The story behind Oasis’ finest hour, the generation-defining Definitely Maybe. “We were a punk band with Beatles melodies. We had no effects, barely any equipment, just loads of attitude, 12 cans of Red Stripe and ambition.”
Oasis’ debut album Definitely Maybe, released on 29 August 1994, is presented as a defining record of the 1990s and as an enduring part of the band’s live appeal. The article argues that its combination of working-class confidence, ambition and rock-and-roll swagger helped it resonate beyond the Britpop label often applied to Oasis.
Written by Noel Gallagher and fronted by Liam Gallagher, the album includes songs such as Rock ‘n’ Roll Star, Supersonic, Shakermaker, Cigarettes & Alcohol and Bring It On Down. Noel Gallagher has described the group as “a punk band with Beatles melodies”, linking the record’s directness and attitude to punk while emphasising its celebration of youthful possibility; the article notes that six tracks featured in Oasis’ recent reunion-tour setlist.
- Definitely Maybe remains central to Oasis’ cultural legacy.
- The album combined punk attitude with melodic rock songwriting.
- Its songs still feature prominently in Oasis live shows.