11 Best Songs by Radiohead: A Must-Listen

Hey there, fellow music lovers and DJs! It’s TBone here, your go-to guy at Level Tunes. As a DJ and a die-hard music enthusiast, there’s nothing I enjoy more than sharing top-notch tunes with you all.

Today, I’m beyond excited to dive into the mesmerizing world of Radiohead. Why Radiohead, you ask? Simply put, their sound is a masterful blend of experimental rock, electronic vibes, and soul-stirring lyrics that never fail to captivate.

So, I’ve meticulously curated a list of the 11 best Radiohead songs – a journey through their groundbreaking discography.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their genius, these tracks are a testament to their enduring impact in the music world. Let’s explore the depth and diversity of Radiohead’s sound together!

Here are the best songs by Radiohead that you can check out:

List Of Best Songs by Radiohead

Best songs by Radiohead in a list format:

1. “Creep” (from ‘Pablo Honey’, 1993, Parlophone Records)

“Creep” is the song that catapulted Radiohead into the spotlight. Released on their debut album ‘Pablo Honey’ in 1993 under Parlophone Records, it’s a raw and emotive track that resonates with feelings of alienation and self-doubt. Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals, coupled with Jonny Greenwood’s distinctive guitar crunch, create a soundscape that is both unsettling and mesmerizing. This song laid the foundation for Radiohead’s experimental journey, showcasing their ability to blend grunge-influenced rock with deeply personal lyrics.

2. “Paranoid Android” (from ‘OK Computer’, 1997, Parlophone Records)

“Paranoid Android,” from the 1997 album ‘OK Computer’, is a masterpiece of progressive rock. This six-minute epic, released by Parlophone Records, takes listeners on a sonic journey through multiple sections, each with its own distinct mood and texture. The song features Yorke’s cryptic lyrics and a blend of acoustic and electric elements, with Ed O’Brien and Greenwood’s guitars weaving through Phil Selway’s dynamic drumming. It’s a testament to Radiohead’s ability to push musical boundaries and remains a highlight of their career.

3. “Karma Police” (from ‘OK Computer’, 1997, Parlophone Records)

Another standout track from ‘OK Computer’, “Karma Police” is a hauntingly beautiful song. Released in 1997 by Parlophone Records, it showcases Radiohead’s talent for creating atmospheric soundscapes. The song features Yorke’s enigmatic lyrics, which seem to speak to a sense of cosmic justice, and the iconic piano riff provides a chilling backdrop to the escalating tension in the music. It’s a song that perfectly encapsulates the band’s knack for blending melancholic melodies with thought-provoking themes.

4. “No Surprises” (from ‘OK Computer’, 1997, Parlophone Records)

“No Surprises,” also from the critically acclaimed ‘OK Computer’, is a lullaby-like track that contrasts its gentle melody with bleak lyrical content. Released in 1997 by Parlophone Records, it features a simple, yet beautiful glockenspiel melody that intertwines with Yorke’s serene vocals. The song paints a picture of a mundane, yet suffocating existence, reflecting the band’s commentary on modern life. Its soothing melody belies the dark themes, making it a unique and compelling listen.

5. “Everything in Its Right Place” (from ‘Kid A’, 2000, Parlophone Records)

Opening the groundbreaking album ‘Kid A’, “Everything in Its Right Place” marked a significant shift in Radiohead’s musical direction. Released in 2000 by Parlophone Records, this song introduces listeners to a more electronic and experimental sound. Yorke’s distorted vocals and the hypnotic keyboard loop create an otherworldly atmosphere, while the abstract lyrics leave the interpretation open to the listener. It’s a bold and innovative track that set the tone for one of the most influential albums of the 21st century.

6. “Idioteque” (from ‘Kid A’, 2000, Parlophone Records)

“Idioteque” is a standout track from ‘Kid A’, known for its electronic beat and dystopian feel. This 2000 release by Parlophone Records is a departure from Radiohead’s earlier rock-centric sound, delving into the realms of electronic and experimental music. The song’s pulsating rhythm and Yorke’s urgent vocals give it a sense of immediacy, while the lyrics touch on themes of environmental collapse and technological paranoia. It’s a powerful example of Radiohead’s ability to reinvent themselves and remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of music.

7. “Pyramid Song” (from ‘Amnesiac’, 2001, Parlophone Records)

From the 2001 album ‘Amnesiac’, released by Parlophone Records, “Pyramid Song” is a haunting and ethereal piece. This song features a free-time piano melody that seems to float in space, with Yorke’s vocals evoking a sense of otherworldliness. The lyrics are open to interpretation, with references to an afterlife or a dream-like state. The subtle use of strings and electronic elements adds to the song’s mystical quality, making it one of Radiohead’s most beautifully enigmatic tracks.

