“OK Computer” by Radiohead is widely regarded as one of the most influential and groundbreaking albums in the history of alternative rock.
Released in 1997. It’s a blend of rock, electronic elements, and experimental sounds, making it a fascinating subject from an audiophile’s standpoint. Let’s delve into a detailed track-by-track review:
Here’s a detailed review of this iconic album:
Airbag:
Recording Quality:
The track introduces itself with a distinctive, fragmented drum loop. The bass is deep and resonant, while the electric guitar has a sharp, crystalline quality.
Highlights:
Yorke’s vocals are clear and slightly haunting. The electronic elements in the background are layered with precision, ensuring no sound is lost or muddled.
Paranoid Android:
Recording Quality:
This track, with its multiple sections, transitions smoothly between acoustic elements and more distorted, electric sounds. The dynamic range is impressive.
Highlights:
The guitar solos, especially in the latter parts of the song, are sharp and impactful. The choir-like vocals add an eerie ambiance.
Subterranean Homesick Alien:
Recording Quality:
There’s an otherworldly quality to this track, with swirling synthesizers and a floating guitar melody. The recording captures the vastness of the soundscape.
Highlights:
Yorke’s voice, echoing and ethereal, perfectly complements the alien theme of the track.
Exit Music (For a Film):
Recording Quality:
The song starts with a subdued acoustic guitar and Yorke’s intimate vocals. As it progresses, the soundscape expands with the addition of bass and choir-like harmonies.
Highlights:
The emotional crescendo towards the end is captured with clarity, making it one of the standout moments on the album.
Let Down:
Recording Quality:
Multiple guitar lines intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of sound. The percussion is crisp, and the bassline provides depth.
Highlights:
The harmonizing vocals in the chorus are a highlight, offering a sense of melancholy and beauty.
Karma Police:
Recording Quality:
The piano chords are warm and resonant, serving as the foundation for the track. The recording balances the instruments and vocals perfectly.
Highlights:
The transition from the calm verses to the more intense chorus is smooth, and the distorted outro is both haunting and memorable.
Fitter Happier:
Recording Quality:
This experimental track, with its synthesized voice and ambient background sounds, is a sonic collage. The various elements are distinct and clear.
Highlights:
The juxtaposition of the robotic voice with the organic background sounds creates a unique audio experience.
Electioneering:
Recording Quality:
One of the more rock-driven tracks on the album, the electric guitars are gritty, and the drums have a live, raw quality.
Highlights:
The cowbell and other percussive elements add a unique flavor to the track.
Climbing Up the Walls:
Recording Quality:
The track has a dark, brooding quality, with deep bass tones and eerie sound effects. The recording captures the tension and atmosphere effectively.
Highlights:
The string section towards the end adds a layer of intensity and drama.
No Surprises:
Recording Quality:
The glockenspiel’s crystalline notes introduce the track, complemented by the warm tones of the guitar. The recording is intimate and clear.
Highlights:
Yorke’s vocals, melancholic and soft, are beautifully captured, making it a poignant listen.
Lucky:
Recording Quality:
The electric guitars shimmer, and the rhythm section provides a solid foundation. The track has a spacious, atmospheric quality.
Highlights:
The soaring chorus, with its layered guitars and powerful vocals, is a highlight of the album.
The Tourist:
Recording Quality:
The track has a languid pace, with resonant guitars and a steady rhythm section. The recording captures the nuances of each instrument.
Highlights:
Yorke’s pleading vocals in the chorus are emotive and clear, providing a fitting conclusion to the album.
Overall Assessment:
“OK Computer” is a masterclass in experimental rock production. From an audiophile perspective, the album is a journey through varied sonic landscapes, from the raw and gritty to the ethereal and ambient. The production is meticulous, ensuring that every sound, whether it’s a guitar riff, a background synthesizer, or Yorke’s distinctive vocals, is captured with clarity and depth. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, especially on a high-quality sound system or headphones, revealing layers and details with each play.