Track by Track Review of "OK Computer" by Radiohead

1. Airbag

"Airbag" kicks off the album with a sense of urgency and rebirth. The complex drum patterns, layered guitar riffs, and Thom Yorke’s ethereal vocals set the stage for the album's themes of alienation and modern anxiety. The song’s exploration of a near-death experience and the subsequent appreciation for life is a powerful opener.

2. Paranoid Android

Often compared to a mini rock opera, "Paranoid Android" is a multi-part epic that showcases the band's range and ambition. The song transitions through several distinct sections, from eerie and melancholic to chaotic and intense, reflecting a deep sense of disillusionment and societal critique.

3. Subterranean Homesick Alien

With its dreamy soundscapes and introspective lyrics, "Subterranean Homesick Alien" evokes a sense of alienation and yearning for escape. The jazzy guitar lines and atmospheric production create a floating sensation, mirroring the protagonist's wish to be taken away by aliens.

4. Exit Music (For a Film)

This haunting ballad, originally written for the film "Romeo + Juliet," builds from a sparse acoustic beginning to a powerful, climactic finish. The lyrics convey a sense of escape and defiance, perfectly capturing the emotional intensity of a doomed love affair.

5. Let Down

"Let Down" is a highlight of the album, featuring intricate guitar work and layered instrumentation. The song captures the feeling of disillusionment and emotional numbness in the face of modern life, with Yorke’s vocals delivering a poignant sense of melancholy and resignation.

6. Karma Police

One of the album's most well-known tracks, "Karma Police" blends a catchy piano melody with dark, introspective lyrics. The song’s themes of retribution and moral judgment resonate deeply, and the climactic build-up in the second half is both haunting and powerful.

7. Fitter Happier

An experimental interlude, "Fitter Happier" features a robotic voice listing societal expectations and superficial goals. The track serves as a critique of consumerism and the dehumanizing effects of modern life, providing a stark contrast to the more melodic songs on the album.

8. Electioneering

With its driving rhythm and aggressive guitar riffs, "Electioneering" stands out as one of the more straightforward rock songs on the album. The lyrics take a critical look at political and corporate manipulation, adding to the album's overarching themes of distrust and skepticism.

9. Climbing Up the Walls

This track delves into darker, more sinister territory with its menacing atmosphere and unsettling lyrics. The dense, claustrophobic production and Yorke’s chilling vocals create a sense of impending doom, reflecting the internal struggles and fears of the human psyche.

10. No Surprises

"No Surprises" contrasts its upbeat, lullaby-like melody with bleak lyrics about the monotony and despair of modern life. The juxtaposition of cheerful instrumentation and dark themes makes it one of the album's most affecting and memorable songs.

11. Lucky

"Lucky" offers a moment of hope and redemption amidst the album’s pervasive gloom. The soaring chorus and uplifting guitar lines convey a sense of salvation and resilience, providing a powerful emotional counterbalance.

12. The Tourist

Closing the album, "The Tourist" is a slower, more contemplative track that urges the listener to slow down and reflect. The gentle guitar and subdued vocals create a sense of calm and introspection, bringing the album to a thought-provoking conclusion.

"OK Computer" remains a landmark in Radiohead's discography and in the broader landscape of alternative rock, with its innovative sound and profound lyrical themes. Each track contributes to the album's cohesive exploration of the human condition in the modern world.