By Fumie Yoshida

Do you know the number one band in the world? Oasis was called the second Beatles when they debuted, and now they are the number one rock 'n' roll band in the U.K. and the world.

Their music is delicate, but has an impact in the heart. I became their fan when I was 16 years old because they are supple and make songs honestly. I still love Oasis and their songs even now.

Oasis debuted with the song "Supersonic" in 1994. Since then they have released six albums, and have always kept on top of the music scene. Also in 1994, a music movement called "Brit pop" appeared in the U.K., and it was a time British people were absorbed in their music and many bands flourished. Oasis, Blur, Menswear, Elastica, Suede, SuperGlass, and many others debuted, but Oasis is the only band that continues to have lasting popularity and keeps on top of the music scene. Their music is orthodox rock 'n' roll with a feeling of danger: "sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll." Beyond that, they make really fantastic music, including lyrics, and sound.

Oasis consists of two brothers as the core of this band. One of them is Noel Gallagher, 38, the guitarist and vocalist. The other is Liam Gallagher, 33, who is the main vocalist. Oasis can't exist without either of them. They're from Manchester, British born and bred and they love soccer. They awoke the music when they were teenagers. Noel started to make songs with his guitar by himself and Liam was a vocalist in a band named "Rain." Afterward, Noel joined "Rain." Later they decided to debut as Oasis, and started to conquer the world. The present members were fixed in 2005. Until now some members had left and entered the group several times.

Members other than the Gallagher brothers are guitarist Gem, bassist Andy Bell, and drummer Zak Starkey, whose father is Ringo Starr of the Beatles.

As for Oasis, they are well-known for not only their beautiful rock 'n' roll, but also many personal things. To give some examples, there is a sibling rivalry while performing, and fighting with journalists and fans. People dislike them when they hear such news, but the fans all over the world, including me, don't worry about it and say, "So here they go again." We love them in spite of these things. They're so honest in their music.

Their albums sell well. Their second album "(What's the story) Morning Glory?" sold 12 million copies throughout the world, but many think that their debut album "Definitely Maybe" is their best. However, that changed this year. "Don't Believe The Truth," their sixth album, was released May 25. Noel said it was the best showing since the first album. I got this long-awaited CD on the release day by reservation. I listened right away, and felt an impact like an electric current running from my head to my feet. Clear rock 'n' roll streaming from track 1 to track 13 swept over me like a torrent. However, I was never swallowed by it, and my heart was washed like a big rock in a river current. It was their best showing just as Noel said.

"Lyla," which is the first single from this album, has all the features of Oasis' songs I think. You can hear bright, sharp and tender vocals, upbeat rhythms and perfect chord progressions. "Hey, Lyla! A star's about to fall." They changed pure rock 'n' roll by their magic even with such lyrics that seem to come out of a picture book. How could any other band perform this song? Only Oasis can make the best songs and have the best performance by using the Oasis magic.

"Lyla" has a steady rhythm like a lit fuse on a bomb, and it explodes in a burst in part of the melody. It's different from an ordinary bomb.

There are beautiful things left after the explosion of "Lyla." That is, a very beautiful colored smoke and a twinkle of dust. "Lyla" is hard to identify in this song, but "Lyla" is a star, I guess. She is a God like star, and gives people light. Lyla leads and heals people. Not only is the man in this song attracted to her, but also the people who listen to this song are attracted to Lyla's charm. You may feel refreshed after listening to this song, and remember the precious person who is your Lyla. By all means, buy the new Oasis CD!