Classical Composer reacts to RADIOHEAD: OK Computer | first time listen to the album's last 6 songs 

"A heart that's full up like a landfill A job that slowly kills you Bruises that won't heal" Doug: "Lovely"

Radiohead is one of those bands who the more you listen to them the better they sound.

This album is simply a masterpiece....

I will say this every time about OK Computer: because of just how well it was composed, recorded, and mastered, it still sounds as urgent and as relevant today as it did when released. It sounds like it could have been recorded just yesterday. And this makes it one of, if not the, greatest albums of all time.

I've always thought that "No Surprises" is Radiohead's saddest song in their whole catalogue. There's a lot of pain hidden behind that major key and that pretty arrangement, and they somehow make that pain sting even more.

2:52 Fitter Happier 7:21 Electroneering 13:26 Climbing Up The Walls 19:12 No Surprises 24:14 Lucky 30:38 The Tourist

The reaction to "No Surprises" is quite interesting. It's one of their more depressing songs, far more depressing than the 2 that preceded it, but Doug fell for the music, just as Radiohead was trying to show: that people ignore the brutal depressing truth if it comes in a shiny happy package. The "Handshake with Carbon Monoxide" lyric should have been a stark line, but it got totally missed, much like how many depressed people's glaring warning signs & cries for help get missed by those distracted or not looking.

That wailing guitar in the chorus of Lucky is phenomenal. I almost feel like crying every time I hear it.

Lucky is exquisite. Chills every time. And I'm glad you mentioned Floyd while listening. I've always thought it could have been written by them.

The greatest album ever. Seven out of five.

Takes listening over a few times but then you become addicted and it becomes overwhelmingly emotional. A thing of beauty.

Next has to be A Moon Shaped Pool. You will love the strings arrangements in that album

Those “years of touring”, together with sales from such tracks as “Creep” and the album “The Bends” was invested in their own studio gear. They weren’t beholden to anyone for “OK Computer”. They could do whatever they wanted, in their studio time on their equipment. Artists without deadlines can do incredible things. How many great works are never realised because Sony et al want the next disposable hit? Great review as always, Doug!

I loved Lucky from the moment I heard it on the Help charity album for Bosnia. The guitar solo at the end is astounding!

is amazing how unique their sound is

I think ‘The Tourist’ is my fav track on this album. It’s instantly chills me out and it builds to a massive sound without you even noticing it.

As a music nerd who has studied just enough theory to understand what you’re talking about, I always love how nuanced your interpretation of the music is. If you ever decide to do this long form album review again, please do Kid A or In Rainbows. Two masterpieces crafted by true masters of their craft.

Your Fitter Happier reaction had me in stitches 😂. I’ve been waiting for that for a month and you didn’t disappoint!

"Climbing up the walls" talks about anxiety and depression, how it climbs slowly and then it exploses. The slow beginning until it becomes just chaos and panic... It's amazing how they managed to describe such feelings in a song.

"No Surprises" is a suicide note, I'm pretty sure. The reference to carbon monoxide, the CO alarm turned off so he can die in peace. The end is like a hallucination of happy life he never actually had. I think it's sort of like a double meaning, one as a critique of the desire for like a dull and pretty suburban life with no alarms or no surprises, and the other interpretation the suicide note of someone wanting to find that same thing in death as an escape from a stressful and anxious life.

Been massively looking forwards to this part two! As you enjoyed this so much, I would love to see future reactions on some of the bands later work, In Rainbows, Kid A, A Moon Shaped Pool, theres so much more you'll be able to get from Radiohead!

And, of course 'No surprises' really gets me every listen, such emotional lyrics. Personally I always felt it was about committing suicide, but I'm not certain I'm interpreting that right or not. And that view really clashes wonderfully with the soothing almost musical box, lullaby melody.

It’s always a good day when Doug listens to Radiohead

Really great and engaging reaction! I'm sure many of us are hoping you react to Kid A next. : D

This seems to be the most analysed album on YT, that’s for a reason. Every time I hear this record it sounds different, more rewarding, a genuine masterpiece. Set the standards of musicality and production for everything that followed. 👍

Thom and Jonny are in another band called The Smile. They just dropped a new song called "Bending Hectic" that you really need to hear. Trust me, its crazy.

Every song in this album is like any true and original artwork should be. Specifically, you instantly feel a deep connection with it that you cannot explain fully in words that gets deeper and deeper as time goes by until it is part of you.

I love how the last song is a perfect segue for the first song. And on and on it goes.

I know I keep repeating it Doug, but I'd love for you to react to Kid A next. It was an album so completely different and unorthodox compared to OK Computer. It turned conventions on it's head. Seeing you react to that album would be so interesting to me.

