The album came about due to the end of Oasis' recording contract with Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Noel Gallagher has gone on record before on numerous occasions saying that Oasis wouldn't release a greatest hits album unless the band were about to split up. However, in an interview with news.com.au in December 2005, he hinted that Sony were planning to release one anyway, and that despite his misgivings, he would have to get involved with it otherwise it'd be bad. This was clarified in September 2006, when he told the NME that when he made it clear to Sony that the band were not going to re-sign to them, the record label decided to release a greatest hits album. Gallagher then explained that he insisted that it had to be a 'best-of' because he felt a compilation of the best singles, album tracks and b-sides would produce a stronger album than a compilation of singles.
To address some fans' concerns that the release of a greatest hits album was a sign that the band were about to finish, based on some of Noel Gallagher's previous comments, the press release for the album confirmed that they are merely taking "a well earned sabbatical prior to starting work on new material, destined for similar levels of success in the future. As such, this is not a full stop, but merely a time out; a dream set list, and a chance for the world to review the immense contribution that Oasis have made and continue to make to rock 'n' roll."
Gallagher stated in an episode of MTV's Gonzo that the album would be more for future generations, as Gallagher himself became interested in artists such as The Beatles through compilation albums.
To celebrate the release of the album, the band unveiled their first full-length film - Lord Don't Slow Me Down, shot during the Don't Believe the Truth world tour, from May 2005 to March 2006, the film was shown in November 2006 around the world in selected picture houses, theatres and cinemas to winners of fans competitions and the press. It was also broadcasted on Channel 4 in the UK.
The album debuted at number two in the UK charts selling over 50,000 copies in its first day of release and 216,000 in its first week of release, surprisingly not selling enough to knock off the top spot to The Love Album, by the boy-band Westlife. It also debuted at number 89 on the U.S. Billboard 200, starting with 18,000 units sold. It did however enter the Japanese Oricon album charts at number one, selling 87,462 copies in its first week. The album has sold over around 2.5 million copies worldwide(1.2 million alone in the UK).
In Japan, a box set was also released of all their singles to coincide with the album.
Stop the Clocks focuses heavily on the band's most popular albums, Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory ?, with each contributing five tracks, plus four B-sides (also included on the band's other compilation album The Masterplan) from this era. Only two tracks appear from Don't Believe the Truth, and one track each from Standing on the Shoulder of Giants and Heathen Chemistry, whilst Be Here Now is ignored completely.
When the release of Stop the Clocks was first announced in July 2006, speculation was rife that the unreleased song of the same name would be included on the record as a bonus track. However, Noel Gallagher told fans at a Q&A session that the song was considered for inclusion, but they weren't happy with any of the many versions they have recorded.
Gallagher also confirmed that the title was chosen to sum up what was described in the initial press release as being "merely a time out; a chance for the world to review the immense contribution that Oasis have made and continue to make to rock 'n' roll." Noel Gallagher revealed in an interview in April 2005 that 'Stop the Clocks' was the original title for the band's early recorded material in early 2004, which turned eventually into Don't Believe the Truth.
Gallagher revealed to Billboard that he was approached about including some new songs on the album as well, but that he opted not to "because it takes the focus away from what you're actually trying to say with a retrospective."
Gallagher told the NME in September 2006 that he picked the tracks on the album, and there were about eight songs that "should be on there, but aren't". He explained that his original vision was for a 12-track album on one CD, but, after whittling down from an initial 30+ tracks, the track-listing was finalised. He admitted that he's had arguments with people about the tracklisting but that "someone has to pick the tracklisting, and I've picked it and that's the end of it. But that must mean we're pretty good, if people are arguing about what's not on it, it's brilliant!"
During an interview on Radio 1 in October 2006, and later during a question and answer session with The Sun, Liam Gallagher, who got a songwriting credit with his "Songbird", claimed that he was happy with the tracks Noel had selected for the album, although he said that he would have liked "Rockin' Chair" and "D'You Know What I Mean?" to be included. Noel, however, admitted that "D'You Know What I Mean?" was to be included on the album up until the moment it was being mastered, explaining that the length of the song "upset the flow of the album".
Songs that the band also wanted to be on the track listing were "Cast No Shadow", "Gas Panic!", Whatever and "Little By Little" , although they couldn't fit them in since they felt the record would "drag on" and make it too long, being over the some 18-track idea Noel had planned out. Noel has also said he would have liked to have found a place for "Fade Away", "(It's Good) To Be Free", Let There Be Love" and "Listen Up".
