Listening to the debut CD of the Gallagher brothers today, dated 1994, it seems a bit banal, a bit thrown together, a bit "half-hearted." Perhaps this judgment is also influenced by the fact that in the 10 years that followed, Oasis (particularly Noel) shifted gears musically and captivated us with albums of a vastly different level.
It should be noted, however, that this was their first work, and I am convinced that many bands would bend over backwards just to come close to "Definitely Maybe" on their first attempt in the studio. In fact, the album is not to be dismissed, and "Live Forever" (by far the best track) already hinted that the Manchester siblings had a knack for it.
"Rock'n Roll Star" and "Shakermaker" are the two opening songs, and while the first one gets lost in chords that are a bit too daring, the second one bores with its excessive sweetness. At this point, you find yourself at a crossroads: do you turn it all off and file the CD away as bad, or take the risk and go on? Those like me who took the risk cannot possibly have any regrets. Track number three is indeed "Live Forever": a great song that became the true anthem of a generation.
Then the CD flows along quietly with neither glory nor disgrace. The other single "Supersonic" is appreciated by many, but in my opinion, it is rather banal and doesn't really say much.
The last two songs, "Slide Away" and "Married With Children", are pleasant.
This album is just noise, and nothing more.
Maybe Iāve been a bit harsh, but every time I try to listen to this CD, I get a headache...
Oasis are not innovators, they donāt experiment, they just want to hit you with simple songs that are instant classics and stick to your ears and heart at first listen.
Definitely Maybe is a condensation of the best English music produced from the sixties to the early ā70s, with maximal guitar and vocal volumes, psychedelia, violence, and candor merging in the grooves of DM.
Itās listenable, but itās certainly not a ātimelessā or a āmasterpieceā as Iāve heard some say.
Oasis did better in the later years which is why they remain one of my favorite bands.
"The first song is 'Rock'N'Roll Star,' a historic piece by Oasis, which delivers a great adrenaline rush."
"'Bring It On Down' expresses all the anger of the English working class, which is kindly invited to 'destroy it.'"
"The Gallagher brothers couldnāt care less about your criticisms, they donāt give a damn about your damn criticisms!"
"This album is devastating, beautiful, powerful, the best album of the ā90s."