Go Let It Out
"Go Let It Out" is a song by the English rock band Oasis, written by lead guitarist and primary songwriter Noel Gallagher. Released on 7 February 2000 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, the track features a psychedelic rock sound influenced by Johnny Jenkins' "I Walk on Gilded Splinters."[1][2] The song marked several significant milestones for Oasis, including their first release on the band's own Big Brother label and the first single released following the addition of new members Gem Archer (guitar) and Andy Bell (bass), after the departures of founding members Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan in August 1999.[2] On the recording, Liam Gallagher provided vocals and acoustic guitar, with Noel Gallagher unusually playing bass, Gem Archer on electric guitar, and Alan White on drums.[2] It achieved commercial success, peaking at number one on the UK Singles Chart for one week and spending 13 weeks on the chart, while also reaching number one in Ireland and Scotland, and number 14 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.[3][4] Critically, "Go Let It Out" was praised for revitalizing Oasis' sound amid lineup changes and internal tensions, with Noel Gallagher noting it gave him confidence to blend classic rock 'n' roll with contemporary elements. The music video, directed by Nick Egan, features surreal imagery of the band performing in a white room with floating objects, aligning with the album's experimental themes. In 2025, to mark the 25th anniversary of Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, remastered audio versions and official visualizers were released, underscoring the song's enduring popularity in Oasis' catalog.[2][1][5]Background and recording
Development
The departures of founding members Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan in 1999 marked a pivotal shift in Oasis's lineup, leaving brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher to reassess the band's direction and inspiring Noel to channel the uncertainty into fresh songwriting for their next phase.[6] Arthurs announced his exit in August 1999 to focus on family, followed by McGuigan's departure later that month amid growing tensions, reducing the group to its core duo and prompting a creative reinvention.[7][8] This turmoil influenced Noel's approach to composing amid the sessions for Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, their fourth studio album.[9] Noel Gallagher penned "Go Let It Out" in 1999 in New York, drawing from a spontaneous lyrical idea—"the right time is now"—and envisioning it as the lead single for Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, released in February 2000.[10] The track originated as a slower, ambient piece reminiscent of The Beta Band before evolving into an upbeat psychedelic pop song during development.[11] Gallagher later described it as the closest Oasis had come to a "modern Beatles track," incorporating psychedelic elements that aligned with the band's experimental shift post-lineup changes.[12] A key feature of the song's arrangement is the drum sample taken from Johnny Jenkins' 1970 cover of "I Walk on Gilded Splinters," originally written by Dr. John, which provided a hypnotic groove underpinning the track's energetic rhythm.[13] This sampling choice reflected Gallagher's interest in blending retro influences with contemporary rock, further emphasizing the song's Beatles-inspired psychedelia.[14]Recording process
The recording of "Go Let It Out" took place during the sessions for Oasis's fourth studio album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, primarily at Olympic Studios in London and Wheeler End Studios in Buckinghamshire between April and August 1999.[15][16] Following the departures of guitarist Paul Arthurs and bassist Paul McGuigan in 1999, the sessions featured a stripped-down lineup consisting of Liam Gallagher on vocals, Noel Gallagher handling guitar, bass, and Mellotron, and drummer Alan White; this absence of a dedicated rhythm section necessitated Noel's expanded multi-instrumental contributions.[17] Noel Gallagher's use of the Mellotron provided the track with its distinctive psychedelic texture, drawing inspiration from 1960s influences like the Beatles' Strawberry Fields Forever.[11][18] The song was finalized in late 1999, with producer Mark Stent and Noel Gallagher overseeing the mix to blend rock 'n' roll drive with psychedelic elements for a vibrant, energetic feel.[15][2]Musical style and composition
Instrumentation and production
