Some Might Say
"Some Might Say" is a song by the English rock band Oasis, written by lead guitarist Noel Gallagher and released on 24 April 1995 as the lead single from their second studio album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?.[1] It marked the band's first UK number-one single, topping the Official Singles Chart for one week and displacing Take That's "Back for Good" from the summit.[2] The track was the last Oasis single to feature original drummer Tony McCarroll before his departure shortly after its release.[3] Noel Gallagher composed "Some Might Say" in 1994 while living in Chiswick, London, drawing inspiration from Grant Lee Buffalo's "Fuzzy" and writing the lyrics in a state he later described as being "hammered," resulting in what he called "quite nonsensical" words.[4] The song's demo, recorded at Loco Studios in Wales with producer Owen Morris, featured a slower, "dirtier" and "sleazier" arrangement where Gallagher played drums and bass using equipment borrowed from The Verve.[4] For the final version, Morris added a polished Britpop sheen, blending Rolling Stones-like swagger with Beatles-esque brightness, while the lyrics encourage resilience against doubters with lines like "Some might say we will find a brighter day."[5] Gallagher has cited the chorus as one of his favorites among Oasis tracks, though he personally prefers the raw demo over the released cut.[4] Upon release, "Some Might Say" propelled Oasis into mainstream superstardom, bridging the raw energy of their debut album Definitely Maybe with the anthemic accessibility of Morning Glory, and it resonated culturally in mid-1990s Britain amid shifting social moods.[4] Critics praised its soaring chorus and uplifting message, with some noting its emotional impact during live performances like Oasis's historic Knebworth shows in 1996.[5] The single has endured as a cornerstone of Oasis's catalog, often hailed as their definitive Britpop anthem, and was performed by Liam Gallagher in his solo sets from 2018 to 2022.[6] Its 30th anniversary vinyl reissue in 2025 further underscored its lasting popularity, re-entering the UK charts at number one.[7]Background and Composition
Songwriting and Inspiration
Noel Gallagher penned "Some Might Say" in 1994, during a period of intense creative output following the breakthrough success of Oasis's debut album Definitely Maybe, which had propelled the band to national prominence and inspired Gallagher to craft an optimistic anthem centered on themes of hope and resilience.[6] Working in a top-floor flat in Chiswick, London, opposite Eden Studios, Gallagher composed the song over a couple of days amid the vibrant London nightlife, often returning home intoxicated, which infused the process with a raw, unfiltered energy.[4] He has described it as the "archetypical Oasis song," encapsulating the band's essence through its blend of swagger and uplift, marking a melodic evolution from the raw aggression of their earlier work.[6] The lyrics of "Some Might Say" delve into reflections on perseverance amid adversity, with the titular chorus line—"Some might say that we will find a brighter day"—serving as a rallying cry against pessimism, echoing the post-success optimism Gallagher felt as Oasis navigated their skyrocketing fame.[6] This sentiment subtly mirrors the brotherly dynamics between Noel and Liam Gallagher, as the shared vocal delivery in the chorus underscores a theme of mutual belief and support, contrasting the band's often turbulent sibling relationship while highlighting their collaborative spirit on record.[6] Gallagher has noted the lyrics' somewhat nonsensical quality, including vivid images like "dogs itching in the kitchen," allowing listeners to project personal interpretations onto lines that ultimately affirm resilience and brighter prospects.[4] A demo of the track was recorded at Loco Studios in Wales in February 1995, utilizing equipment borrowed from The Verve, where Gallagher handled drums and bass himself, resulting in a slower, grittier arrangement that differed markedly from the polished single version.[4] Gallagher has expressed a preference for this demo's raw edge, calling it the only one he made for the subsequent album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?.[4] The song's influences draw from The Beatles' melodic guitar hooks and the broader Britpop movement's revival of 1960s British indie spirit, yet Oasis imparts a distinctive working-class optimism rooted in Manchester's cultural grit, setting it apart from contemporaries' more introspective tones.[6] Gallagher has acknowledged specific nods, such as the swinging riff inspired by Grant Lee Buffalo's 1993 track "Fuzzy," which he repurposed into multiple Oasis compositions, exemplifying his method of riff-based innovation.[4]Recording Process
