Definitely Maybe
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and albums that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we explore Definitely Maybe, the audacious debut that established Oasis as leaders of the Britpop movement and offered a brighter, British alternative to the grunge of the time.
The 1990s were built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. These albums captured the restless energy of the era and signalled a wave of creativity and optimism that reshaped the global music scene.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: the story behind the album, its creation, and its impact. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Released: 29 August 1994
Artist: Oasis
Genre: Britpop, Rock
Label: Creation Records
Producer(s): Noel Gallagher, Owen Morris, Mark Coyle
Singles: Supersonic, Shakermaker, Live Forever, Cigarettes & Alcohol
Personnel: Liam Gallagher – lead vocals / Noel Gallagher – lead guitar, backing vocals / Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs – rhythm guitar / Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan – bass guitar / Tony McCarroll – drums
The Making of Definitely Maybe
Initial sessions at Monnow Valley Studio in Wales frustrated the band, as the recordings failed to capture their live energy.
The band relocated to Sawmills Studio in Cornwall, a secluded location accessible only by boat, where the album began to take shape.
Producer Owen Morris was brought in to salvage the project after Noel Gallagher expressed dissatisfaction with early mixes.
Morris applied bold techniques, including heavy compression and tape delay, to replicate the band’s live sound.
Liam Gallagher’s confident vocals and Noel’s meticulous songwriting drove the album’s distinctive energy.
The Story Behind Definitely Maybe
Oasis emerged from Manchester’s thriving music scene, seeking to reclaim British musical identity amidst the dominance of American grunge.
Themes of escapism, ambition, and working-class pride defined the album’s lyrics and tone.
Tracks like Live Forever offered a hopeful, anthemic counterpoint to the bleakness of grunge.
The album became a statement of intent, setting the foundation for Oasis’s role as Britpop’s flagbearers.
Rise to Prominence
Upon release, Definitely Maybe became the fastest-selling debut album in UK history.
Singles like Supersonic and Live Forever resonated with audiences, becoming instant classics.
The Gallagher brothers’ fiery personas and provocative interviews amplified the band’s visibility.
Extensive touring and unforgettable live performances solidified their reputation as a must-see act.
Commercial Success and Critical Reception
The album debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and achieved multi-platinum status, selling over 8 million copies worldwide.
Critics hailed it as a rejuvenating force for British rock, with NME calling it “an instant hit of pure genius.”
It consistently features in “Greatest Albums of All Time” lists, affirming its cultural and musical importance.
Legacy and Influence
Definitely Maybe inspired countless bands within and beyond Britpop, redefining British rock for a new generation.
Artists like Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian credit the album as a key influence on their work.
The album’s energy and ambition set a benchmark for debut albums across genres.
In 2014, a 20th-anniversary reissue introduced the album to a new audience, including remastered tracks and unreleased demos.
Notable Facts
Owen Morris’s heavy compression techniques gave the album its iconic loudness, a defining sound of Britpop.
Noel Gallagher wrote Live Forever as a hopeful response to Nirvana’s nihilistic themes.
The album cover, shot in Bonehead’s living room, includes nods to the band’s influences, such as a photograph of Manchester City legend Rodney Marsh.
A hidden message in the original vinyl pressing’s runout groove reads: “EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE.”
Defining Lyric
"I need to be myself, I can't be no one else." – Supersonic (1994)
Tracklist
Rock 'n' Roll Star – 5:22
Shakermaker – 5:08
Live Forever – 4:36
Up in the Sky – 4:28
Columbia – 6:17
Supersonic – 4:43
Bring It on Down – 4:17
Cigarettes & Alcohol – 4:49
Digsy’s Dinner – 2:32
Slide Away – 6:32
Married with Children – 3:11
Essential Listening
"Live Forever" (1994): A soaring anthem of hope and ambition, symbolising Britpop’s optimism and becoming a defining song for British music.
"Supersonic" (1994): An audacious debut single, with punchy lyrics and a driving rhythm that encapsulated the swagger of Oasis from the start.
"Cigarettes & Alcohol" (1994): A working-class anthem drenched in hedonism, celebrating life’s indulgences with a riff inspired by T. Rex's Get It On.
Why You Should Be Listening to Definitely Maybe Now
Decades later, Definitely Maybe still commands attention with its timeless tracks that capture the spirit of the 1990s. The album remains a powerful testament to authentic songwriting and enduring appeal.
See you on down the road.
