Emerging on the music scene in the 1990s, British rock band Oasis was at the forefront of the Britpop movement. They became the voice of a generation, with their songs capturing the spirit and attitude of the times.
With their songs, they brought back the idea of rock-and-roll swagger and rebel spirit, which had been absent from the mainstream music scene for a while.
If you’re a fan of the Britpop sound, then join us as we delve into the works of 13 amazing bands similar to Oasis. Let’s get started!
1. Blur
Formed in London in 1988, Blur is a British rock band that played a significant role in the Britpop movement of the 1990s. They were one of the leading bands of the Britpop movement, alongside Oasis, and their music helped define an era.
Debuting in 1991, Blur gained significant success with their third album, Parklife, in 1994. The album is their first to hit the top of the UK Albums Chart and won British Album of the Year.
The lead signal from that album, the song “Girls & Boys,” landed at #5 and #4 on the UK and US charts, respectively, while “Parklife” won British Single of the Year. Since then, Blur’s album releases continuously topped the Albums Chart.
The band’s longevity and their ability to consistently produce compelling music have solidified their status as one of the most influential and respected British rock bands of their generation. Though they’ve had a few breaks in their career, Blur continues to perform, inspiring old and new fans alike.
2. The Verve
Another influential band to emerge from the Manchester music scene in the ’90s was The Verve. As a band that grew in popularity alongside Oasis during the Britpop movement, they cannot be ignored.
Fusing alternative rock, psychedelic rock, and shoegaze, they gained widespread recognition with their album 1997 Urban Hymns, often regarded as one of the best of its time.
This highly acclaimed record propelled them to international fame, largely due to the massive success of “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” The song was nominated for two Grammys: Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Sadly, The Verve experienced several internal conflicts over the years, resulting in multiple breakups. Though they broke up for the third time in 2009, the members reunited in 2016 for a series of concerts.
3. Arctic Monkeys
Hailing from Sheffield, England, indie rock band Arctic Monkeys has often been compared to the iconic Oasis due to their undeniable impact on the British music scene.
In 2005, they released “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” which immediately took the #1 spot on the UK Albums Chart and shot the band to fame.
Following the success of their debut single, Arctic Monkeys released their first album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, in 2006. This record became the fastest-selling debut album in UK chart history, capturing the attention of both critics and fans alike.
The band’s success was also propelled by their grassroots approach to promoting their music. They initially gained a following through social media and file-sharing platforms, creating a buzz that quickly spread and helped them build a dedicated fanbase.
4. Kasabian
Formed in Leicester with Tom Meighan, Sergio Pizzorno, Chris Edwards, and Ian Matthews as members, we have Kasabian. The group’s sound has been described as alternative rock with electronic influences, often compared to bands like Oasis and Spandau Ballet.
Kasabian had great success with their first two albums, but West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, their third album, received critical acclaim, with many praising the band’s bold experimentation and the increased prominence of electronic elements in the songs.
The album received many awards, including two NME Awards for Best Album and Best Album Artwork. It was also nominated for British Album of the Year.
Despite facing lineup changes throughout the years and undergoing some controversies related to their music videos’ content, Kasabian remains a major player on the UK alternative rock scene with a strong following among fans worldwide who love their edgy yet groovy sound.
5. The Stone Roses
A band that helped pioneer the Madchester movement should be included on this list: The Stone Roses. Formed in 1983 in Manchester, London, they helped shine a spotlight on other bands from the area, including Oasis and the wider Madchester scene.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 1989, was a game-changer for the movement. It captured the attention of both critics and fans with its fresh and innovative sound that combined rock, pop, and dance music. Its success not only propelled The Stone Roses to stardom but also put Manchester firmly on the musical map.
The Stone Roses’ influence on Madchester extended beyond their music. They embodied the “baggy” fashion style, characterized by loose-fitting clothes, bucket hats, and an overall nonchalant attitude. Their image and aesthetic became synonymous with the Madchester scene, influencing fashion trends and youth culture at the time.
The Stone Roses’ career was marked by highs and lows, eventually disbanding in 2017, but their legacy endures. Their music continues to influence subsequent generations of musicians and fans.
6. The Libertines
Nestled within the rich tapestry of British rock history, there exists a band that captured the hearts of fans with their Indie rock, garage rock, and post-punk revival music: The Libertines.
Formed by Carl Barât and Peter Doherty in 1997, The Libertines gained the attention of the world with the debut album, Up the Bracket, in 2002. They followed this up with a chart-topping hit, The Libertines, two years after.
While a whirlwind of acclaim and adulation accompanied their rise to fame, the band’s journey was not without its challenges. Infamous for their tumultuous relationships and internal conflicts, their path was often marked by substance abuse and personal struggles, resulting in their separation by the end of 2004.
To the delight of fans, however, The Libertines came together in 2014, releasing Anthems for Doomed Youth shorty after, and to this day, they continue their musical influence on the world.
7. The Kooks
Hailing from the shores of Brighton, England, The Kooks burst onto the music scene in the mid-2000s and quickly won over fans with their upbeat tunes.