The recording of "Some Might Say" took place at Loco Studios in Newport, Wales, during February 1995, shortly before the album sessions for (What's the Story) Morning Glory? began.[8] The sessions were led by producer Owen Morris, who co-produced the track alongside Noel Gallagher, following a demo recorded the previous year at Maison Rouge Studios in London.[9] These sessions also captured B-sides such as "Headshrinker" and "Acquiesce," with the band—consisting of Liam Gallagher on vocals, Noel Gallagher on lead guitar, Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs on rhythm guitar, Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan on bass, and Tony McCarroll on drums—working efficiently to meet the release deadline for the single.[10] The backing track for "Some Might Say" was captured in a single live take by the band the day after completing the B-sides, reflecting the high-energy, spontaneous approach Morris and Gallagher favored.[11] Liam Gallagher then overdubbed his lead vocals the following day in just two takes, contributing to the song's raw, urgent feel.[9] This marked the final studio recording featuring original drummer Tony McCarroll, who was replaced by Alan White later that spring amid growing tensions within the band; White's first performances with Oasis came during promotional appearances for the single.[3] Paul Arthurs' rhythm guitar provided a solid foundation, complementing Noel's prominent lead riff, while the overall arrangement built toward an anthemic climax through careful overdubs. The mixing process proved challenging, with an initial quick mix attempted at Loco Studios on the last day of recording, followed by further refinements at Orinoco Studios in London before returning to Loco for the final version due to time constraints.[12] Morris noted issues like a noticeable speedup in the first chorus, which he addressed by incorporating delays and additional effects to mask imperfections and enhance the density.[12] The production emphasized a wall-of-sound aesthetic, layering multiple guitar tracks—including Noel's riff and acoustic-like strums in the arrangement—and drum overdubs to create a massive, reverberant texture inspired by Phil Spector's techniques but tailored to Britpop's guitar-driven energy.[13] This approach, as Morris later reflected, transformed the track from its darker demo into a stadium-ready anthem.[12]Release and Artwork
Single Release Details
"Some Might Say" was released on 24 April 1995 by Creation Records in the United Kingdom as the lead single from Oasis's second studio album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?.[1] The single marked a pivotal moment for the band, positioned by the label to build on the momentum from their debut album Definitely Maybe and establish Oasis as a dominant force in British rock.[14] In the UK, the initial formats consisted of a CD single (CRESCD 204), cassette (CRECS 204), and 7-inch vinyl (CRE 204), each featuring the title track backed by "Talk Tonight" and "Acquiesce" on most editions.[1] International releases followed shortly after, with variations tailored to regional markets; for instance, the Australian CD edition mirrored the UK tracklist, while the Japanese version included an exclusive bonus track, a demo of "Some Might Say."[1] The single's physical release history extended beyond its debut, with reissues appearing in 1998 as part of expanded B-sides compilations like The Masterplan, which incorporated tracks from the original single. In 2025, a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl reissue was released on April 25 by Big Brother Recordings to mark the 30th anniversary, featuring a numbered pearl-colored pressing of the title track and "Talk Tonight," which re-entered the UK Official Singles Chart at number two.[15] Digital availability emerged in the mid-2000s, with the track becoming accessible via platforms such as iTunes following Oasis's catalog digitization in 2008 and subsequent streaming services.[16] As the album's opening track, "Some Might Say" set the tone for (What's the Story) Morning Glory?'s anthemic style.[1]Cover Art and Packaging
The cover art for Oasis's "Some Might Say" single, released in 1995, consists of a black-and-white photograph captured by Michael Spencer Jones at the disused Cromford Station in Derbyshire, featuring the Gallagher brothers and other band members alongside friends and family posed in scenes illustrative of the song's lyrics.[17][18] The image was hand-painted post-photography by designer Brian Cannon to enhance its surreal quality, incorporating whimsical elements such as a sink overflowing with fish, a woman balancing dirty dishes on her head, and a tramp figure symbolizing neglect.[18][17] Liam Gallagher appears on a railway bridge in a defiant salute, while Noel Gallagher holds a watering can, evoking the lyric "the dawn will be brighter," with additional models including Cannon's parents contributing to the domestic and gritty tableau.[17] The artwork's symbolism draws directly from the song's themes of redemption and everyday struggle, with the abandoned station representing stagnation and the "need of education" referenced in the lyrics, thereby capturing the urban grit and working-class ethos tied to Oasis's Manchester origins.