Radiohead
Ok Computer

THE REVIEW

The Radiohead managed to shake off the uncomfortable label of "one hit wonder" (earned after the success of "Creep", the only truly noteworthy song of the weak debut "Pablo Honey") by releasing a splendid, intense and troubled second album, "The Bends", light years ahead of the previous one. However, it is with the third album, "Ok Computer", that the five guys from Oxford make a decisive leap in quality.

The opening with the seductive "Airbag" is spot on, with its sharp riff like a blade and its particular lyrics (an original thank you to the modern technology of automobiles). The next track is "Paranoid Android", whose structure composed of the alternation of 4/4 and irregular times is inspired by that of "Happiness Is A Warm Gun" by the Beatles. A seven-minute ride at the end of which you are stunned by its splendor. The beautiful "Subterranean Homesick Alien" with its rarefied atmospheres leads us to one of the masterpieces of the album: "Exit Music: For A Film". A true poem, which begins with only the acoustic guitar accompanying Thom Yorke's suffering voice, until the final crescendo, a general explosion of all instruments that takes us to the edge of emotion. The ethereal and delicate beauty of "Let Down" serves as an introduction to the second part of the album, the one with more apocalyptic content and sounds, which begins with the splendid "Karma Police". The next track is the disorienting "Fitter Happier", an ironic critique of the models that the mass media want to impose on us, with Yorke's robotized voice listing the recommendations to be the perfect man. "Electioneering", a song against the false promises of politicians, is what remains of the legacy of the first two albums, with grunge guitars at full volume. The subsequent "Climbing Up The Walls" is the weakest piece of the album, and despite the final crescendo, never gives the idea of heading towards a precise direction. However, with it, the apocalyptic part of the album ends to enter the third part, the final one, composed of a trio of memorable songs and more relaxed atmospheres. "No Surprises" is a wonderful and very sweet lullaby complete with xylophones, but behind its sweetness hides a poignant text. Subsequently, the beautiful "Lucky", and finally, the worthy conclusion with the solemn melody of "The Tourist".

In short, "Ok Computer" is a masterpiece on the brink of perfection, which must be listened to from start to finish without interruptions. A true journey in a monolith of melancholy, alienation, and suffering, which represents one of the greatest artistic testimonies of the end of the 20th century.