“Wonderwall”, “Slide Away”, “Don’t Look Back In Anger”… Ten emblematic songs from Oasis, who have just announced their reformation

The group led by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher announced their big comeback on Tuesday after 15 years of separation. Franceinfo looks back at their greatest hits.

These musics have marked the memories of several generations. Launched in the 1990s, the group led by the Gallagher brothers performs melodies identifiable from the first notes. The Mancunians even sign one of the best-selling albums in the world, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? sold 22 million copies. As the group announced its reformation on Tuesday, August 26, after 15 years of separation, Franceinfo presents a selection (not exhaustive) of Oasis’ hits and emblematic songs.

“Slide Away”, a favorite of many fans

This love song, released on Oasis’ legendary debut album Definitely Maybehas acquired since its release in 1994 a mythical status for many fans. However, the title has rarely been played live by the group. The popularity of Slide Away has probably pushed Liam Gallagher, in recent years, to include it in many of his solo concerts. And since it is also the author of these lines’ favorite song, we recommend you listen to the live version, with the two brothers answering each other in crescendo until the conclusion, shouted in two voices.

“Live Forever”, the ballad with the catchy chorus

Definitely Maybe was an immediate critical and commercial success, propelling the Gallagher brothers to stardom. Live Forever is the other iconic title of this fabulous album, one of the standard-bearers of “Britpop” (British rock). This rock ballad, with its catchy chorus (“You and I will live forever”), is also a perfect summary of the songwriting talents of Noel Gallagher, the mastermind of the Mancunian group, and of the voice and charisma of Liam. And a title, according to rumor, composed in homage to the mother of the two brothers.

“Wonderwall”, a global success

No need to introduce the most popular song, by far, of the group. A few figures summarize the place of Wonderwallreleased in 1995, within pop culture, with a billion views on YouTube and more than two billion streams on the Spotify platform. Huge numbers like those of the group’s second album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? their biggest success with more than 20 million copies sold.

“Don’t Look Back In Anger” from hit to anthem

“So, Sallyyy can wait”. The chorus of Don’t Look Back In Anger brings joy (and sometimes misfortune) to karaoke bars around the world. This hit, Oasis’ second best-known and most-listened-to single, also appears on the second album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. The title, sung by Noel, would become the anthem of the city of Manchester after the suicide attack that left 22 dead at the exit of an Ariana Grande concert in 2017. The Republican Guard even took it up a few months later, before a friendly football match between France and England, at the Stade de France.

“Morning Glory”, to make the stadiums vibrate

The song gave its name to the album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? released in 1995. Noel Gallagher says that the idea came to him while walking around with his Walkman on his ears, while he was drunk and drugged. The lyrics refer to drug addiction, and more specifically to cocaine. From the first notes, it electrifies entire stadiums. For example, in Buenos Aires, during a concert at the Monumental stadium, in front of a wild crowd.

“Stand By Me”

In 1997, the album Be Here Now was critically panned upon its release. It marked the beginning of a multi-year eclipse for the band. In this context, the band rarely played them live, but some tracks managed to make an impression, including Stand By Me. On March 24th in Poole (England), Noel Gallagher performed it for the first time, with his group Les High Flying Birds after asking the audience if anyone knew this song.

The video features a multitude of sequences, which could at first be interpreted as aggression or bad actions. They take on another meaning at the end of the song, actually showing moments of mutual aid or rescue.

“The Masterplan”, the melancholy of Christmas

Oasis’ discography is full of “B-sides” (songs that are intended to remain in the shadows, supporting a single and not appearing on an album) of remarkable quality. The album The Masterplanreleased in 1998, brings together several of them, including an eponymous single. This song with melancholic accents immediately won over fans, to the point of being regularly covered in concert by the group and by Noel Gallagher during his solo career.

“(It’s Good), To Be Free”, Britrock to your heart’s content

If The Masterplan full of nuggets, (It’s Good), To Be Free is perhaps the most Britrock (British rock) of them all. The title originally appeared as the B-side of the single Whateverbefore taking its place on the compilation released in 1998. A little-known track that definitely deserves to be on your rock playlist.

“Fuckin’ In The Bushes”, for the entrance on stage

This is clearly not the band’s most famous song. It’s not their album either, Standing On The Shoulder Of Giantsreleased in 2000, the most popular. And yet, both have experienced a clear resurgence in popularity over the years. Fuckin’ In The Bushesan instrumental and nervous piece, even became the first to be played during Oasis concerts, and those of Liam Gallagher solo. The title was also used in the cult film Snatch by Guy Ritchie, with Jason Statham and Brad Pitt.

“Lyla”, the title of the rebirth

Oasis are an old-fashioned band, more in the tabloids for the antics of Liam and Noel, when the album Don’t Believe The Truth was released in 2005. Paradoxically, it was at this time, when no one expected miracles from them, that they would once again experience success, after years of lean times and scathing reviews. Lylathe flagship song of this excellent sixth album, even reached number 1 in the United Kingdom.

Bonus: David Bowie’s cover of “Heroes”

Finally, among so many “B-sides”, let us mention the cover of Heroes by David Bowie, with a stunning Noel Gallagher on vocals. It would almost be impudent to prefer the cover to the original.