Ranking 3 of the Best Songs by Oasis

Oasis burst onto the British music scene in the early 1990s, quickly becoming one of the most influential bands of their generation. Known for their anthemic melodies, gritty guitar riffs, and the Gallagher brothers' iconic sibling rivalry, Oasis captured the zeitgeist of the Britpop era.

I was asked to rank three of their songs. Having just seen them live, I feel like I have a good opinion on it. Here's how I’d rank “Don’t Look Back In Anger”, “Wonderwall”, and “Champagne Supernova” …

3. Don’t Look Back In Anger

Another iconic Oasis track, "Don't Look Back in Anger" is a powerful anthem that resonates with listeners. This one was right at the beginning of the encore. It was also when it started pouring rain ... we're talking torrential downpour.

Released in 1996 as the fifth single from their album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, the song quickly became a global hit, topping charts and earning numerous accolades.

The song's enduring popularity is evident in its continued presence at live shows and its inclusion on countless "greatest songs" lists.

Noel Gallagher has often spoken about his admiration for Lennon and The Beatles. He has cited Lennon's songwriting as a major influence on his own work, and "Don't Look Back in Anger" is a prime example of this influence. The song's piano intro draws from "Imagine," while the line "So I start a revolution from my bed” pays tribute to Lennon’s "bed-in" for peace. He even borrowed the line "the brains I had went to my head" from a tape-recording Lennon made while taking notes for a memoir he was planning to write.  

In addition to the musical similarities, the song also shares thematic elements with Lennon's work. The lyrics of "Don't Look Back in Anger" explore themes of hope, resilience, and the power of individual action. These themes are also prevalent in Lennon's music, particularly in songs like "Imagine" and "Give Peace a Chance."

In an Uncut Magazine interview, Noah shared the story of how the song came to be. He was “strumming away on the acoustic guitar” during sound check at a Paris show when his brother thought he heard Noah sing the words '”So Sally can wait?” Noah liked the line so much, he decided to work with it. 

"I remember going back to the dressing room and writing it out … It all came really quickly after that. (The title) 'Don't Look Back In Anger' just popped out. We wrote the words out in the dressing room, and we actually played it that night, in front of 18,000 other people.”

2. Wonderwall

"Wonderwall" is undoubtedly Oasis' most recognizable song, and for good reason. I know a lot of people say they've heard it so many times and their over it but ... not everybody at the stadium. There was 50,000 people and every single person sang along to this song.

Released in 1995, "Wonderwall" quickly became a global sensation.

With its catchy melody and introspective lyrics, "Wonderwall" topped charts in several countries and earned numerous accolades. The song's enduring popularity is evident in its massive streaming numbers. It was even one of the first tracks from the 1990s to reach a billion streams on Spotify.

The exact inspiration behind "Wonderwall" remains a subject of debate. In one interview with Select magazine, he said the song was a tribute to his then-girlfriend, Meg Mathews. "It's about my girlfriend. She was out of work, and that, a bit down on her luck, so it's just saying, 'Cheer up and f---in get on with it.'"

However, in another interview with Q Magazine, Noah is quoted saying, “The meaning of that song was taken away from me by the media who jumped on it. And how do you tell your Mrs. it's not about her once she's read it is? It's about an imaginary friend who's going to come and save you from yourself."

Regardless of its true meaning, "Wonderwall" has cemented its place as a timeless classic. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, and it continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.

1. Champagne Supernova

For #1, I'm going to say Champagne Supernova. This is a 7 minute song and was part of the encore as well. At this point in the show, we realized we couldn't get any wetter ... we were soaked. So now we're in for the long haul. And it just felt like a culmination of everything – spending the most money I've ever spent on concert tickets, the wait finally being over, the summer coming to a close, and the fact that I probably will never get to see Oasis again in concert so we soaked it up and took it in!

“Champagne Supernova” is one of Oasis’ most iconic tracks, appearing on their legendary album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? The song perfectly showcases the band’s ability to mix dreamy, atmospheric sounds with powerful lyrics and Liam Gallagher’s unmistakable voice.

Written by Noel Gallagher, the song features introspective lyrics that feel both personal and universal. Lines about time, change, and fleeting moments give the track a sense of timelessness, while the soaring guitars and layered harmonies create an almost cinematic experience.

Interestingly, Noel has said that while the lyrics are open to interpretation, “Champagne Supernova” was inspired by the feelings of confusion and wonder that come with growing up and trying to find your place in the world. That sense of reflection is what makes the song resonate so deeply with listeners.

With its epic structure, emotional depth, and unforgettable melodies, “Champagne Supernova” has secured its place as one of Oasis’ defining songs—one that continues to captivate fans old and new.

HOROURABLE MENTION: She’s Electric

I know this song very well only because when I was younger we went on a road trip. It was a CD and that CD didn’t work properly and that’s the only song that played off the Oasis album we had so we listened to that song non-stop. So much so that me and two other friends know all the lyrics to it. 

“She’s Electric” was another Oasis song released from their iconic album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? The track showcases the band's storytelling abilities and Liam Gallagher's powerful vocals.

Originally intended for their debut album, Definitely Maybe, "She's Electric" was eventually included on (What's the Story) Morning Glory? The song's lyrical content is particularly intriguing, painting a picture of a complicated family dynamic.

Noel Gallagher, the band's lead guitarist and songwriter, has shared the inspiration behind "She's Electric." The song revolves around a young man who finds himself caught in a web of family drama. While Gallagher insists the story is fictional, the song's vivid imagery and relatable themes make it feel much more authentic.

These tracks, with their catchy melodies, powerful lyrics, and anthemic spirit, have cemented Oasis' legacy as one of the most influential bands of their generation. Their music will undoubtedly continue to resonate with listeners for many years to come.

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