The Masterplan
Oasis · 1998
66 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A collection of melodic anthems and introspective ballads that encapsulate Oasis's signature Britpop sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Acquiesce Start here — This track captures the quintessential Oasis sound, blending catchy melodies with themes of acceptance and resilience, making it a fan favorite.
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Half the World Away — With its reflective lyrics and haunting melody, this song exemplifies Noel Gallagher's lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
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The Masterplan — The title track serves as a perfect closure for the album, combining philosophical musings with anthemic instrumentation that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but is less distinctive than their main studio albums.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong anthem, 'Acquiesce', followed by a sequence of tracks that alternate between upbeat tempos and slower ballads.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar harmonies and prominent vocal melodies typical of Oasis's style, creating a cohesive sound throughout.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the collection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- introspective late-night moods
- dynamic emotional journeys
- steady, consistent energy levels
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A cohesive collection of unreleased tracks that showcases their signature sound.
- Themes
- Britpop nostalgia· longing for connection· fate and purpose
- Career context
- Released on November 3, 1998, The Masterplan came during a transitional phase for Oasis, following their monumental successes with Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. This album is a compilation of B-sides and non-LP tracks, showcasing the band's prolific songwriting abilities while hinting at tensions within the band leading up to their next studio effort.
Tracklist
- 1 Acquiesce Start here 4:25
- 2 Underneath the Sky 3:21
- 3 Talk Tonight 4:21
- 4 Going Nowhere 4:39
- 5 Fade Away 4:13
- 6 The Swamp Song 4:19
- 7 I Am the Walrus (live) 6:25
- 8 Listen Up 6:21
- 9 Rockin’ Chair 4:35
- 10 Half the World Away 4:21
- 11 (It’s Good) To Be Free 4:18
- 12 Stay Young 5:05
- 13 Headshrinker 4:38
- 14 The Masterplan 5:22
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Bends
Radiohead
Shares the same introspection and emotional depth with sweeping melodies and atmospheric production.
Different Class
Pulp
Explores themes of connection and societal observation, wrapped in Britpop's lush soundscapes.
Parklife
Blur
Similar blend of catchy melodies and reflective lyrics, capturing the essence of British life in the '90s.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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