[17][18] This visual narrative underscores the band's retro influences, blending 1960s mod-era aesthetics in its bold, illustrative composition to reflect their Britpop revivalism.[18] Packaging for the UK CD edition utilized a slimline jewel case, including an attached mailing card for fan information on the band and a standard inner sleeve layout crediting Creation Records, Sony Music Publishing, and production details such as ℗ & © 1995 Creation Records Ltd.[19] International variations, such as the European Helter Skelter release (HES 661448 2) and Japanese Epic edition (ESCA 6251), maintained the core artwork but featured distinct catalogue numbers and distribution notes, with some formats incorporating minor layout adjustments for regional markets.[1]Promotion and Media
Music Video Production
The music video for Oasis's "Some Might Say" was directed by Stuart Fryer and released to promote the single in April 1995.[20] Following the band's return from their U.S. tour in late March 1995, a promotional video shoot was scheduled at the outdoor location of Chatley Heath in Surrey, England, with a budget of £40,000.[21] The planned production faced significant challenges due to internal band dynamics, as lead singer Liam Gallagher refused to participate, dismissing the concept as "shit" and failing to appear on set.[21] As a result, the shoot was aborted, and the final video was hastily compiled from existing footage shot for prior Oasis releases, including live performance clips from "Cigarettes & Alcohol," "Whatever," and the U.S. version of "Supersonic."[21] This montage features the band in energetic performance sequences across various settings, such as stages and urban environments, intercut to align with the song's themes of hope and optimism.[21] The video was initially distributed on VHS alongside the single's release on April 24, 1995, and later made available digitally; an HD remastered version was uploaded to the official Oasis YouTube channel on January 23, 2014.[22][23]Live Debut and Early Performances
"Some Might Say" received its live debut on April 17, 1995, at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea, England, as part of the final extension of Oasis's Definitely Maybe tour.[24] The performance marked the song's world premiere, coming just one week before its single release on April 24, 1995, and was captured on video for the band's inaugural live release, Live by the Sea. In the setlist, it followed "Digsy's Dinner" as the fourth song, serving as an energetic mid-opener to captivate audiences with its anthemic riff and soaring chorus.[24] The band also performed the song on the first of two appearances on Top of the Pops on April 27, 1995, marking original drummer Tony McCarroll's final televised performance with Oasis. The track quickly became a fixture in Oasis's live repertoire throughout 1995, appearing in the remaining Definitely Maybe tour dates, including the band's first arena show at Sheffield Arena on April 22, 1995.[25] There, positioned early in the 19-song set, it helped ignite a fervent crowd response amid the escalating Britpop rivalry, with fans roaring along to the lyrics in a display of the era's manic enthusiasm for the band.[26] As Oasis transitioned into promoting (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, "Some Might Say" retained its prominent placement, often as an opener or early highlight to build momentum, exemplified by its explosive delivery at Glastonbury Festival on June 25, 1995. Early renditions highlighted frontman Liam Gallagher's raw, improvisational vocal style, where he frequently altered lyrics on the fly—such as ad-libbing lines in the bridge during the Sheffield performance—to inject spontaneity and connect viscerally with crowds.[27] These moments, combined with the song's uplifting message and Gallagher's defiant swagger, amplified its role in energizing audiences at the peak of Britpop's cultural dominance, turning concerts into communal celebrations of working-class aspiration.Musical Structure and Analysis
Composition Elements
"Some Might Say" follows a classic verse-chorus form, opening with a distinctive guitar riff intro that sets an anthemic tone, followed by two verses, pre-choruses, choruses, a bridge, and an extended outro that repeats elements of the chorus before fading out, with the total length clocking in at 5:29.[28][29] The song is composed in the key of D major, employing a tempo of approximately 110 beats per minute (BPM), which contributes to its mid-tempo rock drive.[30][31] The arrangement builds dynamically, transitioning from acoustic-driven verses that emphasize a stripped-back intimacy to fuller electric choruses that amplify the energy with layered guitars and driving rhythm.[32] Harmonically, the song relies on straightforward progressions centered around I-IV-V chords in D major—primarily D, G, and A—with occasional inclusions of Bm (vi) and Em (iii) for subtle color and emotional lift, avoiding complex modulations but creating uplift through rhythmic emphasis and volume swells.[32] Vocally, Liam Gallagher delivers the lead with his signature raw, sneering timbre, while Noel Gallagher provides harmonious backing vocals, particularly in the choruses and pre-choruses, fostering a call-and-response dynamic that heightens the song's communal, stadium-ready appeal.[33] This arrangement underscores the inspirational lyrics about perseverance, reinforcing the track's uplifting message through melodic interplay.[28]Instrumentation and Production Techniques
