One of the greatest albums of all time. Review on OK Computer - Radiohead

Well, I'd love to give a completely original, controversial opinion on this album, disagreeing with the majority. Unfortunately, I'm just going to say what virtually every review has said on this album - it is fantastic. The pretence that was really starting to show itself in the alternative rock genre at this time clearly had no effect on Radiohead - the album is quite obviously a conveyance of a whole range of ideas and emotions.

Style

Radiohead's previous album to this, The Bends, was a mind blowing classic, loved by millions across the world, hailed as 'intelligent music'. It was difficult to believe that this would be succeeded by an equally, possibly even greater classic. The music still contains similar qualities to those of The Bends, taking and improving on some of the experimental sound effects used on the album.

OK Computer has, and in fact is a completely unique style of its own. To place it in any existing genre undermines the originality of the album. However, there are traits similar to those of The Doors, Jim Morrison always having been a major inspiration and role model for Thom Yorke.

Lyrics

I'm sure there is endless meaning to this album, although to elaborate on this would be to guess - as with all Radiohead music, lyrics could be interpreted in any number of ways. Some of the best lyrics on the album are those of Paranoid Android, my favourite of which being the opening two lines:

Please could you stop the noise I'm trying to get some rest?

From all the unborn chicken voices in my head?

(Is Yorke talking about the amount of eggs he has eaten?!)

Vocals

Thom Yorke's vocals are, and have always been, an acquired taste, not conforming to those of today's 'recognized' qualities. They are indeed unique, suiting the music superbly. Yorke's use of falsetto is phenomenal yet not over-used. His vocal range as a whole is superb ranging from lower-tone tracks like exit music (for a film) and Lucky, to very high-tone tracks such as Paranoid Android and No Surprises. He appears to be able to switch from one end of the vocal scale to the other with remarkable ease.

Overall

It seems to be a common thing that people find music like Radiohead's depressing. Admittedly the music does have many pessimistic qualities, but to me this is the music that actually uplifts me. In fact, I find the more mainstream music more depressing than I do Radiohead.

If you are not familiar with Radiohead, I strongly recommend you buy this album. If you like Radiohead but have not got this album, buy it now. To new Radiohead listeners, the music does take some time to get used to. You need to get to know the music and understand the style. It is not music for everyone but definitely worth a try.