8 classic Oasis songs that capture the band’s legacy

Oasis started in Manchester in 1991, climbing from tough, working-class areas to be one of the top rock bands of their time. Led by the bold but wild Gallagher brothers, Noel as the main songwriter and guitarist, and Liam as the strong, often wild lead singer, the group first had guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, and drummer Tony McCarroll.

Their mix, full of good work and fights, pushed them to the top of the Britpop wave, a strong UK answer to the big US grunge scene. The band grew and some left, but Gem Archer and Andy Bell came in the 2000s and were there until it all ended. What made Oasis stand out was their bold style, big songs, and how they turned daily life's hard struggles into huge, lasting hits.

Albums like Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? didn't just lead the charts, they caught the feel, the people, and a changing UK. With over 70 million albums sold around the world, Oasis’s mark on both culture and business still lasts long after their 2009 split. This puts them as one of the top bands from the UK ever.

Not many bands have caught the feel of the time quite like Oasis did. Born in the heart of Manchester in the early '90s, the band, led by the always fighting but charming Gallagher brothers, did more than just join in Britpop; they shaped and ruled it. Their mix of bold rock vibe, big sing-along parts, and real-life grit hit a note that went far past the UK, turning small shows into worldwide events.

This piece offers a deeper look into the songs that best capture the essence of Oasis, tracks that not only fueled a generation's soundtrack but continue to echo through modern music. Whether you're rediscovering their greatest hits or just beginning to explore their sound, this guide celebrates the enduring impact and unapologetic brilliance of one of Britain's most influential rock bands.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. The reader's discretion is advised!

Here are 8 classic Oasis songs that capture the band’s legacy

Here are 8 big Oasis songs that show the heart of the band: a set that shows off the wild power, deep feelings, and bold style that made the band a big name in UK music.

All together, they make a mix that speaks of hope, lost love, and big wins, key bits that keep Oasis going strong in rock fame. If you've loved them for long or just found their beats, these songs give a strong look into why Oasis still counts.

1) Stand By Me

Stand By Me shows a softer, more thoughtful side of Oasis, making it a standout emotional track after their third album, Be Here Now, in 1997. Oasis was famous for their bold sound and big shows, yet this song tones it down a bit to give us something closer to the heart.

Photo of Liam GALLAGHER and Noel GALLAGHER and OASIS - Source: Getty

The words speak of a time of longing and soft sadness, making us see someone looking for some comfort when life feels unsure. The verses carry a soft, old feel, as if looking back on a time that feels good yet hurts to think about.

The song keeps the strong guitar sound of Oasis, but also has a softness to it. Liam Gallagher's singing is gentle here, he brings both power and a soft side that lifts the song's meaning.

The chorus sticks in your mind right away, not only for its tune, but also for how it touches the heart. It shows that even when Oasis was at its most wild, they could still make music that truly felt real. This true feeling is why Stand By Me still holds a special place with fans today.

2) Slide Away

Slide Away is often seen as a very dear and long-lasting song by Oasis, loved a lot by true fans, even though it did not see as much success as some of their top hits. Its charm lies in the smooth mix of a wonderfully sad tune with words that show deep feelings, making it stand out as a very personal and touching song.

Photo of Noel GALLAGHER and Liam GALLAGHER and OASIS and Paul Bonehead ARTHURS - Source: Getty

Unlike some of their louder or boldest songs, Slide Away gives a softer, closer look at love and being loyal. The true heart of its message makes a strong link, showing the hard parts of love and being open.

3) D'You Know What I Mean?

Oasis's song D'You Know What I Mean? is a key tune that shows how the band can mix catchy tunes with deep, strong feelings. It starts with a unique guitar sound that pulls you in right away.

The words of the song talk about a deep need to find what life is all about and a desire to reach out to something more than just daily life, a feeling that a lot can connect with. The tempo is fast but also has a touch of sadness, showing how life is a mix of happy and hard times.

Noel Gallagher's singing lifts this two-sided feel. He brings out the words with real care and a warm touch, pulling us deep into the heart of the song. D'You Know What I Mean? is not just a big rock song; it's a lasting work that shows how music can make us think, hope, and feel part of a bigger human story, making sure it stays with us for a long time.

