Aug. 29, 1994 is a date that will live in infamy for many fans of the Britpop music scene.
On that day, British rock band Oasis released its debut album, “Definitely Maybe.”
Composed of 11 tracks that came to define the Britpop scene, “Definitely Maybe” is easily one of the most influential albums of all-time.
Thursday’s anniversary will likely spark fond memories among fans of a time when the British music industry changed forever. Although the times of Britpop are long gone, the roots of the influential genre still linger.
According to Dictionary.com, Britpop is defined as a genre of “popular music of the mid 1990s, influenced by 1960s British groups such as the Beatles.”
To put it simply, Britpop was Britain’s answer to America’s grunge movement. Embracing optimism and a sense of adoration towards bands like The Kinks, Britpop produced some of the finest rock music the world had seen.
When Oasis joined the movement as a newcomer in 1994, Britpop had failed to find an act that was capable of reaching its full potential.
By the time Oasis came into Britpop, a breath of revitalization was desperately needed.
Led by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis brought a level of confidence that no one had expected.
With perceptive lyrics, brilliant melodies and one of the greatest lead singers of all-time, Oasis was the change that Britpop needed.
The five-minute rock epic “Rock ‘N’ Roll Star” starts the album. With one fell swoop, Oasis shocked many with its loud, rash and raucous sound. It’s quite evident that guitarist Noel Gallagher was hell-bent on putting rock back into the Britpop genre.
Reminiscent of former Sex Pistols lead singer John Lydon, Liam Gallagher’s vocals epitomized the extreme confidence that the band carried. His singing style, a reflection of his own personality, would be a defining force within the band for years to come.
What is evident in “Rock ‘N’ Roll Star” and other songs on the album is the sound of angst and desperation. From the song’s opening chord, it is evident that the five members of the band — the Gallaghers, drummer Alan White, guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and bassist Tony McGuigan — are young men in search of answers.
Within the song’s lyrics, Noel Gallagher writes of the benefits that individualism and self-confidence brings. Rather than fit in with other groups, Noel Gallagher urges listeners to blaze their own path in life.
While the sound is not polished, its roughness and grittiness is indicative of the band’s true nature.
“Live Forever,” the third track, may be Oasis’ finest contribution to Britpop. A perfect blend of melody and lyrics, “Live Forever” was the definitive anthem for the generation growing up in the early 1990s.
Instead of jumping on other artists’ coattails, Noel Gallagher directly contrasted his lyrics with those of songs like “I Hate Myself and Want to Die” from Nirvana.
Instead of spreading pessimism, Noel Gallagher expressed an optimism that was relatively unheard of at the time.
Following “Live Forever,” the next two songs on the album — “Up in the Sky” and “Columbia” — further highlighted the band’s ability to create memorable songs.
If “Live Forever” was the anthem for the generation growing up in the 1990s, then “Supersonic” was its rally cry.
Led by an impressive riff and easily singable lyrics, “Supersonic” was Oasis’ signature radio hit.
What made Oasis unique was its ability to identify with the common man and woman.
“Cigarettes and Alcohol,” a raucous T. Rex-inspired track, spoke volumes about the ‘90s generation.
Although many of its fans are approaching middle-age, “Definitely Maybe” is a young person’s album.
It’s the brashness that defines this record and what has made it one of the most influential rock albums of all time.
Shane Newell is a junior journalism major and the opinions editor of the Daily 49er.