Noel Gallagher's lead guitar work on "Some Might Say" prominently features his Gibson Les Paul, which delivered the track's thick, warm riff tones when run through Marshall JCM 900 stacks for an overdriven edge.[34][35] Rhythm guitars by Paul Arthurs contributed additional layers, with the verses supported by guide acoustic guitar tracks overdubbed during sessions to establish the song's foundation.[36] The rhythm section centers on Paul McGuigan's bass lines, which interlock with the drums to propel the groove, providing a steady low-end pulse amid the dense arrangement. Tony McCarroll handled drums on the track, performing in a single live take to preserve the band's raw energy, using a standard kit setup that emphasized punchy percussion.[12][37] No keyboards appear in the final mix. Producer Owen Morris, alongside Noel Gallagher, employed multi-tracking techniques for guitars and vocals, layering multiple takes to construct the song's wall-of-sound aesthetic and enhance its anthemic scale. The mix incorporated stereo panning across guitar elements for spatial width, while compression was applied heavily to achieve the track's loud, immediate impact without dynamic restraint.[36][13]Critical Reception
Contemporary Reviews
Upon its release in April 1995, "Some Might Say" received largely positive coverage in the UK music press, with NME hailing it as one of the finest examples of pop music that year and Oasis's most accessible hit to date due to its anthemic structure and catchy call-and-response elements. Reviewer Terry Staunton noted the song's immediate appeal despite following the more experimental "Whatever," praising Noel Gallagher's whimsical lyrics and the harmonious interplay between the Gallagher brothers' vocals. Although no explicit score was assigned in the review, its selection as NME's Single of the Week underscored its broad, stadium-ready quality that resonated with a widening audience.[38][21] Melody Maker also named the track Single of the Week, with critic David Stubbs deeming it Oasis's strongest effort and the best single of the year. This positive assessment reflected the press's enthusiasm for Oasis's rapid ascent.[38] The single's launch coincided with intensifying Britpop rivalries, particularly with Blur, as UK music publications like NME framed Oasis's success as a direct challenge to their contemporaries; reports highlighted how "Some Might Say" topping the charts shortly after Blur's Brit Awards wins fueled competitive banter, with Liam Gallagher publicly mocking Blur's legitimacy at industry events. Fan reception was enthusiastic, evidenced by chaotic live performances where crowds surged barriers in excitement, signaling Oasis's shift to arena-level popularity. Additionally, BBC Radio 1 provided significant airplay, culminating in the station announcing the song's debut at number one on April 30, 1995, which amplified its mainstream breakthrough.[21][39]Retrospective Critical Views
In the 2020s, "Some Might Say" has been frequently included in retrospective rankings of Oasis's catalog, affirming its status as a cornerstone of the band's early output. For instance, Paste Magazine placed it at number 4 in its 2024 list of the 15 greatest Oasis songs, highlighting its anthemic chorus and Liam Gallagher's commanding vocals as emblematic of the band's raw energy. Similarly, NME's 2024 ranking of every Oasis song positioned it at number 10 overall, praising its key change, lyrical depth, and role in catapulting the band to mainstream success. These evaluations build on earlier 2010s assessments, such as The Guardian's 2020 ranking of Oasis's greatest songs, where it placed fourth, though noted for the controversial decision to relegate the superior B-side "Acquiesce," seen as an early sign of the band's hubris.