(What's The Story) Morning Glory?

Released on 2 October 1995, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is the second studio album by British rock band Oasis, marking a pivotal moment in both the band’s career and the Britpop era. Produced by Noel Gallagher and Owen Morris, the album catapulted Oasis from an indie sensation to global rock stars, blending anthemic choruses with a more sophisticated sound than their debut.

Following the success of their debut album, Definitely Maybe (1994), Oasis began recording Morning Glory at Rockfield Studios in Wales. The sessions took place from May to June 1995, during a period of burgeoning fame for the band. The recording was marked by a mix of creative highs and personal tensions, particularly between the Gallagher brothers. Despite these tensions, producer Owen Morris found the sessions to be some of the most enjoyable he’d experienced, noting the album’s genuine emotion and creativity.

The recording process was notably fast-paced, with the album reportedly completed in just 15 days. Notable guests included Paul Weller, who contributed guitar and backing vocals to “Champagne Supernova,” and harmonica on two tracks. The recording included a mix of experimentation with new sounds, as well as some infamous moments, like the chaotic recording of “Some Might Say,” which had to be re-recorded after a mishap involving the tempo.

The album’s title was inspired by a casual remark from Noel Gallagher’s friend Melissa Lim, reflecting a line from the musical Bye Bye Birdie.

Morning Glory marked a significant shift from the raw rock sound of Definitely Maybe. The album features more polished production and a wider array of instruments, including string arrangements. Tracks like “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Champagne Supernova” display this evolution, with their lush, anthemic quality contrasting with the debut’s grittier edge.

The album’s musical style draws heavily from rock and Britpop influences, with elements reminiscent of Gary Glitter, John Lennon, and the Beatles. Songs such as “Wonderwall” and “Roll with It” showcase Gallagher’s knack for crafting memorable choruses, while tracks like “She’s Electric” and “Cast No Shadow” reflect the band’s continued exploration of lyrical and musical themes.

Liam Gallagher’s distinctive vocal style became a defining feature of the album, contributing to its emotional depth and resonance. Critics have noted his ability to convey a sense of personal and generational sentiment, which became a hallmark of the album’s appeal.

The album cover, shot on Berwick Street in London, features DJ Sean Rowley and album sleeve designer Brian Cannon. The background includes producer Owen Morris holding the album’s master tape. The cover, costing £25,000 to produce, was meant to capture the vibrant music scene of the time but left Gallagher somewhat unimpressed with the final design.

The release of Morning Glory was accompanied by a high-profile promotional campaign, including a notable chart battle with Blur’s single “Country House.” This competition, dubbed “The Battle of Britpop,” heightened the album’s visibility and symbolised the rivalry between northern working-class Oasis and southern middle-class Blur. Although Blur’s single eventually topped the chart, Oasis’s “Roll with It” and other tracks received significant attention, boosting the album’s success.

The album’s critical reception was mixed at first, with some reviewers comparing it unfavourably to Definitely Maybe. However, as time passed, Morning Glory was re-evaluated and celebrated for its contributions to the Britpop movement and its widespread appeal. It became a commercial juggernaut, selling over 22 million copies worldwide and achieving 17× Platinum status in the UK.

(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is often cited as one of the greatest British albums of the 1990s, having left a lasting impact on rock music and popular culture. It was named the greatest British album since 1980 at the 2010 Brit Awards and remains a seminal work in the Britpop genre. Despite initial criticism, its anthemic hits and memorable lyrics have secured its place as a classic in rock history.