In the annals of rock history, few bands have made as profound an impact as Oasis did during the 1990s. Their meteoric rise to stardom was fueled by a combination of catchy tunes, charismatic personalities, and sibling rivalry that kept fans and critics alike on the edge of their seats.
Among their many hits, one song stands out – “Wonderwall.” But did you know that Liam Gallagher initially despised it, dismissing it as “trip-hop”? In this article, we delve into the intriguing backstory of this iconic Oasis track and the broader context of their musical evolution.
Towards the end of 1994, Oasis was poised on the brink of superstardom. As part of one of England’s largest independent record labels, the band had already gained considerable attention. Their confident swagger and self-proclaimed status as “the best band in the world” drew comparisons to The Beatles.
However, it wasn’t just bravado that fueled their rise. Oasis had the musical talent to back up their claims. At the heart of their success was Noel Gallagher, the primary songwriter for the band. His prolific songwriting prowess set the stage for their ascent to fame. During their time at Rockfield Studios, Noel was churning out classic tracks at an astonishing rate, with many of them ending up as B-sides to their singles.
When Oasis released “What’s the Story Morning Glory,” it marked a significant evolution in their sound. The band seemed to have matured by leaps and bounds in the short span of one album. While their earlier work leaned heavily on punk rock influences, Noel Gallagher’s songwriting took a different direction on this record, drawing inspiration from classic rock legends.
The result? Anthems like “Don’t Look Back In Anger” that resonated with audiences worldwide. This shift in style showcased Oasis’s versatility and their ability to evolve while staying true to their core identity.
As Noel Gallagher laid out the songs for his bandmates, he presented Liam with a choice: he could either sing “Wonderwall” or “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” Both songs would go on to become monumental in Oasis’s catalog.
At first, it seemed like “Wonderwall” was destined to be sung by Liam, given his signature accent and vocal style. However, Liam was initially skeptical. In an interview with NME, Noel recalled Liam’s reaction, “He hated ‘Wonderwall.’ He said it was trip-hop. There speaks a man who’s never heard trip-hop.”
Despite the initial misgivings, it’s crucial to clarify that “Wonderwall” is, in no way, a representation of trip-hop. From its opening chords to its closing notes, the song exudes pure rock and roll energy. Noel Gallagher’s heartfelt lyrics find an authentic and powerful voice through Liam’s distinctive vocals. It’s a track that brims with emotional intensity, as Liam conveys his feelings toward his lover with a raw and unfiltered passion.
As the recording sessions progressed, it became evident that Liam wasn’t willing to let go of a song with such a massive hook. Noel reflects on the process, stating, “He wanted to sing ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger,’ but it became apparent during the recording that ‘Wonderwall’ was going to be the tune. If I’m being honest, I shouldn’t have sung either of them because I wasn’t really a singer then.”
In the end, the decision to share vocal duties on both “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger” was a stroke of genius. It allowed Oasis to showcase the two facets of their musical identity. On one hand, there was the tender, introspective songwriter who could craft knockout singles. On the other, there was the snarling, rebellious rock and roller who injected a punk flair into every song he touched, whether it was a ballad or a raucous anthem.
This dynamic duality became emblematic of Oasis’s enduring appeal. Fans were treated to the best of both worlds, and it solidified the band’s place in the pantheon of rock legends.
In conclusion, Oasis’s “Wonderwall” is far from being a trip-hop track; it is a timeless rock anthem that continues to resonate with fans around the world. Liam Gallagher’s initial hesitation ultimately gave birth to one of the band’s most iconic songs. It serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring legacy of Oasis in the world of rock music.