OK COMPUTER

I've always been under the impression that this album is for British people, they seem to appreciate it the most. Every year since 1997, Q have done a best albums vote and Ok computer has always came in at number 1, practically every British media outlet say its the best modern rock album of the 90s. This may be a bit far but it certainly is a great contender. I know that if you look on rate your music website they say its number 1 album of the 90s.

Radiohead are a very unique and very British band, their music reflects British life and generally hosts a great soundtrack to your everlasting misery. Thoms vocals always reflect this brilliantly and they music is gloomy yet melodic and expansive, shining with a beam of hope in an otherwise depressing manor. That's just what life in Britain is really (to my 17 years of experience). It took me so long to build up the courage to tackle reviewing such a monster of an album because of all its praise.

This album is a direct progression from 1995's critically acclaimed, "The Bends". This album takes Radiohead even further into original concept, effects, great guitar based music, awesome lyrics and incredible songwriting altogether. It's a big step up from that album that was so good, this one is like a more mature, advanced bigger brother. Sadly, "OK Computer" is not a progressive rock album, but don't be swayed by all these negative reviews because most people are angry about Radiohead being included in the archives and take it out on their reviews by giving them poor ratings. I am not reviewing this album as a piece of proggressive rock, but as a piece of music, call it alternative rock, indie, britpop, any colour you like. Musically, this album has it all really...

originality... no other bands who are in a similar genre or sound have really managed to outdo this album, nor recreate it.

creativity... very evident in the vast soundscapes which are so multilayered that every time you listen to this album there is something new to hear or gain out of it. I have listen to it about a million times and i am always in musically bliss when i listen to it. The only thing is, i cant find it to be one of those albums that you can listen to on a regular basis, i often save it for special occasions, i am listening to it as i write this review. It feels like some amazing experience, however sad that sounds, for me it's the truth.

longevity... this album really leaves an impression behind, it kind of sums up rock music of the last decade well, its always one of those albums that you are going to want to come back to and every time it can be loved.

emotion... "Ok Computer" breathes with life and emotion, some tracks can make you want to rock (Airbag, Paranoid Android, Electioneering), some tracks will give you a nw spin on what life is really about (Let Down, Fitter Happier, Subterranean Homesick Alien, The Tourist, Karma Police, Lucky) and some tracks will make you want to cry (No Surprises, Exit Music). Every track leaves you gasping with your breath taken away by how amazing they are.

The lyrics are harsh and reflect life passionately, each with their own personal interpretation, something anyone can relate to. Musically this album stretches to all the limits whilst staying inside one basic alternate genre. Some tracks, such as "Paranoid Android", can be seen in the light of prog, as they have very different structures that people really seemed to have warmed to (most stuff like this can be pretty basic).

Best British album of the 90s? A masterpiece of music? the critics aren't lying (this time)!