[40][41][42] Books published in the 2010s and 2020s have analyzed "Some Might Say" as a pivotal entry in the Britpop canon, emphasizing its contribution to Oasis's narrative of working-class defiance and musical ambition. This perspective aligns with broader scholarly works on Britpop, such as Andy Bennett and Jon Stratton's 2010 book Britpop and the English Music Tradition, which positions Oasis's music, including this song, within the band's influence on reviving guitar-based rock as a cultural antidote to grunge's nihilism. While some 2020s critiques have pointed to the song's production as feeling dated by contemporary standards—marked by its lengthy runtime and mid-1990s rock bombast that can seem overwrought today—its enduring popularity underscores its timeless appeal. A 2023 retrospective on The UK Number Ones Blog described the track as "plodding" in parts due to its five-and-a-half-minute length, contrasting it with tighter modern indie productions, yet acknowledged its infectious riff and hopeful lyrics as reasons for its lasting resonance in live sets and compilations. This duality highlights how "Some Might Say," despite production choices rooted in its era, continues to draw crowds at Oasis reunion events, as noted in 2025 tour reviews praising its nostalgic uplift.[43] Academic analyses from the 2010s onward have viewed "Some Might Say" as a representation of 1990s laddism culture, embodying the era's blend of hedonistic masculinity, regional pride, and anti-establishment swagger within Britpop. Claudia Lueders's 2016 PhD thesis, National Identity, Popular Music and Young People in the 1990s, quotes the song's optimistic refrain—"Some might say that we will find a brighter day"—to illustrate how Oasis's music fostered a sense of communal resilience among working-class youth, intertwined with lad culture's emphasis on banter and escapism. This interpretation frames the track as more than a pop hit, linking its laddish bravado to broader shifts in British identity during a post-Thatcher economic recovery.[44]Commercial Performance
Chart Positions
"Some Might Say" achieved significant commercial success upon its release, debuting at number one on the UK Singles Chart on 6 May 1995 and holding the top position for two weeks.[2] The single spent a total of 84 weeks on the UK Top 100 chart, including 7 weeks within the top 40.[2] In the United States, it peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Internationally, the song reached number 3 on the Irish Singles Chart, entering on 27 April 1995.[45] It also charted at number 19 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart and peaked at number 7 on the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles. For the year-end rankings in 1995, "Some Might Say" placed at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart.[46] In April 2025, a 30th anniversary vinyl reissue propelled the single back onto the UK Singles Chart, where it re-entered at number 2. It also topped the Official Vinyl Singles Chart, Official Physical Singles Chart, and Official Singles Sales Chart that week.[47]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | UK Singles Chart | 1 | 1995 | [2] |
| United States | Billboard Modern Rock Tracks | 26 | 1995 | |
| Ireland | Irish Singles Chart | 3 | 1995 | [45] |
| Australia | ARIA Singles Chart | 19 | 1995 | [48] |
| Europe | Eurochart Hot 100 Singles | 7 | 1995 |
Sales Certifications
In the United Kingdom, "Some Might Say" was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 1995 for sales exceeding 600,000 units.[49] As of July 2025, the certification had been upgraded to 2× Platinum, accounting for 1,200,000 units in physical sales and streaming equivalents.[49] The single saw a resurgence in streaming following Oasis's 2025 reunion tour announcement and performances.[50]Track Listings
UK and International Formats
The "Some Might Say" single was released in the UK on April 24, 1995, by Creation Records in multiple formats, with the CD version serving as the primary release for broader track access. The standard UK CD single (catalogue number CRESCD 204) included four tracks: "Some Might Say" (5:28), "Talk Tonight" (4:21), "Acquiesce" (4:24), and "Headshrinker" (4:38).[19] The cassette single (CRECS 204) featured "Some Might Say" (5:28) and "Talk Tonight" (4:21) on both sides, providing a portable format with the core tracks.[51] In contrast, the 7" vinyl single (CRE 204) was more limited, featuring only the A-side "Some Might Say" (5:28) and B-side "Talk Tonight" (4:21), emphasizing the core single for collectors and jukebox play.[52] A 12" vinyl edition (CRE 204T) included "Some Might Say" (5:28), "Talk Tonight" (4:21), and "Acquiesce" (4:24).[53] These formats highlighted the song's lead position while offering varying levels of supplementary material from Oasis's early sessions. In 2025, a limited-edition 7" vinyl reissue (RKIDSP 001) was released on April 25 to mark the 30th anniversary, featuring remastered versions of "Some Might Say" and "Talk Tonight" on pearl-colored, numbered vinyl.[54] Internationally, releases largely followed the UK CD structure but included region-specific additions. The Australian CD single (662376 2) contained the standard four tracks: "Some Might Say" (5:28), "Talk Tonight" (4:21), "Acquiesce" (4:24), and "Headshrinker" (4:38).[55] The Japanese CD edition (ESCA 6251), released on July 13, 1995, by Epic/Sony Records, expanded to six tracks, adding a demo version of the title track ("Some Might Say" [Demo] – 6:47) and a cover of The Beatles' "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" (2:12) as bonus content tailored for the market.[56] These variations reflected local distribution strategies while maintaining the single's focus on the album version of the lead track. The b-sides across formats provided unique non-album recordings that showcased the band's raw energy.B-Sides and Remixes
