Radiohead is undeniably one of the most influential bands with nine studio albums, and multiple world tours. With every album, each is uniquely different from other albums. The largest question of the matter would be which one is the most influential and sounds the best.
Number 3: The Bends
In the Bends, in 1995, was Radiohead’s second album to be released. This album cemented Radiohead from a “one hit wonder” to a distinguished band. “The Bends remains a set text for every young guitar band,” states Mojo, a popular music ranking site. This album features songs like “Just” and “My Iron Lung” which added a new angst feel that was not featured in their previous album Pablo Honey. These reasons previously listed cemented this album into third place.
Featured songs: “Just”, “High and Dry”, and “Black Star”
Number 2: OK Computer
OK Computer released in 1997 showed their ability to pluck peerlessly moving melodies out of the ether seemed to peak with “Let Down”, “No Surprises” and “Lucky”. “The impact of the album saw it heralded by music critics as the best ever made within a year of its release, with its creators lauded as the most important band since The Beatles,” said popular ranking website Louder.
Featured songs: “No Surprises”, “Lucky”, and “Paranoid Android”
Number 1: In Rainbows
Radiohead’s album “In Rainbows” was released in 2007. This album stands out for its innovative “pay-what-you-want” release model, challenging traditional industry norms and engaging directly with fans. Beyond its groundbreaking distribution method, the album’s rich sonic landscape and emotionally resonant lyrics create a captivating listening experience that continues to inspire and influence music creators and listeners alike.
Featured songs: “Jigsaw Falling Into Place”, “Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi”, and “House of Cards”
Honorable mentions: Kid A, an album that saw initial draw back, and now is one of the most divisive albums among Radiohead fans with Louder stating “A record that surprised, confused and actually outraged many fans upon its release, today Kid A is rightly lauded as one of the most important and essential albums of our time.”
