What makes Cigarettes & Alcohol by Oasis notable?

'Cigarettes & Alcohol' became one of Oasis's signature songs, celebrated for its embodiment of 90s youth culture and hedonism. The track helped propel 'Definitely Maybe' to critical acclaim and commercial success, ultimately reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and solidifying Oasis's place in music history. Released on October 10, 1994, 'Cigarettes & Alcohol' is a pivotal single from Oasis's debut album, 'Definitely Maybe', which had come out earlier that year. At this point in their career, Oasis was gaining traction in the UK music scene, rapidly establishing themselves as leading figures in the Britpop movement.

How many songs are on Cigarettes & Alcohol?

Cigarettes & Alcohol has 4 tracks, running approximately 23 minutes.

Released 32 years ago this October

Cigarettes & Alcohol

Oasis · 1994

23 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A raw and raucous Britpop anthem fueled by gritty guitar riffs and unabashedly hedonistic lyrics.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Cigarettes & Alcohol — This title track captures the essence of the album with its anthemic chorus and themes of youthful disillusionment, making it a defining moment for Britpop.
→
I Am the Walrus (live at Glasgow Cathouse June '94) — This live cover showcases the band's ability to reinterpret classic songs while engaging their audience, highlighting their rock roots and charisma.
→
Listen Up — With its introspective lyrics and sweeping melodies, this track stands out as a reflection on personal growth and societal expectations within the album’s context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The single captures the essence of Britpop with its raw energy and thematic focus on youth culture.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving beat and prominent guitar riffs that dominate the mix, creating an energetic atmosphere.
The lyrics are delivered with a raw vocal style that matches the gritty instrumentation, emphasizing themes of hedonism.
The live version of 'I Am the Walrus' showcases a more chaotic performance style, contrasting with the polished studio sound of the title track.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single helped establish Oasis's reputation and propelled their debut album's success.
Themes: mid-90s rebellion· Glasgow nightlife· working-class disillusionment
Career context: Released on October 10, 1994, 'Cigarettes & Alcohol' is a pivotal single from Oasis's debut album, 'Definitely Maybe', which had come out earlier that year. At this point in their career, Oasis was gaining traction in the UK music scene, rapidly establishing themselves as leading figures in the Britpop movement.
Stylistic neighbors: Blur· Pulp· The Verve