Really hopes Doug does more Radiohead - love to see what he makes of Kid A - especially How to Disappear Completely - Thom Yorke's fave Radiohead composition....

Ok Computer is an abyss of beauty. Meraviglioso.

A heart that's full up like a landfill. Gets me every time. And the video...wow!

Loving your reactions to Radiohead - you are right, they write songs in quite a detailed way that I also thought reminded me of some Pink Floyd too.

You know a song is evocative when you just say the name ("Climbing Up The Walls") and without even hearing it, I get immediate goosebumps. Haven't even heard it in half a decade and all the notes and emotions are still seared white hot in my memory... just what a rare piece of genius that song is. There's still nothing that sounds like it, or could sound like it. Lightning in a bottle, if said lightning was the aural embodiment of paranoia and sleep paralysis. But yeh, perfect album if you're in the mood for some catharsis. Will live in time immemorial as firstly a cornerstone in music, and secondly as a monument to the human condition. The kind of thing you'd show aliens to prove we are at least somewhat intelligent hairless monkeys. The Pink Floyd influence is definite and more than welcome. The soundscapes are again, a rare piece of genius. Greenwood and co are incredible talents. There will never be another band like Radiohead to say the least... and nothing indicates their quality more than for cheap imitations of their sound to remain to be very good bands (Muse and Coldplay for instance). Cheers, love your work

It's so weird to hear the album track by track. I am so accustomed to each track melding into the next. They are in conversation.

Doug, this was my first time listening to this album as well, I only knew them from their biggest hit like most people. I never realized how awesome the rest of their stuff is. I’m now hooked on these guys.

“no surprise” and “lucky” are my favs from this part 😎 i am looking forward more of your Radiohead journey. You really get their art and creativity 🙏🏻🙏🏻

I think it was after the 20th time I listened to the whole album that it hit me how extraordinary Climbing Up the Walls is. I guess before that I was "distracted" by the more obvious masterpieces, such as Paranoid Android and Karma Police.

Thank you. Part one showed up on my homefeed today. The title intrigued me so I started watching. Not sure if I’ve ever watched 2 RU-vid videos with more concentration then these 2. You made a decade long Radiohead fan very happy. And just like a lot of other commenters, I would love if you do another one of these for another one of their albums.

This album is a piece of beauty, if MOMA or the National Gallery or the Louvre "displayed" music, this would their Mona Lisa.

Terrific breakdown. I'm surprised you didn't remark on the crescendo and mood elevation throughout the second verse of Lucky. I get tingles every time.

No other album has reached such heights and songs of pure magnificence like this one. It's not my favourite Radiohead album, In Rainbows will always top my list but this one is undeniably, probably the best album of all time. Yes, Revolver came out in 66', Dark Side was hugely impressive and timeless, but OK is flawless. Period! Radiohead could be considered as the most innovative band, the most progressive and forward thinking, always experimenting, never sticking to an easy route. And they don't even care because they know they will do it right and it will sound awesome! Thank you Doug for all your incredible videos!

It's great to see an album I've loved for 25 years being appreciated with fresh ears

Lucky is my favorite song off this album, it's so simple but the performance and the background details really give it wings. You could teach someone the chords on a guitar in an afternoon and it's full of neat flourishes like the Em - Em/F - Em before the second verse.

Radiohead is one of those bands where your life changes when you hear them for the first time. I still remember seeing them do Karma Police on Letterman in 1997 and it was so different and they were so cool. Then I heard the whole album a couple of years later and it opened a new door in my musical soul.

Love that the mellotron was all over this album.

You start to "get" Radiohead after the 6th or 7th time you listen to the album all the way through. By your 10th play back you'll realize that they are the best band that ever lived. To this day after countless times listening to them (1,000+?), I continue to discover new sounds, rhythms, beats, meanings, perspectives. Their latest album, a Moon Shaped Pool, will take you places within yourself you may have never been. But only after your 10th listen. You should check out some of his solo stuff which I would describe as Radiohead evolved. Not that it's better or worse, but different. May you always have what you need and never need more than you have.

Good Morning from Australia. I have been looking forward to this 🙂

"Lucky" is probably my favorite song ever. There is a Bonnaroo acoustic cover of it by Warren Haynes that is pretty awesome too.

There seems to be a place where people "get" Radiohead. It all comes home. Mine was Pyramid Song. I knew the band, I liked them, but with that one I got it. They are so personal to me (and everyone else who loves their music), I do think that in the future, they'll be teaching Radiohead, which none of the band would appreciate, but it doesn't stop that. And you're right. Gstalt it is.

The first and last song of the album are so wonderfully complementary. It starts in "a fast German car" and ends with "Idiot slow down!"

