# OK Computer

> 1997 studio album by Radiohead

**Wikidata**: [Q202996](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q202996)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OK_Computer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ok-computer

## Summary

OK Computer is the third studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 21 May 1997. It marked a significant artistic evolution for the band, transitioning from their earlier grunge-influenced sound to a more experimental and ambitious approach that incorporated elements of alternative rock, art rock, progressive rock, and experimental rock. The album was released through Parlophone in Europe and Capitol Records in the United States, and it became one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the 1990s, widely regarded as a landmark recording that redefined what alternative rock could achieve.

## Key Facts

- **Release Date:** 21 May 1997
- **Artist:** Radiohead (English rock band formed in 1985)
- **Record Labels:** Parlophone (Europe), Capitol Records (United States)
- **Genre Classification:** Alternative rock, art rock, progressive rock, experimental rock, post-Britpop
- **Album Type:** Studio album (third for Radiohead)
- **Preceded By:** No Surprises/Running from Demons (extended play by Radiohead)
- **Sitelink Count:** 45

## FAQs

**What record labels released OK Computer?**

OK Computer was released through Parlophone in Europe and Capitol Records in the United States. Parlophone is a German–British record label founded in 1896 and owned by Warner Music Group, known for signing iconic artists such as David Bowie, Queen, and Coldplay. Capitol Records is an American record label founded in 1942, headquartered in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and operated as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group.

**What genres does OK Computer encompass?**

OK Computer spans multiple genres including alternative rock, art rock, progressive rock, experimental rock, and post-Britpop. Alternative rock emerged in 1978, art rock in 1968, progressive rock in 1967, experimental rock in 1966, and post-Britpop in 1998. The album's genre-blending approach represented a significant departure from Radiohead's earlier work and influenced countless subsequent artists.

**What are the notable singles from OK Computer?**

OK Computer produced several notable singles, including "Paranoid Android" (1997), "Karma Police" (1997), and "No Surprises" (1997). Other tracks from the album that have received significant attention include "Lucky," "Airbag," "Exit Music," and "Man of War" (which was later re-recorded and released in 2017).

**How does OK Computer relate to Radiohead's previous work?**

OK Computer followed Radiohead's earlier releases and represented a major artistic leap forward for the band. The album was preceded by the extended play "No Surprises/Running from Demons," which contained material that showcased the band's transition toward the sound explored more fully on OK Computer. The album established Radiohead as one of the most innovative and critically acclaimed bands of the 1990s.

**Where was OK Computer released geographically?**

OK Computer was released in Europe through Parlophone and in the United States through Capitol Records. Parlophone is located in the United Kingdom, while Capitol Records is headquartered in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, at coordinates latitude 34.10316666666667 and longitude -118.32636111111111.

## Why It Matters

OK Computer matters because it represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of alternative rock and modern music more broadly. Released in 1997, the album arrived at a time when the music industry was grappling with questions about the future of rock music in the post-grunge era. Radiohead's ambitious approach—combining complex song structures, atmospheric production, and emotionally resonant lyrics—demonstrated that alternative rock could be both commercially successful and artistically ambitious.

The album's significance extends beyond its immediate critical and commercial success. OK Computer helped legitimize experimental and progressive approaches within the alternative rock framework, influencing countless artists who followed. Its impact can be heard in the work of bands across multiple genres who have cited it as a major influence. The album also marked Radiohead's emergence as one of the most important and innovative bands of their generation, setting the stage for their subsequent experimental work including Kid A and Amnesiac.

From a cultural perspective, OK Computer captured the anxiety and uncertainty of late 1990s society while also offering moments of beauty and transcendence. Its themes of technological alienation, political disillusionment, and emotional isolation resonated with listeners then and continue to resonate today. The album has been cited by numerous critics and musicians as one of the greatest albums of all time, and its influence on subsequent generations of musicians ensures its continued relevance.

