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Stop the Clocks
Stop the Clocks
Stop the Clocks
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Stop the Clocks
Greatest hits album by
Oasis
Released20 November 2006 (2006-11-20)
Recorded1993–2005
Genre
Length87:18
LabelBig Brother
Producer
Oasis chronology
Don't Believe the Truth
(2005) 		Stop the Clocks
(2006) 		Dig Out Your Soul
(2008)

Stop the Clocks is a compilation album by English rock band Oasis. It was released on 20 November 2006 by Big Brother Recordings. The "retrospective collection" is an 18-track double album with the featured songs chosen by Noel Gallagher. It was certified 5× Platinum in the United Kingdom.[1]

Background

[edit]

The album came about due to the end of Oasis' recording contract with Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Noel Gallagher had previously said that the band wouldn't release a greatest hits album unless they were about to split up.[2] 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.[3] This was clarified in December 2006, when he told The Guardian 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.[4]

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 were 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 broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK.

In Japan, a box set was also released of all their singles to coincide with the album.

Content

[edit]

Stop the Clocks focuses heavily on the band's first two 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. The album does not feature any material from Be Here Now.

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. It would later be released on Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' 2011 debut album.

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 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 had had arguments with people about the track listing but that "someone has to pick the track listing, 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".[5]

Songs that the band also wanted to be on the track listing were "Cast No Shadow", "Don't Go Away", "Gas Panic!", "Whatever" and "Little by Little", although they could not 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 included in the track listing, he exclaimed, "Thank fuck for that."

Cover

[edit]

The cover was designed by Sir Peter Blake, best known for his design of the sleeve for the Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.[6]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStarHalf star[7]
Encyclopedia of Popular MusicStarStarStarStarStar[8]
MSN Music (Expert Witness)B+[9]
NME10/10[10]
MusicOMHStarStarStarStarStar[11]
PopMatters7/10[12]
Pitchfork6.5/10[13]
Slant MagazineStarStarStarStar[14]
The TimesStarStarStarStar[15]
UncutStarStarStarStarStar[16]

Stop the Clocks received generally positive reviews from music critics upon its release. In 2019, NME ranked it at number 7 in its list of the "28 Greatest 'Best Of' Albums".[17]

Chart performance

[edit]

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 The Love Album, by Irish boy band Westlife off the top spot. By the end of the year Stop the Clocks had sold 898,000 copies in the UK making it the 7th biggest selling album of the year. It also debuted at number 89 on the US Billboard 200, starting with 18,000 units sold.[18] It did however enter the Japanese Oricon album charts at number one, selling 87,462 copies in its first week.

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Noel Gallagher, except "Songbird" written by Liam Gallagher.

Disc one
No.TitleAlbumLength
1."Rock 'n' Roll Star"Definitely Maybe, 19945:20
2."Some Might Say" (edited version)(What's the Story) Morning Glory?, 19955:10
3."Talk Tonight"The Masterplan, 1998; originally a B-side to the "Some Might Say" single/EP, 19954:19
4."Lyla"Don't Believe the Truth, 20055:10
5."The Importance of Being Idle"Don't Believe the Truth3:41
6."Wonderwall"(What's the Story) Morning Glory?4:18
7."Slide Away" (edit)Definitely Maybe6:14
8."Cigarettes & Alcohol"Definitely Maybe4:48
9."The Masterplan"The Masterplan; originally a B-side to the "Wonderwall" single/EP, 19955:20
Total length:44:20
Disc two
No.TitleAlbumLength
1."Live Forever"Definitely Maybe4:35
2."Acquiesce"The Masterplan; originally a B-side to the "Some Might Say" single/EP4:23
3."Supersonic"Definitely Maybe4:35
4."Half the World Away"The Masterplan; originally a B-side to the "Whatever" single/EP, 19944:14
5."Go Let It Out"Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, 20004:41
6."Songbird"Heathen Chemistry, 20022:05
7."Morning Glory"(What's the Story) Morning Glory?5:01
8."Champagne Supernova"(What's the Story) Morning Glory?7:29
9."Don't Look Back in Anger"(What's the Story) Morning Glory?4:52
Total length:41:55
Japanese bonus tracks
No.TitleAlbumLength
10."Roll with It"(What's the Story) Morning Glory?3:59
11."Let There Be Love"Don't Believe the Truth5:30
Total length:51:24
iTunes bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
1."Cast No Shadow" (live at Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, England, 10 August 1996) 
2."Columbia" (live at Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, England, 11 August 1996) 
3."Acquiesce" (music video) 

