Top 10 Oasis Songs That Defined an Era

Oasis stands as one of the most iconic bands to emerge from the Britpop era, with their blend of rock 'n' roll attitude, unforgettable melodies, and lyrics that capture the emotions of an entire generation. Fronted by the enigmatic Gallagher brothers—Liam and Noel—Oasis left an indelible mark on music history, defining the sound of the 1990s with their distinctive style.

As the rivalry between Oasis and Blur symbolized the larger cultural battle of Britpop, it was Oasis' anthems that made them legends. Their songs combined raw emotionality with rebellious energy, creating a soundtrack for young, working-class Britain and beyond. Here, we look back at the top 10 Oasis songs that not only dominated the charts but became a lasting part of music history.

10. Some Might Say (1995)

Rounding off the list is Some Might Say, Oasis’ first UK number one hit. The song’s upbeat energy and Britpop charm, coupled with lyrics about resilience and optimism, made it a perfect chart-topper. It’s a quintessential Oasis track that highlights the band’s ability to create music that feels both massive and personal.

9. Rock ‘n’ Roll Star (1994)

Oasis’ debut album Definitely Maybe opens with the bombastic Rock ‘n’ Roll Star, a song that immediately set the tone for the band’s career. Brimming with confidence and attitude, the song is an ode to the dream of becoming a rock legend. Liam’s vocals, drenched in bravado, scream “Tonight, I’m a rock 'n' roll star,” making it an essential anthem for anyone who’s ever dreamed of fame.

The track captures the essence of the Britpop era, where ambition and defiance ruled, and Oasis was leading the charge.

8. The Masterplan (1995)

The Masterplan is often hailed as one of the greatest B-sides in rock history. A reflective, orchestral ballad, it’s a prime example of Noel Gallagher’s songwriting prowess. With its rich arrangement and philosophical lyrics, The Masterplan explores life’s uncertainties, making it one of Noel’s most introspective and beloved tracks.

The song’s meaning—about how there is no grand design to life, only a journey—resonates with fans on a deep level. Despite being a B-side to Wonderwall, The Masterplan has become one of Oasis' most cherished songs.

7. Cigarettes & Alcohol (1994)

Oasis has always had a gritty, working-class edge, and Cigarettes & Alcohol reflects this spirit perfectly. The song taps into the disillusionment and frustrations of working-class youth, delivering a raw and honest message about escape, excess, and the harsh realities of life. Built around a riff borrowed from T. Rex, it mixes rock with a punk attitude.

Liam’s sneering vocals deliver lines like “Is it worth the aggravation to find yourself a job when there’s nothing worth working for?” perfectly capturing the essence of 90s working-class Britain. The track's unapologetic embrace of hedonism gives it a rebellious energy that became a cornerstone of the Oasis identity.

6. Champagne Supernova (1995)

The closing track on (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is a slow-building, psychedelic masterpiece that still evokes a sense of wonder today. Champagne Supernova is a dream-like journey through Noel’s ambiguous lyrics, featuring lines like, “Slowly walking down the hall, faster than a cannonball.”

The song’s six-and-a-half-minute length and its iconic guitar solo by Paul Weller of The Jam give it an expansive, ethereal quality. Champagne Supernova became one of Oasis’ most loved tracks, a soaring conclusion to their sophomore album that stands the test of time.

5. Acquiesce (1995)

Acquiesce is another fan-favorite B-side, known for its unique blend of Liam and Noel’s vocals. The song’s powerful message about needing each other resonates with fans, particularly as it mirrors the Gallagher brothers’ famously tumultuous relationship. Despite their frequent conflicts, Acquiesce represents the unity that made Oasis such a powerful band.

4. Supersonic (1994)

The song that started it all, Supersonic is a masterpiece of attitude, showcasing Oasis' rock 'n' roll swagger. It was the band’s debut single and immediately established them as a force to be reckoned with. Written in a matter of minutes, the lyrics are brimming with Noel’s disjointed, surreal imagery—such as “I know a girl called Elsa, she’s into Alka-Seltzer”—and yet, the song comes together as a confident and unapologetic statement.

Musically, Supersonic features layers of guitars that create a wall of sound, with Liam’s vocals delivering a rebellious energy. The song is emblematic of the brash confidence that would define Oasis in their early years.

3. Wonderwall (1995)

Wonderwall has earned its place as one of the most recognizable songs in the history of popular music. Written by Noel Gallagher and sung by Liam, the song became a global phenomenon. It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard this iconic acoustic-driven ballad, which has over two billion streams on Spotify alone.

The song’s cryptic lyrics have long been a subject of debate, with Noel often downplaying its deeper meanings. Whether it’s a love song or a ballad of personal reflection, its melodic simplicity and heartfelt delivery have made Wonderwall one of the greatest singalong songs of all time. Despite Noel’s ambivalence about it being their most famous track, it continues to define Oasis' legacy around the world.

2. Live Forever (1994)

One of the standout tracks from their debut album Definitely Maybe, Live Forever is an upbeat declaration of optimism in the face of adversity. It became the defining anthem for a generation of Britpop fans and set Oasis apart from their contemporaries. While many Britpop bands focused on cynicism and detachment, Live Forever radiated a raw, infectious joy.

Written by Noel Gallagher during a particularly dark period, the song reflects the idea of finding meaning and defiance in life’s struggles. The line, “Maybe I just wanna fly, wanna live, I don’t wanna die” struck a chord with young listeners who felt a deep connection to the song’s message of perseverance and rebellion against the status quo.

1. Don’t Look Back in Anger (1995)

Often considered the pinnacle of Oasis’ career, Don’t Look Back in Anger is the song that encapsulates everything the band stood for. Sung by Noel Gallagher, this power ballad became an anthem of peace and reconciliation. Its message—about letting go of past regrets and embracing a better future—resonated deeply with listeners. From football stadiums to music festivals, Don’t Look Back in Anger became the go-to track for mass singalongs, embodying hope and collective unity.

The song’s Beatles-inspired arrangement (particularly John Lennon’s Imagine) gives it a timeless feel. The emotional weight of lyrics like “Please don’t put your life in the hands of a rock 'n' roll band who’ll throw it all away” reminds fans of the band’s unpredictability, even while calling for acceptance and peace.