Oasis is a British rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. The band was originally composed of brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll. With Gem Archer and Andy Bell being with the band at the time they split up.
They quickly rose to fame in the 1990s as one of the leading bands of the Britpop movement. With over 70 million records sold worldwide, Oasis has become one of the most successful bands of all time. In this article, we will be looking at the 15 best Oasis songs.
Best Oasis Songs – Top 15
15. I’m Outta Time
“I’m Outta Time” is a song from the album “Dig Out Your Soul.” It was released in 2008 and was the second to last single released by the band before their split in 2009, not including their 2020 demo release.
The song features Liam Gallagher on vocals, with a tribute to John Lennon thrown in. The song has a haunting melody and poignant lyrics. He’s obviously written Oasis songs before but this was an early sign that Liam could potentially have a great solo career.
14. Turn Up The Sun
“Turn Up The Sun” is a song from the album “Don’t Believe The Truth” but was never released as a single. The song has a catchy guitar riff and an upbeat tempo that made it perfect as an opener for their gigs.
You have that jangly soft intro to the song which acted as perfect anticipation to the waiting crowd, before it transforms into a great rock song. Perhaps a surprising choice for this list, but I wanted to give “Don’t Believe The Truth” some love. The album only appears once more on this list, which brings us on to . . .
13. The Importance of Being Idle
“The Importance of Being Idle” is also from “Don’t Believe The Truth.” It features Noel Gallagher on vocals as he gives a powerful performance which also went down brilliantly with the stadium crowds.
The song has a jangly guitar sound and a catchy melody that make it one of the band’s most popular songs. Added to its appeal is, what I think, is quite obviously Oasis’ best music video featuring Rhys Ifans as a ghostly undertaker.
12. Stop Crying Your Heart Out
“Stop Crying Your Heart Out” is a song from the album “Heathen Chemistry.” The song was released in 2002 and features Liam Gallagher on vocals, in one of this best performances.
The song has a soaring chorus and an emotional message that has resonated with fans over the years. Sadly I associate the song with BBC playing it after England were knocked out of the World Cup!
11. Talk Tonight
“Talk Tonight” is a B-side from the single “Some Might Say.” Incredibly, it’s not the only B-side from “Some Might Say” on this list! Obviously it later appeared on “The Masterplan” compilation album.
The song was written by Noel and features him on vocals. The song has a stripped-down acoustic sound and a heartfelt message. It was written after one of Noel’s escapes from the band and showed his ability to write a beautiful ballad as well as incredible rock songs.
10. Live Forever
“Live Forever” is one of the many epic songs from “Definitely Maybe.” The song was released in 1994 and features Liam Gallagher’s stunning vocals. The song has a powerful guitar sound and an anthemic chorus that has made it one of the band’s most iconic songs.
Many of Oasis’ classic songs feel overplayed but “Live Forever” has managed to escape that. It’s a wonderful song, and one that still sounds fresh today.
9. Don’t Go Away
“Be Here Now” received far too much criticism but it has many brilliant songs, with this one being the best. The song was released in 1997 and features some of the most touching lyrics that Noel has ever written.
The song has a beautiful melody that have made it one of the band’s most enduring songs.
8. Supersonic
It’s incredible that someone can write this song before they’re famous. Another from “Definitely Maybe,” the song is mind-blowingly epic.
The song has a swaggering guitar sound and a cocky attitude that has made it one of the band’s most popular songs. The lyrics are mostly nonsense, but who cares when a song sounds this good?
7. Cigarettes and Alcohol
“Definitely Maybe” could well be the best album of all time, and here’s another reason why. This song was released in 1994 and features some of Liam Gallagher’s best snarling vocals.
The gritty guitar sound was incredibly refreshing at the time and the attitude of the song epitomizes the band’s rock and roll image.
6. Acquiesce
This is the other B-side from the “Some Might Say” that we mentioned above. How could anyone think this was a B-side is mind-blowing.
Uniquely, the song features both brothers on vocals. Unless I’m mistaken, the only other times this has happened is on “Let There Be Love” and “Slide Away”. With “The Masterplan” and it later being released as a single, the song eventually got the attention it deserved.
5. Champagne Supernova
From “(What’s on the) Morning Glory?” the song was something different from what we’d ever listened to form Oasis before. With hindsight, it gave an indication of the direction the band were going in with “Be Here Now.”
The song has a dreamy sound and ethereal lyrics that have made it one of the band’s most iconic songs. The song has become a classic rock anthem, with its memorable chorus and epic guitar solos.
4. Gas Panic!
A casual Oasis fan would never have this on their list, which is probably understandable. It’s one of the least ‘poppy’ songs that they ever released, and never really got the crowd love it deserved.
“Standing on the Shoulder of Giants” was better than many suggest but it had its weak points. As “Gas Panic!” proved, it also had some incredibly strong ones too.
The song has a brooding guitar sound and a tense atmosphere that makes it one of the band’s most powerful songs. The song’s lyrics deal with anxiety and paranoia, making it a relatable and poignant song.
3. The Masterplan
We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again, how the hell was this a B-side? This one was found on “Wonderwall,” along with “Round Are Way,” another great song.
The song features Noel on vocals and has a melancholic sound and introspective lyrics that have made it one of the band’s most beloved songs. The beautiful melody makes it stand out and the video that eventually accompanied it is a great one.
2. Rock ‘n’ Roll Star
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” is the opening track from “Definitely Maybe” and what an incredible introduction to the band!
The song has a swaggering guitar sound and a defiant attitude that encapsulates the band’s spirit. The song has become an anthem with its message of defiance and individuality. Noel wrote it with dreams of being a rock and roll star before the song quickly turned into a reality.
1. Slide Away
This is just the perfect song in every way. It may not be as popular as many of their other songs but for Oasis lovers, this often stands clear as their favourite song.
The song has a beautiful melody and emotional lyrics that have made it one of the band’s most enduring songs.
The song’s message of love and loyalty has resonated with fans over the years, and it has become a staple of the band’s live shows.
Best Oasis Songs – Final Thoughts
Oasis has produced many great songs over the years, but these 15 stand out as the best. Each song has its own unique sound and message, but they all share the band’s trademark swagger and attitude.
Of course, there are a few notable exceptions here, most notably “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger”. As good as they are, I don’t think they are the band’s best pieces of work. Or perhaps my view is clouded by hearing them a little too much over the years.
Whether you are a die-hard fan or just discovering the band’s music, these songs are essential listening for anyone who loves rock music. While you’re here, you not check out some of our other top 10s, such as the best Oasis lyrics!
“Oasis Concert Stage @ I Am A Walrus” by Anirudh Koul is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.