OASIS DEFINITELY MAYBE IN RETROSPECT
Released August 29th 1994, Oasis revolutionised BritPop with the release of their debut album Definitely Maybe. It made achievements such as becoming the UK’s fastest selling album at the time, with 100,000 copies sold in the first 4 days of the release, and by the end of 1994 the album had sold approximately 470,000 copies in the UK finishing the year as the 25th best-selling album.
After the debut of Oasis, their music was a huge change in the BritPop scene, with it originally being defined by musicians such as Blur and Suede with preppy styled polo shirts and glam-rock androgyny, Oasis changed the perspectives with introducing a “football casual” look along with a working-class style and creating music heavily inspired by the 1960s with anthemic, guitar-driven rock.
Definitely Maybe was inspired by a desire to reach stardom as youths from a working-class background in Manchester, with 'Songwriter of the Year' Noel Gallagher describing the album as being about ‘wanting more from life but not having that yet.’
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Oasis’ music had a whole new sound for the 1994 music scene, with many people exclaiming their songs to be a breath of fresh air. At that time, the media was heavily focused on the introspective, melancholic themes of American grunge, so for Oasis to come out and produce music that was anthemic, and overwhelmingly confident, it was praised for having raw energy along with “trashy” guitar riffs and how loud and layered the production of the songs were.
Liam Gallagher's vocals were recognised as distinctive and unique, which was often compared to The Beatles John Lennon - not only for their melodic style, but for their attitude towards the music and the delivery of their words with a sense of effortless confidence and slight sneers, and Noel Gallagher’s songwriting was widely praised, with critics even saying he was remarkable to be able to transform ordinary working-class experiences into anthemic, relatable songs.
Oasis to this day still has a huge impact on people. From their active presence in the 1990s to still being relevant now, it shows that their music will live forever.
Listen to Definitely Maybe
Watch Oasis Slide Away Live in Chicago 1994
Emmie Grace
Contributor, BritRock Heaven
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One of the greatest studio albums of all time, almost flawless. WTSMG follows closely, but Definitely Maybe edges it as the Greatest Oasis studio album for me. Thanks for the write-up Emmie !!