4) Don't Look Back In Anger

Oasis' song Don't Look Back In Anger is a big hit of Britpop, loved by many for its happy and catchy tune. The words of the song touch people deep inside, telling them to let go of old, bad feelings and look to a brighter day.

Photo of OASIS and Noel GALLAGHER and Paul WELLER - Source: Getty

The well-known chorus brings people together, making them feel as one, and has made the song a loved tune. With a simple but strong guitar line, the song mixes easy sounds with big feelings, easy to get and hard to forget. The strong beat and nice tune work together to make a song that pulls you in, feels good, and calms you down.

This combination of timeless appeal and meaningful content explains why the song continues to captivate diverse audiences, transcending time and cultural boundaries with its powerful message of resilience and optimism.

5) Cigarettes & Alcohol

The song Cigarettes & Alcohol by Oasis talks about the hardships of life. It has a strong, catchy chorus and rough words that tell of the wild drive in young people stuck between wanting to be free and facing the tough truth of addiction.

The music beats with a wild, strong force that matches the messy and often bad chase for fun through parties, drinks, and smokes. But under this loud song is a soft yet clear hint of irony, while it looks like living wild, it also looks hard at the very things that offer a way out, but often lead to more problems.

This two-sided pull gives a strong push, turning Cigarettes & Alcohol into more than just wild music. It shows how simple it is to get addicted to your vices in the quest to avoid life's struggles. In the end, this song grabs the tough mix that many face with their bad habits. It mixes bold fun and sharp warning in one strong music piece.

6) Supersonic

Supersonic jumps out full of life, showing the unique sound that Oasis is known for. Right from the start, the song grabs you with its strong beat and a catchy chorus that stays with you long after it's gone. It's a key song for the band. More than just its catchy tune, the track is a big cheer for being young. It gets the real joy and bold hope that come with going after your dreams.

The words of the song give us a clear view of wanting and trying hard, touching those who get the rush of making their own way. Adding to this lively story is Noel Gallagher's smart guitar work.

This secures Supersonic as a key part of Oasis's story, and a song for folks pursuing their dreams and ambitions.

7) Live Forever

Live Forever shines not just for its well-known guitar tune but also for its deep words of hope and strong cheer. These traits have made it one of the most loved and lasting songs by Oasis. The song mixes a great tune with rich, poetic words, making a piece that lasts over time and still hits the hearts of people all over the world.

Photo of STAGE LIGHTING and Liam GALLAGHER and OASIS - Source: Getty

More than just a song, it serves as a call for anyone looking for sense and a push forward, showing us the strength that good thoughts and faith in oneself have in making our lives better. The deep feel and true heart in the words bring out a strong will and a wish to live life at its best, no matter the tough times that might come.

It's a song for all, giving hope and pushing us to believe in ourselves and in good days to come. Live Forever will stay loved, not just among Oasis's songs, but as a strong sign of hope. With its rich tunes and happy story, the song keeps touching hearts. It shows that its key idea of staying hopeful will never die.

8) All Around The World

Oasis's 1998 hit All Around The World, from their album Be Here Now, shows how well they mix energetic tunes with deep thoughts. From the start, the song pulls you in with its strong rhythm guitar, setting up a lively foundation that goes well with its big chorus.

It's more than just a fun song, the words give a deep cheer for the world's rich mix of people. They push us to see past small differences and come together in the shared fact that we are all human.

With All Around The World, Oasis made a song that has stood the test of time and still moves people today. Its lasting charm is in how it mixes catchy tunes with a strong ask to come as one despite our differences, making it one of the band's top and most moving songs.

Oasis's songs are key to '90s UK rock, catching how a whole age group felt with its mix of pure feeling, big tunes, and bold style. From their first big hit, Definitely Maybe, to the big-sound Be Here Now and their later, more pensive songs, Oasis kept making music that had catchy arrangements and deep, real-life ideas, talking about being young, love, big dreams, or tough times.

Their songs resonate with all sorts of people, mixing Britpop's bright feel with times of real soft spots. The Gallagher brothers' own way of making songs and clear sound shaped our culture, touching many artists and keeping fans all over the world. In the end, Oasis's work did more than just mark a time. It also left a big mark, showing how rock music can be both huge and deeply personal.