(What's The Story) Morning Glory - Oasis > Reviews > A Supernova Album

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	Oasis at their best, a classic
Disadvantages:	Only 50 minutes of genius

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The antics of Oasis have been well documented over the years – the Gallagher brothers infamous arguments, babies, divorces, knocked out teeth, picking fights with Robbie Williams. The list is endless. But despite all that I still think they produce high quality music, consistently and back in 1995 they released what I believe to be their best album to date – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

When this album was huge in the mid-1990s I was in the midst of my student days so all the tracks have great significance for me. The album defines my student days and listening to it always takes me back. I know Oasis aren’t everybody’s cup of tea but this album would get into my Top 10.

As far as I am aware all the tracks are written by Noel Gallagher, although if any of you know differently, let me know and I’ll edit.

HELLO (3.21)
The first song on the album is a shortish rock and roll tune, setting the mood for the whole album. It samples “Hello, Hello, I’m back again” by Gary Glitter, which is unfortunate as things have transpired. But it is still a catchy number and a strong opening to the album.

ROLL WITH IT (3.59)
One of their most popular songs to date, Roll With It was involved in a much hyped race to the No.1 slot with archrivals Blur. This one came out second best that time but was still a huge hit and stayed in the charts for 11 weeks. You can’t help but sing along to it.

WONDERWALL (4.18)
Probably one of Oasis’ best known tracks, Wonderwall was allegedly written by Noel for his ex-wife Meg Matthews and he’s only just started singing it at gigs again after their famous split. It stayed in the charts for a massive 20 weeks but only got to number 2 in November 1995. Robson and Jerome of all people held it off number 1 but it hit the number 2 spot again in December 1995 when Mike Flowers Pops covered it (remember that??). An absolutely fantastic tune with great lyrics. It’s a classic of its time.

DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER (4.48)
One of Noel’s rare lead singing performances and another hit off the album, this time reaching number 1. A slower record with an excellent sing-a-long-able tune and one that you can really belt out when the alcohol has taken effect.

HEY NOW (5.41)
One of my least favourite tracks on the album. I find it goes on a bit too long and with an uninspiring tune. I would consider it the weak link in the album – Liam drawling at his best!

Next comes a 44 second instrumental to signal half way – actually I’m not sure of its exact intention but it does come in as song 6.

SOME MIGHT SAY (5.29)
The first single off the album went straight to the top of the charts in May 1995, giving a taster of what was to come. I would describe it as a very typical Oasis rock ‘n’ roll tune. If you like Oasis, you’ll love it, if you don’t you probably won’t! Some memorable guitar riffs can be heard throughout.

CAST NO SHADOW (4.51)
Apparently a song dedicated to Richard Ashcroft, Cast No Shadow is one of the slower tracks on the album and shows a rare glimpse of thoughtful lyrics with hidden depth.

SHE’S ELECTRIC (3.40)
One of my favourites. I absolutely love this tune. The lyrics are fun and the tune is really catchy. It’s one of those songs that you’ll be humming all day. In a way I find it quite nursery rhymish in the same way as “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles. Without doubt this is one of those “puts you in a good mood” songs.

MORNING GLORY (5.08)
Carrying on in the same vein as “Roll With It” and “Some Might Say”, Morning Glory is a song with heavy guitars and a strong drum beat. The title track to the album, I think it is a good reflection of the CD as a whole – upbeat, captivating and brilliant.

Another short instrumental, this time lasting 39 seconds, leads Morning Glory into….

CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA (7.27)
My favourite Oasis track ever – if you’ve never heard it you’re missing out on a treat whether you’re a fan or not. Without doubt, it’s a classic epic and would definitely feature in my Top 10 favourite songs of all time. It ranges from quieter verses into a loud chorus and back again. The guitars, the lyrics and the ambience of the song are outstanding and this song has to be one of the strongest endings to an album ever. It really leaves you wanting more. Its only downfall has been that Noel knows it’s good and has tried to repeat it on successive albums but has never quite found the same spark.

So for me this album is money well spent. At the time it cost around £12 for the CD. These days you can pick it up cheaper, especially if HMV or Virgin/Our Price have one of their sales and I would say it is definitely worth looking out for. Overall, the songs are excellent and this album has the makings of becoming an all time classic.