An edited version of the untitled eleventh track from (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (without snippets of "The Swamp Song") appears at 4:50 into "Morning Glory", while the last few seconds of the untitled sixth track from the same album appear at the start of "Some Might Say".

Limited edition

[edit]

Along with the regular 18-track album, a limited edition set with a bonus DVD was also released. The special edition includes a 32-page booklet, the 40-minute EPK (titled Lock the Box and featuring Noel and Liam talking about the songs on the record), the full-length trailer for Oasis new rockumentary film Lord Don't Slow Me Down, "Champagne Supernova" featuring John Squire live at Knebworth in August 1996, "Fade Away" live at the Chicago Metro, Chicago, Illinois in October 1994, and a picture gallery. It is encased in a gatefold digipak with a slipcase designed to preserve the set.

HMV exclusive bonus DVD

[edit]

With orders from HMV.co.uk, a bonus DVD was packaged with the album. The DVD featured two live songs, "Half the World Away (Live at Glasgow Barrowlands, Glasgow, Scotland, 2001)" and "Morning Glory (Live from V2005)".

Best Buy exclusive bonus disc

[edit]

At Best Buy stores, the regular two-disc version of the album was packaged with the Stop the Clocks EP as a bonus disc.

Extended play
No.TitleLength
1."Acquiesce"4:29
2."Cigarettes & Alcohol" (demo)4:38
3."Some Might Say" (live 1995)5:15
4."The Masterplan"5:22
Total length:19:44

Personnel

[edit]

Oasis

[edit]

Additional personnel

[edit]

Promotional material

[edit]
  • The Stop the Clocks EP featuring the 1995 b-sides "Acquiesce" and "The Masterplan" was released in promotion of the compilation on 13 November 2006. New promo videos of those two songs were made and circulated to the music channels, but neither of them featured any of the band in person.
  • A promo with the Lynch Mob Beats Mix '95 of "Champagne Supernova" was also issued.

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications for Stop the Clocks
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[43] Gold 35,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[44] Gold 50,000^
Ireland (IRMA)[45] 4× Platinum 60,000^
Japan (RIAJ)[46] Gold 100,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[47] Gold 7,500^
United Kingdom (BPI)[48] 5× Platinum 1,500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Stop the Clocks

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Stop the Clocks is a by the English rock band Oasis, released on 20 November 2006 by . It serves as a "best of" collection, featuring 18 tracks that include the band's major hit singles from their first six studio as well as select B-sides, curated primarily by lead guitarist and songwriter . The album does not include an original track titled "Stop the Clocks," despite its name, which is taken from an unreleased by the band written by . The track listing spans Oasis's career highlights, with the first disc opening with early anthems like "" and "" from their 1994 debut and 1995 follow-up (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, while incorporating later material such as "Lyla" and "The Importance of Being Idle" from 2005's . The second disc emphasizes fan favorites and deeper cuts, including "," "Supersonic," and closing with "" and "." Produced by a team including , Owen Morris, and , the compilation was released in CD and vinyl formats, with the latter spread across three LPs. Commercially, Stop the Clocks debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, selling 216,000 copies in its first week and over 50,000 on its opening day, narrowly missing the top spot to Westlife's The Love Album. It has since achieved five-times platinum certification in the UK for sales exceeding 1.5 million units, marking it as Oasis's best-selling release since 1997's Be Here Now. Worldwide, the album has sold approximately 2.71 million copies as of recent estimates. Critically, it received generally positive reviews for capturing the band's brash energy and melodic strengths, though some noted its conventional track selection as a contractual obligation album.

