Album Review: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? – Oasis (1995)
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Label: Creation Records
Genre: Britpop / Rock
Key Tracks: Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova, Some Might Say

The Britpop Bible

If Definitely Maybe was Oasis’ raw declaration of greatness, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? was their coronation. Released in 1995 at the height of Britpop mania, this album transformed Liam and Noel Gallagher from Manchester lads into rock gods, blending swaggering anthems with bruised vulnerability. It’s the sound of a band—and a generation—refusing to apologize for dreaming big.

The Sound: Glory, Guitars, and a Touch of Genius

Noel’s songwriting hits its zenith here, balancing fist-pumping rock (Hello, Roll With It) with moments of startling tenderness (Cast No Shadow). The production (courtesy of Owen Morris) is lush but never slick, letting Liam’s sneer and Noel’s melancholic harmonies shine. The secret weapon? Those guitars—wall-of-sound layers on Champagne Supernova, the weepy slide solo on Wonderwall, and the locomotive riff of Morning Glory.

Lyrics: Poetry for the Pub Crowd

Noel’s words are deceptively simple, weaving boozy philosophy (“You’re my wonderwaaaall”) with sly wit (“I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now”—delivered like a threat). Even the nonsense (“Slowly walking down the hall, faster than a cannonball”) feels profound when Liam growls it.

Cultural Impact: The Album That Ate the ‘90s

Morning Glory sold 22 million copies, sparked the Oasis vs. Blur tabloid wars, and soundtracked every UK pub jukebox for a decade. Wonderwall became the ultimate acoustic sing-along (for better or worse), while Don’t Look Back in Anger—with its Imagine-esque piano—turned into an anthem for resilience (see: Manchester Arena tribute post-2017 attack).

Nitpicks? Barely.

Purists argue Some Might Say or Hey Now! pad the runtime, but even the “weaker” tracks ooze charm. The album’s ubiquity might’ve dulled its edge for some, but revisit Champagne Supernova’s 7-minute crescendo and try not to air-drum.

Final Verdict: A Perfect Storm

(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is more than an album—it’s a cultural landmark. It’s the sound of arrogance and heart, of lads who believed they were the best band in the world and (for one glorious moment) absolutely were. Put it on, crack a lager, and let the magic happen.

For Fans Of: The Beatles (duh), The Stone Roses, Knebworth-sized choruses.
Skip If: You’re allergic to ego or guitar solos.

Iconic Lines:
“All your dreams are made / When you’re chained to the mirror and the razor blade.” – Champagne Supernova
“Please don’t put your life in the hands of a rock ‘n’ roll band.” – Don’t Look Back in Anger (irony: delicious)

Trivia: The album cover’s blurry London street was shot at 6 a.m. after the photographer drunkenly stumbled out of a club. Fitting.