There’s no denying the seismic impact Oasis had on British music. From their meteoric rise in the mid-90s to their tumultuous split in 2009, the Gallagher brothers left behind a legacy of chart-topping anthems and unforgettable albums.
Whether you love them for their rock ‘n’ roll swagger or the sheer scale of their success, it’s hard to argue against the fact that Oasis was the defining sound of a generation. But not all Oasis albums are created equal. In this ranking, we take a deep dive into their studio albums, from the highs that defined Britpop to the lows that even the most devoted fans struggled to defend.
#7: Heathen Chemistry (2002)
By 2002, Oasis was in a state of flux. Their previous album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, had failed to capture the public's imagination, and internally, the band was undergoing lineup changes.
Enter Heathen Chemistry, an album that, while not a total misstep, certainly lacks the sharpness of their earlier works. The record produced some solid singles, such as "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" and "Little by Little," but the cohesion and energy felt disjointed.
At its best, Heathen Chemistry is a glimpse of Oasis trying to reclaim their throne, but at its worst, it’s a plodding, unfocused attempt to stay relevant. The band was moving towards a more mature sound, yet the rawness that had once defined them felt lost. It’s a good listen but doesn’t stand out in their catalogue as a defining moment.
#6: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)
Standing on the Shoulder of Giants marks a turning point for Oasis, but not necessarily a positive one.
Released at the dawn of the new millennium, the album was a conscious departure from the bombast of Be Here Now, aiming for a more introspective and experimental sound. While it certainly shows growth, the departure of key band members and the somber tone of many tracks left fans yearning for the Oasis of old.
The record kicks off with "Fuckin' in the Bushes"—a raucous, sample-heavy intro that promises an album of experimental sounds.
However, despite solid tracks like "Go Let It Out" and "Who Feels Love?," the album never fully delivers on that promise. There’s an air of melancholy throughout, and while Noel’s songwriting shines through on occasion, the lack of Liam’s signature swagger and the overall murkiness in production leave this album feeling somewhat half-baked.
Still, the album reflects an evolution in the band’s image. Moving away from the oversized parkas and into something slightly different.
#5: Dig Out Your Soul (2008)
Dig Out Your Soul was Oasis’s swan song—a final, powerful statement before the Gallagher brothers’ relationship reached a breaking point.
In contrast to the somewhat mellowed sound of their previous two albums, Dig Out Your Soul saw Oasis returning to the raw, heavy guitars that had initially made them superstars.
Tracks like "The Shock of the Lightning" and "Bag It Up" pulsate with the kind of energy that harkens back to Definitely Maybe, while still allowing the band to explore new sonic territory.
The album stands out for its hypnotic rhythms and psychedelic overtones, particularly on songs like "Falling Down." Here, Noel is at his lyrical best, blending vivid imagery with his usual flair for anthemic choruses.
However, the album does have its filler moments, and it’s clear that by the time of its release, internal tensions were starting to take their toll on the band’s chemistry.
#4: Be Here Now (1997)
In 1997, Oasis was the biggest band in the world, and their third album, Be Here Now, was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the decade.
When it finally dropped, it broke sales records and became a cultural phenomenon overnight. However, as the years went by, the album's reputation began to wane. Critics, who had once hailed it as a masterpiece, started calling it bloated and self-indulgent.
And they weren’t entirely wrong. Be Here Now is an album that’s larger than life, with tracks that often push past the seven-minute mark, layered with endless overdubs and excessive production.
But here’s the thing: it’s still great fun.
From the bombastic opener, "D’You Know What I Mean?", to the euphoric highs of "All Around the World," the album is a glorious mess.
It’s Oasis at their most excessive, for better or worse.
The band’s style during the Be Here Now era was as over-the-top as the music.
#3: Don’t Believe the Truth (2005)
After the lukewarm reception to their early 2000s output, Don’t Believe the Truth marked a triumphant return to form for Oasis.
The album is tight, focused, and full of energy—everything that fans had been missing since the heyday of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. Noel stepped back from the production reins, allowing the rest of the band to have more input, and the result is an album that feels like a true collaboration.
"Lyla" was the big single, and it’s classic Oasis—hooky, brash, and impossible to resist. But the real highlights come in tracks like "The Importance of Being Idle," where Noel’s lyrical wit is on full display, and "Turn Up the Sun," a powerful opener that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Don’t Believe the Truth feels like a band rediscovering what made them great in the first place.
Fashion-wise, Oasis during this period saw a return to their Mod roots. Noel and Liam embraced timeless staples like polos, echoing the sharper, more refined sound of the album.
#2: Definitely Maybe (1994)
Oasis didn’t just arrive with Definitely Maybe—they exploded onto the scene.
Released in 1994, the band’s debut album was a shot of adrenaline to the heart of British music, kicking off the Britpop revolution and making them household names practically overnight. Definitely Maybe is an album that crackles with youthful energy and raw ambition, a collection of songs that feel like they’re on the verge of boiling over.
From the opening chords of "Rock 'n' Roll Star" to the laid-back cool of "Supersonic" and the anthemic "Live Forever," the album is full of tracks that have become defining moments in British rock history.
Oasis tapped into something primal with Definitely Maybe—a desire for escape, a hunger for something bigger than the mundane. Every song drips with the arrogance and swagger that would come to define the band.
Style-wise, Oasis’s early days saw them embracing Mod culture, and pieces like the classic Harrington jacket became iconic symbols of their look.
#1: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
There’s no debate here: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is Oasis’s magnum opus.
Released in 1995, the album not only catapulted the band to global superstardom but also defined an entire generation.
Packed with anthems that have stood the test of time, Morning Glory is the sound of a band at the peak of their powers, crafting songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Tracks like "Wonderwall," "Don’t Look Back in Anger," and "Champagne Supernova" became instant classics, with their massive choruses and heartfelt lyrics.
The album’s genius lies in its simplicity; Noel’s songwriting is sharper than ever, while Liam’s vocal delivery is raw and emotional. It’s no wonder the album remains a staple in British music culture to this day.
The fashion that accompanied this album was just as iconic as the music. Oasis’s signature look—leather jackets, Mod footwear, and a certain air of defiance—captured the spirit of Britpop in every sense.
Conclusion: The Evolution of Oasis
Oasis’s discography is a journey through the highs and lows of British music culture.
From the brash confidence of Definitely Maybe to the global domination of Morning Glory and their reflective later albums, Oasis proved time and time again that they were more than just a band—they were a cultural force.
Fans lucky enough to get tickets will get a glimpse of plenty of songs from these albums on the 2025 reunion tour, so which ones are you looking forward to most hearing?
Here at Mazey’s, we love Oasis, from the music to the style, and can’t wait to see the boys back doing what they do best.