Radiohead

O.K. Computer - 1997

Advances in technology have created a cold, unfriendly, depersonalised environment. OK Computer features thoughtful and

subversive lyrics about modern day society.

A multitude of sounds have been used to create OK Computer. A somewhat change in style still provides the album with a

heavy guitar sound but not as much as on their previous Radiohead albums. The album is very well conceived and complex, it

could easily be described as progressive or art rock.

"Exit Music (For a Film)" features a haunting melody, with deaf backing through most of the song. The unearthly sound of a

Mellotron choir adds greatly to the ominous atmosphere. The song was written for the movie movie Romeo and Juliet by Baz

Luhrmann, later to be added into the music score for the film Unfaithful.

"Fitter, Happier" is the album's theme piece. It captures the esense of the album, and give the impresion of

dehumanisation through the use of a synthesized computer voice to recite the lyrics. Unlike the rest of the album, it is even

possible to understand most of the lyrics.

"Electioneering" is probably the most aggressive track of the album, the words launch a powerful attack on politicians and

globalisation.

"Climbing up the Walls" and "No Surprises" work well together. "Climbing up the Walls" is a deeply disturbing song which

evokes fear, paranoia and distress. "No Surprises" offers relief by retreating to a quiet, predictable life. The song uses a

gentle chiming background sound reminiscent of a child's musical box.

OK Computer ends with the smooth sound of "The Tourist" in a slow waltz time. This song forms a link back to the opening

track, "Airbag", which refers to crashing in a fast German car. The modern corporate world says it's okay to drive in life's

fast lane because an airbag will protect you if you crash. "The Tourist" warns you to slow down rather than relying on an

airbag to save you.

Radiohead may deny that OK Computer is a concept album, but the songs flow very beautifully from one to ano giving the

impresion of just one track and most of them hold a symbol to be uncovered. The lyrics paint a pessimistic picture but

release an important message that deserves to be heard.