8. “There There” (from ‘Hail to the Thief’, 2003, Parlophone Records)

“There There,” from the 2003 album ‘Hail to the Thief’, is a powerful rock anthem that combines Radiohead’s signature electronic elements with a more traditional guitar-driven sound. Released under Parlophone Records, the song features Greenwood and O’Brien’s intricate guitar work, backed by Selway’s relentless drumming. Yorke’s lyrics, which warn against complacency and deceit, are delivered with a sense of urgency. This track stands out for its energy and is often cited as one of the band’s best live performances.

9. “Reckoner” (from ‘In Rainbows’, 2007, XL Recordings)

“Reckoner,” from their 2007 album ‘In Rainbows’, is a testament to Radiohead’s musical evolution. Released under XL Recordings, this song is a delicate blend of ethereal melodies and intricate rhythms. Yorke’s falsetto glides over a landscape of shimmering cymbals and gentle guitar strokes, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The song’s transcendent quality and its exploration of themes like mortality and transcendence showcase Radiohead’s continued growth and experimentation.

10. “Lotus Flower” (from ‘The King of Limbs’, 2011, XL Recordings)

From the 2011 album ‘The King of Limbs’, “Lotus Flower” is a mesmerizing track that showcases Radiohead’s foray into more rhythmically complex territories. Released by XL Recordings, it features Yorke’s falsetto over a backdrop of syncopated beats and a looping bassline. The song’s enigmatic lyrics and the hypnotic groove make it a standout track, highlighting the band’s ability to blend electronic music with their rock roots in innovative ways.

11. “Daydreaming” (from ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’, 2016, XL Recordings)

“Daydreaming,” from the 2016 album ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’, is a poignant and introspective piece. Released by XL Recordings, this track is a beautiful blend of minimal piano, orchestral strings, and Yorke’s haunting vocals. The song’s introspective nature and its exploration of themes like memory and regret reflect the band’s maturity and depth. It’s a deeply emotional track that showcases Radiohead’s talent for creating powerful, reflective music.

Fun Facts: Best Songs by Radiohead

1. “Creep” (from ‘Pablo Honey’, 1993)

• Unplanned Guitar Crunch: The distinct guitar crunch in “Creep” was actually guitarist Jonny Greenwood’s attempt to sabotage the song, which he initially disliked. His aggressive playing before the chorus became one of the song’s most iconic elements.

2. “Paranoid Android” (from ‘OK Computer’, 1997)

• Inspired by a Nightmarish Experience: The song’s title and some of its surreal lyrics were inspired by a distressing experience Thom Yorke had at a Los Angeles bar, where he encountered aggressive individuals.

3. “Karma Police” (from ‘OK Computer’, 1997)

• Title from Band’s Inside Joke: The title ‘Karma Police’ comes from an inside joke among the band members, where they would threaten to call the ‘karma police’ on each other for bad behavior.

4. “No Surprises” (from ‘OK Computer’, 1997)

• Single Take Recording: The main vocal and acoustic guitar part of “No Surprises” was recorded in a single take. This simplicity adds to the song’s haunting and raw emotional feel.

5. “Everything in Its Right Place” (from ‘Kid A’, 2000)

• Synthesis of New Directions: This song was a breakthrough for the band, marking their shift towards electronic music. It was also the first time they heavily used digital manipulation of vocals.

6. “Idioteque” (from ‘Kid A’, 2000)

• Sampled Beats: The song features a rare instance of Radiohead using samples. The drum and electronic beats are sampled from a piece by Paul Lansky titled “Mild und Leise.”

7. “Pyramid Song” (from ‘Amnesiac’, 2001)

• Intriguing Time Signature: “Pyramid Song” is famous for its unusual rhythm and time signature, which has been the subject of much debate among musicians and fans.

8. “There There” (from ‘Hail to the Thief’, 2003)

• Thom Yorke’s Favorite: Thom Yorke has stated that “There There” is one of his favorite Radiohead songs, particularly praising Jonny Greenwood’s guitar solo at the end.

9. “Reckoner” (from ‘In Rainbows’, 2007)

• Originally a Different Song: “Reckoner” began as a completely different song during the ‘Hail to the Thief’ sessions, evolving significantly over time to its final form on ‘In Rainbows.’

10. “Lotus Flower” (from ‘The King of Limbs’, 2011)

• Iconic Music Video: The song’s music video, featuring Thom Yorke’s unique dancing, became a viral sensation and spawned numerous parodies and memes.

11. “Daydreaming” (from ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’, 2016)

• Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson: The music video for “Daydreaming” was directed by renowned filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson and features Thom Yorke wandering through various surreal landscapes.

And there you have it, folks! Diving into the depths of Radiohead’s music reveals layers of creativity and emotion. From “Creep” to “Daydreaming”, each song is a journey into their unique sonic universe.

Thanks for joining me, TBone, on this exploration of Radiohead’s timeless masterpieces. Keep rocking!

Thanks for reading.

TBone