11 Underrated Radiohead Songs: Must-Hear Tracks

Hey music fam! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes. 🎵 When it comes to legendary bands, Radiohead is undeniably at the top. But, like with any great artist, some gems often hide in the shadows of their mega hits.

Being a DJ, I’ve had the privilege of diving deep into their discography and discovering tracks that might’ve slipped past even the most devoted fans.

So, I decided it’s time to shine a spotlight on those tracks. Here’s a list of 11 underrated Radiohead songs that deserve a spot on your playlist.

Whether you’re a fellow DJ or just a music lover, I promise these tracks won’t disappoint!

Here are the underrated Radiohead songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Radiohead Songs

Underrated Radiohead songs in a list format:

1. “The Tourist”

Album: OK Computer (1997)
Label: Parlophone, Capitol Records
Author: Jonny Greenwood
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals), Jonny Greenwood (guitar), and others.

“The Tourist” is the closing track on the critically acclaimed “OK Computer”. Written primarily by Jonny Greenwood, it’s a subtle plea to slow down and appreciate life. While tracks like “Paranoid Android” and “Karma Police” get much of the limelight, “The Tourist” stands out for its soothing, languid pace and Yorke’s haunting vocals. The simple refrain of “Hey man, slow down” resonates deeply in our fast-paced world. I chose it because it encapsulates the album’s essence, giving listeners a moment of reflection.

2. “Go Slowly”

Album: In Rainbows Disk 2 (2007)
Label: XL Recordings
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals), Ed O’Brien (guitar), and others.

“Go Slowly” is a gem from the secondary disc of “In Rainbows”. It’s a melancholic and atmospheric piece, using echoing guitars and soft vocals to create a dreamlike state. Even though it didn’t make the primary album, it holds its own and stands out for its emotive quality. I adore how this song feels both like a lament and an affirmation of moving forward with caution.

3. “Scatterbrain”

Album: Hail to the Thief (2003)
Label: Parlophone, Capitol Records
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals), Colin Greenwood (bass), and others.

A softer track from “Hail to the Thief”, “Scatterbrain” is about disconnection and disarray. With poetic lyrics and a cascading rhythm, it’s easy to get lost in its melody. I believe it captures the overall ambience of the album but remains underappreciated. The slight jazz touch with its fractured rhythms makes it a standout for me.

4. “A Punchup at a Wedding”

Album: Hail to the Thief (2003)
Label: Parlophone, Capitol Records
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals), Phil Selway (drums), and others.

An infectious bassline paired with Yorke’s distinctive voice narrates a tale of cynicism and retaliation. The groove of the song contrasts with the bitterness of the lyrics, creating a unique blend. Its rebellious spirit against naysayers makes it a personal favorite.

5. “Glass Eyes”

Album: A Moon Shaped Pool (2016)
Label: XL Recordings
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals), Jonny Greenwood (strings), and others.

A poignant track from “A Moon Shaped Pool”, “Glass Eyes” feels like stepping into a snowfall. It’s quiet, contemplative, and utterly beautiful. Greenwood’s string arrangements here are impeccable. It’s for those introspective moments when you need a song to connect deeply with.

6. “Codex”

Album: The King of Limbs (2011)
Label: XL Recordings, Ticker Tape Ltd.
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals, piano), and others.

A tranquil and serene track, “Codex” feels like floating on water. The calming piano notes alongside Yorke’s ethereal voice make it a meditative experience. It’s a song I turn to when seeking peace and clarity.

7. “Last Flowers”

Album: In Rainbows Disk 2 (2007)
Label: XL Recordings
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals, piano), and others.

A hauntingly beautiful track, “Last Flowers” speaks of despair and acceptance. Yorke’s vocals paired with the melancholic piano chords tug at your heartstrings. It might not be the cheeriest pick, but its raw emotion is worth every listen.

8. “In Limbo”

Album: Kid A (2000)
Label: Parlophone, Capitol Records
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals), Ed O’Brien (guitar effects), and others.