Radiohead are such a deep band, and were getting deeper and more experimental during this period. The follow-up, "Kid A" is IMO even more astonishing, though a hard listen in places. You need to have a listen to it, too! In a way, I see "Climbing Up The Walls" as the culmination of the Beatles' experiments on "A Day in the Life". Certainly this album is to the 90s what Sgt Pepper was to the 60s. And "Dark Side..." was to the 70s, too - "No Surprises" is such a beautiful return to melodic - but not lyrical - sanity, in much the same way that "Eclipse" was to that album. "Lucky"'s sudden change to major is also reminiscent of Pink Floyd, as you pointed out.

It's a musical piece on its own. Such a full sounding record. Each instrument play its part but it's one whole sound at once. The definition of what a masterpiece should be.

I thought Fitter Happier was the weirdest thing I'd ever heard on a first listen, and now it gives me chills every time.

I believe the key line "heart that's full up like a land fill..", it the thought of all of this room that's ready to accept something good (love) but then gets filled with trash. That's why he can't take anymore alarms or surprises because he's hurt.

Doug, you’d love In Rainbows by Radiohead. It’s their most exhilarating album, imo, and has a warmer touch than the colder, yet brilliant OK Computer. I also feel it’s their most refined, and musically mature. My only comp is to Abbey Road for the Beatles, in that it boldly sticks out in their catalog after years of experimentation to bring it back and refine songs and flex their artistic chops. It also has a lighter feel, at times, and with even a dapple of sunlight to make these songs shimmer.

I love this album so much I bought it 3 times back in the 90's. First one was confiscated by a friends parent after I let him borrow it. Second one got scratched by some lava rocks I had In my pack with my CD jewel cases and the third still sits proudly on my CD shelf along with pretty much the rest of Radiohead's discography. All their albums really standout particularly in their cultural context as unique artistic statements through one aspect or another. Worth a deep dive on or off the channel!

Fantastic review, loved this album even more after hearing your reviews, thx a lot, Doug, it’s been such a delight

Greetings from Italy!

I’ve listened to this album thousands of times and it somehow gets better with every listen. I have no idea what idea what the “official” meaning of No Surprises is, but I get the feeling it’s about someone living their life oblivious to the craziness going on around them. Thanks for the reaction to my favorite album of all time.

The Tourist gives me goosebumps every time... beautiful...

I LOVE the excerpts you share about each song and comments band members have made about them. I've loved this album for years but I learned a lot from this, and seems like a fantastic way to digest the album on a first listen!

It really is a truly extraordinary piece of work. I’m still discovering more things with every listen. Absolute masterpiece

This was my favorite band in high school, and my first concert was theirs in support of this album when I was 16 years old. This album is ingrained in my head. I’ve heard it 100s of times and it’s still fresh every time. Very fun watching you discover it.

I'm 68 and have so many favorite bands and albums over the decades. I have favorites from many different genres, the Beatles, led Zeppelin, pink Floyd, genesis, rush, and Jethro tull to name a few. More recently I became a huge fan of tool and Radiohead. Radiohead has 2 of my favorite albums from the 90s, the bends and ok computer. Also later albums like in rainbows and moon shaped pool. Some other favorites from the 90s, ten( pearl jam) dirt(alice in chains) and jagged little pill ( Alanis morrisett).

Could'nt have said it better myself Doug. Time waits for no man. Brilliant video ive been waiting for this 2nd part of this album.

Hey Doug. Thank you for this. Radiohead is a gold mine. There are so many amazing songs by them. I would love to get your pov on other fantastic albums by them. Hail to the thief, In rainbows, and their most underated album - Amnesiac.

Great wisdom in your final comments. Lucky and The Tourist are my two favorite Radiohead songs. Thanks Doug!

Radiohead are the modern day Pink Floyd. They wouldn't like the comparison, but it was inevitable after this album. They both created such a truly unique listening experience.

how can I double like this video? I love how you dissect every piece of the album. keep it up Doug!

Lovely. Thanks for doing it. Greetings from Buenos Aires 😊

First time i listened to Ok Computer i stood astonished for hours

Great review Doug. I think your summary is right on. Thom is pretty thought provoking. Not my go to album either but a delight whenever I do. And to think they went to school a few miles from where where I was brought up.

I really, really really enjoyed this (part one AND part two). Thanks, Doug!

Doug your enthusiasm is infectious. It’s so much fun to watch you enjoy Radiohead! Love the teaching at the end of Climbing the walls.

I always interpreted No Surprises as being overwhelmed by the world and just wanting some peace and quiet

Love your insights Doug. Thanks for being you 😊 🫂

I have been waiting with anticipation since part 1, thx Doug! This is the album that started it all for me in terms of Radiohead. Summer of 98, 13 years old and my parents had split that Spring. Went on a 3 week visit to Ontario and listened to this album on repeat non stop. 2 and a half decades later my fanaticism for Radiohead has only strengthened. Clearly the next step is to explore the next album Kid A. Their evolution over the decades is truly fascinating. But of course Doug, only when the time feels right. Don't forget to take time for yourself to recharge.

