Oasis – Definitely Maybe
This Album That Left a Mark On Me
In April 1970, Paul McCartney announced the breakup of The Beatles, marking the end of an era for British music. Two decades later, in 1991, two brothers from Manchester, Liam and Noel Gallagher, laid the first stones of what would become Oasis.
With overflowing ambition and an open admiration for the "Fab Four," they set out on a quest: to reinvent British rock while establishing themselves as their worthy successors.
The Gallaghers never hid their fascination with The Beatles, even going so far as to replicate some of their song structures and melodies. But Oasis didn’t just walk in their footsteps: they managed to impose a unique signature, a blend of arrogance, vulnerability, and musical power that redefined Britpop.
Their first album, Definitely Maybe, released in 1994, embodies this duality between tribute and creativity.
What if I told you how this album left a mark on me?
Who’s Talking?
It’s the early 2000s. Oasis is already a heavyweight on the music scene, buoyed by iconic albums and global hits like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”
For me, it all starts with a simple search in my brother’s CD collection. Among the colorful covers, I stumble upon Definitely Maybe. Intrigued, I decide to give it a listen.
From the very first notes of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” I’m drawn in by the raw energy and Liam Gallagher’s nasally voice. The distorted guitar riffs, the bold lyrics—everything exudes an almost insolent confidence.
The album continues with tracks like “Shakermaker” and “Live Forever,” each evoking a different emotion, from nostalgia to exhilaration.
An Album for the Ages
For me, Definitely Maybe laid the musical foundations for the legendary band Oasis would become, but also established them as a group that commands respect, with an album that’s almost perfect.
Among the iconic tracks, we find “Supersonic,” with its instantly recognizable riff, and “Cigarettes and Alcohol,” an anthem for disillusioned youth. And what about “Slide Away,” a powerful ballad where emotions intertwine with rebellious energy?
Each track on the album tells a story, but it’s the whole that creates a unique experience. Even the lesser-known tracks like “Columbia” or “Married with Children” add depth to this album that captures the very essence of rock 'n' roll.
Influences and Legacy
Of course, The Beatles are the most obvious influence. But Oasis also draws from blues (with “Cigarettes and Alcohol” echoing T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong (Get It On)”) and the rock of The Rolling Stones (with “Live Forever” inspired by Exile on Main St.). They managed to transform these influences into something new, paving the way for a generation of bands.
Artists like Arctic Monkeys, The Verve, Travis, Coldplay, and even The Killers have acknowledged Oasis’s influence on their own music. The band’s legacy lies in their ability to merge arrogance with authenticity, capturing the imagination of millions of fans while inspiring musicians around the world.
Conclusion
Definitely Maybe represents, for me, an era, a state of mind, and an endless source of inspiration. The story of two brothers who didn’t start with the best hand dealt to them but had the energy and conviction to propel themselves to rock star status!
Even after all these years, and despite Britpop not being my go-to genre, the songs from this album continue to resonate and make me nod my head!
What about you? What did you think of this album? Which song made the biggest impression on you? And more broadly, what are your thoughts on the band? I’m curious to hear from you in the comments section!
Thanks for reading!
This album changed my life Freshman year in high school in ‘94. Saw them live a few times throughout those school years. Definitely helped with getting by. Bring It On Down is such a jam.