Noel Gallagher picks the “definitive” Oasis album
During the 1990s, the Britpop scene reached its peak, with Oasis and Blur leading the charge. Blur made their mark with 1994’s Parklife, but four months later, Oasis responded with a debut album that defined the entire era and Noel Gallagher recently labelled Definitely Maybe as the standout from their collection.
Although the rivalry between Oasis and Blur’s efforts was hailed as the biggest and most important one since The Beatles’ with The Rolling Stones, one record remains one of the most significant in British history, achieving cultural significance beyond its immediate success and defining the sound and attitude of an entire generation.
Looking back, the reasons why Definitely Maybe was so popular are clear—not only because the music tapped into the appeal of hard rock and accessible pop blends, but because it also celebrated British culture, identity, and local pride.
During a new interview with The Times, Gallagher explained the significance of Definitely Maybe in the build-up to its 30th anniversary and why it became the best-selling debut in history and the second streamed album of the 1990s, second only to another of their popular records, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?.
In his view, the main reason for its endurance is its attitude. “I guess it’s the definitive Oasis album,” the musician stated. “It has the spirit, the arrogance of youth. Teenage anthems. It’s live — no bullshit. If we’d made only that album, then I’d still be as happy as I am now.”
Home to hits like ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Star’, ‘Live Forever’, and ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’, the widespread appreciation for Definitely Maybe was instantaneous. At the time, Gallagher explained how he invisaged a similar reaction but didn’t foresee it taking on a legacy like it has today. “We knew the songs were great because we played them every night and all the shows were outrageous,” he explained. “But at that time it was just a good album — nothing more, nothing less. It’s only through time that it has become what it is now.”
More than just a time stamp symbolising cultural attitude, Definitely Maybe contrasted the grunge explosion of the time with a confident, unabashed return to classic rock ‘n’ roll, infused with loud guitars, catchy hooks, and anthemic choruses.
Without its raw energy, DIY ethos, and authentic craftsmanship, it’s anyone’s guess whether the countless alternative rock albums that followed would have resonated as deeply.
Although 30 years has passed since it arrived, Noel is now looking back at Definitely Maybe with the release Definitely Maybe 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition on August 30th. The upcoming box set features previously unheard recordings from the band’s sessions at Sawmills Studios in Cornwall, including a recently released version of ‘Columbia’.
Meanwhile, Liam has been touring Definitely Maybe in full throughout 2024 due to the album turning 30, and is set to headline Reading and Leeds Festival later this month.
However, chances of a reunion remain slim, as Noel recently ruled out the possibility during a headline show at Y Not Festival in Derbyshire, telling fans, “When are we going to see you? In 2025 or 2026? The answer is neither.”
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