In the landscape of rock and roll history, few bands have burned as brightly, as arrogantly, or as beautifully as Oasis. For a meteoric period in the mid-1990s, they weren’t just a band; they were a cultural phenomenon, the swaggering, parka-clad embodiment of the Britpop movement. Led by the warring yet synergistic Gallagher brothers—Noel, the songwriting genius, and Liam, the vocalist with the voice of a rock god and the attitude of a football hooligan—Oasis created a sound that was both staggeringly ambitious and deeply relatable. They crafted stadium-sized anthems built on simple, powerful chords, soaring melodies, and lyrics that spoke of escapism, defiant optimism, and the yearning for something more.

Decades after their notoriously bitter split, the music of Oasis has not only endured; it has found a vibrant new life with a generation that wasn't even born during their heyday. A quick scroll through the visual worlds of TikTok and Pinterest reveals a potent wave of 90s Nostalgia and a Britpop Revival. The fashion—the bucket hats, the Adidas Gazelles, the oversized track jackets—has become the uniform for a new generation, and Oasis is its undeniable soundtrack. This isn't a passive nostalgia; it's an active embrace of the band's core ethos: the unapologetic self-belief, the romantic yearning, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of a massive, singalong chorus.

This list is a journey through that incredible legacy. It's a ranking of 20 of their best songs, from the world-conquering anthems that everyone knows to the beloved B-sides and deeper cuts that showcase the true depth of Noel Gallagher’s songwriting. This is a celebration of the noise, the melody, and the beautiful chaos that made Oasis the last great British rock and roll band.

20. Go Let It Out (2000)

Kicking off the new millennium and their fourth album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, "Go Let It Out" was a statement of intent. After a period of lineup changes and creative exhaustion, this was Oasis consciously moving away from the wall-of-sound bombast that defined them. The track is built on a groovy, looped drum beat (inspired by The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows") and a buoyant, optimistic melody. It’s a brighter, more psychedelic sound, with Liam’s vocals sounding refreshed and clear. The lyrics, with their calls to "go let it out, go let it in," speak of renewal and breaking free from the past. While the album itself is often considered one of their weaker efforts, its lead single stands as a fantastic, underrated gem in their catalogue, a testament to their ability to evolve.

19. Don't Go Away (1997)

Buried on the back half of the cocaine-fueled, monumentally overproduced Be Here Now, "Don't Go Away" is a moment of surprising vulnerability and emotional clarity. It’s one of the band's great power ballads, a desperate, stadium-sized plea to a loved one. The song features one of Liam’s most affecting vocal performances; you can hear the raw, pleading emotion in his voice as he belts out the chorus, "Don't go away, say what you say, but say that you'll stay." The wall of guitars is still there, but it’s softened by a string section that adds a touch of cinematic grandeur. It’s a song about fear of loss and the desperate need for connection, a universal theme that cuts through the album's legendary excess. Navigating these powerful emotions is a key part of any partnership, a topic explored in depth in this article on The Art of Building a Strong and Lasting Relationship.

18. Whatever (1994)

Released as a standalone single between their first and second albums, "Whatever" is the ultimate expression of Oasis’s early, carefree optimism. It’s a beautiful, string-laden anthem about youthful freedom and the right to be whoever you want to be. The song’s simple, uplifting message—"I'm free to be whatever I choose"—is backed by a gorgeous, swelling orchestral arrangement that gives it a timeless, almost hymn-like quality. Liam’s delivery is perfectly balanced between his signature snarl and a genuine sense of hopeful sincerity. It’s a song that captures the spirit of a band on the cusp of world domination, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy before the pressures of fame began to mount. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to get in a car and just drive, a perfect soundtrack for a summer road trip.

17. The Importance of Being Idle (2005)

A late-career masterpiece from 2005’s Don’t Believe the Truth, "The Importance of Being Idle" is a testament to Noel Gallagher's enduring songwriting prowess. Sung by Noel himself, the track is a jaunty, Kinks-inspired slice of British social commentary. It’s a character study of a lazy but content man who has given up on the rat race, with witty lyrics about having "more holes in my shoes than a slice of Swiss cheese." The song has a wonderfully ramshackle, music-hall vibe, complete with a laid-back groove and a wobbly, psychedelic guitar solo. The music video, starring Rhys Ifans, is equally brilliant and captures the song's quirky, cinematic feel. It was a surprise UK number-one hit and proved that, even in their final years, Oasis could still produce a classic.

