and instability have been inherent traits of great rock teams, going as far back as Jagger and Richards, but for Oasis, the addition of shared genes gives their songs extra impact and dimension. No matter how much the Gallaghers fight – or pose – their brotherly bond holds at the center. This inner confidence allows the group to flaunt its jaded arrogance like a five-man biker gang – whether it's revving on amplifier overload or coasting through a pastel-washed reverie. It also permits. Oasis to borrow shamelessly from artists like the Rolling Stones, T. Rex, the Kinks, Small Faces and, especially, the Beatles without losing their own snide identity.

Oasis' first album, Definitely Maybe, was rebellious and attitude laden, revealing the decadent dreams of working-class British youths who watched The Kids Are Alright a few too many times. The music mixed Stones swagger with soaring melodies, and titles like "Rock 'n' Roll Star," "Supersonic" and "Live Forever" conveyed the band's desire to transcend the mundane. But for all the supercilious sneering, the disc – as good as it was – didn't quite live up to the hype.

(What's the Story) Morning Glory? is more than a natural progression; it's a bold leap forward that displays significant musical and personal growth, not to mention a far greater familiarity with the Fab Four's back catalog. Since pledging themselves to "Cigarettes and Alcohol" on their debut, Oasis have apparently had plenty of sex, done loads of drugs and lived rock & roll to the limit, and now they're searching for something more. Twenty-seven-year-old songwriter Noel Gallagher has crafted a number of tunes that downplay bravado in favor of self-discovery and even (gulp) sensitivity.

While Noel once filled melodies with sharp, bristling guitars and crisp, cracking beats, these days he's relying on gentle, reflective rhythms. And instead of merely crowing in a nasal tone that sounds like a cross between John Lennon and John Lydon, brother Liam sings with warmth and occasionally hints at vulnerability. "Wonderwall" (this year's "Live Forever") is a pensive, jangly tune that expresses Noel's disorientation at sudden stardom. "Don't Look Back In Anger" and "Cast No Shadow" flow with weepy strings, muted drumming and equally memorable choruses. Featuring a piano passage that echoes Lennon's "Imagine," "Anger" addresses the star's