Best Noel Gallagher's Oasis Songs: Ranked!
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the absolutely iconic songbook of Noel Gallagher and Oasis? I know I am! We're talking anthems that defined a generation, tunes that still sound just as fresh today as they did back in the Britpop heyday. So, buckle up, grab your headphones, and let's get started ranking some of the greatest Noel Gallagher-penned Oasis tracks of all time. This isn't just a list; it's a journey through the sonic landscape of a band that shaped so many of our musical tastes. From stadium-fillers to intimate acoustic moments, Noel's songwriting has it all, and we're about to break it all down. Let's do this!
Wonderwall
Okay, obviously, we have to start with "Wonderwall." I mean, can you even talk about Oasis without mentioning this absolute mega-hit? It's practically a rite of passage for anyone who picks up a guitar. Released in 1995 as part of their legendary "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" album, "Wonderwall" catapulted Oasis into global superstardom. It's one of those songs that everyone knows, whether they're die-hard Oasis fans or not. The beauty of "Wonderwall" lies in its simplicity. The chord progression is straightforward, the lyrics are relatable, and Noel Gallagher's songwriting genius shines through in every single line. It's an anthem about hope, love, and connection, and it's resonated with millions of people around the world for decades. The song's structure is also brilliant. It builds slowly, starting with Liam Gallagher's distinctive vocals and a simple acoustic guitar, before exploding into a full-blown rock anthem with drums, bass, and electric guitars. The chorus is unforgettable, and it's impossible not to sing along when it comes on. But beyond its catchiness, "Wonderwall" is a song with depth. It's about finding someone who can save you, someone who can be your "wonderwall" in times of trouble. And that's a message that's always going to resonate with people, no matter what their background or where they come from. So yeah, "Wonderwall" is a classic for a reason. It's a masterpiece of songwriting, and it's one of the most iconic songs of all time.
Don't Look Back in Anger
Next up, we've got "Don't Look Back in Anger." This is another absolute classic from Oasis, and it's one of my personal favorites. Released in 1996 as part of "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?", it's instantly recognizable from its piano intro, which is heavily inspired by John Lennon's "Imagine." What sets "Don't Look Back in Anger" apart is that it's sung by Noel Gallagher himself, rather than his brother Liam. And let me tell you, Noel's vocals are fantastic on this track. He brings a certain vulnerability and emotion to the song that's really captivating. The lyrics are also incredibly clever. They're full of wit and wordplay, and they tell a story about letting go of the past and moving forward. The line "So I start a revolution from my bed" is particularly memorable, and it's become an iconic quote in its own right. The song's structure is also brilliant. It builds gradually, starting with the piano intro and Noel's vocals, before exploding into a massive chorus that's impossible not to sing along to. The guitar solo is also amazing, and it's one of Noel's best. But beyond its catchiness and clever lyrics, "Don't Look Back in Anger" is a song with a powerful message. It's about not dwelling on the past and focusing on the future. And that's a message that's always going to be relevant, no matter what's going on in your life. It's a song that can inspire you to be optimistic and to keep moving forward, even when things are tough. That's why "Don't Look Back in Anger" is such a timeless classic.
Champagne Supernova
Alright, let's talk about "Champagne Supernova." This is epic, guys. Seriously, it's a sprawling, psychedelic masterpiece that clocks in at over seven minutes long. Released in 1995 as the final track on "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?", it's a bold and ambitious song that showcases Noel Gallagher's songwriting at its most experimental. What makes "Champagne Supernova" so special is its atmosphere. It's a dreamy, ethereal song that feels like it's floating in space. The guitars are shimmering and swirling, the drums are hypnotic, and Liam Gallagher's vocals are hauntingly beautiful. The lyrics are also incredibly poetic. They're full of imagery and metaphor, and they create a sense of mystery and wonder. The line "Some day you will find me caught beneath the landslide in a champagne supernova in the sky" is particularly iconic, and it's one of the most quoted lyrics in Oasis's entire discography. The song's structure is also genius. It builds slowly, starting with a simple acoustic guitar and Liam's vocals, before exploding into a massive, swirling wall of sound. The guitar solo is also incredible, and it's one of Noel's most memorable. But beyond its atmosphere and poetic lyrics, "Champagne Supernova" is a song about dreams and aspirations. It's about reaching for something bigger than yourself and striving for something amazing. And that's a message that's always going to resonate with people, no matter what their background or where they come from. It's a song that can inspire you to dream big and to never give up on your goals. That's why "Champagne Supernova" is such a beloved classic.
Live Forever
Now, let's get to "Live Forever." This is pure anthemic brilliance. Released in 1994, it was one of Oasis's first singles and it instantly established them as a force to be reckoned with. It's a song about hope, optimism, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy. What makes "Live Forever" so special is its unwavering sense of optimism. In the midst of the grunge era, with its angst and cynicism, "Live Forever" offered a refreshing dose of positivity. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and they speak to the universal human desire to transcend our mortality and leave something behind that will last forever. The line "Maybe I just want to fly, I want to live, I don't want to die" is particularly stirring, and it's become an anthem for anyone who's ever felt the urge to break free and live life to the fullest. The song's structure is also brilliant. It starts with a simple acoustic guitar and Liam's vocals, before building into a massive, uplifting chorus that's impossible not to sing along to. The guitar solo is also fantastic, and it's one of Noel's most memorable. But beyond its optimism and catchy chorus, "Live Forever" is a song about human connection. It's about finding common ground with others and sharing a sense of hope and purpose. And that's a message that's always going to be relevant, no matter what's going on in the world. It's a song that can bring people together and remind them that they're not alone. That's why "Live Forever" is such an enduring classic.
Some Might Say
And finally, we have "Some Might Say." This one's a rock and roll powerhouse! Released in 1995, it was Oasis's first number-one single in the UK, and it cemented their status as one of the biggest bands in the world. It's a song about confidence, attitude, and not giving a damn what anyone else thinks. What makes "Some Might Say" so special is its swagger. It's a song that oozes confidence and self-assurance, and it's impossible not to feel energized when you listen to it. The lyrics are full of bold statements and defiant pronouncements, and they perfectly capture the rebellious spirit of Oasis. The line "Some might say they don't believe in heaven, go and tell it to the man who lives in hell" is particularly memorable, and it's become a rallying cry for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. The song's structure is also brilliant. It starts with a driving drum beat and a distorted guitar riff, before exploding into a massive, singalong chorus that's impossible to resist. The guitar solo is also fantastic, and it's one of Noel's most impressive. But beyond its swagger and catchy chorus, "Some Might Say" is a song about individuality. It's about embracing your own unique qualities and not conforming to anyone else's expectations. And that's a message that's always going to be relevant, no matter what your background or where you come from. It's a song that can inspire you to be yourself and to never apologize for who you are. That's why "Some Might Say" is such a powerful and inspiring classic.
So there you have it, guys! My ranking of some of the best Noel Gallagher-penned Oasis songs. Of course, this is just my opinion, and there are plenty of other amazing Oasis tracks that could have made the list. But these are the songs that have resonated with me the most over the years, and I hope you enjoyed hearing my thoughts on them. What are your favorite Oasis songs? Let me know in the comments below!