16. Stand By Me (1997)

Another heartfelt ballad from Be Here Now, "Stand By Me" is often seen as the more earnest and less desperate sibling to "Don't Go Away." It's a grand, sweeping anthem of support and resilience. The lyrics speak of finding strength and solace in another person during difficult times, a simple but powerful message that resonated with millions. The production is massive, with layers of guitars and a soaring string section, but at its core is a beautiful, simple melody and a genuinely moving sentiment. Liam’s vocal performance is powerful and clear, delivering the chorus with a conviction that makes you believe every word. It's a song of unwavering loyalty, a theme that resonates in the greatest stories of friendship, from the pages of a book to the screen. For more on great screen stories, check out this ranking of Ryan Reynolds' best movies.

15. Rockin' Chair (1995)

One of the great Oasis B-sides, "Rockin' Chair" was originally released on the "Roll With It" single, and many fans still argue it should have made the album. The song is a beautiful, melancholic duet between Liam and Noel, a nostalgic look back at youth and the importance of friendship. It’s a song about growing old and having someone by your side who shares your memories. The acoustic-driven verses build to a powerful, electric chorus, with Liam’s raw vocals perfectly complemented by Noel’s softer harmonies. The lyrics, "I'm older than I wish to be, this town holds no more for me," capture a universal feeling of wanting to escape your hometown while still cherishing the bonds you made there. It’s a stunning, heartfelt song that showcases the incredible depth of their B-side catalogue.

14. Cigarettes & Alcohol (1994)

The ultimate rock and roll stomper, "Cigarettes & Alcohol" is the sound of a working-class band dreaming of a better life. Famously built around a riff borrowed from T. Rex's "Get It On," the song is a primal, unapologetic anthem for anyone who has ever been stuck in a dead-end job, living for the weekend. The lyrics are a simple but powerful snapshot of youthful ennui and escapism: "Is it worth the aggravation to find yourself a job when there's nothing worth working for?" Liam’s sneering, snarling vocal delivery is iconic, perfectly capturing the song's defiant, rebellious spirit. It's a raw, powerful, and exhilarating rock song that became an instant classic and a staple of their live shows. The song's raw energy is undeniable, the kind of track that makes you want to move.

13. Talk Tonight (1995)

Another jewel from their collection of B-sides (from the "Some Might Say" single), "Talk Tonight" is one of Noel Gallagher's most personal and beautiful acoustic songs. Written after he briefly quit the band during a disastrous 1994 gig in Los Angeles, the song is a heartfelt thank you to the woman who talked him out of flying home and convinced him to rejoin the band. Sung by Noel, his gentle, plaintive vocals are filled with a raw vulnerability that is incredibly moving. The lyrics are simple, direct, and deeply emotional, telling the story of a soul "sailing down a river alone" who is saved by a moment of human connection. It’s a quiet, intimate masterpiece that proves Noel was just as capable of writing a tender, introspective ballad as he was a stadium-sized rock anthem. It’s a song that speaks to the power of a single conversation, a reminder that connection can be found in the quiet moments.

12. Roll With It (1995)

Forever immortalized as one half of the "Battle of Britpop"—the infamous 1995 chart battle against Blur's "Country House"—"Roll With It" is a joyous, rollicking, glam-rock stomper. It’s a pure shot of adrenaline, a simple and effective anthem about not letting life get you down. The song is a whirlwind of jangly guitars, a pounding piano, and a massive, singalong chorus that is impossible to resist. Liam’s vocals are at their peak swagger, perfectly embodying the song's carefree, defiant attitude. While it ultimately lost the chart battle to Blur, "Roll With It" remains a beloved fan favourite, a song that perfectly captures the euphoric, unstoppable feeling of Oasis at the absolute peak of their powers. It's a track that makes for a great shared experience, perfect for a party or a gathering of friends.

