For casual listeners, Oasis is best known for hits like “Wonderwall” and “Some Might Say.” These anthems defined the Britpop era of the 1990s and secured the Gallagher brothers’ place in rock history. But for longtime fans, Oasis has a much deeper catalog. The band was always writing, driven by the booming CD industry that demanded a steady flow of new material. Many of their best songs never made it onto studio albums, revealing a range that goes beyond their popular image. Tracks like “Acquiesce,” “Half the World Away,” and “Talk Tonight” may not be the first songs that come to mind, but they showcase a different side of the band and reflect various moments in their journey.
In the 1990s, CD singles were crucial in the U.K. music scene. Chart rankings relied on single sales, so labels often included bonus tracks to entice buyers. While many bands used this to release throwaway songs, Oasis took a different approach. With Noel Gallagher’s prolific songwriting, they released B-sides that could have easily fit on full albums. Fans quickly recognized these tracks as just as important as the hits, and the band earned a reputation for treating their extras as essential.
The 1998 compilation *The Masterplan* highlighted this idea. It featured songs like “Acquiesce,” “Half the World Away,” and “Talk Tonight,” and was seen as a standalone album rather than just a collection of leftovers. “Acquiesce,” released in 1995, showcases Liam’s sharp verses paired with Noel’s soaring chorus, focusing on themes of loyalty. It became a fan favorite at live shows, often with audiences singing louder than the band. “Half the World Away,” first released in 1994, features Noel’s lead vocals and expresses a longing to escape. It later gained popularity as the theme song for the sitcom *The Royle Family*. These B-sides prove that Oasis had a wealth of material that deserves recognition.
