Revisit seismic debut hit “Supersonic” as it turns 30—and all the era-defining songs that followed

In April 1994, Oasis released their debut single “Supersonic” and burst through the front door of Britpop’s gathering party, spraying golden songs and belligerent charisma up the walls like a freshly shaken bag of cans. British guitar music would never be the same again because the Manchester band effectively changed its language over the course of their turbulent 15-year career. Amid the arched eyebrows and art rock of their Britpop peers, the Gallagher brothers presented a gutsy, direct sound, characterised by adrenal drum patterns, snarling riffs and lyrics fizzing with working-class attitude. All of this swagger wouldn’t amount to much if it wasn’t underpinned by Noel Gallagher’s ear. Particularly during the band’s untouchable mid-’90s phase, Oasis’s chief songwriter unlocked melodies that instantly make you want to sing yourself hoarse—whether they appear within scuzzy glam rock updates or sweeping Lennon and McCartney-worthy anthems.