lambchops's Full Review: (What's the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis
Oasis is one of those bands in which personal turmoil overshadow talent and camaraderie at almost every career turn. Music publications and tabloid papers love covering the warring band, and Oasis never lets them down. At the center of this storm are two brothers—Noel and Liam Gallagher. Their tempers are legendary in the music industry while their actual musical prowess has been at times impressive and at others questionable at best.
Originally formed in Manchester, England during 1993, Oasis took very little time to hit it big. After less than one year of occasional pub gigs, Oasis was signed to a record deal. Supersonic and Live Forever would made a mark on the music scene before the band’s hugely successful debut album Definitely Maybe finally hit shelves in August 1994. The album debuted at the top of the charts in England and would hit stateside later in the year. Oasis was headed to the top of the music hierarchy.
But there was this issue with the brotherly fighting between the Gallaghers. Neither brother was ever happy with being in the shadows of the other. They were both stars, damn it! Despite increasing tensions, the band (consisting of Liam Gallagher (vocals), Noel Gallagher (guitar), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass), and Alan White on drums) continued to make music. 1995’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? went on to be a massive hit around the world and eventually going five times platinum. The band toured in support of the album throughout the US only to disappoint fans and quit half way through to concentrate on what would become a lackluster third CD.
1997’s Be Here Now was largely a failure both critically and to fans. Much the same assessment applies also to 2000’s Standing on the Shoulders of Giants which barely made a mark.
(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? was a massive watershed album for the band. They could have been just another one-album wonder. Instead, their sophomore effort proved that Oasis had some amount of staying power (as long as the brothers Gallagher remained calm). Released by Epic in October 1995, the album features twelve relatively remarkable tracks. I wouldn’t say that Oasis was particularly innovative, rather I think the combination of Noel Gallagher’s lyrics and Liam Gallagher’s vocals makes the music relevant. The melodies seem both profound and catchy at the same time.
There are a number of strong tracks on (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. Two are probably the most recognizable. Both Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova made a lasting impression on music listeners in 1995 and 1996. Besides those two tracks, there are a few other important ones to mention. First and foremost, Don’t Look Back In Anger is my favorite song of the band’s career. Also notable are Roll With It and Some Might Say.
As I already mentioned Don’t Look Back In Anger is my favorite Oasis track. Not just of this album, but of all their albums. The song is sweeping and moving, emotional and reckless. I adore everything about it from the lyrics and melody to the drums and bass. Listeners may not have a memory of the song by it’s title, but the likely can recall it’s lyrics (or should be able to):
”So Sally can wait, she knows its too late as we're walking on by
Her soul slides away, but don't look back in anger I hear you say”
Wonderwall is another lovely track. The lovely, understated guitars help to set the mood for the transcendently beautiful track. The centerpiece of this track is undeniably Liam’s vocals. The use of various stringed instruments also proves a lovely addition. Champagne Supernova is vaguely trippy, yet remains lovely and melodic. This is, in fact, the first song I recall hearing from Oasis although I suspect I heard some of the others earlier.
Not particularly innovative or remarkable in comparison to the other tracks here, Roll With It still manages to be better than the vast majority of the best offerings from other less talented artists. I personally just see it as a nice little upbeat ditty. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
Finally, I’d like to talk briefly about Some Might Say. Louder and more aggressive than the majority of the Oasis catalog, this track is refreshing. The guitars are impressively executed while the vocals are lovely, seamlessly blending into the song. Liam uses his voice in this example more as an instrument than a communication device. And I like it.
Each of these tracks proves quite entertaining. In fact, I believe that most of the songs will outlive the personality conflicts that brought them into being. The world really is better for having Don’t Look Back in Anger, Wonderwall, and Champagne Supernova. (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is an album that helped to pave the way to the new British musical revolution of the 1990’s. I can’t help but to award the album 5/5 stars and give it a hearty recommendation.
Track Listing:
1. Hello
2. Roll With It
3. Wonderwall
4. Don’t Look Back in Anger
5. Hey Now!
6. [untitled]
7. Some Might Say
8. Cast No Shadow
9. She’s Electric
10. Morning Glory
11. [untitled]
12. Champagne Supernova
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Afterthought: While I enjoy Oasis, my husband bans the use of this album and the band’s others in our home. He’s threatened to snap them all in half. It’s too bad…he doesn’t know what he’s missing out on…
Afterthought #2: Apologies to Divine_Cheese. I hope he understands.
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