Background

Conception

The compilation album Stop the Clocks originated from the expiration of Oasis's recording contract with Music Entertainment in 2006, which obligated the label to deliver a final release under the band's imprint before parting ways. , Oasis's lead songwriter, initially opposed the idea of a greatest hits collection, deeming it premature given the band's ongoing activity and preferring to focus on new material rather than projects. However, upon learning that intended to compile and release one regardless—exercising their rights to the band's catalog—Gallagher relented and took control of the project to ensure it served as a curated rather than a generic singles roundup. Gallagher envisioned Stop the Clocks as an introduction for to Oasis's work, akin to how he discovered through their compilations, emphasizing a selective "best of" approach over exhaustive chart hits. He personally selected all 18 tracks for the , prioritizing the band's early output while incorporating lesser-known album cuts and B-sides to reflect their creative depth. The album's release on 20 November 2006 coincided with Oasis's announcement of an indefinite following their exhaustive 2005–2006 world tour in support of Don't Believe the Truth, with Gallagher clarifying that the break was a necessary rest period and not indicative of a permanent band dissolution. This hiatus allowed members to pursue individual endeavors while leaving open the possibility of future collaboration under a new label deal.

Track selection

Noel Gallagher personally curated the track listing for Stop the Clocks, selecting 18 songs to showcase Oasis's artistic evolution from their raw debut to their mid-career peaks, with a deliberate emphasis on their early triumphs. The compilation draws four tracks from the band's 1994 debut album —"," "," "Live Forever," and "Supersonic"—and five from their 1995 breakthrough (What's the Story) ?—such as "," "," "," "," and "." Additionally, four standout B-sides were incorporated to highlight hidden gems from the band's singles era: "," "The Masterplan," "," and "." This structure prioritizes the high-energy anthems and melodic depth that defined Oasis's rise, while incorporating later singles like "Lyla" and "The Importance of Being Idle" from 2005's to nod toward their post-hiatus resurgence. To add layers beyond the band's chart-topping hits, Gallagher included non-single album cuts and B-sides that offered emotional and sonic depth, such as the expansive "The Masterplan" and the harmonious "Acquiesce." In a 2006 interview, Gallagher reflected on "The Masterplan," noting it was written as a B-side to "Wonderwall" but quickly recognized as too substantial for such treatment: "That’s not a B-side man, you cannot put that out as a B-side." Similarly, "Acquiesce" was chosen for its themes of brotherhood and reconciliation, providing a counterpoint to the album's more bombastic selections. These choices underscore Gallagher's intent to craft a narrative arc reflecting Oasis's creative highs, rather than a straightforward singles collection. Notably absent are any tracks from Oasis's 1997 album Be Here Now, a decision rooted in Gallagher's longstanding dissatisfaction with that era's overproduced and indulgent sound, which he later described as emblematic of the band's excesses during a cocaine-fueled period. This exclusion sparked debate among fans and critics, as it omitted potential inclusions like "D'You Know What I Mean?" but aligned with Gallagher's vision of focusing on the group's most vital work. The compilation features remastered versions of the tracks, with some using alternate mixes like the single version of "Wonderwall," enhancing the retrospective feel without including live versions or outtakes.

Release

Formats and editions

The standard edition of Stop the Clocks was released as a two-CD set containing the 18-track compilation, packaged in a digipak format and produced by Big Brother Recordings. A limited edition version bundled the two-CD set with a bonus DVD and a 32-page glue-bound booklet featuring photographs by Lawrence Watson and song lyrics. The DVD, formatted in PAL for the UK release with region code 0 and approximately 50 minutes in length, included an electronic press kit with a 39-minute interview titled "Lock The Box" conducted by Colin Murray, live performances of "Fade Away" recorded at the Metro in Chicago in 1994 and "Champagne Supernova" from Knebworth in 1996, and a trailer for the documentary film Lord Don't Slow Me Down. These extras were designed to enhance the retrospective appeal for fans and collectors, with variations in regional formatting such as NTSC for U.S. editions. An HMV-exclusive bonus DVD was offered with purchases from the retailer, containing promotional videos including live performances of "Morning Glory" from the V Festival in 2005 and "Half the World Away" from the Glasgow Barrowlands in 2001. This added interviews and additional footage catered to UK buyers seeking enhanced content. In the United States, a Best Buy-exclusive edition included the standard two-CD set bundled with a bonus CD EP featuring live recordings and alternate tracks: "Acquiesce," a demo of "Cigarettes & Alcohol," a 1995 live version of "Some Might Say," and "The Masterplan." Packaged in cellophane with promotional stickers, this retailer-specific variant provided unique audio extras to attract American collectors. All editions were issued by , with subtle differences in packaging, such as hype stickers and regional catalog numbers, to differentiate them and appeal to dedicated Oasis enthusiasts.

