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As suggested by this line from the album's opener, "Airbag," this album is one of many turning points in the career of Radiohead. With this album, the band truly began incorporating the progressive elements to their sound, causing it to form the style which today, can be considered one of the finest in modern progressive rock. The only thing is, they still have a way to go. The songwriting is near perfect, but a little too inconsitant as far as the progressive quality.

It is evident that this album is a cornerstone of the nineties, a gem in times where bubblegum pop was bubbling up. This album does not follow the trend and the result was a breathtaking release with moments of somber hauntingness and epic achievement. This is shown best in the second track, "Paranoid Android" which is, in my opinion, the best prog song of the nineties. The first "section" is carried by an amazing guitar riff and is borderline alternative, but by the end, it develops in to a brooding yet energetic track.

I think the instruments are very well done on this. This album has to be the finest hour of their guitarists, because after this they fade in to the background. I find the lyrics to be poingant. The album explores values of modern society such as paranoia, uselessness, and depression. The album art is stellar as well. It challenges modern obsession with success and transportation. It makes a statement with or without the music as a perfect accompanyment.

All right, the others might have established that this is not the most progressive effort of all time, but it does not deduct from its stellar quality. There is no real weak track on the album. It's true that songs like "Subterranean Homesick Alien" and "Electioneering" are not prog songs, but the whole album is very progressive in spirit. Many of the songs are driven by Thom Yorke's amazing and unique vocals. For example, "Exit Music (For a Film)" is one where it starts mainly with acoustic guitar and vocals and leads to a whole granoise production of beauty. "No Surprises" is stunning similarly, a beautiful prodution surrounding Yorke's melancholy vocals. Other songs like "Climbing Up the Walls" "The Tourist" and "Lucky" show that the effect that the vocals have on the despondent mood of the record can be accomplished to great heights with a fusion of the vocals and the instruments, the results being some unforgettable prog classics. "Let Down" and the epic opener "Airbag" show the less dreary side of the band. Encompassing the status of Radiohead at time, these two songs are excellently crafted alternative rock with a distinct progressive edge.

This album is so borderline as far as its status whether or not it is progressive rock. Personally I think it is, but I can see people's arguments for the other side, so I can't really give it 5 stars. Hopefully people can look past the labels so they don't miss out on what an amazing album this is with its profound effect on the band, the era, and music to come.

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