"Go Let It Out" is structured in the key of D major with a tempo of 84 beats per minute, employing a standard 4/4 time signature and a verse-chorus form that underscores its anthemic rock drive.[19] This setup allows for a steady build from introspective verses to expansive choruses, characteristic of Oasis's songwriting approach during this era. The arrangement centers on a driving guitar riff crafted by Noel Gallagher, which anchors the track's energy and provides a memorable hook. Layered atop the riff are Mellotron flutes that infuse the song with a psychedelic texture reminiscent of The Beatles' experimental sound, adding a swirling, otherworldly dimension to the composition. The percussion features a hypnotic groove achieved by integrating a drum sample from Johnny Jenkins' 1970 cover of "I Walk on Gilded Splinters" with live drumming performed by Alan White, creating a layered rhythm that propels the track forward while maintaining a trance-like pulse. The production, handled by Noel Gallagher and Mark "Spike" Stent, highlights meticulous audio engineering to achieve spatial depth through stereo panning of guitar and Mellotron elements alongside liberal use of reverb on vocals and instruments.[20] These choices enhance the song's immersive quality, making it feel expansive despite its relatively straightforward structure, and reflect the album's shift toward more polished, atmospheric rock production.Lyrics and themes
"Go Let It Out" opens with the directive "Paint no illusion, try to click with what you got / Taste every potion 'cause if you like yourself a lot," lines that emphasize personal agency and the pursuit of an authentic life free from societal constraints or false pretenses.[21] These opening verses encourage listeners to embrace self-acceptance and explore life's experiences without reservation, setting a tone of empowerment and introspection. The song's abstract imagery, such as "Life is precocious in the most peculiar way / Sister psychosis don't got a lot to say," further reinforces this by evoking a sense of mental liberation and the release of inner turmoil, prioritizing evocative expression over linear narrative.[21] Central to the track's themes are liberation and anti-establishment sentiment, vividly captured in the chorus: "Is it any wonder why princes and kings / Are clowns that caper in their sawdust rings? / Ordinary people that are like you and me / We're the keepers of their destiny." Here, Noel Gallagher critiques authority figures as performative fools while elevating the role of everyday individuals in shaping outcomes, promoting a message of collective self-determination and defiance against hierarchical power structures.[21] The repeated mantra "Go let it out, go let it in" serves as a hypnotic call to action, urging the shedding of inhibitions and active engagement with one's potential. Noel Gallagher has cited influences from The Beatles and psychedelic rock for the song's sound, resembling a modern Beatles style.[10] Clocking in at 4:38, the song's duration allows its themes to unfold gradually, building from introspective verses to an anthemic chorus that amplifies the urgency of self-expression.[22] Liam Gallagher's vocal delivery, characterized by a snarling intensity, infuses the message of self-determination with raw emotion and immediacy, making the call to "go let it out" feel both defiant and cathartic. This performance aligns with the track's psychedelic leanings, subtly enhanced by the Mellotron's evocation of 1960s atmospheres.[21]Release and promotion
Single formats
The single "Go Let It Out" was released in multiple physical formats in the United Kingdom, primarily through Big Brother Records. The UK CD1 edition (catalogue number RKIDSCD 001) featured a three-track configuration, including the A-side "Go Let It Out" (4:41), the non-album B-side "Let's All Make Believe" (3:53), and another B-side "(As Long as They've Got) Cigarettes in Hell" (4:21).[23] In contrast, the UK 7-inch vinyl (RKID 001) and cassette (RKIDCS 001) formats were more limited, containing only two tracks: "Go Let It Out" on the A-side and "Let's All Make Believe" on the B-side; these were pressed as standard 45 RPM singles with picture sleeves matching the CD artwork.[24][25] The 12-inch vinyl edition (RKID 001T) mirrored the full three-track content of CD1 but included custom etchings on the run-out grooves, such as decorative text and band-related iconography, enhancing its collectible appeal for vinyl enthusiasts.[26] Internationally, the Japanese CD release (Epic ESCA 8114) deviated by substituting "Let's All Make Believe" with a cover of The Beatles' "Helter Skelter" (5:54) as the bonus track, alongside "Go Let It Out" and "(As Long as They've Got) Cigarettes in Hell"; this version came with an obi strip and bilingual lyrics booklet, tailored for the local market.[27] The B-sides, including the "Helter Skelter" cover, were recorded during sessions for the parent album Standing on the Shoulder of Giants at Olympic Studios in 1999.[23] Digitally, the single was re-released in the mid-2000s through platforms like iTunes, offering the three-track UK CD1 lineup bundled alongside select tracks from Standing on the Shoulder of Giants in expanded digital packages.[28]Marketing and artwork
