Radiohead - OK Computer

Radiohead - OK Computer (1997)

Genre: Alternative Rock, Art Rock

I don't think there's anything I can see here that hasn't be said before. This is a legendary album, and one that established Radiohead as one of the biggest innovators in music to come out of the 90's. This album is being reviewed per request. As a reminder, I do not intend for this to be a really in-depth and complex review. I'm just sharing my quick personal thoughts on the album. As for any album review I do, I try to be objective without letting any personal bias get too much in the way of the final grade. 

I know a lot of hardcore fans will defend Kid A with their life, but not only do I think this album is better, but I think it's significance holds more depth than Kid A. This is an album that demonstrated their ability to branch out and create something new and fresh. This is not the experimental frenzy that a lot of their later albums would showcase, but it was a major step towards that. And as much as I love the weird side of this band, I believe this record perfectly meshes together alternative rock with the beautiful sounds of synthesizers and orchestral scores.

Let Down is a gorgeous example of these elements coming together in perfect harmony, which is apparently one of the album's growers to many. This certainly took me by surprise, as I loved this song from the first time I heard it. Similarly, Exit Music (For a Film) is a masterclass in somber tonality, with the orchestration creating a sense of anxiousness and depression. Really though, I could list most of the songs here in relation to mood, as they all work amazingly well in creating an atmosphere that is relevant to its themes. I even love Fitter Happier, which gives off a sense of dread, as a Mac computer recites some words of oppression and propaganda upon the protagonist, or society as a whole. It's more of a poem really, but the subtle piano greatly compliments it.

One can't forget about the three big hits to come out of this record. Karma Police and No Surprises are simply classics. They're a couple of the most well-known tracks in the band's discography. While not as popular as these two, Paranoid Android is in my opinion the band's greatest hit, and not just by popularity's standards, but as many critics have pointed out before, it really is the Bohemian Rhapsody of the 90's. It's such an incredibly progressive song, and it easily ranks among my top ten songs of all time.

I could talk about how great the rest of the songs are, like Electrioneering, with its tasty and hypnotic riffs, and Lucky, which still gives me goosebumps to this day. But, this really is an album that I believe must be experienced by everyone at some point, and simply explaining my love for it doesn't do it justice. Every song is incredibly expressive with its beautiful structures and instrumentation. All songs are equally impactful in their delivery of serious themes that are brought up. This is an intelligent, socially aware and incredibly expressive record. It's easily one of the greatest albums of all time, personally. 

A+

Favorite Tracks: Paranoid Android, Exit Music (For a Film), Let Down, Karma Police, Fitter Happier, Electioneering, No Surprises, Lucky

Least Favorite Track: Climbing Up the Walls (If I had to pick)