Oasis is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and influential bands of the 90s Britpop era. The band’s distinctive sound, fueled by the dynamic partnership of brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
With seven studio albums to their name, there is no shortage of great music to choose from, but here we will delve into the best Oasis albums, ranked from worst to best. For clarification, The Masterplan doesn’t appear here as it’s technically a compilation album. Let’s get started!
Best Oasis Albums – Ranked
7. Don’t Believe The Truth
Released in 2005, many saw Don’t Believe The Truth as a return to form for Oasis after Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants and Heathen Chemistry. However, I don’t think it’s quite as good as those two in reflection.
The album features several standout tracks, including “Lyla,” “The Importance of Being Idle,” and “Let There Be Love.” However, while Don’t Believe The Truth is a solid effort overall, it lacks the consistent quality of the band’s best work and falls short of the greatness of their earlier albums.
Songs like “Guess God Thinks I’m Abel,” “Part of the Queue,” and “A Bell Will Ring” were weaker efforts which let to a lackluster tail end of the album, despite the brilliant final track.
Hidden Treasure: “Turn Up the Sun” – A great tock song written by Andy Bell which was a brilliant gig opener
6. Standing on the Shoulder of Giants
Following the departure of founding member Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants saw Noel Gallagher taking on a greater role in the band’s songwriting and production.
The album features some excellent tracks, such as “Go Let It Out” and “Gas Panic!,” but it lacks the coherence and consistency of Oasis’ best work. While it may not be the band’s strongest effort, Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants is still a worthwhile listen for fans.
Hidden Treasure: “Gas Panic!” – A haunting and underrated masterpiece
5. Heathen Chemistry
Heathen Chemistry, released in 2002, is an album that divides fans and critics alike. While some dismiss it as a even worse follow up to Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, others see it as a strong return to form for the band.
The album features several excellent tracks, including “The Hindu Times,” “Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” and “Little By Little.” However, it also includes some weaker tracks that prevent it from ranking higher on this list.
For me, these three albums stand clearly as Oasis’ three weakest albums but I still love them. Let’s move on to the top four!
Hidden Treasure: “Born on a Different Cloud” – A powerful Liam-written track
4. Dig Out Your Soul
Oasis’ final studio album, Dig Out Your Soul, was released in 2008 and marked a return to form for the band.
The album features some of Oasis’ strongest tracks in years, including “The Shock Of The Lightning,” “Falling Down,” and “I’m Outta Time.” The band’s experimental side is also on display, particularly on tracks like “To Be Where There’s Life” and “The Turning.”
While it may not be considered a classic Oasis album, Dig Out Your Soul is a strong effort that deserves recognition and is underrated by many. I’d have loved to know what the follow up to this album would have been.
Hidden Treasure: “To Be Where There’s Life” – Liam’s vocals are incredible on this one.
3. Be Here Now
Be Here Now, released in 1997, is an album that has become somewhat of a divisive issue for Oasis fans. Some see it as a bloated, overblown mess, while others view it as a classic rock album that captures the band at the height of their powers.
Regardless of your opinion, it’s hard to deny the impact that Be Here Now had on the music world. The album features some of Oasis’ biggest hits, including “D’You Know What I Mean?” and “All Around The World,” as well as lesser-known gems like “Fade In-Out” and “Stand By Me.”
While it may not be as consistent as the band’s best work, Be Here Now is still a classic album that deserves a place in any Oasis fan’s collection. At the time it was probably judged harshly compared to their first two albums, but it has stood the test of time.
Hidden Treasure: “I Hope, I Think, I Know” – A brilliant rock song that sounds epic live
2. (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?
(What’s The Story) Morning Glory? is the album that made Oasis superstars. Released in 1995, the album features some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova.” The album also showcases the band’s rockier side on tracks like “Some Might Say” and “Roll With It.”
Every song is brilliant and there are no skippers here. Many will view this as the band’s best album and it would be hard to argue against that. It perhaps that a few of these tracks have been overplayed that we have it as our number two.
Hidden Treasure: “Cast No Shadow” – A stunning song and one of Noel’s lyrical best
1. Definitely Maybe
At the top of this list is Oasis’ debut album, Definitely Maybe. Released in 1994, the album remains a defining moment in Britpop history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest debut albums of all time. And personally in my view, the best album of all time.
From the opening riff of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” to the closing notes of “Married With Children,” Definitely Maybe is a classic album from start to finish.
The album features some of Oasis’ most iconic tracks, including “Live Forever,” “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” and “Supersonic,” as well as lesser-known gems like “Bring It On Down” and “Slide Away.”
Definitely Maybe captures the raw energy and swagger of Oasis’ early years and is an essential album for any music fan.
Hidden Treasure: “Bring It On Down” – For most bands, this would be an amazing lead single. For Oasis, it was just another album track.
Best Oasis Albums – Final Thoughts
Oasis’ seven studio albums all have their strengths and weaknesses, but it’s clear that some stand out as the band’s best work.
From the raw energy of Definitely Maybe to the classic hits of (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, and the experimental edge of Dig Out Your Soul, Oasis has left an indelible mark on the music world.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual listener, there’s something to enjoy in every one of these albums.
“Oasis Concert Stage @ I Am A Walrus” by Anirudh Koul is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.