OK Computer

OK Computer is one of the most unforgettable musical experiences you can submit yourself to- especially as a casual listener who wants to get something conceptual but easy to listen to, at least in my opinion. An album called "perfect", "classic" and "timeless" by many people, but who’s right...? I think all of those are true, and I’ll explain why.

What Radiohead did here is one of the most perfectly structured and thoughtful, yet entertaining and cinematic experiences I’ve ever had. What makes this album great is how it blends so many aspects of wehat makes an album great. You can enjoy the singles, the whole record, the concept- everything is built to be enjoyed. In my opinion, it’s one of the best ways to deliver an album.

Let’s start with the production-easily one of the strongest aspects of this record. I love how they shifted their sound from "Pablo Honey" and "The Bends". You can feel a different tone right from the start, especially with the single "Paranoid Android": a strange choice to release at the time, but one that aged beautifully, especially in terms of lyrical content. The alternative rock approach works incredibly well here, specially on tracks where Thom Yorke is screaming or delivering with that melodic yet raspy approach, yk?

The tracklist is also excellently crafted- the flow from "Airbag" to "The Tourist" is AMAZING, and I love how the themes directly connect bewteen these two. Even though it’s more of a “collection of stories”, each one has its own point and there’s cohesion between them. That said, I don’t think the second half is as strong as the first, so some might feel the album loses steam towards the end- HOWEVER, it doesn’t really matter. It’s still amazing. The first half, from Airbag to Karma Police, might be one of the best runs of… all time. Like, damn. The explosion of sounds and dynamics- even for a record that doesn’t take TOO many risks, still manages to impress with how perfectly assembled it is.

The highs of this album for me are: Airbag, Paranoid Android, Exit Music (For a Film), Let Down, Karma Police and No Surprises, this last one being maybe the best track on the album. There’s something so beautiful yet unsettling about this track; it's stunning, uncomfortable, and a strange experience that keeps you on edge of your seat as the record closes. My only complain would probably be "Fitter Happier", I don't hate it, it's jsut an interlude, but they could've cut like 40 secs of it.

What else can I say? This feels like the full pack. It might not be the most risk-taking or groundbreaking conceptual piece in music, but its sincerity, honesty, replayability, and overall easy listen make it something I feel has to be appreciated. The themes of isolation, disconnection, fear, and criticism of consumerism are even more relevant today. That, along with its cinematic aesthetics, make this one of the most TIMELESS pieces of art- at least that’s my take 😅😅😅.

This is a beautiful album, perfectly rated.

10/10 💯
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Best track: Airbag

Highlights: Airbag, Paranoid Android, Subterranean Homesick Alien, Exit Music (For a Film), Let Down, Karma Police, Electioneering, Climbing Up the Walls, No Surprises, Lucky, The Tourist

Worst track: Fitter Happier