Formed by a group of friends, The Kooks embraced a sound that blended indie rock, pop, and a touch of Britpop influences, similar to Oasis.
What catapulted The Kooks to success was their debut album, Inside In/Inside Out, released in 2006. It spawned the hit singles “Naïve” and “She Moves in Her Own Way,” both of which landed in the top 10 of the UK Albums Chart.
With subsequent albums, The Kooks continued to refine their sound while maintaining their signature style. Konk, in 2008, and Junk of the Heart, in 2011, showcased their growth as songwriters as they explored a range of emotions and musical styles while staying true to their catchy pop roots.
Over the years, The Kooks have maintained a loyal fanbase and continued to release new music and tour. Just in 2022, they released their latest work, 10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark.
8. The Strokes
One band that has often been compared to Oasis in terms of their sound and career trajectory is The Strokes. Hailing from New York City, the indie rock quintet burst onto the scene with their debut album, Is This It, in 2001, which was hailed as a modern classic by critics and fans alike.
With subsequent albums like Room on Fire in 2003 and First Impressions of Earth in 2006, The Strokes continued to refine their sound and push boundaries.
While the band’s career has seen its ups and downs, they continue to release new material and tour. Their latest album, The New Abnormal (2020), won a Grammy for Best Rock Album, a testament to their musical talent.
9. Ash
Our next band, Ash, was formed in Northern Ireland. They burst onto the music scene in 1992 with their energetic blend of punk, pop, and rock influences.
After a couple of demos and a mini-album, Ash released their debut album, 1977, in 1996. It quickly gained critical acclaim, landing first on the UK Albums Chart, and established them as one of the prominent bands of the era.
The band continued to release albums throughout their career, experimenting with different sounds and musical directions while still staying true to their pop-punk roots.
Like Oasis, Ash emerged during the Britpop era and contributed to the rich tapestry of British rock music in the 1990s. They achieved commercial success and cultivated a dedicated fanbase.
While Oasis embraced a more straightforward and anthemic rock approach, Ash incorporated punk and pop sensibilities into their sound. It was this youthful and energetic edge that kept the fans coming back for more.
10. Travis
Next up is the Scottish band Travis. Formed in Glasgow in the mid-1990s, this group of four gained prominence in the late ’90s and early 2000s album The Man Who.
The album shot to the top of the UK Albums Charts with the help of the track “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” The Man Who was nominated for Best British Album award in 2010 but lost to Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
Travis continued to release albums throughout their career, all of which have been commercially successful. Their latest release was in 2020, titled 10 Songs. With their alt-rock, post-Britpop sound, Travis’ discography is worth of exploring. Oasis fans will find similarities in the bands’ music you’re sure to enjoy.
11. Suede
Formed in 1989, London band Suede became one of the pioneers of the Britpop movement. Known for their poetic lyrics, glamorous image, and distinctive sound, they made a significant impact on the music scene of the time.
Suede quickly gained attention with their indie rock, glam, and art-pop-influenced music. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1993, garnered critical acclaim. Winning the Mercury Price for Album of the Year, it catapulted the band into the spotlight.
Throughout their career, Suede released several albums, each showcasing their evolution and musical versatility. Coming Up and Head Music rose the ranks to the top spot of the chart.
After a drop in commercial success in 2002, Suede announced their split the year after. However, in 2010, they reformed and have since continued playing and releasing music.
12. Coldplay
As one of the most successful British rock bands of all time, Coldplay has been a major influence on modern music. Known for their soaring melodies and uplifting lyrics, the band’s sound is often compared to that of Oasis.
Formed in London in 1996, Coldplay burst onto the scene in 2000 with their debut album, Parachutes. It topped the UK Albums Chart. It won the British Album of the Year Award in 2001 and a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album.
Following this success, Coldplay released eight more studio albums, and what’s interesting to note is that all their albums took the #1 spot on UK Albums Chart—a clear testimony to their immense talent in creating captivating music.
As for single releases, well, they don’t disappoint. Over the years, their songs, like “Viva la Vida,” “A Sky Full of Stars,” and “Adventure of a Lifetime,” have gained multi-Platinum status and earned Coldplay several awards.
13. The Charlatans
Concluding this list is the band The Charlatans. As a British music group that emerged from Manchester in the late 1983s, they share connections to Oasis and the Madchester movement. The Charlatans have also been a prominent figure in the alternative rock and indie music scene.
The band brought their own unique blend of rock, pop, and dance elements to the table. Their debut album, Some Friendly, showcased their ability to create catchy and groove-laden songs that became indie anthems, like “The Only One I Know.”
The Charlatans’ success lies not only in their music but also in their resilience as a band. They have faced various challenges, including the untimely deaths of two band members, yet have persevered and continued to create music with a sense of passion and dedication.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like Oasis
Oasis ignited a fire within the hearts of music lovers, leaving an everlasting legacy. For those fans yearning for more of their Britpop sound, we hope this article has helped introduce you to new favorites to add to your playlist.
It’s undeniable that Oasis’ works have influenced many generations of music artists, so we might have missed some bands that deserve to be on this list. Let us know who, and we’ll add them here!
