Deconstructing the Masterpiece: A Track-by-Track Analysis of Radiohead’s “OK Computer”
It’s been over two decades since Radiohead released their third studio album, “OK Computer,” yet the album still reverberates with music lovers across the globe. Acclaimed as a masterpiece of the alternative rock genre, the album set the benchmark for the intersection of technological advancement in music and the human condition. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into a track-by-track analysis of “OK Computer” to explore why this record continues to be a musical milestone.
Track One: “Airbag”
“Airbag” opens “OK Computer” with a distinct and profound sound. The song’s inspiration was formed when Radiohead’s lead singer, Thom Yorke, dreamt he was in a car accident. Yorke’s dream provided the basis for the song’s intense lyrics: “In an interstellar burst, I am back to save the universe.” The song is an ode to the complex relationship between technology and human existence, serving as the perfect launchpad for the introspective and thought-provoking themes that make up the rest of the album.
Track Two: “Paranoid Android”
Perhaps one of Radiohead’s most critically acclaimed songs, “Paranoid Android,” balances a wide range of instrumentals, including hard-rock guitar riffs, syncopated drums, and Thom Yorke’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. The song explores the alienation and anxiety that comes with modern life, such as feeling disconnected from others and the world, as well as the helplessness of dealing with the effects of the rat race. The melancholy song has become synonymous with the era of OK Computer, standing as a message dedicated to those trapped in society’s uncaring machine.
Track Three: “Subterranean Homesick Alien”
In “Subterranean Homesick Alien,” Radiohead takes a step back from their anxiety-inducing, chaotic style and replaces it with a soft, almost ambient sound. The song represents an entirely different emotion from the previous tracks, as it contemplates the idea of alien existence and the nature of human connection. Yorke self-deprecatingly sings, “I’d tell all my friends but they’d never believe me. They’d think that I’d finally lost it completely.” This line showcases the fear of being seen as mad in a society focused on measurable and quantifiable logic, creating a poignant, yet beautiful, ballad about loneliness and the search for meaning.
Track Four: “Exit Music (For a Film)”
“Exit Music (For a Film)” was originally written for the final scene of Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. However, it found a new home on “OK Computer,” stunning listeners with its melancholic guitar riff and Thom Yorke’s unforgettable falsetto. This song builds on the atmosphere of the previous tracks, providing further weight to the core concept of the album- the anxiousness that comes with the development and influence of societal structures.
Track Five: “Let Down”
While all of “OK Computer’s” songs radiate perfection, “Let Down” provides a sense of relatability most people feel in our modern world. The song delves on the pressure one faces from being let down by the systems created around us and the disillusionment that society has instilled in our consciousness. Nevertheless, “Let Down” proves that even with the constant pressure of societal stressors, people can find hope and comfort in one another.
Track Six: “Karma Police”
“Karma Police” began life as an acoustic tune before being reimagined for “OK Computer,” becoming one of Radiohead’s most famous songs. Loaded with vibrant, funky guitars, the song talks about the need for people to fight against an “automated future” while maintaining the current state of humanity. The song has implored many to take action against the automated control of society, ending with their legendary line “This is what you get when you mess with us.”
Track Seven: “No Surprises”
“No Surprises” is a lullaby-esque song about the desire to escape the ranks of society. This song features both a catchy melody and poignant lyrics, describing the grind of working every day to survive the machine’s demands. On the surface, “No Surprises” may seem like a playful tune, but the weight of its message is apparent, becoming a voice for the discontented who wish to be free from the monotony and tedium of modern life.
Track Eight: “Lucky”
“Lucky” was written shortly after Radiohead’s 1996 European tour, preceding the beginning of the recording sessions for “OK Computer.” The song was inspired by the Bosnian War and written in a snappy 6/8 time signature. However, the song’s optimistic attitude continues the album’s themes of rebellion against society’s pressures, urging listeners that even in the darkest of times, hope remains.
Track Nine: “The Tourist”
Closing out “OK Computer” is “The Tourist,” a song about consumerist culture’s disillusionments and an ode to getting away from the mind-numbing routine of modern life. Yorke’s lyrics about being a tourist in one’s life and failing to see the bigger picture serve as a reminder of the dangers of losing the purpose in the race. The song concludes the album by bringing all the themes touched upon in the previous tracks together- a fitting end to Radiohead’s masterpiece.
In conclusion, “OK Computer” remains one of the most iconic albums of the 1990s. With deep and probing lyrics, rich and diverse instrumentals, and an overall emphasis on humanity’s struggle in the changing face of technological advancement, “OK Computer” looks at the anxiousness and lack of cohesion prevalent in modern society. As the world continues to flux and develop, “OK Computer’s” themes of alienation, anxieties, and the importance of hope remain just as relevant as ever.
