at the time a bunch of labourers who were known by nobody, dissatisfied with the day-to-day, and had big dreams. This is such an album opener and cannot do anything but get you in a good mood ready to sing along.

Angst & Heart

Whilst the album manages to maintain that young fast and exciting energy throughout the album is also great at demonstrating the different sounds explored by the band. From fast-paced hard-hitting tracks like Rock N Roll Star, CIgarette and Alcohol, and Supersonic you have bigger love songs like Live Forever & Slide Away. These two absolute anthems demonstrate more than just angst and energy they show some real heart and are truely some of Noel’s best lyricism. The band shows their love for the psychedelic rock sounds of the 60s with the very groovy track Shakermarker which actually got the band sued by Coca-Cola of all companies.

Electric & Acoustic Gold

tracks like “Up in the Sky, Digsy’s Dinner, and Married with Children” show a more stripped-back acoustic sound from the band and proves they do not need electric guitars and distortion to write catchy and memorable sing-alongs. Oasis would go on to master the electric acoustic double acts with both brothers lending their voices to either entirely acoustic hits or stripped-back versions of the bigger songs, adored by fans. In a recent interview to celebrate the album’s 30th anniversary Noel the lead guitarist and chief songwriter of the band shared that one of his favourite moments from Oasis gigs back in the day would be when after some fast and loud tracks he would slow things down with some of the acoustic songs and how it would get just as much if not more of a reaction.

Universal Anthems

Major recognition has to be given to any band or artist who can write a song that connects with millions across demographics and generations. Oasis are amazing at this. Probably the song from Definitely Maybe that has had the biggest impact would have to be Live Forever. The relatively simple love song was not only the first (and only) song I can play on guitar but it has consistently been voted as the best British song by UK music fans beating out huge acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and the Arctic Monkeys. I’ve now seen this song performed live 3 times, twice with Liam Gallagher performing, and once with Noel Gallagher performing. Regardless of the country, singer, or venue, the song got people singing together and all on the same wavelength. One of the greatest memories I will ever have is singing anthems like this along with 85,000 fans at Knebworth Park back in 2022.

The Album Has Grown With Me

I first heard Definitely Maybe five years ago in 2019. I was a scared and uncertain teenager. Now as a man who has travelled, gained friends, lost friends, had some high highs and some very low lows I can say the album means more to me now. Whilst I have done a complete 180 in my worldview, attitudes, & behaviours the album still manages to get me on my feet and pumped.

Conclusion

Whilst I could honestly go on about this album and this band all day long I will keep it short today. Oasis and definitely maybe have been consistent sources of joy in my life for 5 years now. This is invaluable considering how inconsistent and packed with change those past 5 years have been. I’m still in somewhat disbelief that I will be seeing this band after giving up hope that Liam and Noel would reconcile. I cannot wait to see my favourite band perform my favourite songs two days in a row in their hometown, I am incredibly lucky and cannot wait to write all about it.

I would love to know your thoughts on the band or the album. I would also love to know what is your Definitely Maybe? What album could you gush on about and has been there through thick and thin. Thanks for reading !!