In 1998 rock music seemed all but dead. Pop was beginning to creep into the mainstream again, leaving rock in its glittery, synthetic dust.
That year Oasis released one of their greatest albums and here's the most amazing part: the album consisted of entirely B-sides and live performances.
The album was called The Masterplan and the final product was nothing short of a masterpiece.
The album opens with "Acquiesce," a rocking number sung as a duet between the two Gallagher brothers, frontman Liam and songwriter/guitarist Noel. This track is reminiscent of the sounds from their 1995 smash (What's the Story) Morning Glory.
Next Liam chants, "As we drink to ourselves we'll amuse ourselves" on "Underneath the Sky." It is a lighthearted number with a charming feel and joyous lyrics.
On "Talk Tonight," Noel brings things down a notch with the account of a fan who talked him off of a ledge one night. The song is an acoustic gem with thought-provoking lyrics and emotional vocals, revealing a much deeper and pensive side of the band that some may never have heard.
Then comes another beauty, "Going Nowhere," which Noel actually wrote around 1990, making it the oldest song on the album. It reflects the desperation he felt waiting for his dreams of stardom to become a reality.
The album then speeds up with the sing-along "Fade Away," sung by Liam and then the four-minute instrumental number, "The Swamp Song." This is followed by a live performance of fan favorite "I Am the Walrus." No Oasis album would be complete without a Beatles reference.
This is followed by the anthem "Listen Up." On this track Liam energizes the listener, singing about "a man in a suit who's gonna make you pay for the thoughts that you think and the words they won't let you say." Spirits are uplifted as Liam chants, "One fine day, gonna leave you all behind."
Next is the contemplative "Rockin' Chair," sung by Liam but written by Noel wrote about an ex-girlfriend he was planning to leave and where his future was heading. It showcases Noel's beautiful songwriting and guitar work.
Then comes another Noel-penned darling: "Half the World Away."
Rumor has it that Noel sings the songs he likes the best so it's no wonder his simple, calm vocals coat this track. It's another early song about the need to get away from a trapped existence.
"So here I go still scratching around the same old hole. My body feels young but my mind is very old," he cries out.
"(It's Good) To Be Free" is another call back to the rock standard that Oasis have experimented with throughout their career. It's a near psychedelic romp that echoes some of the sounds from (What's the Story) Morning Glory and 1997's Be Here Now.
The poppy "Stay Young" follows. Liam calls out to "stay young and invincible," and to never forget the simplicity of youth. Next comes the fast-paced, hard rocking "Headshrinker," and finally is the last track, "The Masterplan."
It is a meditative piece where Noel reflects, "All we know is that we don't know."
As Oasis' popularity continues to wain, this album serves as a reminder as to why they truly are one of the greatest rock bands of all time: Noel's brilliant, heartfelt lyrics and compelling music.
