Definitely Maybe manages to encapsulate much of the best of British rock & roll -- from
the Beatles to
the Stone Roses -- in the space of 11 songs.
Oasis' sound is louder and more guitar-oriented than any British band since
the Sex Pistols, and the band is blessed with the excellent songwriting of
Noel Gallagher.
Gallagher writes perfect pop songs, offering a platform for his brother
Liam's brash, snarling vocals. Not only does the band have melodies, but they have the capability to work a groove with more dexterity than most post-punk groups. But what makes
Definitely Maybe so intoxicating is that it already resembles a greatest-hits album. From the swirling rush of "Rock 'n' Roll Star," through the sinewy "Shakermaker," to the heartbreaking "Live Forever," each song sounds like an instant classic.
–
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi