Radiohead: OK Computer (2LP) [XL RECORDINGS]

 Recorded primarily in 1996 and early 1997 at their Oxfordshire rehearsal space and the historic St Catherine's Court mansion in Bath with producer Nigel Godrich, the album marked a departure from the guitar-focused, introspective style of their previous work, *The Bends*. The album's abstract lyrics, complex soundscapes, and diverse influences laid the foundation for Radiohead's later experimental efforts.

The lyrics of *OK Computer* explore themes such as rampant consumerism, capitalism, social alienation, and political disillusionment, presenting a dystopian vision of modern life. It addresses issues like technology, transportation, insanity, death, and globalization. The album's use of unconventional production techniques, including natural reverberation and minimal audio separation, along with live recordings and string sessions at Abbey Road Studios, contributed to its unique sound.

Despite EMI's concerns about its commercial viability, *OK Computer* topped the UK Albums Chart, debuted at number 21 on the Billboard 200 (Radiohead's highest U.S. album entry at the time), and was certified five times platinum in the UK and double platinum in the US. The album boosted Radiohead's international profile and has sold at least 7.8 million copies worldwide. Singles from the album include "Paranoid Android," "Karma Police," "Lucky," and "No Surprises."

*OK Computer* received widespread acclaim and is frequently cited as one of the greatest albums of all time. It was nominated for Album of the Year and won Best Alternative Music Album at the 1998 Grammy Awards, and was also nominated for Best British Album at the 1998 Brit Awards. The album's innovative sound marked a shift in British rock from Britpop to a more melancholic and atmospheric alternative rock, which gained prominence in the following decade. In 2014, it was added to the National Recording Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress. A remastered edition with additional tracks, *OKNOTOK 1997 2017*, was released in 2017, and in 2019, Radiohead released *MiniDiscs [Hacked]* in response to an internet leak, featuring hours of extra material.

*OK Computer* is the third studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on May 21, 1997.