“In Limbo” is a dreamy maze. It’s disorienting and ethereal, capturing the essence of feeling lost and out of place. The experimental soundscape of “Kid A” is at its peak in this track, making it a mesmerizing experience.

9. “Bullet Proof..I Wish I Was”

Album: The Bends (1995)
Label: Parlophone, Capitol Records
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals), Jonny Greenwood (guitar), and others.

From the seminal “The Bends”, this track stands out for its raw vulnerability. It’s a softer side of Radiohead, shedding the electric intensity for a more acoustic melancholy. It’s a deep dive into the human psyche, and I cherish it for its genuine sentiment.

10. “Backdrifts”

Album: Hail to the Thief (2003)
Label: Parlophone, Capitol Records
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals, keyboards), Colin Greenwood (bass), and others.

Electronic and gripping, “Backdrifts” is a journey into the band’s experimentations with different sounds. It’s catchy yet profound, with lyrics that resonate on multiple levels. A true testament to Radiohead’s ability to evolve and reinvent.

11. “Worrywort”

Album: Knives Out EP (2001)
Label: Parlophone
Author: Radiohead
Musicians: Thom Yorke (vocals, keyboards), Colin Greenwood (bass), and others.

Hidden in the “Knives Out” EP, “Worrywort” is a delightful blend of electronic beats and Yorke’s hopeful lyrics. It’s a ray of optimism in Radiohead’s vast sea of sounds and emotions. It’s a feel-good track that I believe deserves more recognition.

Fun Facts: Underrated Radiohead Songs

1. “The Tourist”

• Chiming In: The track ends with a bell ringing. Jonny Greenwood added this as an afterthought, wanting the album to finish with a sound that was “both quiet and loud.”
• Pacing Matters: The song stands in contrast to the rest of “OK Computer”, which deals with themes of modern alienation and technology. “The Tourist” offers a much-needed pause, urging us to “slow down.”

2. “Go Slowly”

• Old is Gold: “Go Slowly” was originally considered for “Hail to the Thief”. Thom Yorke played an early version during a webcast in 2002. The song evolved significantly by the time it appeared on “In Rainbows Disk 2”.
• Visual Appeal: The song was featured in the 2008 short film “Scotch Mist”, made by Radiohead to visualize the “In Rainbows” album.

3. “Scatterbrain”

• Weather Patterns: Thom Yorke once referred to “Scatterbrain” as his “Frank Sinatra tune”. He was inspired by watching a storm approaching while feeling a sense of impending doom.
• Multiple Takes: The band recorded numerous versions of this song during their studio sessions, finally settling on the version we hear in the album.

4. “A Punchup at a Wedding”

• Cryptic Origins: Many believe the song was Thom Yorke’s response to a negative review of Radiohead’s performance at a concert in Oxford. However, Yorke has always been cryptic about the true inspiration behind his lyrics.
• Feel the Groove: The song’s hypnotic piano line was inspired by R&B rhythms, showing Radiohead’s eclectic range of influences.

6. “Codex”

• Nature Sounds: The track ends with the sound of birds, which serves as a seamless transition to the next song on the album, “Give Up The Ghost”. It reinforces the sense of peace and serenity the song conveys.
• Artistic Video: A fan-made video for “Codex” became viral, and even though it’s unofficial, many fans associate the visuals of this video with the song.

9. “Bullet Proof..I Wish I Was”

• Evolving Sound: The song highlights the band’s shift from the more grunge-influenced sounds of “Pablo Honey” to the more experimental and emotive approach of “The Bends”.
• Lyrical Depth: Thom Yorke has mentioned that many of the songs on “The Bends”, potentially including this one, were influenced by his experiences with fame and the ensuing emotional turmoil.

Well, there you have it, fellow music aficionados! A deep dive into some of Radiohead’s lesser-known, yet undeniably captivating tracks. Here’s to the magic of music, always revealing, always evolving. Keep those tunes spinning!

Thanks for reading.

TBone