Oasis

Definitely Maybe

A wake up call to the world

Review Score:

(8/10)
Oasis' debut album and heralded the invasion of "Brit-pop" in the U.S, though the rowdy boys were much more than simple pop.They combined the songwriting of the Beatles and the swagger and arrogance of the Sex Pistols.Many insults have been thrown at the band for ripping off the Beatles but that is so far off base it's laughable. Other then their admitted admiration of the band (and a few references in their lyrics) there are no other comparisons.With the all knowing "Rock 'n' Roll Star", Liam sings as if he could predict the future. He was dead on as Oasis eventually became one of the biggest bands of the 90's.My favorite happens to be "Columbia" with it's infectious groove and catchy chorus (of which Noel was particularly good at) "I can't tell you the way I feel because the way I feel is oh so new to me." That's how I felt when I first heard the track. The live version is faster paced.However the songwriting gem is probably "Live Forever". I always took it as Noel talking to an idol of his (maybe John Lennon) and what he'd always wanted to say to him and now that he had become famous as well, "You and I are gonna Live Forever." One of the few guitar solos in a rock song that make me a bit sad. A great tribute song......for whomever."Bring It On Down" stands as Noel's take on the class war (upper vs lower that is.) You could almost take it as an anthem FOR the working class people, "You're the outcasts, you're the underclass but you don't care 'cuz you're living fast!" It reminds me of Queen's "Sheer Heart Attack" with it's deafening rhythm section and punk leanings.The one song off here that I always liked better as an acoustic track is "Slide Away", it's lyrics are too romantic and heartfelt to be played alongside a backing rock track. "Now that you're mine, we'll find a way of chasing the sun. Let me be the one who shines with you and we can slide away." *sigh*Some of the lyrics are of the throw away variety but Noel has always said that he concentrated more on the music.An extremely strong debut and amazingly out do themselves with their follow up, one of the best albums of the past decade........

More Reviews: