OK Computer Radiohead

Radiohead's finest moment. OK Computer catches the band during their transitioning from rock to the more experimental nature of recent years. OK Computer is an album of organic instruments being invaded by the cold electronic sounds of the new millennium. This is appropriate for the album's theme: Isolation via Technology. Even today, OK Computer is still relevant in the wake of Social Media and the decreased emphasis on human interaction in a world ruled by massive companies.

"Airbag" starts with looped drums and dub styled bass lines adorned shimmering guitars drenched in reverb, which segues into the Sci-Fi epic "Paranoid Android", that starts out as a most acoustic song (backed by the rest of the band) before being invaded by Sci-fi organ and robotic voices buried under the mix. "Subterranean Homesick Alien" is pure alone-in-the-night psychedelia with lyrics detailing an outsider's interpretation of human culture, and both "Let Down" and "No Surprises" convey's a feeling akin to being trapped at a dead end job helpless and alone for years, while the beautifully dramatic "Exit Music (For A Film)" rises and explodes in a moment of wondrous catharsis.

"Karma Police" swoons, its majestic instruments marching forth, only to be consumed by the squealing of otherworldly guitar at the end, "Fitter Happier" is a sinister piece featuring a rambling text to speech program accompanied by equally depressing piano and other sounds; its almost as if it's attempting to brainwash the listener. "Electroneering" starts with a death rattle before surging forward and is followed by the wilting yet theatrical "Climbing Up The Walls" complete with an Ennio Morricone finale. "Lucky" rumbles slowly before erupting into its grand twisting choruses, and "The Tourist" shambles defeated (or exhausted) before ending on a single bell.

OK Computer bridges the gap between Electronic music and rock music, and responsible for the careers of various modern artists such as Coldplay and Muse. It's not a concept album in that it has a story; rather it instead touches on the ideas of dehumanization of people in the 21st Century as technology (Case in point if you are reading this) takes a greater role in our lives, for better or worse, showing techno-phobia while simultaneously embracing it for the new age. Absolutely recommended.

Track Picks: "Airbag", "Paranoid Android", "Exit Music (For A Film)", "Karma Police", "Lucky"

OK Computer is a modern alternative rock masterpiece with an influence that can be traced to countless of bands emerging at the turn of the century. Coldplay, Muse and most notably Grandaddy’s The Sophtware Slump all resemble the album's textured instrumentation and heartrending harmonies. Here, Radiohead willingly distance themselves from the guitar rock of The Bends, venturing into more experimental territory with a dense resonance that is much indebted to progressive rock. Jonny Greenwood's keyboards continually drift alongside his own angular guitar leads. Meanwhile, Thom Yorke’s intertwining wailing falsetto and snarling screams are first takes that powerfully transmit profound and pensive lyrics, drawing themes from science fiction and dystopian literature. The music, album title and bleached artwork all channel feelings of alienation and despair provoked by technological frustration, social distress and political malaise. Though not designed as a concept album, the songs feel cohesive and seamlessly feed into one another.

Radiohead’s third album opens with “Airbag”, a hard-hitting song that instantly stands out for its tense guitar riffs and a programmed electronic drum beat reminiscent of DJ Shadow. The sinister lyrics deal with the resurrection one experiences after avoiding a fatal accident. "Paranoid Android” ravishes electric and acoustic guitar riffs with spacey keyboards, syncopated time signatures and ever-shifting dynamics. The track is named after a character in Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” novels. Yorke’s cathartic vocals carry abstract lyrics conveying insanity and isolation. “Subterranean Homesick Alien” fantasises about extra-terrestrial abduction and alludes to Dylan in its title, while “Exit Music (For a Film)" is a gloomy song that evokes a romantic escape. Up next, "Let Down” deals with Gen-X angst and has a multilayered electric piano and arpeggiated guitars. "Karma Police” kicks off with pouncing piano chords accompanied by a mellow acoustic guitar, addressing stress and capitalism.

Backed by a collage of eerie studio effects, "Fitter Happier” introduces a mechanical voice that brainwashes the listener with an anaemic dictation of the materialistic values inherent in western culture. Though the passage is at first striking, after repeated listens it markedly breaks up the flow of the record. “Electioneering” is a heavy, rock-oriented track, while “Climbing Up the Walls” features a prominent string section, ambient noise and metallic-sounding percussion. “No Surprises” offers delicate glockenspiel motifs and was impressively recorded in a single take. Following the swerving arena rock of “Lucky”, “The Tourist” ends the trip on a slow but self-reflective note. OK Computer is an earth-shattering and emotionally direct album unveiling awestruck feelings of displacement and loss of identity that anticipate 21st century social trends.

Ok Computer is considered by many to be their favorite Radiohead album. I would be lying if I said I was not one of them. The Electronic-Alt Rock blend is used to the fullest effect, and no time on the album is wasted. From the hardhitting openning riff of Airbag to the last chiming bell of The Tourist, every song belongs.

"Paranoid Android" stands out among them because of its structure. It is something akin to The Beatles or Queen. The tempo and mood of the song can change in an instant, going from anger to melencholy with the strum of a guitar. "Karma Police" is strongly built. Thom's voce compliments the soft piano and guitar riffs. "Exit Music (From a Film)" doesn't hold back at all, creating an atmospheric and extremely sorrowful sound that rivals Street Spirit.

All in all, the album is fantastic; I am not the first nor the last to say this. It brings out Radiohead's talent for crafting extremely meaningful songs that will never grow old. The album is deserving of 5 stars.

The greatest album of all time? Plenty of polls suggest that, with Radiohead’s third set of songs frequently vying for that almighty accolade. There is, underneath the blanket praise, music too; a perfect (1997) statement of pre-millennial angst that sees the singer Thom Yorke being awkward about everything, from trains to politics. "Karma Police" is the band’s last great catchy pop tune, but it’s lesser known tracks like "Let Down" that still offer the surprises. So pretty, so sad, so Radiohead.

Truly one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded. This is adventurous art of the highest order. Buy this LP.

Ok Computer is Radiohead's greatest album and one of the best ever made. This record has always been ahead of its time and I believe that it can perfectly adapt itself to any era, sounding as original and fresh as ever; a timeless and transcendent masterpiece.

It's hard to compare this album to anything else, because there isn't anything else like it. This was a redefining moment for rock music, that paved the way for many new artists. Most of the music nowadays sounds like it's been generated/created with technology, but the technology and electronics used on this album enhances the music, without it controlling it. Even the title is something 'advanced for its time'. They practically predicted what our world would look like in years time, with all the advancements in technology happening. "OK Computer", kinda sounds like the computer is commanding us to do something.

Track picks: every one of them

This is one of the albums that mixed Alternative Rock with Prog Rock! I loved it!

Every track is brilliant, and save for the aberration Fitter Happier the album's completely devoid of filler. Radiohead made it abundantly clear on this album; they were capable of making serious artistic statements, and could engage in experimentation without sacrificing catchiness or melody. Every subsequent album was merely a reiteration of that fact, as they descended deeper and deeper into the realm of the avant garde, never losing their way.

Never enough of O.K.Computer. Airbag, Paranoid Android, Karma Police, Let Down, Exit Music (For a Film) etc... In my top 10 of all time!