"Talk Tonight" served as a prominent B-side to the "Some Might Say" single, an acoustic track penned by Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher during the band's tumultuous first U.S. tour in September 1994.[57] Written after Gallagher briefly quit the group amid internal tensions and drug-fueled chaos, the song reflects his reflective mood while staying with a fan in San Francisco, featuring his solo vocals over stripped-back guitar and subtle strings for an intimate, folk-inflected sound.[58] Later included on the 1998 B-sides compilation The Masterplan, it showcased Gallagher's songwriting depth beyond the band's typical anthemic style.[59] The single's other B-sides, "Acquiesce" and "Headshrinker," provided additional non-album material, with "Acquiesce" emerging as a fan favorite for its brotherly duet between Noel and frontman Liam Gallagher, emphasizing themes of unity.[59] "Headshrinker" marked the final recording with original drummer Tony McCarroll before his departure.[59] Alternate versions were limited, with the single edit matching the album's 5:29 runtime and no official club remixes produced.[1] However, the Japanese CD release exclusively featured a demo version of "Some Might Say," characterized by a slower, bluesier arrangement with Noel on lead vocals, offering a rawer contrast to the polished final take.[5] This edition also included Oasis's cover of The Beatles' "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," adding a nod to their influences.[60]Personnel and Credits
Band Members' Contributions
In the recording of "Some Might Say," Oasis's lineup consisted of the original five members, with each contributing key instrumental and creative elements to the track's energetic rock sound. Lead vocalist Liam Gallagher delivered the song's distinctive, anthemic vocals, capturing the raw emotion central to the band's style.[1] His performance set the tone for the single, which marked a pivotal moment in Oasis's transition to mainstream success.[3] Noel Gallagher, the band's primary songwriter, penned the lyrics and melody, drawing from themes of optimism and camaraderie that resonated with the Britpop era. He handled lead guitar duties, providing the riff-driven backbone, while also contributing backing vocals and additional guitar layers, including acoustic elements in the arrangement. Noel co-produced the track alongside Owen Morris, overseeing the session to blend the band's live energy with polished production at Loco Studios in Wales.[61][4] Rhythm guitarist Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs supplied the solid rhythmic foundation on guitar, enhancing the song's driving pace, and added piano accents that enriched the texture during the verses and chorus builds. Bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan laid down the pulsating bass lines, anchoring the track's groove and supporting its wall-of-sound aesthetic. Drummer Tony McCarroll performed on the recording, delivering a straightforward, powerful beat that propelled the song forward—this was his final contribution to an Oasis single before departing the band.[62][63] No guest musicians were involved in the core recording of "Some Might Say" or its B-sides ("Talk Tonight," "Acquiesce," and "Headshrinker"), keeping the focus squarely on the band's collaborative interplay. For "Talk Tonight," Noel Gallagher took lead vocals and acoustic guitar, supported by the rest of the band.Production Team
The production of Oasis's single "Some Might Say" was led by producers Noel Gallagher and Owen Morris, who oversaw the arrangement and mixing to capture the song's anthemic Britpop sound.[64][12] Engineering duties were handled by Owen Morris, with additional mixing efforts conducted at Loco Studios and Orinoco Studios to refine the track's dynamics.[12] Mastering was performed by Ian Cooper at Metropolis Studios, ensuring the final cut balanced the song's layered guitars and vocals for commercial release.[65] The single's artwork featured photography by Michael Spencer Jones, capturing the band at Cromford Station in Derbyshire to evoke a sense of nostalgic journey, while design was credited to Brian Cannon and Microdot.[56][66]Legacy and Cultural Impact
Live Performances Post-Release
