Oasis, founded by the infamously arrogant Gallagher brothers, was a central figure in the Britpop movement that dominated Europe in the early ’90s. Their debut album, Definitely Maybe, remains a beloved classic, its appeal rooted in the band’s brash confidence. As we mark the 30th anniversary of Definitely Maybe, it’s clear that Oasis’s debut album remains a seminal piece of rock history. Released in 1994, this groundbreaking record not only defined an era but also left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. With its raw energy, audacious swagger, and anthemic tracks, Definitely Maybe captured the spirit of a generation and set the stage for the Britpop movement that would dominate the 90s.
The opening track, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” perfectly encapsulates the swagger and audacity of the Gallagher brothers. With blaring guitars, pounding drums, and oversized egos, the song serves as an anthem of self-assured bravado. Noel Gallagher, blending the rebellious spirit of Sid Vicious with the melodic sensibilities of Paul McCartney, sings about being a star before anyone outside of Manchester even knew who they were. The track is a loud, flashy, and unapologetic celebration of excess and unfulfilled potential, with Noel slipping in lines about his unacknowledged brilliance and destined greatness.
And this is just the beginning. Liam Gallagher takes the mic on “Shakermaker,” delivering drug-laced lyrics in his distinctive Manchester drawl. There’s something oddly charming about his delivery, even though it sounds like he’s reciting a nursery rhyme under the influence. The song itself is a mellow, boozy lullaby, carried by a steady guitar and bass riff, making it perfect for a late-night singalong. After the album’s release, Oasis faced a lawsuit from Coca-Cola (The New Seekers) for $500,000 for allegedly copying their jingle, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”. Noel later admitted to writing some lyrics on the way to the studio, but this spontaneous approach could also be seen as similar to a DJ sampling beats to create something new.
The album takes a more introspective turn with “Live Forever.” Widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs ever, especially in Europe, it’s easy to see why this track resonates so deeply. Noel’s songwriting talent shines here, as he crafts lyrics that touch on themes of alienation, love, youth, and disillusionment with a rare honesty. The chorus—“Maybe you’re the same as me / We see things they’ll never see / You and I are gonna live forever”—became an unofficial anthem of the Britpop movement, standing in stark contrast to the grunge scene’s darker, more cynical tone. Perhaps it’s this difference that kept Britpop from making a significant impact in the U.S. market.
“Up in the Sky” captures Oasis’s knack for pairing catchy melodies with sharp, thought-provoking lyrics. The song’s lively rhythm and bright, jangly guitars create an upbeat vibe, while Liam’s vocals bring a playful edge to the lyrics. He questions someone’s ambitions with lines like, “Hey you, up in the sky, learning to fly, tell me how high do you think you’ll go before you start falling?” The song reflects a down-to-earth perspective on chasing dreams, hinting that reaching too high can lead to a fall. Another infectious hook and relatable message leading into many peoples favourite;
When it was time to record Definitely Maybe, Oasis decided to turn “Columbia” into a full-fledged song. The track was fleshed out with vocals and lyrics, adding depth to the original instrumental. Noel played a key role in shaping the song, crafting lyrics that are somewhat mysterious but resonate with themes of ambition and self-discovery. Together, the lyrics and music create a sense of anticipation and excitement. “Columbia” stands out as a major highlight of the album, showcasing their early sound—loud, energetic, and brimming with attitude. The song features a catchy, repetitive guitar riff that creates an immersive vibe, leaning into the shoegaze style with its layered, dreamy guitars reminiscent of bands like Ride. Liam’s laid-back vocals enhance the track’s cool atmosphere, letting the music take centre stage. The lyrics, with lines like “I can’t tell you the way I feel, because the way I feel is oh so new to me,” evoke a sense of new experiences and change.
“Supersonic” is one of Oasis’s most iconic tracks. Released as the band’s first single in April 1994, it played a pivotal role in catapulting Oasis into the spotlight and establishing them as a major player in the Britpop movement. The song is characterized by its driving guitar riff and energetic beat, which became a signature of Oasis’s sound. The upbeat tempo and melody are matched by a swaggering attitude, showcasing the band’s knack for combining catchy hooks with a rock edge. The lyrics, penned by Noel, are known for their brash and confident tone. Phrases like “I need to be myself, I need to be somebody else” reflect a sense of rebelliousness and self-assuredness, capturing the band’s spirit of individuality and defiance against mainstream expectations.