11. Acquiesce (1995)

Considered by many to be the greatest B-side of all time, "Acquiesce" is a song of such monumental power that its exclusion from (What's the Story) Morning Glory? is still debated by fans today. The song is famous for being a rare duet, with Liam singing the verses and Noel taking the lead on the soaring, anthemic chorus. The lyrics are a powerful ode to the need for connection and belonging, with the chorus proclaiming, "Because we need each other, we believe in one another." In the context of the Gallagher brothers' famously fraught relationship, the song takes on a powerful, poignant meaning. It's a massive, exhilarating rock song with a killer riff and a chorus that was practically scientifically engineered to be screamed by tens of thousands of people in a field.

10. Some Might Say (1995)

This was the song that started the phenomenon. As the lead single from (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, "Some Might Say" was Oasis's first-ever UK number-one hit. The track is a perfect bridge between the raw energy of their debut and the more polished, anthemic sound of their second album. It’s a glorious, sun-drenched slice of rock and roll optimism, built on a crunchy guitar riff and a wonderfully melodic, singalong chorus. Liam’s vocals are superb, filled with both his signature snarl and a genuine sense of joy. The lyrics are a classic Noel Gallagher mix of surreal imagery ("The sink is full of fishes, she's got dirty dishes on the brain") and heartfelt sentiment about finding salvation in another person. It’s the sound of a band hitting their stride, a perfect pop-rock song that kicked off the imperial phase of their career.

9. Morning Glory (1995)

The title track of their colossal second album, "Morning Glory" is a bracing, chaotic, and exhilarating blast of pure rock and roll energy. The song is a raw, unflinching look at the dark side of cocaine addiction, with its famous opening line, "All your dreams are made when you're chained to the mirror and the razor blade." The frantic pace, the buzzing, helicopter-like sound effects, and the wall of distorted guitars create a sense of manic, drug-fueled paranoia. Liam’s vocal performance is incredible, a full-throttle snarl that perfectly captures the song's desperate energy. It’s a thrilling, two-chord monster of a track that proved Oasis could be just as powerful when they were being dark and dangerous as when they were being optimistic and anthemic.

8. The Masterplan (1995)

Another B-side of such staggering quality that it became the title track of their 1998 B-side compilation, "The Masterplan" is Noel Gallagher's magnum opus. This seven-minute epic, sung by Noel, is one of his most ambitious and beautiful compositions. It’s a philosophical, string-drenched ballad that muses on destiny, fate, and the meaning of life. The lyrics are introspective and poetic, and the melody is simply breathtaking, building from a simple acoustic verse to a massive, orchestral chorus. It’s a song of incredible scope and beauty, a testament to the fact that Noel's best songs weren't always the loud, swaggering rock anthems. "The Masterplan" is a piece of true musical artistry, a song that showcases a depth and sophistication that a great detective show would use in its final, revealing scene.

7. Supersonic (1994)

This was their debut single, the song that introduced Oasis to the world. And what an introduction it is. "Supersonic" is the sound of pure, unadulterated rock and roll swagger. Written in a matter of minutes during a recording session, the song has a raw, spontaneous energy that is utterly infectious. It’s built on a simple but killer guitar riff and a massive, instantly memorable chorus. Liam’s vocals are a perfect blend of punk rock sneer and rock god bravado. The lyrics are a wonderful stream-of-consciousness nonsense that only adds to the song's effortless cool. "Supersonic" is not a song that was agonized over; it's a lightning-in-a-bottle moment, the sound of a band so confident in their own brilliance that they knew they were destined for greatness. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best art is born from pure instinct.

6. Slide Away (1994)

Buried deep on their debut album, Definitely Maybe, "Slide Away" is the greatest love song Oasis ever recorded. It’s a raw, epic, and devastatingly beautiful ballad about finding a lifeline in another person. Written by Noel for his then-girlfriend, the song is a swirling vortex of distorted guitars and heartfelt emotion. Liam’s vocal performance is arguably the best of his entire career; it’s a raw, passionate, and incredibly vulnerable performance that will give you goosebumps. As he stretches out the line, "Slide away and give it all you've got," it feels like he is pouring every ounce of his being into the microphone. It’s a song that captures the all-consuming, world-saving power of love with a raw honesty that is simply breathtaking. It’s a perfect song about the kind of epic love we see in our favourite stories, from classic Disney films to modern romances.

