Oasis - What's The Story, Morning Glory? (1995)

Noel Gallagher, lead guitarist and songwriter of Oasis, has often said in interviews that he does not understand the meaning of his own lyrics. He is not alone in that, as many fans will admit that Oasis lyrics are oftentimes nonsense. Emotion-inspiring nonsense, but nonsense but nonsense nonetheless. So how is it that for a decade or so, these lyrics were shouted in arenas across the world? How did Oasis become, for a short time anyways, the biggest band in the world?

The answer lies in the album "What's The Story, Morning Glory?' This album is the perfect synergy of two brothers who couldn't be more different, are constantly at odds with each other, and yet are still brought together by the power of their chemistry.

Liam's voice, though blown now, was an amazing gift for rock and roll. It had all the clarity and sentimentality of John Lennon with an aggression and pack-a-day grit all its own. Noel's guitar-playing is tasteful and melodic whilst being soul-sweepingly epic. These siblings may have run their mouths in interviews at the expense of their reputations, but they never treated their songs with anything but care and respect.

This album is a thick Manchester slab of emotion and a perfect capsule of the way the world was moving in the late nineties. So when Champagne Supernova starts up, don't be surprised if you feel a lump in your throat, even if you don't know what Noel is going on about. Oasis teaches us that words aren't nearly as important in a great rock song as soul is.

Muse - Origin of Symmetry

Due to its anti-religious statements, Matt Bellamy had to change the lyrics to the final track on Origin of Symmetry in order to get a church's permission to record the song with their organ. It's quite ironic then that this album has some of the most deeply spiritual and powerful moments in the entire Muse canon.

The album may have beautiful, psalm like melodies, a transcendent falsetto by Matt Bellamy, a unique and crushing rhythm section and thoughtful lyrics, but for the most part it does not cover religion (they would tackle that subject on their next album, Absolution). No, Origin of Symmetry is based on the fact that we are envious, weak and powerless creatures who are separated further and further due to technology.

The songs that best exemplify this are "Screenager," "Bliss" (a song in which Matt pleas with the listener to "give me all the peace and joy in your mind"), Micro Cuts (which uses the metaphor that technology is our puppetmaster) to great effect, and Dark Shines (which seems to be about an abusively destructive relationship. "Your innocence, I will consume."

It's some of the most mind-altering music you can listen to and you will be forever changed after listened to it. It's the musical equivalent of a disturbing film like A Clockwork Orange, only a little less disturbing and rape-filled.