“Supersonic” helped Oasis gain a substantial following and setting the stage for their future success. It became a defining anthem of the Britpop era and played a crucial role in shaping the sound of 1990s British rock. The accompanying music video, directed by Nigel Dick, features the band performing with high energy and raw intensity, mirroring the vibrant energy of their live shows. The track received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, reaching number 31 on the UK Singles Chart. It remains a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live performances, celebrated for its memorable riff, dynamic energy, and confident lyrics. “Supersonic” stands as a quintessential part of Oasis’s discography and a key contributor to their early success.
“Bring It on Down” is a standout, a rowdy, guitar-driven anthem perfect for pub goers and soccer fans alike. It’s a raucous tribute to Manchester’s vibrant nightlife, and it doesn’t need to be anything more – a stop gap on the album and a chance to catch your breath.
Right. “Cigarettes & Alcohol” The song kicks off with a gritty, bluesy guitar riff that commands attention, often compared to T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong (Get It On).” This riff gives “Cigarettes & Alcohol” a classic rock vibe, while also grounding it in the tradition of British rock that Oasis both admired and sought to redefine. The rough, straightforward sound of the track perfectly complements its lyrics, which reflect the frustrations of youth and the desire for simple pleasures in the face of a bleak reality. Lyrically, the song offers a blunt take on the escapism found in vices like smoking, drinking, and partying. Lines like “Is it worth the aggravation to find yourself a job when there’s nothing worth working for?” capture the disillusionment of a generation facing limited opportunities and the monotony of daily life. Rather than offering solutions, the song embraces living in the moment, with the chorus declaring, “You could wait for a lifetime to spend your days in the sunshine, you might as well do the white line.”
The music video, shot in gritty black and white, underscores the song’s themes of working-class life and adds to the band’s rebellious image. Both the song and the video resonated with fans, particularly those who could relate to the rough reality Oasis depicted. “Cigarettes & Alcohol” was met with critical acclaim for its raw honesty and its ability to capture the mood of the times. It reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying Oasis’s role as the voice of a disillusioned generation. Another one of Oasis’s most iconic songs and a key anthem of 1990s British rock, and a Mancunian Anthem.
Before we get to Slide Away, the “other” less popular tracks on the album: “Digsy’s Dinner” is a fun, light-hearted track from Oasis’s debut album, Definitely Maybe. Unlike the album’s more intense and anthemic songs, this one takes a more playful approach, with lyrics about enjoying a simple meal of lasagna at a friend’s place. Named after the band’s friend, musician Digsy Deary, the song highlights Oasis’s sense of humor and their knack for celebrating everyday moments. With its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, “Digsy’s Dinner” adds a touch of charm to the album, showcasing the band’s more relaxed and carefree side.
“Married With Children” is the final track on Oasis’s debut album, Definitely Maybe, and it stands out for its raw, acoustic simplicity. Written by Noel, the song offers a sharp yet humorous look at a dysfunctional relationship, with memorable lyrics like “your music’s shite, it keeps me up all night… up all night!” Despite its sarcastic edge, the song has a relaxed, almost tender vibe, capturing the frustrations and annoyances of a relationship that’s run its course. Its straightforward honesty and acoustic style make “Married With Children” a fitting conclusion to the album, but not in the same universe as the hits on the album.
Slotted inbetween Digsys’ & Married is a little song called… “Slide Away”. I could almost leave it with just the words. If you ask most fans, they’ll say this is THE Oasis song. Period. “Slide Away” is one of the most emotionally charged tracks on Oasis’s debut album, and is often hailed as one of the band’s finest songs.
Written by Noel, the song stands out for its raw intensity and heartfelt lyrics, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the band amidst their usual swagger and bravado. The song features a powerful blend of soaring guitars and anthemic rhythms, creating a rich, immersive sound. The guitar work, in particular, builds up a sense of urgency and intensity, making it one of the album’s most compelling moments.
