Radiohead is one of the most influential bands of all time. Most of Gen Z only knows Radiohead from that Katy Perry song but they revolutionized the sound of alternate rock/ indie music to make it what we have today. With four decades worth of music, it could be overwhelming where to start. So here are some of Radiohead’s best songs.

Bangers + Mash: This song comes from the B-side of In Rainbows, one of their best albums. Not many people know this song, but it is personally one of my favorites. It is reminiscent of other early 2000’s alternative rock bands like The Killers, and The Strokes. There is an upbeat guitar throughout the track. The lyrics are about the different ends of the power pyramid. The people at the top look down at the ones below and vice versa. 

Burn the Witch: One of Radiohead’s most unique songs from one of their most underrated albums, A Moon Shaped Pool, “Burn the Witch” has a fantastic orchestral production. The violins and strings are unlike anything I have heard before. The lyrics are almost haunting depicting a metaphoric/fiction witch, with the incredible refrain “It’s a low flying panic attack.” The entire song has a peaceful and grand mood.

You And Whose Army?: The song starts very gently and slowly, with angelic vocals. But the ending is a phenomenal, passionate, vocal performance, as the production seems to reach a triumphant ending. The song covers political themes, similar to “Bangers + Mash,” this person abuses their power. 

Karma Police: Arguably Radiohead’s best-written track, “Karma Police,” lyrically depicts this fictional character called the Karma Police. Essentially if someone had done something wrong Karma Police would come get them. The chorus’s refrain “This is what you get when you mess with us,” followed by the ending refrain of “I lost myself,” perfectly tells how we only regret things when the punishment comes. The production is done in Radiohead’s signature style, and the lead singer, Thom Yorke, gives passionate vocals at the end.

No Surprises: This is the most streamed song from their Magnus Opus record, OK Computer. I am sure some people have heard the iconic glockenspiel melody in this song’s instrumental. The lyrics depict fear and anxiety, as the singer pleads “No alarms and no surprises”. This somewhat contrasts with the gentle, lullaby-like production, but still adds to the meaning of not wanting things to turn bad.

Many artists cite Radiohead as an influence, so I am sure you would love the original. I hope you listen to some of these tracks.