The Studio Albums of Oasis and the Gallagher Brothers’ Solo Careers

When we talk about Britpop, it’s impossible not to think of Oasis—the band that helped define an era. Led by the fiery sibling duo, Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis dominated the '90s with their blend of raw emotion, swaggering attitude, and epic anthems that seemed tailor-made for stadiums. But the story doesn't end with the band's monumental rise and eventual split. Both brothers continued making waves in the music scene, embarking on successful solo careers and cementing their individual legacies.

Let’s dive into the studio work of the Gallaghers, both within Oasis and in their post-Oasis careers, to get a clearer picture of their musical journey.

Oasis: The Rise of a Britpop Giant

Formed in Manchester in 1991, Oasis’ line-up cantered around Liam as the frontman and Noel as the chief songwriter. Their chemistry, both creative and destructive, was essential to the band’s rise. From the start, Oasis radiated a confidence that was hard to ignore. With Noel’s knack for crafting instantly memorable riffs and choruses, and Liam’s distinctive snarl, they became the voice of a generation.

Definitely Maybe (1994)

Oasis’ debut album Definitely Maybe exploded onto the scene and became the fastest-selling debut album in UK history at the time. The album is a relentless, attitude-driven tour de force. Tracks like "Live Forever" and "Supersonic" were a declaration of ambition, while "Cigarettes & Alcohol" showcased their rebellious edge. What set Definitely Maybe apart was its combination of punk energy, Beatles-esque melodies, and Noel’s ability to capture the zeitgeist with deceptively simple lyrics.

(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)

Their sophomore release is arguably the band’s defining album and one of the most iconic records of the ‘90s. From the sing-along brilliance of "Wonderwall" to the euphoric "Don't Look Back in Anger" and the majestic sweep of "Champagne Supernova," this album solidified their place as rock legends. Noel Gallagher’s song writing reached new heights here, blending Britpop with arena-rock scale, and catapulting Oasis to global stardom.

Be Here Now (1997)

While Be Here Now didn’t quite hit the critical highs of its predecessor, its bloated excesses and unapologetic bravado still made it a massive commercial success. Songs like "D'You Know What I Mean?" and "All Around the World" showcased the band's willingness to embrace bombast, but with less focus than before. Despite its flaws, this album perfectly encapsulates the excesses of the Britpop era.

Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)

By the time of their fourth album, Oasis was already in transition. The departure of two key band members, Bonehead and Guigsy, forced Noel into taking a tighter control of the sound. Standing on the Shoulder of Giants feels darker, more experimental, with tracks like "Go Let It Out" and "Who Feels Love?" showing a psychedelic influence. It’s a more introspective album, reflective of the band’s evolution, though not as well-received as their earlier efforts.

Heathen Chemistry (2002)

Oasis regained some of their classic sound with Heathen Chemistry. While not groundbreaking, the album included standout tracks like "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" and "The Hindu Times." This album also marked Liam Gallagher’s first significant contribution as a songwriter with the track "Songbird," a delicate ballad that revealed his softer side.

Don’t Believe the Truth (2005)

This album marked a resurgence for the band. With a renewed sense of purpose, Don’t Believe the Truth produced hits like "Lyla," "The Importance of Being Idle," and "Let There Be Love." It had more cohesion than their recent work, with Liam stepping up as a songwriter and the band embracing a more collaborative spirit.

Dig Out Your Soul (2008)

Oasis’ final studio album before their split, Dig Out Your Soul, showed a grittier, more psychedelic edge, with songs like "The Shock of the Lightning" and "I'm Outta Time" (written by Liam). It felt like the band was embracing heavier, more experimental sounds. Though critically well-received, it was evident by this point that tensions between the Gallaghers were at a breaking point.

The Gallagher Split and Post-Oasis Work

In 2009, after years of volatile arguments, Oasis came to a dramatic end when Noel Gallagher walked out of the band. Yet, this wasn’t the end of the brothers’ musical journeys. Both pursued solo careers that, while different in style, continued to captivate audiences.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Noel was quick to bounce back with his band Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2011. The record was a success, blending Noel’s knack for melody with a more mature, experimental approach. Songs like "The Death of You and Me" and "If I Had a Gun..." showcased Noel’s ability to craft anthems without the bombast of Oasis.

With each subsequent album, Noel has pushed the boundaries of his sound:

• Chasing Yesterday (2015) featured more psychedelic elements and jazz influences, with highlights like "Ballad of the Mighty I."
• Who Built the Moon? (2017) took even more risks, incorporating electronic textures and a more upbeat, almost dance-like rhythm, especially on tracks like "Holy Mountain."

Noel’s solo work reflects a musician unafraid to evolve and experiment, moving away from the Oasis formula while maintaining his gift for melody.

Liam Gallagher’s Solo Career

Liam, on the other hand, leaned into his role as a rock ‘n’ roll icon with his solo career. His debut album, As You Were (2017), was a triumphant return, blending the swagger of classic Oasis with a more modern production. Tracks like "Wall of Glass" and "For What It’s Worth" reminded fans of Liam’s undeniable charisma and vocal power.

Liam’s follow-up albums, Why Me? Why Not. (2019) and C’mon You Know (2022), continue this momentum. While his work is more straightforward rock compared to Noel’s experimentation, Liam has found a new creative spark, winning over both critics and long-time fans alike. His records offer a sense of nostalgia while also feeling fresh, allowing Liam to fully embrace his identity as a solo artist.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of the Gallagher Brothers

The studio work of Oasis remains a cornerstone of '90s rock, with the Gallaghers’ dynamic continuing to fascinate music fans even in their post-Oasis careers. Noel Gallagher, the more introspective of the two, has ventured into eclectic and experimental territories, while Liam stays true to his rock roots, offering a brash, more traditional sound.

Together, they represent the duality of Britpop’s legacy—pushing boundaries while staying rooted in rock history. Their individual paths showcase two sides of the same coin: one always looking forward, the other holding tight to the golden days. Whatever side of the Gallagher divide you land on, there’s no denying the brothers' lasting impact on music, both as part of Oasis and in their solo journeys.