5. Champagne Supernova (1995)

The epic, seven-and-a-half-minute closer to (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, "Champagne Supernova" is Oasis at their most majestic and psychedelic. It’s a sprawling, dreamlike ballad that perfectly captures the euphoric, slightly melancholic feeling at the end of a perfect night. The song builds slowly from a gentle acoustic intro, with the sound of waves lapping, to a massive, swirling crescendo of layered guitars, a soaring solo (played by their friend Paul Weller), and a chorus that feels both nonsensical and profound. The lyrics are famously abstract—"Slowly walking down the hall, faster than a cannonball"—but they perfectly capture the song's hazy, dreamlike mood. It’s a song to get lost in, a beautiful and immersive piece of music that became the definitive anthem for the end of the Britpop party.

4. Wonderwall (1995)

It is, quite simply, one of the most famous songs ever written. "Wonderwall" is a global phenomenon, a song that has transcended its origins to become a modern-day folk song, a campfire singalong, a wedding first dance, and the first song every aspiring guitarist learns to play. Its power lies in its simplicity and its emotional ambiguity. It’s a beautiful, melancholic acoustic ballad with a melody that is instantly memorable and a lyric that is just vague enough for anyone to project their own feelings of longing and devotion onto it. Liam’s vocal performance is iconic, a perfect blend of his signature snarl and a surprising tenderness. While its overexposure has led to it becoming a bit of a cliché, there is no denying the song's incredible power. For a brief, shining moment, Oasis captured the entire world with this one, perfect song. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, much like some of the greatest TV shows of the 2000s.

3. Don't Look Back in Anger (1995)

If "Wonderwall" was the song the world sang along to, "Don't Look Back in Anger" was the song the world took to its heart. The first Oasis single to feature Noel on lead vocals, this majestic, piano-led ballad is a song of immense power, hope, and resilience. Its "so Sally can wait" chorus is one of the most iconic and uplifting in rock history, a defiant call for forgiveness and moving forward. The song has taken on a life of its own over the years, becoming an unofficial anthem of British resilience, most notably being sung spontaneously by crowds in Manchester in the aftermath of the 2017 arena bombing. It’s a song that has transcended its creators to become a genuine source of comfort and strength for millions. It’s a beautiful, timeless, and profoundly moving piece of music that showcases Noel Gallagher’s incredible gift for writing songs that feel like they have always existed.

2. Live Forever (1994)

This was the song that started it all. As their first top-10 hit, "Live Forever" was the world’s introduction to the soul of Oasis. Written by Noel as a direct rebuttal to the negativity and cynicism of the grunge scene, it is the ultimate anthem of youthful, defiant optimism. It’s a song that looks life and death square in the eye and chooses to believe in the beautiful and the eternal. The simple, powerful chord progression, the soaring, hopeful guitar solo, and Liam’s iconic, vowel-stretching vocal delivery ("Maaaaay-beeeee") all combine to create a song of breathtaking power. The lyrics, "We see things they'll never see, you and I are gonna live forever," are a perfect encapsulation of the invincible feeling of youth. It is, for many, the quintessential Oasis song, a pure and perfect expression of their entire ethos in three and a half glorious minutes.

1. Slide Away (1994)

While "Live Forever" is their ethos and "Don't Look Back in Anger" is their hymn, "Slide Away" is their heart. Buried as an album track on their debut, this raw, sprawling epic is the greatest expression of the beautiful, chaotic, and overwhelmingly romantic soul of Oasis. Where other anthems were for the crowd, this one feels deeply personal. It’s a song about being saved by love, about two people finding refuge in each other against a world that doesn’t understand them. The wall of distorted guitars creates a sound that is both abrasive and beautiful, a perfect sonic metaphor for the passionate, all-consuming nature of young love. And at the centre of it all is Liam Gallagher, delivering the single greatest vocal performance of his career. The raw, desperate, and beautiful way he sings the final choruses is one of the most powerful moments in 90s rock. It’s not their most famous song, but "Slide Away" is Oasis at their most honest, their most passionate, and their absolute best.