In the special boxed-edition of 'Stop the Clocks' at the end of the 'Lock the Box' interview, when Liam was told 'Whatever' was not on the track-listing he said "Thank fuck for that".
A Japanese special edition, released the following year, has a variety of B-sides scanning the latter years of the Gallaghers output, including "Eyeball Tickler" and "Lets's All Make Believe".
Rock 'N' Roll Star
Oasis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's no easy way out
The day's moving just too fast for me
I need some time in the sunshine
I've gotta slow it right down
The day's moving just too fast for me
I live my life for the stars that shine
People say it's just a waste of time
Then they said I should feed my head
That to me was just a day in bed
I'll take my car and drive real far
They're not concerned about the way we are
In my mind my dreams are real
Now we're concerned about the way I feel
Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star
Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star
I live my life in the city
There's no easy way out
The day's moving just too fast for me
I need some time in the sunshine
I've gotta slow it right down
The day's moving just too fast for me
I live my life for the stars that shine
People say it's just a waste of time
Then, they said I should feed my head
Well that to me was just a day in bed
I'll take my car and drive real far
They're not concerned about the way we are
In my mind my dreams are real
Now we're concerned about the way I feel
Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star
Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star
Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star
You're not down with who I am
Look at you now, you're all in my hands tonight
Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star
Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star
Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star
It's just rock 'n' roll
It's just rock 'n' roll
It's just rock 'n' roll
It's just rock 'n' roll
It's just rock 'n' roll
It's just rock 'n' roll
It's just rock 'n' roll
It's just rock 'n' roll
In "Rock 'N' Roll Star," Oasis lead vocalist Liam Gallagher sings about his desire to escape the busy pace of city life, seeking solace in the sunshine and the dreamworld within his own mind. He lives his life for the stars, dreaming of being a rock 'n' roll star, while others dismiss his ambition as a waste of time. Refusing to heed their advice to "feed his head," he instead takes his car and drives "real far" to pursue his dreams, unconcerned about the judgement of others.
The repetitive chorus "Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star" is a declaration of his belief in himself and his ultimate destiny to become a successful rock star. He addresses those who have doubted him, asserting that they are now "all in his hands," as he takes the stage to fulfill his dream.
The song captures the youthful rebellion and ambition of rock 'n' roll, and expresses the desire to break free from the constraints of society and pursue one's passions without fear of judgement. It also reflects the attitude of Oasis as a band, who were unapologetically bold and confident in their music, often sparking controversy with their outspoken personalities and unfiltered lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I live my life in the city
I spend my time in urban environments
There's no easy way out
It's hard to escape the city life
The day's moving just too fast for me
Time seems to fly by quickly
I need some time in the sunshine
I want to relax in nice weather
I've gotta slow it right down
I need to take it easy
I live my life for the stars that shine
I am motivated by success and achievement
People say it's just a waste of time
Critics don't understand or appreciate my goals
Then they said I should feed my head
Others advised me to focus on intellectual pursuits
That to me was just a day in bed
I value pursuing my passions over scholarly activities
I'll take my car and drive real far
I am willing to travel to achieve my goals
They're not concerned about the way we are
Others do not share the same commitment or ambition
In my mind my dreams are real
I am confident in my aspirations
Now we're concerned about the way I feel
Others are finally taking notice of my efforts
Tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star
Tonight I am successful and celebrated
You're not down with who I am
Some people don't support or understand me
Look at you now, you're all in my hands tonight
My detractors are now under my control and influence
It's just rock 'n' roll
Regardless of opinions, my music and success speak for themselves
It's just rock 'n' roll
The hard work and dedication it took to achieve success is all that matters
It's just rock 'n' roll
The critiques and criticisms are inconsequential
It's just rock 'n' roll
Success in this industry is a result of talent, dedication, and hard work
It's just rock 'n' roll
The genre of music I play is more important than anything else
It's just rock 'n' roll
The lifestyle that comes with being a rock star is all that matters
It's just rock 'n' roll
The dreams I've longed for have finally come true and that's what counts
It's just rock 'n' roll
The fleeting nature of fame is worth embracing
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Noel Gallagher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adrianne Fraser
on Wonderwall
Adriannefraser