Radiohead, O.K Computer Review

Overall Rating

Airbag, Paranoid Android, Exit Music, Karma Police,No Surprises, The Tourist, Electioneering

Let Down

The Pink Floyd of the ninties, Radiohead, had done it. After the hit single "Creep" then the sophomore slump "The Bends", Radiohead was labled a one-hit wonder. Then they pulled together a concept album like none since Pink Floyd's "The Wall". This earned them some knock-off bands (Keane, Coldplay) and some respect. After "OK Computer", people waited for Radiohead albums like children the night before christmas. They became experimentalists and pioneers of a new breed of alt-indie rock. All because of this album.

A concept album about the perils of technology, dehumanization of people and alienation from the world, Radiohead, in a not too angry way, addressed a lot of world problems. Lyricly, they are very sarcastic and sometimes pessimistic, but 10 years on every point the album makes is more and more true. Musicly, the electronic bleeps are outdated and Thom Yorke was beginning to let loose his whiny, high-pitched voice which would later dominate all Radiohead songs. The only one-song masterpiece is "Karma Police". With it's Pixies-esque music and excellent lyrics, it is a standout track in an excellent album. For a minute there, I lost myself. Let Down was a let down, with an annoyingly repetitive tune, but Paranoid Android and Exit Music are excellent songs. The Tourist is also a good song, but not best utilized as an album closer. In the end, you are horrified at the modern world without listening to someone directly bash the political system. Even when confronting politics (Electioneering), they prove to be too smart for angry "Overthrow the system" punk rock. Love the album.