Conclusion

The legacy of Oasis is a messy, complicated, and beautiful thing. It’s a story of brotherly love and hate, of incredible artistic triumphs and spectacular public meltdowns. But through it all, there is the music. The 20 songs on this list are a testament to the enduring power of a great melody, a heartfelt lyric, and the raw, undeniable magic that happens when you plug in a guitar and turn it up loud. The reason these songs are still being discovered and passionately embraced by new generations on TikTok and beyond is because they tap into something timeless: the yearning for a better life, the defiant belief in oneself, and the universal need to sing your heart out, surrounded by your mates. The story of Oasis may be over, but the songs, it seems, will live forever.

External Links

1. Oasis Official Website: The official source for news, discography, and merchandise.

2. NME (New Musical Express) - Oasis: A treasure trove of contemporary reviews, interviews, and news from the band's heyday.

3. Rolling Stone's "50 Greatest Britpop Albums": See where Oasis's albums rank in the pantheon of the genre.

4. The Official Oasis YouTube Channel: Watch all the iconic music videos, from "Supersonic" to "Don't Look Back in Anger."

5. Pitchfork's Retrospective Reviews: Read in-depth, modern critical analysis of the band's classic albums.

6. "Oasis: Supersonic" (2016) Documentary on IMDb: Find information on the acclaimed documentary that chronicles the band's rise to fame.

7. Wikipedia: Oasis Discography: A comprehensive, detailed list of every official release from the band.

8. Songfacts - "Wonderwall": A deep dive into the meaning, trivia, and history behind their most famous song.

FAQs

1. Why did Oasis break up? The band officially split in August 2009 after a final altercation between Noel and Liam Gallagher before a festival appearance in Paris. Noel released a statement saying he "simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer." Their volatile relationship had been strained for years.

   
   

2. Will Oasis ever reunite? It is the million-dollar question in rock music. While both brothers have successful solo careers, the public feud continues. Liam is generally open to a reunion, while Noel has remained consistently resistant. As of 2025, a reunion seems unlikely but never impossible.

3. Who wrote the Oasis songs? Noel Gallagher was the chief songwriter for the band, writing virtually all of their famous songs. Liam Gallagher wrote a handful of tracks in the band's later years, including "Songbird."

   
   

4. What is the best-selling Oasis album? (What's the Story) Morning Glory? is their best-selling album and one of the best-selling albums of all time in the UK, with over 22 million copies sold worldwide.

5. What is the "Battle of Britpop"? This refers to a famous 1995 UK chart battle when Oasis's single "Roll With It" and Blur's "Country House" were released on the same day. It was hyped by the media as a north vs. south, working-class vs. middle-class showdown. Blur ultimately sold more copies and reached number one.

   
   

6. What is "Wonderwall" actually about? Noel Gallagher has given conflicting accounts over the years. He initially claimed it was about his then-girlfriend (and later wife) Meg Mathews, but has since dismissed that and said the song is about "an imaginary friend who's gonna come and save you from yourself."

7. Who sings lead vocals on "Don't Look Back in Anger"? Noel Gallagher sings the lead vocals. It was the first Oasis single to feature him as the lead singer instead of Liam.

8. What is a "B-side" and why were Oasis so famous for them? In the era of physical singles (like CDs or vinyl), a B-side was a song included on the single that was not the main track and often not on the album. Oasis were legendary for their high-quality B-sides, with songs like "The Masterplan," "Acquiesce," and "Talk Tonight" being considered by many fans to be as good as or better than their album tracks.

9. Which Oasis songs are easiest to play on guitar? "Wonderwall" is famously easy, using simple chords and a straightforward strumming pattern. "Whatever" and "Don't Look Back in Anger" are also great choices for beginner to intermediate guitarists.

   
   

10. Where does the name "Oasis" come from? The band was originally called "The Rain." Liam Gallagher joined and, after Noel also joined, he suggested the name "Oasis." He reportedly got the name from an Inspiral Carpets tour poster that was hanging in his and Liam's bedroom, which listed the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon as a venue.