Promotion

To promote the upcoming Stop the Clocks, Oasis released the Stop the Clocks EP on 13 November 2006 in the UK, serving as a precursor that highlighted select B-sides and rarities from their catalog. The four-track EP included "" and "The Masterplan" from the 1998 rarities collection The Masterplan, alongside a demo version of "" and a live rendition of "," offering fans an early taste of the retrospective's emphasis on non-album material. Complementing the EP, the band timed the UK television premiere of the accompanying documentary Lord Don't Slow Me Down for 19 November 2006 on , just days before the album's launch. Directed by Baillie Walsh, the film chronicled Oasis's extensive world tour from 2005 to 2006, featuring backstage footage, live performances, and band commentary to underscore their enduring live energy and build anticipation for the career-spanning compilation. Media appearances further amplified the album's retrospective theme, with Noel Gallagher conducting interviews that framed Stop the Clocks as a pause in the band's trajectory. In a November 2006 Guardian profile, Gallagher discussed the collection as a retrospective of Oasis's career, reflecting on the band's evolution. He elaborated on this sabbatical in an MTV Asia interview around the same time, noting that the release allowed the band a well-earned rest before new material, positioning the compilation as both a celebration and a transitional milestone. Promotional campaigns targeted and international markets through strategic retailer partnerships to boost physical sales. In the , offered an exclusive bonus DVD with purchases, containing live footage of "" (V Festival 2005) and "" ( Barrowlands 2001), along with interviews. Internationally, in the bundled the double album with a bonus disc featuring the Stop the Clocks EP tracks, incentivizing collectors and driving pre-holiday foot traffic. These exclusives, combined with midnight opening promotions at select stores, emphasized the album's limited-edition appeal and the band's hand-curated selection of hits and B-sides.

Artwork

Cover art

The cover art for Oasis's Stop the Clocks was designed by British pop artist Sir Peter Blake, renowned for creating the iconic collage-style sleeve for ' 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Blake's involvement brought a layer of artistic prestige, drawing on his history of collaborating with rock acts, including designs for 's (1981). The artwork features a vibrant, collage-style still-life composition assembled from objects in Blake's studio, photographed in a single day by Lawrence Watson to capture a spontaneous, ephemeral quality. It incorporates cultural icons such as the Seven Dwarfs from Disney's and the Seven Dwarfs (a recurring motif in Blake's oeuvre, selected by ), Dorothy from , and a portrait of actor , which replaced an intended image of due to potential legal issues. Additional elements include memorabilia chosen by and a small figurine, evoking pop culture references that nod to Oasis's influences like and broader British rock heritage. Noel Gallagher personally selected Blake for the project, aiming to create a visual that reflected the album's retrospective nature by blending Oasis's imagery with timeless rock iconography, much like the enigmatic allure of their debut cover. As Gallagher explained, the design process involved casually picking items during a studio visit—"We went around his studio for about 40 minutes and just picked out things that we liked"—resulting in a puzzle-like without fixed symbolism, intended to engage fans through personal interpretation. This approach aligned with the album's theme of celebrating Oasis's career milestones, using symbolic objects like vinyl-era artifacts to symbolize enduring rock history.

