Radiohead’s third album, “OK Computer,” was released on June 16, 1997. While it wasn’t an immediate success, the album has since been recognized as one of the most influential albums of all time. Here’s why.
The album’s themes and lyrics are hauntingly relevant even 24 years later. The album addresses a world that’s been taken over by technology, capitalism, and globalism, with tracks such as “Airbag,” “Subterranean Homesick Alien,” and “Electioneering.” “Airbag” deals with the chaos of modern life and how technology can both save and destroy us, while “Electioneering” deals with how political campaigns can be reduced to nothing more than meaningless slogans.
The album also features experimental production techniques. From the distorted guitar sounds on “Karma Police” to the looped samples on “Palo Alto,” the album’s sonics were groundbreaking at the time and have since been emulated by countless artists.
But perhaps the most influential aspect of “OK Computer” is its use of unconventional song structures. The album is full of long, sprawling tracks that often feature unexpected changes in tempo and dynamics. This allows the album to take the listener on a journey, rather than simply being a collection of songs.
As Thom Yorke, the band’s lead vocalist, explained in an interview with BBC Radio 1: “What we really wanted to do was make a journey, and so people could listen to the whole record and go on kind of a rollercoaster ride.”
Finally, the impact of “OK Computer” can be seen in the way that it’s influenced countless artists since its release. From Radiohead’s own later works to bands like Arcade Fire, Muse, and Alt-J, the legacy of “OK Computer” can be heard in some of the most innovative music being made today.
In conclusion, Radiohead’s “OK Computer” is a timeless album that continues to influence music to this day. Whether it’s the album’s themes, production techniques, or unconventional song structures, there’s no denying the impact that this album has had on the music world.
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