Album Review: Oasis - (Whats the Story) Morning Glory?

Artist: Oasis

Album: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

Release Date: October 2, 1995

Oasis’ What’s the Story Morning Glory? (1995) is more than an album; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Cementing the band’s place as Britpop icons, this sophomore release took the raw swagger of their debut, Definitely Maybe, and infused it with a refined, anthemic sound that resonated with a generation. Nearly three decades later, it remains one of the defining albums of the 1990s.

From the soaring opener Hello to the melancholic closer Champagne Supernova, What’s the Story Morning Glory? is an album built for both stadium singalongs and introspective late-night listens. Oasis dialed up the anthemic qualities on tracks like Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger, creating timeless classics that have transcended their Britpop origins to become global standards.

The production, handled by Owen Morris and Noel Gallagher, balances grit with grandeur. Guitars shimmer and roar in equal measure, while Liam Gallagher’s vocals strike the perfect balance between sneering confidence and emotional vulnerability.

The centerpiece of the album is undoubtedly Wonderwall, a song so universally beloved that it risks being overplayed yet never loses its emotional pull. The combination of Noel’s tender lyrics and Liam’s unmistakable voice creates an undeniable magic.

Equally iconic is Don’t Look Back in Anger, Noel’s turn at the mic, which has become an anthem of resilience and unity. With its soaring chorus and Beatles-esque piano riff, the song solidifies Oasis’ ability to channel their influences while creating something entirely their own.

While the anthems are unforgettable, the album’s deeper cuts and rockier tracks showcase Oasis’ raw edge. Some Might Say, the band’s first UK number-one single, is a swaggering blend of optimism and grit. Tracks like Morning Glory and Roll With It crank up the distortion and attitude, reminding listeners of the band’s rock ‘n’ roll roots.

Meanwhile, Cast No Shadow offers a rare moment of introspection, with Noel Gallagher penning a poignant tribute to The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft. Its layered acoustic guitars and haunting lyrics provide a softer counterpoint to the album’s louder moments.

Released at the height of Britpop, What’s the Story Morning Glory? became a defining soundtrack of the era, selling over 22 million copies worldwide and producing hits that remain staples of radio playlists to this day. Beyond the music, it captured the spirit of 1990s optimism, swagger, and British pride, making it an enduring touchstone for fans and musicians alike.

What’s the Story Morning Glory? is more than an album—it’s a time capsule of a band at their peak and a movement at its height. From its stadium-ready anthems to its heartfelt ballads, Oasis crafted a record that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting it, this is an album that continues to inspire and unite.

What We Love: Consistent theme, Anthemic choruses and tunes, and introspective lyrics

Score: 5/5

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