Oasis B-sides

The "story" of Oasis B-sides is arguably more central to their legend than the albums themselves. During the mid-90s, Noel Gallagher was writing songs at such a prolific rate that tracks now considered all-time classics were "hidden" as secondary tracks on CD singles The Peak of the "Hidden" Era (1994–1996)

In this period, Oasis released B-sides that most bands would have built entire careers around. This gave the band an aura of being "unstoppable". Key moments from this era include:

: Originally a B-side to "Some Might Say," it became a definitive anthem because it features both brothers sharing lead vocals—a rarity that fans saw as a symbol of their bond. Talk Tonight

: Written by Noel after he briefly quit the band in San Francisco following a disastrous 1994 gig. It is a raw, acoustic track about a woman who talked him out of walking away for good. The Masterplan

: Often cited as Noel’s greatest songwriting achievement, he famously lamented later that he should have saved it for an album instead of "wasting" it as a B-side to "Wonderwall". The "Lost" Third Album

Many fans and critics argue that if Oasis had held back their best B-sides from the Definitely Maybe (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?

eras, they could have created a third album superior to the bloated, cocaine-fueled Be Here Now . Common "lost album" playlists often include:

Oasis is famous for having B-sides that were often better than other bands' biggest hits. During their 1990s peak, Noel Gallagher was so prolific that he "threw away" future classics as extra tracks on CD singles. The Heavy Hitters (The Masterplan Era) oasis b-sides

Most of the band's legendary B-sides from 1994–1997 were collected on the 1998 compilation album, The Masterplan. Every Oasis B-Side Ranked! - Mojo Magazine

While Oasis is defined by the world-conquering anthems of Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, their true soul often resides in their B-sides. During the mid-90s, Noel Gallagher was so prolific that he frequently relegated stadium-sized classics to the flip side of singles, creating a parallel discography that rivaled the main albums in both quality and emotional depth.

The peak of this phenomenon is captured in the 1998 compilation The Masterplan. Tracks like "Acquiesce" and "The Masterplan" itself are not mere outtakes; they are foundational pillars of the Britpop era. "Acquiesce," with its dual-vocal attack, serves as the ultimate anthem for the Gallagher brothers' volatile but creative chemistry. Meanwhile, "The Masterplan" showcases a sophisticated, orchestral side of Noel’s songwriting that signaled a departure from simple bar-room rock toward something more cinematic.

Other tracks, such as the punk-infused "Headshrinker" or the melancholic "Half the World Away," highlight the band's range. The latter, specifically, became a cultural touchstone in the UK, proving that Oasis could be just as effective with an acoustic guitar and a vulnerable vocal as they were with a wall of distorted Marshalls.

Ultimately, the Oasis B-sides represent a moment in music history where a band was so confident—and perhaps so reckless—that they could afford to "waste" masterpieces on the back of a CD single. For the die-hard fans, these songs aren't just extras; they are the evidence of a band at the absolute height of its powers.

Oasis is famously known for having B-sides that often rivalled, or even surpassed, their A-side singles in quality—a testament to Noel Gallagher's prolific songwriting during the 1990s. Many of these "lost hits" were eventually collected on the seminal 1998 compilation The Masterplan. Essential B-Sides (The Masterplan Era)

These tracks are widely considered essential listening for any Oasis fan: The "story" of Oasis B-sides is arguably more

"The Masterplan": Often cited as one of Noel’s best songs, originally released as a B-side to "Wonderwall".

"Acquiesce": A rare track featuring both Liam and Noel on lead vocals, found on the "Some Might Say" single.

"Talk Tonight": A vulnerable, acoustic fan favorite written by Noel after a particularly difficult show in Los Angeles.

"Half the World Away": Well-known as the theme for The Royle Family, it was originally a B-side for "Cigarettes & Alcohol".

"Listen Up": A high-energy rocker from the "Cigarettes & Alcohol" single that many fans believe should have been on Definitely Maybe. Hidden Gems (Post-1998)

While the 90s are seen as the golden age of Oasis B-sides, the 2000s still yielded high-quality tracks that didn't make the studio albums:

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If you only have ten minutes, start here. These three tracks are the reason Oasis B-sides have a cult following.

Most of the legendary B-sides come from the first three album cycles: Definitely Maybe (1994), (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), and Be Here Now (1997).

Noel Gallagher, never one for subtlety, wrote a scathing critique of celebrity culture while at the epicenter of it. Driven by a funky, almost eerie guitar riff and a spoken-word bridge referencing "Mr. Disco Vomit," it’s prescient. It’s about the hollow chase for relevance. The fading echo of Liam’s vocal at the end is haunting.

Oasis B-sides often orbited specific themes. During the Morning Glory sessions, Noel was obsessed with the passage of time and lost youth.

| B-side | Album Single | Year | Notes | |--------|--------------|------|-------| | "Acquiesce" | Some Might Say | 1995 | The most famous Oasis B-side. Features a dual vocal between Liam (chorus) and Noel (verses). Lyrics: "Because we need each other / We believe in one another." Often played live as a set closer. | | "The Masterplan" | Wonderwall | 1995 | Noel's crown jewel. A philosophical, piano-led ballad. Noel later admitted it was a mistake not to put it on Morning Glory. Became the title track of the 1998 B-side compilation. | | "Talk Tonight" | Some Might Say | 1995 | An acoustic, introspective song about Noel's crisis during the 1994 US tour. One of his most vulnerable lyrics. | | "Rockin' Chair" | Roll With It | 1995 | A melancholic, mid-tempo track about aging and regret, sung by Noel. Fan favorite. | | "Half the World Away" | Whatever | 1994 | A haunting, organ-driven ballad. Gained a second life as the theme song for the BBC sitcom The Royle Family. | | "Fade Away" | Cigarettes & Alcohol | 1994 | Punk-inspired and urgent. Later re-recorded for a charity album with Johnny Depp on guitar. | | "Listen Up" | Cigarettes & Alcohol | 1994 | Anthemic and defiant. Lyrics: "Got to make it somehow / On the dreams we still believe." | | "Going Nowhere" | Stand by Me | 1997 | A late-era gem from the Be Here Now sessions. Wistful, loping melody about stagnation. | | "Stay Young" | D'You Know What I Mean? | 1997 | Upbeat, power-pop. Originally considered for Morning Glory. Features the line "Come on, brother, stay young." |