Mr. Helvering, I found your channel thanks to your two-parter on Ok Computer. I immediately subscribed! It's a delight to watch you discovering my favorite band; but also you getting your analysis on what makes these songs special is SUCH a treat! All five members of Radiohead are geniuses, and Thom Yorke in special is obsessive about his craft, so I'd been craving something like this for a long time :33 Thank you!!

Thank you for this video @Doug.Helvering. You made me like this album a bit more.

You came late to the party but thank you for taking many of us back to where it started. Listened to songs from this album every month since it came out. Basically every time my mood needed a "friend" who understood how I felt in the last 25 years.

Love your analysis, the fact that you hear the music theory going on rather than just what’s on the surface is great…and your facial expressions are priceless. Please do my favorite album IN RAINBOWS next!!!

What an absolute joy that I stumbled upon the joy, wonder, suprise watching and Lisa to you discover Radiohead. prescient indeed. Bravo

In the OkNotOk reissue there's a bonus tape where you can hear a recording of a young girl reciting the lyrics of Climbing up the Walls. Its creepy nightmare fuel.

I love this album and out of their discography only In Rainbows can top it for me personally. Great video by the way, it’s been fun hearing your insights

Doug, what an incredible 2 part series. I love watching your videos and your commentary is top notch. My dad and I used to sit by his record player and deconstruct albums together. Everything from James Taylor, to Pink Floyd and the Dave Brubeck Quartet. The videos you make give me the same sort of feelings I got with my dad. Sharing music with people is one of the most intimate things than can be shared and I’m so glad you exist and share yourself with us. Keep making content man!

A Heart Thats Filled Up Like a Landfill, what a lyric such a beautiful sad song about just giving up.

I was waiting for part 2, thank you ! Always so interesting to hear your commentary, both at the musical level and at the philosophical level. This album is one of the few that I have entirely on my smartphone, it is timeless, and musically it's so good.

i got this album when I was 14 years old, listened to it over and over again for months on end. it got me through my lowest moments of teenage angst and highest highs. it set the course of my musical taste... at 40, i still listen to it. to me, it is still the greatest album ever made. prophetic, haunting, uplifting. i don't think it will ever be surpassed. thank you for covering it, always great to see others enjoying it as much as i do.

Im a metal head and i love this album.

Great job Doug!! Please do more Radiohead, you will not be disappointed. Kid A, in Rainbows and a Moon Shaped Pool, in that order will give you a very well rounded listening experience to their talents. One of the greatest bands of all time: Take care 🤙

I think you should do "Kid A" next, just to see what Radiohead's response to this album was. Beyond that, I believe you would greatly enjoy both "In Rainbows" and "Hail to the Thief".

I hope your mom is okay. I so love your commentary. You are so enthusiastic about music, it’s infectious. ❤

29:32 My belief is that it all starts with the last track. Airbag is him getting into an accident from the tourist, then unconscious dreams while being extracted from the car wreck, to the hospital, people talking and noises heard while being operated on etc.

Great to listen to Doug’s analysis. I have loved this album since buying it on the day of its release on 16 June 1997.

I really appreciate the way you do not just stop the music to talk about it every 20 seconds

There is something beautifuly sinister about this album, I adore it.

Thanks for your reaction to this album. It is said that OK COMPUTER is a turning point in their career and in finding their sound, and in fact RADIOHEAD was thinking on dissolving the band during those years. Also, it is a before and after in the alternative music scene. Previous album such as THE BENDS, is more of the classic Rock formula. I would love for you to do an IN RAINBOWS album reaction, it is a solid album from beginning to end, it was done 10 years after OK COMPUTER, and to me is their best work after maturing as band. Thank you again

Well now you should put their follow up album Kid A on your to-do list. OKC was a big deal when it came out and it really put Radiohead on the map. Their first two albums prior had them positioned as just another rock band; successful but nothing extraordinary. Then this album shot them into music history. The question was whether it was just lightning in a bottle or if they could replicate it. Then Kid A came out 2 years later and it was something else. Not only did it match up to OKC but it was also much more experimental. Radiohead became solidified as not only the real deal but as true artists that could do anything, even in the ears of the casual listener. Nothing will make you appreciate Radiohead more than hearing OKC for the first time, let it marinate in your mind, and then hearing Kid A for the first time. The significant change in sound while maintaining the same level of excellence is pretty jaw dropping.

This album has a huge variety of songs. Jonny Greenwood often gets less credit than Thom Yorke but is a big part of the sound.