Oasis – (What's The Story) Morning Glory ?

Oasis – (What's The Story) Morning Glory ?

Few albums capture the sound, attitude and cultural significance of 1990s British music quite like (What's The Story) Morning Glory ?. Released on 2 October 1995, this hugely influential second studio album from Manchester's Oasis became one of the defining records of the Britpop era, transforming the band from outspoken newcomers into one of the biggest rock acts in the world.

Following the success of their 1994 debut Definitely Maybe, Oasis returned with a collection of songs that expanded their sound without sacrificing the swagger, volume and infectious melodies that had made them so popular. Written predominantly by guitarist and principal songwriter Noel Gallagher, the album draws on classic British guitar pop, psychedelic rock, melodic songwriting and the expansive sounds of 1960s groups such as The Beatles, while retaining a distinctly contemporary attitude.

Produced by Noel Gallagher and Owen Morris, and recorded primarily at Rockfield Studios in Wales, the album combines enormous guitar arrangements, memorable choruses, acoustic textures and Liam Gallagher's unmistakable vocal delivery. Its confident, often anthemic sound helped establish Oasis as central figures in the Britpop movement and made the album a defining soundtrack of the decade.

The opening track, Hello, sets the tone with its instantly recognisable melody and confident rock production, leading into Roll With It, a driving guitar-pop anthem that became part of the highly publicised 1995 Britpop chart rivalry with Blur. The album then delivers two of its most enduring songs: Wonderwall, a beautifully melodic acoustic-led composition that became an international hit, and Don't Look Back In Anger, featuring Noel Gallagher on lead vocals and widely regarded as one of the band's signature anthems.

Elsewhere, Hey Now! and Some Might Say demonstrate the group's ability to combine muscular guitar arrangements with expansive melodies, while Cast No Shadow offers a more reflective moment, with its atmospheric arrangement and emotionally resonant songwriting. She's Electric brings a playful, Beatles-influenced pop sensibility, while the title track, Morning Glory, delivers a powerful dose of psychedelic-tinged alternative rock.

The album reaches an extraordinary conclusion with Champagne Supernova, an epic, seven-minute finale featuring atmospheric guitars, sweeping arrangements and a memorable contribution from Paul Weller. Its dreamlike atmosphere and expansive structure perfectly capture the album's larger-than-life ambition.

The two short untitled instrumental passages, positioned between the main songs, are excerpts from The Swamp Song, providing atmospheric links within the album's running order.

A monumental release in the history of British guitar music, (What's The Story) Morning Glory ? remains an essential Britpop album, combining timeless songwriting, instantly recognisable melodies and some of the most celebrated songs of the 1990s. An essential addition for Oasis fans, Britpop enthusiasts and collectors of classic alternative and indie rock on CD.

Tracklist

1. Hello – 3:21

2. Roll With It – 3:59

3. Wonderwall – 4:18

4. Don't Look Back In Anger – 4:48

5. Hey Now! – 5:41

6. Untitled – 0:44

7. Some Might Say – 5:29

8. Cast No Shadow – 4:51

9. She's Electric – 3:40

10. Morning Glory – 5:03

11. Untitled – 0:39

12. Champagne Supernova – 7:27