Following the release of "Some Might Say" as Oasis's first number-one single in April 1995, the song became a staple in the band's live repertoire during their 1995–1996 tour supporting (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, where it was performed at 43 shows that year alone.[67] It frequently appeared early in sets, energizing crowds with its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, as seen in performances at venues like Earls Court in London and Glastonbury Festival.[68][69] The track's prominence continued into 1996, notably at the band's iconic Knebworth Park concerts on August 10 and 11, where it was played to a combined audience of 250,000 fans over the two nights, serving as a high-energy early set piece after tracks like "Columbia" and "Acquiesce."[70][71] During the 1997–1998 Be Here Now Tour, "Some Might Say" remained a setlist regular, appearing in 52 performances across the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond, often extended with improvisational guitar solos from Noel Gallagher that amplified the song's psychedelic edges and contributed to the tour's reputation for marathon-length shows averaging over two hours.[72] Variations emerged in this period, including an acoustic rendition led by Noel Gallagher during the band's ill-fated MTV Unplugged session at Royal Festival Hall in August 1996, where Liam Gallagher's absence shifted vocals to Noel, resulting in a stripped-down, introspective take emphasizing the track's melodic hooks.[73] By the early 2000s, as Oasis entered tours for Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000) and Heathen Chemistry (2002–2003), performances of "Some Might Say" varied, with 4 shows in 2000 and 55 in 2002, but absent in 2003.[74] Liam's increasing vocal strain—stemming from years of high-energy belting without proper warm-ups and a gravelly tone that deepened over time—led to its gradual removal from setlists, as the original chorus proved challenging; it was last performed in its standard key during the early Heathen Chemistry dates in 2002.[75][76] The track was absent from the 2005 Don't Believe the Truth Tour and the 2008–2009 Dig Out Your Soul Tour.[77] Following Oasis's 2009 hiatus, the band announced their reunion in 2024, launching the Live '25 tour in July 2025. "Some Might Say" returned as a setlist staple, performed early in shows to enthusiastic crowds, such as at the opening night in Cardiff's Principality Stadium on July 4, 2025, where it followed "Morning Glory" and preceded "Bring It On Down." As of November 2025, it has been played at multiple tour dates across the UK and Ireland, reigniting its status as a live anthem amid the reunion's massive cultural revival.[78][79]Covers and Media Appearances
The song "Some Might Say" has been covered by several artists, particularly within the indie and alternative rock scenes. One notable early cover was performed live by The Beautiful South in 1995 on MTV's Most Wanted, shortly after the original's release, reinterpreting the track with their signature style.[80] More recently, Irish indie band The Clockworks delivered an acoustic rendition in 2020 as part of Hot Press magazine's 25th anniversary celebrations for Oasis's album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, highlighting the song's enduring appeal among emerging acts.[81] Indie artist Globelamp also released a lo-fi, introspective version on Bandcamp in July 2020, emphasizing the track's melodic vulnerability.[82] In media, "Some Might Say" has appeared in video games and television. It serves as a playable track in the rhythm game Guitar Hero World Tour (2008), allowing players to perform the song on virtual instruments, and in the European edition of Guitar Hero: On Tour for Nintendo DS (2008), expanding its reach to mobile gaming audiences.[83] The song was featured in the May 24, 1997, episode of the British TV mystery series Jonathan Creek titled "The Reconstituted Corpse," underscoring its integration into period-specific cultural narratives. Additionally, Oasis tribute bands frequently perform "Some Might Say" as a set staple; groups like Some Might Say Oasis Tribute Band and Some Might Sing have built repertoires around faithful recreations, contributing to the song's live legacy in fan-driven events across the UK and beyond.[84] No prominent samples of "Some Might Say" appear in hip-hop or other genres based on available music databases, though the track's riff and structure have influenced nostalgic revivals. In advertising, the song gained renewed visibility through 2020s campaigns tied to Oasis's 2025 reunion. Adidas Originals prominently featured the band—and implicitly the track—in a June 2025 commercial promoting their "Original Forever" clothing line, with Liam and Noel Gallagher appearing together to evoke 1990s Britpop nostalgia.[85] Other UK brands, including supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi, incorporated Oasis references in summer 2025 promotions around the reunion tour, using phrases from the lyrics to tap into generational sentiment without direct sampling.[86]Release History
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 24 April 1995 | CD, 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl, cassette | Creation Records | [1] |
| Various (Europe, Japan, etc.) | 24 April 1995 | CD, cassette | Helter Skelter, Epic, others | [1] |
| United Kingdom | 25 April 2025 | 7" vinyl (limited edition, pearl-coloured, numbered) | Big Brother Recordings | [87] |