Definitely Maybe was the debut album that shot Oasis into the major league in 1994. This CD established them as the clear industry leaders, selling copies running into millions and earning them the title of ’’the new Beatles’’ (unjustified, unfortunately). The success of the CD laid to rest the ’’intense’’ music war between Oasis and their main British rivals, Blur, once and for all. Definitely Maybe shot to the number one spot in the record charts within a week of release, surpassing Blur’s successful Parklife album as well as all expectations for the band’s debut. That said, for most music fans there was never really any competition - it was more between real music and Blur’s early pop tat.
The album led to worldwide tours for the band as well as one of the fastest rises to fame and music field domination any band has ever known (hence the title ’’the new Beatles’’).
The band led the rebirth of British rock and roll, with influences from such artists as The Beatles, The Kinks, The Jam and Paul Weller. This CD also paved the way for the next Oasis album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory in 1995, by which stage Oasis were unarguably the kings of rock and roll.
Definitely Maybe therefore represents the origin of Oasis themselves and is, in my opinion, just about their best album (having a slight edge over it’s follow-up, Morning Glory). The style of the album is gutsy rock and roll, with many of the unique characteristics that are unmistakably Oasis and which have become their trademark. The drawn-out voice of Liam Gallagher adds character to every song, with the ’’bad boys of rock’’ giving some of their best performances with songs that have since become famous, like Live Forever and Supersonic - still their top two works.
Long wailing guitar and heavy drum intros are followed by fast paced lead guitar and rhythmic bass. Experimentation was never high on the bands agenda, basically using a tried-and-tested formula that was 30 years old, if not more. The major difference was that Oasis use anything from acoustic and electric guitars, to drums and bass to reverb for their music and it is the sheer variety of rock and roll evident in every song on this CD that has made them the powerhouse they are in the industry today. Definitely Maybe is a must for any Oasis fan and a great way for those unfamiliar with the band to break into their unique style of British rock and roll.
Upon a first listening, the CD can certainly be called unique. There really is no rock and roll band like Oasis, which becomes evident form the beginning. Many of the songs can seem quite similar, but possess catchy guitar riffs and drum beats that cause the listener to go back again and again. Eventually the uniqueness of each tune can be found and it is at this point a listener can find themselves hooked on the group.
The entire album is filled with superb songs. Rock And Roll Star starts things off with a guitar riff that would basically define the band for the next 6-7 years. Following this are the superb Live Forever and Supersonic, two songs that say so much to so many people. Not since the Smiths have a band achieved so much in so few words. Cigarettes and Alcohol is a good tune while Slide Away is an example of great guitar-playing and good vocals.
After a thorough listening, each song on the CD seems to gain a special place with each listener, with Shakermaker, Up in the Sky, Columbia, Bring it on Down, Digsy’s Diner and the only acoustic song, Married With Children all getting added to the CD’s impressive list. In my opinion, I don’t honestly think there is one song that can be classified as ’’bad’’ on the album, but obviously some are better than others. Ranking them in your own personal preference seems to be the only problem for listeners, a view that is reflected in the sheer numbers that the CD sold. Definitely Maybe is a fantastically varied and well rounded debut CD which will please rock and roll fans and especially Oasis fans.
By saying this, am I stating that the album is flawless? Certainly not, I am merely pointing out that it is a very impressive debut album from the band and deserves the praise that it has received in the past. However, obviously not everyone is an Oasis fan. On the negative side are those who claim that all the songs are the same. I can see where these opinions come from, however, I feel they come from those people who have only glanced over the CD and who have not allowed themselves to appreciate each song for it’s own unique qualities, which only comes after a thorough listening. Whatever the case, I suggest that you make your mind up for yourself.
In conclusion, I would say Definitely Maybe is an essential buy for rock fans everywhere. A must-have CD, which defines the very best of the 90s indie scene.