Lyrically, “Slide Away” delves into themes of love, longing, and desire. Liam wrote the song about a troubled relationship, and this personal touch is evident in the intense lyrics. Lines like “Slide away and give it all you’ve got/My today fell in from the top” convey deep yearning and desperation, while the chorus—“Don’t know, don’t care, all I know is you can take me there”—captures the feeling of being completely absorbed in love.
Liam Gallagher’s vocal performance in “Slide Away” is both commanding and heartfelt, bringing a deep emotional resonance that truly connects with listeners. The blend of sincere lyrics, powerful vocals, and vibrant instrumentation makes “Slide Away” stand out not only on Definitely Maybe but throughout Oasis’s entire discography. Over time, “Slide Away” has become a fan favourite and is frequently hailed as one of Oasis’s finest tracks. Its rich emotional depth and dynamic sound highlight the band’s talent for combining rock intensity with genuine, heartfelt expression.
One of the most memorable performances of “Slide Away” was at the iTunes Festival 2009. Following internal strife and ongoing disagreements within the band, Oasis disbanded after their appearance at the V Festival in 2009, while they were in Paris. The iTunes Festival performance later that year would become one of the last recorded videos of the Gallagher brothers together. During this set, Liam Gallagher’s voice was struggling, leading Noel to take over for the outro. The ITV cameras captured every moment, including a visibly frustrated and sombre Liam watching as Noel finished the final bars. It was a poignant moment that signalled, atleast in hindsight, the approaching end of the band.
As the album comes to a close, it feels like the end of a journey. In retrospect, the songs can be seen as telling the story of a stereotypical rock star who lives fast, only to return to reality with the same responsibilities as everyone else. There are those who believe that the entire album is actually about Noel Gallaghers’ relationship with Louise Jones, including the B -Sides. The wild days of partying and excess are over. While Noel probably didn’t intend this narrative, it’s interesting to consider Definitely Maybe as an accidental concept album. At the very least, a compelling story.
Noel Gallagher has often discussed the inspiration behind the album’s lyrics, supporting this view. According to Gallagher, in an interview with Mojo, the album reflects the angst of being a teenager in 1977, but by 1994, it’s about the glory of being a teenager in the early ’90s. He describes it as an honest snapshot of working-class lads trying to make it, capturing themes like partying, drug use, and drinking—the highs of youth and ambition. It could be seen as a personal diary of Noel Gallagher’s experiences growing up poor in Manchester. In a 1995 interview with Rolling Stone, Gallagher explained that the album is about escaping from a dull life in Manchester, dreaming of becoming a pop star. The subsequent albums, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Be Here Now, continue this autobiographical narrative: Morning Glory reflects the band’s rise to fame, while Be Here Now captures the peak of their success. This trilogy of albums—Definitely Maybe, Morning Glory, and Be Here Now—can be seen as a progression of Gallagher’s personal journey and the band’s story. The titles themselves mirror this progression, from aspiring to make it, to achieving dreams, to experiencing the height of success.
When analyzing Definitely Maybe, it can be viewed as divided into three distinct acts. Act One (tracks 1-4) represents the childhood dreams and aspirations of the band. Act Two (tracks 5-8) reflects the band’s initial experiences of success and the excitement of their early achievements. Act Three (tracks 9-11) shifts focus to romantic relationships.
Although some lyrics may seem nonsensical, many of the songs align with these thematic groupings. Notably, the romantic tracks are clustered together at the end of the album, hinting at a cohesive narrative structure that ties the entire album together. This organization suggests that Definitely Maybe tells a coherent story through its progression and thematic focus. The album’s impact is undeniable. It resonated with working-class youth who saw their own dreams and struggles reflected in Oasis’s songs. Tracks like “Supersonic,” “Live Forever,” and “Slide Away” became anthems of a generation, celebrating the highs and lows of youth with an honest, unfiltered edge. The album’s influence extends beyond music, shaping fashion, attitudes, and the very fabric of British pop culture.
Thirty years on, Definitely Maybe continues to be celebrated not just for its musical prowess but for its role in shaping the cultural zeitgeist of the 90s. It remains a touchstone for both fans and new listeners alike, a testament to Oasis’s ability to capture the essence of a time and place with a blend of irreverence and authenticity. As we look back on this iconic album, we’re reminded of its enduring legacy and the way it continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.
Definitely Maybe is a glorious, chaotic masterpiece.