Packaging

The limited edition of Stop the Clocks includes a 32-page glue-bound booklet featuring by Sylvia Patterson, rare photos of the band, enhancing the retrospective feel of the compilation. This booklet is housed within a digipak , providing collectors with detailed insights into the album's selection process and Oasis's history. The DVD in the limited and exclusive editions is packaged as part of the digipak, featuring interactive menus that access electronic (EPK) footage and live performance clips, allowing fans to explore bonus visual content seamlessly. Collector-oriented editions incorporate unique physical elements, such as the version with a bonus DVD insert and the exclusive bundled in cellophane wrapping alongside a special EP disc, both designed to appeal to dedicated fans seeking enhanced value. Overall, the packaging aesthetic aligns with Peter Blake's collage-inspired , emphasizing through elements like vintage band memorabilia and evocative imagery that evoke Oasis's era.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release in November 2006, Stop the Clocks received generally positive reviews from music critics, who appreciated its curation of Oasis's most enduring material. NME hailed it as a "faultless record" and the definitive anthology of the band's output, emphasizing its role in capturing the essence of their rock 'n' roll swagger. Critics frequently commended the track selection for striking a balance between chart-topping hits like "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger" and rarer B-sides such as "Talk Tonight" and "Acquiesce," offering fans a refreshed perspective on Oasis's catalog. The Guardian described the compilation as a poignant reminder of the band's "golden years" in the mid-1990s, with its heavy focus on early singles evoking the euphoric energy of albums like Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. Some reviews, however, critiqued the absence of any new material and the omission of tracks from later efforts like Be Here Now, arguing that the choices underscored Oasis's creative peak having passed. noted that while the included songs outshone contemporary releases, the set fell short of being truly comprehensive due to these exclusions.

Retrospective assessments

In the years following its release, Stop the Clocks has been reevaluated as a standout compilation in Oasis's , particularly for its selective curation that emphasizes the band's early Britpop-era hits and B-sides over later material. In 2019, ranked it at number 7 in its of the 28 greatest "Best Of" albums ever, praising the collection for capturing the band's "superhuman achievements after a whirlwind decade in the spotlight" through tracks like "," while noting its reluctant origins as a contractual obligation at the end of their deal. The album is frequently recognized as a benchmark greatest hits package for Oasis fans, often favored in critical comparisons to the band's 2010 compilation for its deeper inclusion of non-single album tracks and B-sides, which provide a more nuanced portrait of the group's creative peak. For instance, Pitchfork's review of highlighted Stop the Clocks as delving into "album cuts as well as some of the band's once-sterling B-sides," contrasting it with the later set's focus solely on charting singles. Similarly, recommended Stop the Clocks over Time Flies, describing the former as a stronger alternative amid the latter's "lumpenly conceived" approach tied to a commercial release timing. Amid Oasis's 2025 reunion tour, there have been no major updates or reissues specifically tied to Stop the Clocks, but the event has sparked renewed interest in the band's compilations overall, with the album re-entering the UK's Official Album Downloads Chart at number 56 in September following the tour announcement and again charting on July 17, 2025, alongside surges in streams for their catalog.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

Stop the Clocks debuted at number 2 on the on 26 November 2006, with 216,000 copies sold in its first full week of release following its 20 November launch. The album spent 74 weeks on the chart in total and reached number 7 on the year-end for 2006. In , the album topped the upon release, selling 87,462 copies in its debut week and marking Oasis's first compilation to achieve a number 1 position there. This success contrasted with the band's previous studio albums, none of which had reached the summit in that market. The album entered the Billboard 200 at number 89, reflecting a modest performance compared to Oasis's earlier releases in . In other territories, it peaked at number 34 on the Australian Albums Chart with a run of 2 weeks, and number 3 on the Irish Albums Chart, with shorter runs of several weeks each.
Chart (2006)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
UK Albums (OCC)274
1Unknown
US Billboard 200891
342
Irish Albums (IRMA)3Several

Sales certifications

Stop the Clocks achieved significant commercial success, earning multiple across various markets. In the , the album was certified 5× Platinum by the (BPI), representing shipments of 1.5 million units. This certification underscores its strong domestic performance, with 2006 sales reaching 898,000 copies and positioning it as one of Oasis's top-selling releases. Internationally, the compilation received Gold certification in from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 35,000 units shipped. In , it was awarded Gold status by the (RIAJ), with sales totaling 251,485 copies, highlighting robust demand in the Asian market. Additional Gold certifications include (Music Canada, 50,000 units) and (, 7,500 units), while saw 4× Platinum accreditation from the (IRMA) for 60,000 units. Global sales estimates for Stop the Clocks exceed 2 million units, with comprehensive analysis indicating approximately 2.71 million equivalent album units when accounting for physical sales, downloads, and streaming equivalents as of September 2025. No major reissues or significant digital sales surges have been recorded since its 2006 release, and as of November 2025, no updates to certifications or sales figures have been reported.

