description Radiohead - OK Computer Overview
OK Computer (1997) captured the anxieties of the late 90s with its themes of technology, alienation, and consumerism. Radioheads blend of alternative rock, electronic music, and art-rock created a sound that was both innovative and deeply resonant. The albums complex arrangements, Thom Yorkes haunting vocals, and its overall sense of unease have made it a modern classic and a touchstone for alternative music.
info Radiohead - OK Computer Specifications
| Artist | Radiohead |
| Producers | Nigel Godrich, Radiohead |
| Album Title | OK Computer |
| Track Count | 12 |
| Record Label | Parlophone/Capitol |
| Release Date | June 1997 |
| Uk Chart Peak | 1 |
| Certifications | Platinum (UK), Gold (US) |
| Primary Genres | Alternative Rock, Art Rock, Electronic |
| Total Duration | 53 minutes 16 seconds |
| Formats Available | CD, Vinyl, Cassette, Digital Streaming, High-Resolution Audio |
| Us Billboard 200 Peak | 21 |
balance Radiohead - OK Computer Pros & Cons
- Innovative fusion of alternative rock, electronic, and art-rock that was groundbreaking for 1997 and still sounds fresh today
- Complex, layered arrangements with multiple instrumental textures and dynamic shifts within each track
- Prescient themes exploring technology anxiety, alienation, and consumerism that resonate deeply in the digital age
- Thom Yorke's emotionally powerful and distinctive vocal delivery throughout the 12-track collection
- Landmark production by Nigel Godrich that set a new standard for album craftsmanship
- Enduring cultural influence with consistent appearance on 'greatest albums of all time' lists
- Dense and demanding listening experience that requires active attention, not ideal for background music
- Dark, melancholic tone may feel oppressive or inaccessible during casual listening sessions
- Some experimental passages and longer track lengths (e.g., 'Lucky' at 4:19, 'The Tourist' at 5:24) test listener patience
- Production and sonic palette, while influential, carries distinctly 90s electronic textures that some find dated
- Not a commercially straightforward albumlacks radio-friendly singles that might alienate casual fans
help Radiohead - OK Computer FAQ
What year was OK Computer released and what was its chart performance?
OK Computer was released in June 1997 by Parlophone and Capitol Records. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and reached number 21 on the US Billboard 200, eventually achieving platinum certification in the UK and gold in the US.
What are the standout tracks on OK Computer?
The most acclaimed tracks include 'Paranoid Android' (notable for its multi-sectional structure), 'Karma Police' (known for its haunting piano refrain), 'No Surprises' (with its soothing lullaby melody), and 'Lucky' (praised for its emotional intensity and guitar work).
How does OK Computer relate to Radiohead's other albums?
OK Computer marked Radiohead's transition from grunge-influenced rock (Pablo Honey) toward experimental and electronic territory. It serves as a bridge to their later, more avant-garde works like Kid A and Amnesiac, while remaining more guitar-centric than those subsequent releases.
What awards and critical recognition has OK Computer received?
OK Computer was nominated for the Mercury Prize and multiple Grammy Awards. It has consistently ranked on 'greatest albums of all time' lists, appearing in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums list and frequently cited by critics as one of the defining albums of the 1990s.
Is OK Computer suitable for listeners new to Radiohead?
OK Computer is often recommended as the starting point for new Radiohead listeners due to its accessibility within their catalog. While challenging, it offers more traditional song structures than their later experimental work, making it an ideal introduction to the band's artistic vision.
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What are the key specifications of Radiohead - OK Computer?
- Artist: Radiohead
- Producers: Nigel Godrich, Radiohead
- Album Title: OK Computer
- Track Count: 12
- Record Label: Parlophone/Capitol
- Release Date: June 1997
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