


OK Computer was a game-changer for Radiohead and paved the way for their subsequent albums. This was the start of Godrich becoming the Radiohead producer.Īll of these factors combined to create an album that was unlike anything else that had been released at the time. This gave the album a unique sound that had never been heard before. Lastly, the album recording was revolutionary and completed at at multiple studios around the world. The rise of digital music had made it easier for people to pirate music, and CD sales were declining. The result was a quality album from start to finish that rivals classic albums from bands such as The Beatles and Pink Floyd.įinally, the album was released at a time when the music industry was in flux. With tracks like “Paranoid Android” and “Subterranean Homesick Alien”, along with several other tracks listenors were in for surprises Radiohead was able to explore these new themes in a more abstract and poetic prog way vs earlier guitar rock fun. This new music was a departure from the more personal lyrics of their previous albums. Secondly, the lyrics are more introspective and deal with themes of alienation, anxiety, and existentialism. OK Computer was more experimental and incorporated elements of electronica, which was a new sound for the band.
OK COMPUTER RADIOHEAD TIMELESS FULL
I will cover just a few although Radiohead superfans could easily go track by track detailing each surprise along the way to create a full article around why the material is so special.įirstly, it was a departure from their previous two albums, which were more guitar-driven. There are a few things to consider when asking what makes OK Computer so special. This change in sound was due in part to the influence of producer Nigel Godrich, who would go on to produce all of Radiohead’s subsequent albums.

The album featured more use of synthesisers and keyboards, and incorporated a greater use of sampling. OK Computer was a departure from Radiohead’s previous work, which was more guitar-driven. Background of OK Computer and Departure from Guitar Rock All of these albums have been met with critical acclaim and have cemented Radiohead’s place as one of the most influential rock bands of our time. Since then, Radiohead has released four more studio albums: Hail to the Thief (2003), In Rainbows (2007), The King of Limbs (2011), and A Moon Shaped Pool (2016). In 2021, the albums were treated with a deluxe release named Kid A Mnesia, which included both albums along with outtakes. These two albums further cemented Radiohead as one of the most innovative and exciting bands of the 21st century. Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) were released in quick succession and are often referred to as a “double album”. Since the album’s release, it has won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album and was nominated for Album of the Year. OK Computer (1997) was their third album and is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time. The second album saw the band experimenting with different sounds and song structures which would become their signature sound. They followed up the more radio friendly rock album Pablo Honey with The Bends (1995) which was nominated for the Mercury Prize. The success of the lead single “Creep” made them rock stars and one of the most popular Alternative rock bands at the time. The band rose to fame in the early 1990s with their debut album Pablo Honey (1993). The band consists of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments), Colin Greenwood (bass), Phil Selway (drums), and Ed O’Brien (guitar, backing vocals). Radiohead is an English rock band that formed in 1985 in Oxfordshire, England. If you are not familiar with Radiohead, buckle in as this is going to be a long and exciting ride. Today, we look back and do a Radiohead OK Computer review of this classic album and how it has influenced musicians over the past two decades. The album was released on and changed the landscape of rock music. Radiohead’s OK Computer is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from in addition to other online retailers.