"Go Let It Out" served as the lead single for Oasis's fourth studio album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, marking the band's debut release on their own Big Brother Recordings label. The promotional campaign began with radio airplay in early 2000, including sessions and interviews on BBC Radio 1 starting January 17 and acoustic performances on XFM around January 24, building anticipation ahead of the single's February 7 release. This strategy emphasized the track's role in introducing the album's experimental sound following significant band changes, positioning Oasis as evolving while honoring their rock roots.[29][30][31] The single's cover artwork features a photograph of five men playing football on a rooftop, captured by Andrew MacPherson under art direction from Noel Gallagher and Simon Halfon. This imagery ties into the album's overarching motif, derived from Isaac Newton's quote about "standing on the shoulders of giants," symbolizing progression and reinvention amid the band's refreshed lineup with new members Gem Archer and Andy Bell replacing departing originals Paul Arthurs and Paul McGuigan. The design evokes a sense of playful camaraderie, aligning with the song's themes of liberation and renewal, and was intended to signal Oasis's artistic maturation.[23][32] To amplify hype, Oasis made high-profile television appearances, performing the track on Top of the Pops on February 11, 2000, and delivering a full set including "Go Let It Out" on a special episode of Later... with Jools Holland the same day. These broadcasts highlighted the band's post-lineup energy and helped cement the single's status as an anthem of resurgence. The music video, directed by Nick Egan and featuring the band amid sci-fi visuals, further supported the promotional push by airing on MTV and other channels.[33][34][1]Music video
Production
The music video for "Go Let It Out" was directed by Nick Egan, a British director known for his work on promotional videos for artists including Duran Duran ("Ordinary World") and Bon Jovi ("I Believe").[1][35] Filming took place in November 1999 in Surrey, England, capturing the band in a rural field setting and aboard a double-decker bus to evoke a sense of movement and openness aligned with the song's themes.[36][37] Production occurred over two days, on November 3 and 4, 1999, featuring the newly configured Oasis lineup of Liam and Noel Gallagher, Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and Alan White following the departures of Paul Arthurs and Paul McGuigan earlier that year.[38] Egan's approach emphasized the band's raw energy, drawing on his prior experience with psychedelic and rock visuals, to create a straightforward yet atmospheric shoot amid the English countryside.[39] Logistical aspects included coordinating the reduced ensemble without additional stand-ins, focusing on spontaneous performances to match the track's upbeat, psych-rock instrumentation. Post-production incorporated subtle surreal enhancements, such as animated debris and floating elements, to amplify the video's dreamlike quality and tie into the song's experimental production style.[40]Content and reception
The music video for "Go Let It Out," directed by Nick Egan, opens with Liam Gallagher riding alone on a double-decker bus before he disembarks to join Noel Gallagher, Gem Archer, and Alan White in an open field for the band's performance. Andy Bell does not appear visually in the video. The scene unfolds amid swirling autumn leaves and an array of odd props, including vintage furniture and abstract installations, creating a whimsical, dreamlike atmosphere that evokes the band's exploratory post-hiatus vibe.[1] A key visual motif is the reversal of traditional band roles, with Liam taking up the guitar and Noel switching to bass guitar, a deliberate choice that symbolizes the lineup shifts following the addition of new members like Archer and the departure of others. This unconventional setup is complemented by surreal elements, such as ethereal light effects, enhancing the video's psychedelic tone reminiscent of 1960s experimental films.[37] Critically, the video was praised for effectively capturing Oasis's signature chaotic charm and raw energy, helping to reintroduce the band after their two-year break. However, some reviewers observed that it felt less innovative compared to earlier hits like "Wonderwall," prioritizing straightforward performance footage over bold narrative experimentation.[41] Among fans, the video has endured as an iconic piece, amassing over 14 million views on YouTube as of November 2025 and fueling nostalgia tied to the band's 2025 reunion tour announcements. In February 2025, a 4K remastered version with updated audio was released to mark the 25th anniversary of the album, followed by an official visualiser in November 2025. Its blend of role reversal and surreal visuals has made it a staple in discussions of Oasis's visual evolution during their Big Brother Records era.[1][5][42]Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its release on 7 February 2000 as the lead single from Oasis's fourth studio album Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, "Go Let It Out" elicited mixed critical responses, often framed within the band's turbulent transition after the departures of guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan in 1999. Rolling Stone praised the track for its anthemic sound and revitalizing energy amid lineup changes, while awarding the album 3 out of 5 stars overall.[43] NME took a more dismissive stance, labeling the single "so-so" and questioning its lyrical vagueness ("let what out? Where?") while accusing it of superficial Beatles imitation amid Oasis's waning cultural relevance, though it acknowledged the riff's nod to classic rock swagger. No star rating was given, but the tone suggested it failed to fully recapture the band's early vitality.[44]Retrospective assessments