Track listing

Standard edition

The standard edition of Stop the Clocks is a two-disc compilation featuring 18 tracks selected from Oasis's discography, spanning their debut through their 2005 release, presented in a non-chronological order that prioritizes thematic flow and fan favorites. The tracks were remastered by Ian Cooper for this collection, with some, such as "," using edited versions to fit the compilation's pacing. The total runtime is approximately 86 minutes.
TrackTitleDurationOriginal source
15:20Definitely Maybe (1994)
2 (edited)5:10(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
34:19The Masterplan (1998)
4Lyla5:11 (2005)
5The Importance of Being Idle3:41 (2005)
64:18(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
7Slide Away6:14 (1994)
84:48 (1994)
9The Masterplan5:20The Masterplan (1998)
10Live Forever4:36 (1994)
114:23The Masterplan (1998)
12Supersonic4:35 (1994)
134:15The Masterplan (1998)
144:41Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)
152:05 (2002)
16Morning Glory5:01(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
177:29(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
184:53(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)

Bonus content

The limited edition of Stop the Clocks included a bonus DVD titled Lock the Box, featuring a 40-minute electronic (EPK) with Noel and conducted by , in which the brothers discuss the compilation's track selection and Oasis's career highlights. The DVD also contained live footage, including a performance of "Fade Away" recorded at the Chicago Metro in 1994 and "" from in 1996, alongside a trailer for the band's Lord Don't Slow Me Down. These video elements were designed to provide collectors with rare archival material, emphasizing Oasis's early live energy and later stadium-era triumphs. In the , offered an exclusive bonus DVD with purchases of the album, containing additional promotional content such as interviews, behind-the-scenes clips from recording sessions, and not included in the standard limited edition. This edition highlighted live performances like "" from the 2005 and "" from the 2001 Barrowlands show, further enhancing the release's appeal to dedicated fans seeking unique video extras. For the United States market, Best Buy stores bundled the standard two-disc with an exclusive bonus disc: a four-track EP featuring live recordings and rarities, including "The Masterplan," "," a demo version of "," and a 1995 live rendition of "." This audio-focused add-on provided alternate performances of key hits, differentiating it from the video-centric bonuses in other regions. The standard two-CD edition of Stop the Clocks contained no additional audio tracks, with all extras across editions centered on video content or live-focused materials to boost collectibility and offer deeper insights into the band's history. These bonuses were packaged in digipaks or slipcases, often accompanied by expanded booklets, aligning with the nature of the compilation.

Personnel

Oasis

The core lineup of Oasis evolved significantly from the band's formation in 1991 through the period covered by the Stop the Clocks compilation, which draws from recordings spanning 1994 to 2005. Liam Gallagher served as lead vocalist on all tracks included in the compilation, providing the distinctive sneering delivery that defined Oasis' sound across their early anthems and later material. Noel Gallagher, the band's primary songwriter and guitarist, contributed lead guitar to every track and took over lead vocals on select B-sides such as "Talk Tonight," showcasing his melodic songwriting style. In the compilation's early tracks from albums like Definitely Maybe (1994) and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), the rhythm section featured original members Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs on guitar and Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan on bass, with Tony McCarroll handling drums on initial recordings before Alan White replaced him in 1995. By the late 1990s and into the 2000s, the lineup expanded with the addition of Gem Archer on guitar starting with Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000) and Andy Bell on bass from the same era, contributing to tracks like "Go Let It Out" and "Songbird." For the most recent selections from Don't Believe the Truth (2005), such as "Lyla" and "The Importance of Being Idle," Zak Starkey took over drums, replacing Alan White and bringing a more dynamic percussion approach to the band's rock-oriented sound. This progression from the founding quartet to a six-piece configuration reflected Oasis' adaptation while maintaining the Gallagher brothers as the creative anchors.

