OK Computer
by Radiohead

Maybe it's just me, but this albums became all the less impressive over years once you really dive deep into the roots from which it sounds stems. Surely even then in 1997, after ~ 30 years of Tim Buckley, Faust, Can, U2, The Smiths, Cul de Sac, Slint, Bjork, Robert Wyatt, Talk Talk early Pink Floyd, Current 93 etc., a sound of this caliber doesn't really jump off as anything outstanding?

Of course, it isn't only the timbre/sound, as emotionally it doesn't really stick with me either once you look past the faux avant garde/psychedelic effects it boasts to insist on its 'artsiness' . Thom Yorke, to me, always sounded like a man whose idea of soul is a yuppie high middle class college. I suppose the issue is that there was never really enough spark, zest or joy for life in their sound, at least not really enough for my own liking. Mostly a very limp wristed approach with a lot of bells and whistles. Subterranean, Let Down, Karma Police and Climbing Up The Walls always stood out more for me than the rest of the songs, which I can live without, as those songs show that they are at their best when they are a sophisticated Brit Pop band, which they really always were. Best rock album of the 90s? Wouldn't put it in the top 50 even. And of all time? I just don't hear it. Hell, not even the best Radiohead album in my opinion, The Bends is a much more honest attempt at this type of artsy Poppy Alt Rock. In the end, not a bad album per say, has enough good catchy songs and and okay atmosphere to enjoy in the background, but the aura and general hype around it will make you think they discovered a way to turn air into solid gold.

The best album of the 90's. This albums existence echoes on countless albums after it. (Edited)

One of my favourite albums of all time, possibly my number one. Radiohead's best album period. Every song start to finish speaks to me, the sound is provoking, the melody is so great and the social commentary makes this perfect. (Edited)

Kind of surprised to see this at #1 but it is a very special album. So many strong tracks and a great flow. Captures the band at their peak with so much creative juice flowing. Love how they move towards a more experimental electronic sound but keep the guitars at the core. Some real brilliant standalone tracks too. (Edited)

it's good but kid-a is surely the best radiohead album. but you know, i think wish you were here is the best pink floyd album, so what do i know. (Edited)

From Strangel 02/04/2026 05:29 | #312989

That’s a terrible take on a much loved, highly revered album. Shame on you Captain Plain! Not only are you denigrating a masterpiece by concensus, but you’re also implicating the admirers as being unfit for music appreciation. Crawl back into your insular world of self-proclaimed all-knowingness and leave the critiquing to those with real insight.

Pure rage bait. (Edited)

From CaptainPain 02/04/2026 02:04 | #312986

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Zonde van die interlude (Edited)

Shortlisted for album of the year at the 1997 Mercury Music Prize. The winner was New Forms by Roni Size & Reprezent. This album would have got my vote (Edited)

From szoze 12/22/2025 21:12 | #312257

I have been listening to this record for 27 years now and it still smashes me every time I hear it. Stunning, and it is not even my favorite Radiohead record. (Edited)