Released in 1997, O.K. Computer remains one of the most significant albums ever produced, a landmark in alternative rock and Radiohead’s signature studio album. A post-modernist manifestation and prescient insight (and somewhat dystopian view) of the 21^st Century, O.K. Computer captures themes of social alienation, emotional isolation and digital paranoia, from the abstract lyrics of Thom Yorke. This was a departure from their previous work during the height of the Britpop movement with The Bends (1995) and their grunge-influenced debut album Pablo Honey (1993), to more experimental and versatile production.

This will be my analysis on the track-listing of the album in relation to their sentiments and lyrical content:

 

Airbag

 

“In the next world war

In a jack knifed juggernaut

I am born again”

 

Accompanied by ringing sleigh bells and the opening guitar riff, ‘Airbag’ is a  introduction track that gives us a fragment of the album’s premise, with Yorke’s lyrics detailing the protagonist’s life-changing near death experience in a car crash, but saved by an airbag. This tells us how technology influences us in modern society. The airbag saved his life, but it’s his car that almost led him to his death.

 

“This Fast German Car

I’m amazed that I survived

An airbag saved my life”