10 Best Alternative Albums Of The 1990's
2. Ok Computer - Radiohead
It's almost laughable to think that in the first half of the 90's, Radiohead were close to being pegged as one-hit-wonders. After their single smash "Creep," the band started to dominate the alt-rock landscape with The Bends and going out on tour opening for Alanis Morrisette. But bigger things were lying just ahead.
During the tour cycle, Thom Yorke found himself increasingly desensitized with life on the road and began writing songs. Much of the themes behind Ok Computer have to do with modern paranoia as we rely on fallible machines to get us through our day.
While being incredibly prophetic, Ok Computer also encapsulated the greatest complete album experience that Radiohead had made, with stunning ballads intercut by staggering alt-rock power-trips. Along with their alt-rock foundation, the band pulled from disparate genres like trip-hop ("Airbag,") progressive music ("Paranoid Android,") and even classic pop sounds ("No Surprises") to put together this delightfully dreary artistic triumph.
After Ok Computer, Radiohead went from being a pretty good alt-rock band to one of the greatest bands of their generation. Even more classic material was around the corner, but Ok Computer stands alone as the band's crowning achievement.