Additional personnel

The tracks on Stop the Clocks draw from Oasis's original studio sessions across their early albums and singles, with additional personnel including producers, engineers, and guest musicians who contributed to those recordings. For the Definitely Maybe selections like "Rock 'n' Roll Star", "Supersonic", "Shakermaker", and "Cigarettes & Alcohol", Owen Morris served as producer and mixer, working alongside engineer Mark Coyle and co-producer Dave Batchelor to shape the album's raw, aggressive sound during sessions at Monnow Valley Studio and Sawmills Studio. Owen Morris returned as the primary producer for (What's the Story) Morning Glory? tracks featured on the compilation, including "", "", and "", overseeing recordings at where he also contributed bass on "". Engineers such as Anjali Dutt and Roy Spong assisted on these sessions, while Mark "Spike" Stent handled mixing for specific elements. Notable guest musicians enhanced several tracks: Paul Weller provided lead guitar on the B-side "Talk Tonight" from the "Some Might Say" single, recorded at Loco Studio, and contributed electric guitar riffs and backing vocals to "Champagne Supernova". Matt Deighton added slide guitar to the B-side "Slide Away", while Mike Rowe played piano on "Don't Look Back in Anger". For the compilation itself, several tracks received additional mixing, including "The Masterplan" (remixed by ) and "Acquiesce" (additional production by Owen Morris). The entire album was remastered by Ian Cooper at Metropolis Mastering.

References

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  6. https://music.apple.com/us/album/stop-the-clocks/1517519727
  7. https://www.discogs.com/master/52317-Oasis-Stop-The-Clocks
  8. http://www.stopcryingyourheartout.co.uk/2006/10/liam-and-noel-interview-from-uncut.html
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  10. https://shop.oasisinet.com/release/456634-oasis-stop-the-clocks
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  12. https://www.oasis-live.net/releases/promodvds
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  19. https://oasis-live.net/releases/promodvds
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  21. https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-peter-blake/articles/peter-blake-iconic-album-cover-designs
  22. https://www.dawsonsauctions.co.uk/news-item/a-guide-to-the-work-of-peter-blake/
  23. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/noel-gallagher-oasis-stop-the-clocks-peter-blake/
  24. https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/simon-halfon-album-artwork-graphic-design-161120
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/13354076-Oasis-Stop-The-Clocks
  26. https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-oasis-8077-306995
  27. https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2006/oct/26/dawningglorywhyoasisshould
  28. http://drownedinsound.com/releases/8726/reviews/1309045-oasis-stop-the-clocks
  29. https://www.nme.com/photos/greatest-best-of-albums-ever-2149067
  30. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14392-time-flies/
  31. http://drownedinsound.com/releases/15443/reviews/4140232
  32. https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2024/09/05/oasis-dominates-the-charts-with-10-albums-following-reunion-tour-reveal/
  33. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/oasis-stop-the-clocks/
  34. https://www.japan-zone.com/news/2006/11/21/oasis-top-the-charts/
  35. https://x.com/billboardcharts/status/1828430572638568489
  36. https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Oasis&titel=Stop+The+Clocks&cat=a
  37. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/9756
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/908768-Oasis-Stop-The-Clocks
  39. https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Clocks-Oasis/dp/B000J4OSRI
  40. https://www.ebay.com/itm/401759911799
  41. https://www.allmusic.com/album/stop-the-clocks-mw0000563897/credits
  42. https://www.discogs.com/master/52262-Oasis-Dont-Believe-The-Truth
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  44. https://www.mojo4music.com/articles/stories/inside-the-making-of-definitely-maybe/
  45. http://www.oasis-recordinginfo.co.uk/?page_id=6
  46. https://musicbrainz.org/release/d4cba698-1145-443b-9c5e-83217f0607b6
  47. http://www.oasis-recordinginfo.co.uk/?page_id=871
  48. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/who-played-guitar-on-champagne-supernova/
  49. https://www.discogs.com/release/1866066-Oasis-Stop-The-Clocks
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