Pablo Honey

Just because this isn't OK COMPUTER doesn't mean that it's mid, it means that it's just ok

Pablo Honey is the debut album from British rock band Radiohead, released in 1993. The album contains 12 tracks and has a runtime of just under 43 minutes. Although it received mixed reviews upon release, Pablo Honey would ultimately become a significant piece of music history and an important milestone for Radiohead.

The album's opening track, "You", sets the tone for what's to come. It's a high-energy rock song with a catchy riff that hooks the listener from the start. The next track, "Creep", would go on to become one of Radiohead's most iconic songs, with its powerful chorus and emotive lyrics. Despite the band's ambivalence towards it, "Creep" was a massive hit, peaking at number seven on the UK Singles Chart and reaching the top 40 in the US.

From there, the album veers in different directions, showcasing the band's versatility. "How Do You?" is a slower, more introspective track, while "Stop Whispering" is an upbeat song with an infectious melody. "Anyone Can Play Guitar" is another standout track, with its driving rhythm and sing-along chorus.

However, not all the tracks on Pablo Honey are winners. "Ripcord" and "Vegetable" feel like filler, lacking the depth and creativity that make the album's stronger tracks so memorable. And while "Lurgee" has a catchy melody, its lyrics feel a bit too simplistic and underdeveloped.

One of the most striking things about Pablo Honey is the quality of Thom Yorke's vocals. His voice is powerful, and he's able to convey a wide range of emotions, from anger and frustration to vulnerability and longing. His lyrics, too, are often deeply personal and introspective, touching on themes of alienation, self-doubt, and the struggle to find meaning in life.

Another notable aspect of the album is the guitar work, which is often intricate and inventive. Jonny Greenwood's guitar playing in particular stands out, adding depth and texture to many of the tracks. The band's rhythm section is also tight and precise, with Colin Greenwood's bass and Phil Selway's drums providing a solid foundation for the music. Despite its flaws, Pablo Honey is a strong debut album that showcases the band's potential. It's not as ambitious or experimental as some of Radiohead's later work, but it's still an important piece of music history. It's the sound of a young band finding their feet, testing their limits, and discovering their own unique voice. In hindsight, it's clear that Pablo Honey was just the beginning of Radiohead's journey. The band would go on to release several groundbreaking albums, including OK Computer, Kid A, and In Rainbows, which would cement their status as one of the most influential and innovative bands of all time. But even without the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that although Pablo Honey is an album not worth revisiting, it still is an ok album with redeemable qualities. Its mix of raw energy, emotional depth, and musical skill make it a compelling listen, and a reminder of the early days of one of the most important bands of the last few decades.

Ok now I watch march madness whilst I descend into madness