In the years following its release, "Go Let It Out" gained renewed prominence through its inclusion on Oasis's 2006 compilation album Stop the Clocks, curated by Noel Gallagher to highlight key tracks from the band's career, which elevated the song's profile and cemented its position as an enduring fan favorite.[45] Retrospective reviews in the 2010s further reappraised the track positively, with Pitchfork awarding Oasis's 2010 singles collection Time Flies... 1994–2009 a 6.0 out of 10 and noting that the singles from Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, including "Go Let It Out," were no longer such disappointments in fuller context.[46] Coverage of Oasis's 2024–2025 reunion tour, dubbed Oasis Live '25, underscored the song's lasting appeal; a July 2025 Guardian review of the opening Cardiff performance described "Go Let It Out" as a notable absence from the setlist—dominated by 1990s hits—labeling it a "missed staple" amid the tour's triumphant, nostalgic success.[47] In November 2025, to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, Oasis released an official visualiser for "Go Let It Out," further affirming its enduring popularity.[42] In analyses of Britpop's evolution, "Go Let It Out" and its parent album are frequently cited as emblematic of Oasis's transitional phase, shifting from the genre's anthemic heights toward introspective and experimental territory in the post-Britpop landscape.[48]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Go Let It Out" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart dated 19 February 2000, marking Oasis's sixth number-one single in their home country.[3] The track spent one week at the top before dropping to number four the following week, maintaining a presence in the top ten for four weeks overall and charting for a total of thirteen weeks.[49] In recognition of its enduring popularity, the single was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 2020 for combined sales and streaming equivalent to 400,000 units. Internationally, the song achieved number-one positions in several European markets, including Ireland, Italy, and Spain. It also reached number 23 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart and peaked at number fourteen on the US Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, reflecting its crossover appeal in alternative rock radio.[50] For the year-end charts of 2000, "Go Let It Out" ranked at number eighteen in the United Kingdom and number forty-five in Australia, underscoring its commercial success during the album's release year. By 2005, the single had accumulated over 500,000 units in worldwide sales, contributing significantly to Oasis's catalog performance.[51] The song experienced a notable resurgence in streaming platforms amid speculation and announcements surrounding Oasis's 2025 reunion tour. By November 2025, it had surpassed 120 million streams on Spotify alone, fueled by renewed interest from both longtime fans and younger audiences discovering the band's music.[52]Certifications and sales
In the United Kingdom, "Go Let It Out" was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 2020 for sales and streams exceeding 400,000 units. By 2025, ongoing streaming activity had elevated its status to the equivalent of Platinum, reflecting combined physical sales, downloads, and streams surpassing 600,000 units.| Region | Certifying Body | Certification | Units Sold/Equivalent | Year Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | BPI | Gold | 400,000 | 2020 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Equivalent Platinum | 600,000+ | 2025 |
| Italy | FIMI | Gold | 25,000 | 2000 |
Track listings
UK and international editions
The UK editions of the "Go Let It Out" single were available in CD, 7-inch vinyl, and cassette formats, with variations in track counts across physical media. The CD single featured three tracks, while the 7-inch and cassette versions were limited to two.UK CD Single (RKIDSCD 001)
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Go Let It Out | 4:41 |
| 2 | Let's All Make Believe | 3:53 |
| 3 | (As Long As They've Got) Cigarettes In Hell | 4:21 |
UK 7-inch Vinyl (RKID 001) and Cassette (RKIDCS 001)
These formats duplicated the content on both sides and included only the lead single and one b-side.| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Go Let It Out | 4:41 |
| 2 | Let's All Make Believe | 3:53 |