## Notable For

- Being Radiohead's third studio album and their first major artistic statement
- Released on 21 May 1997 through Parlophone (Europe) and Capitol Records (United States)
- Featuring the hit singles "Paranoid Android," "Karma Police," and "No Surprises"
- Representing a significant evolution from Radiohead's earlier grunge-influenced sound
- Incorporating elements of alternative rock, art rock, progressive rock, and experimental rock
- Achieving critical acclaim and commercial success simultaneously
- Being widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the 1990s
- Influencing countless subsequent artists across multiple genres
- Establishing Radiohead as one of the most innovative bands of their generation

## Body

### Release and Distribution

OK Computer was released on 21 May 1997, marking Radiohead's third studio album release. The album was distributed through two major record labels: Parlophone handled European releases while Capitol Records managed the American market. Parlophone, founded in 1896 as Parlophone Communications and later rebranded as Parlophone Records, is a German–British record label owned by Warner Music Group. The label has been associated with numerous iconic artists including David Bowie, Queen, Coldplay, and Kylie Minogue. Capitol Records, founded in 1942 and headquartered in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group and has represented artists including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Katy Perry, and Pink Floyd.

### Musical Style and Genres

OK Computer encompasses multiple genres that reflect Radiohead's ambitious artistic vision. The album blends alternative rock, which emerged in 1978 as a subgenre of rock music, with art rock (inception: 1968), progressive rock (inception: 1967), experimental rock (inception: 1966), and post-Britpop (inception: 1998). This genre-blending approach represented a significant departure from the band's earlier work on albums like The Bends. The album's complex song structures, atmospheric production, and incorporation of electronic elements distinguished it from other releases of the period and established Radiohead as pioneers of a new approach to rock music.

### Prominent Tracks

OK Computer features several tracks that have become among Radiohead's most celebrated compositions. "Paranoid Android," released as a single in 1997, is noted for its complex structure and ambitious arrangement. "Karma Police," also released in 1997, became one of Radiohead's most recognizable songs. "No Surprises," released in 1997, is notable for its melodic approach and emotional resonance. Other significant tracks include "Lucky," which has been praised for its anthemic quality; "Airbag," which showcases the band's experimental tendencies; "Exit Music," which demonstrates their ability to create atmospheric compositions; and "Man of War," a track that was later re-recorded and released in 2017, demonstrating the lasting impact of the album's material.

### Historical Context and Predecessor

OK Computer represented a significant evolution in Radiohead's artistic trajectory. The album was preceded by the extended play "No Surprises/Running from Demons," which contained material that pointed toward the direction the band would take on OK Computer. This EP served as a transitional release, showcasing Radiohead's growing ambition and willingness to experiment with their sound. The band's formation in 1985 provided the foundation for this artistic development, with OK Computer representing the culmination of their early creative evolution and the beginning of their period of greatest critical acclaim.

### Record Label Context

The release of OK Computer through both Parlophone and Capitol Records placed the album within the context of two of the most significant record labels in the industry. Parlophone, with its rich history dating back to 1896 and associations with artists like The Beatles, Paul McCartney, and Queen, brought a sense of tradition and prestige to the release. Capitol Records, founded by Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSylva in 1942 and operating under Universal Music Group, provided American distribution and access to one of the most extensive recording catalogs in music history. This dual release strategy ensured the album reached audiences across both Europe and North America, contributing to its commercial success and critical reception.

### Cultural Impact

OK Computer's release in 1997 coincided with a period of significant cultural and technological change. The album's themes of technological alienation, political disillusionment, and emotional isolation resonated with listeners navigating an increasingly complex world. Its critical success helped establish Radiohead as one of the most important bands of their generation and influenced countless subsequent artists across multiple genres. The album's continued relevance is evidenced by its consistent appearance in lists of the greatest albums of all time and its continued influence on contemporary musicians.

## References

1. [OK Computer by Radiohead (Album, Alternative Rock): Reviews, Ratings, Credits, Song list - Rate Your Music](https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/radiohead/ok-computer/#column_container_right)
2. MusicBrainz
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Musical Maps. 2017](http://www.musicalmaps.blogspot.com.au/search/label/radioheadokcomputer)
5. [Release group “OK Computer” by Radiohead - MusicBrainz](https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/b1392450-e666-3926-a536-22c65f834433#content)
6. [Radiohead - OK Computer Lyrics and Tracklist | Genius](https://genius.com/albums/Radiohead/Ok-computer)
7. Discogs
8. [Lescharts.com - Radiohead - OK Computer](https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Radiohead&titel=OK+Computer&cat=a)
9. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000024289)
10. Album of the Year
11. Rate Your Music