10 Perfect Music Albums That Defined The 90s
8. Oasis: Definitely Maybe (1994)
At the start of the '90s British Indie rock was adrift in a sea of uninspired, introspective, indie bands. There was nothing to rail against, after the chaotic Thatcher years of the '80s ended. Grunge was the prevailing trend coming out of America, and although it translated to a British fanbase, British groups never had much success incorporating into their own sound. The British scene was in a rut.
When Blur released Modern Life Is Rubbish, in 1993, a new sound began to emerge. It championed a more raucous, less self-deprecating sound, using British imagery as an overriding theme. Groups like Suede and Pulp were also finding success, leaning on the sounds of the '60s and '70s. They blended, satire, humour, and social commentary; making references to all things English; from class divides, to walks in the park, and Sunday dinners.
But it was the release of Oasis' debut in 1994, that acted as the final piece in the puzzle. With Definitely Maybe, Britpop was realised. The working class, bad boy swagger exhibited by the Gallagher brothers, made them heroes. It was the start of lad culture; the music was loud, self-confident, and very British. This was the UK's answer to grunge.