Oasis’s “Wonderwall” appears to have become more of a meme than music. Much as people may adore the pop song that catapulted the band to fame. But just as many would gladly take a hatchet to the speakers while playing those acoustic guitar chords. Noel Gallagher may be crying all the way to the bank with that kind of ridicule. But he thought ‘Live Forever’ far outperformed ‘Wonderwall’.
Despite Oasis’ reputation for being one-note, listening to Definitely Maybe and What’s the Story Morning Glory back to back feels like two different bands. Critics rightfully regard their sophomore effort as one of the best pop-rock albums of the 1990s. Their debut album represents the closest they have ever come to pure punk rock.
Remember that Noel considered Sex Pistols to be one of his biggest influences. It is evident when a song like ‘Bring It On Down‘ begins. Despite all of the swaggering attitude that the band could cram into a few minutes of punky thrashing, Noel was always concerned with instilling positivity in his music.
Even before they were signed, Noel exhibited the zeal of a rock star despite having no money. The artists in his local scene were convinced they wouldn’t make it. The cheekiness of calling himself a rock and roll star was enough to keep him reaching for the stars half the time.
‘Live Forever‘ is far more sophisticated than ‘Wonderwall’ ever was. After just a few listens to the acoustic ballad ‘Wonderwall‘, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect. Liam is also in top form on vocals, but hearing both brothers young and hungry on ‘Live Forever’ is like night and day.
It could have been a ballad if Noel wanted it to be (just listen to the demos). But hearing Liam sing his heart out is so moving that the band needed to give it that extra push. Even after the Britpop golden age had passed, Noel had to admit that ‘Live Forever‘ might hold up better with time.
When speaking with the Sydney Morning Herald, Noel stated that the song was one of the few pieces that would stand the test of time. He expressed that being remembered only for “Live Forever” would suffice for him. ‘Wonderwall‘ is fine, a lovely pop song. But I wrote ‘Live Forever’ when I was 21, and people will remember that song and its lyrics 500 years from now.
Perhaps it works so well because it allows for so much interpretation. Noel was never one to tell people what his pieces were about. So hearing Liam sing about wanting to live beyond his time on Earth was all anyone could ask for. Given that Noel’s songs have become the soundtrack for future generations of rock fans. ‘Live Forever’ was the sound of him calling his shot as a songwriter for the ages.
