Reviews (page 9 of 15)
As a self proclaimed Radiohead fan, I'm ashamed to say I've never listened to this album in full before. I glad I did today because this was a great entry to their solid gold discography. More mainstream appealing than almost all of their later works, this one holds up really well. Many great hits on this. I definitely will listen again.
Better than in rainbows
Schon guter emo stuff
Esordio notevole, forse il loro più bello.
Their first great album. Many many more great albums followed. High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees and the title track are all some of the best RH songs of all time. Flies under the radar a bit but I love it. Free Palestine.
A very beautiful experience to listen to this. I gotta admit that I only know Radiohead from 'Creep' but this was quite the delight as my first real exploration of their work.
Always thought radiohead was not for me. But turns out I had heard the hits too many times, the hereto unknown songs were surprisingly good with a mellow grungy sound. And I guess those hits are not bad either. I stand corrected.
solid album. i particularly liked the track, 'just.' radiohead tends to not really be my bag and this album didn't totally bowl me over but it was still an overall enjoyable album.
Decent album here. Definitely enjoyable, and I know most of the tracks. I don't think I'd give it more than 3 stars if I heard it first today, but it gets 4 because of the impact it had when I first heard it.
Was excited to get this album- I really like fake plastic trees but had never really listened to the rest of the album. Was generally pleased with the album. Nice balance of guitar and extremely depressing singing 8.58/10
Interesting, would listen again
depressing but good
General thoughts: I have a kind of stigma against radiohead, haven't really heard anything outside of creep. It wasn't as bad as I expected, I thought they were more vanilla. I liked the strident tone. The band work is solid, specially the guitar. There were a couple of moments in which I think the arrangements could have been improved a lot. Lyrics are tedious though, Thom Yorke has such a punchable face and his songwriting screams "Depressed loser" lol "The Bends" is something I would listen to as individuals songs, not as a whole. Liked it. Outstanding song(s): Black Star Weakest song(s): Bullet Proof... I wish I was Cover: Awful. Real rating: 4.04
La portada de este disco me hace mucha gracia. Ya había escuchado el álbum pero no me acordaba bien de él, así que ha sido guay volver a escucharlo. Me gusta este tipo de rock alternativo un poco más grunge y crudo, aunque también tiene baladas rock. Canciones favs: planet telex, high and dry, bones, just, my iron lung
Great Album and one I've come back to and listened to over and over. 4/5.
I like every song on this album. I think this album is where this band really started soaring creatively.
7/10
I really liked this.
Moody and ambient, like every other Radiohead album. I respect their consistency even though it does make their songs blend together for me. Overall a beautiful album though. Favorites: The Bends, High and Dry, My Iron Lung, Street Spirit
Me recuerda a cuando descubrí Radiohead hace 7 u 8 años y me trae buenos recuerdos. Qué bueno.
This one is kinda weird to me because I only really liked about two or so songs, but it's pretty solid altogether. I could see me growing fonder of other songs in the future too.
The cover art had me fooled for the longest time -- this is super accessible for a Radiohead project! Everything is pretty good, with some tracks I'd even consider spectacular, but overall it doesn't quite feel like a 5. I might have to let it simmer a bit for that. Into the rotation it goes! Standouts: High and Dry • (Nice Dream) • Just • Street Spirit (Fade Out)
So good. Loved fake plastic trees.
Sin lugar a dudas el disco que más me ha sorprendido hasta el momento. Me daba mucha pereza escucharlo porque había escuchado el OK computer ( que a la gente le encanta) y no me gustó nada. En cambio este me ha encantado.
Controversial… I love a few songs and I think it’s a good album, but overall I feel eh
Sometimes my favourite Radiohead. What a rock band.
Pretty dang good
I think this album was definitely a cut above the other two Radiohead albums I have listened to on this generator thus far. Vocals were strong, and the guitar was awesome. This was solid, and now I definitely understand why Radiohead has such a fanbase. This is great alternative rock music. I would gladly give it another listen.
3,7/5
I really liked a lot of the sounds and the sound. I see where Muse might have gotten some of their inspo on singing style, like in "Black Star." (Nice Dream) was unexpected, but I liked it.
I think this is my favorite of the Radiohead albums we've had so far on this list.
One of is my least listened to Radiohead albums. I really like it though, High and Dry is my favorite track.
I swear, every single modern sad white boi act, whether it be solo or a group, must take at the very least some inspiration from this album. It's a terrific album, but it's not the genre I'm in love with.
Muy buenas canciones, quizá le faltó un poco más de variedad o dinamismo
I’m a Radiohead lover and this one is a lot different to the other 4 I’ve listened too. It’s more focused on rock other than electronic/alt rock genres. Very solid album it wasn’t as mind blowing and “experimental” as a Kid A or Ok Computer but I did enjoy it a lot. Also I feel as if Yorke wasn’t singing as he normally does making him sound less annoying than he normally does. This may have removed some character out of the project as-well though. My favourite songs were Black Star and Fake Plastic Trees. Overall I’m giving this album an 8/10 4/5
4.9 The album cover is what you’ll look like when you hear this album
Great album
great
more a fan of their later stuff. ts is still solid really like black star and nice dream and a bunch of them
A classic radiohead album. Bangers all around.
4.5
This was the album where Radiohead truly found its footing, creating a powerful and emotionally resonant statement that laid the groundwork for the masterpiece that would follow. It is a stunning collection of songs that captures a band on the cusp of true greatness. I am guilty of letting Radiohead be one of the few glaring holes in my 90s alternative rock listening history. OK Computer caught my attention, but otherwise, I mostly ignored Radiohead. This album reminded me of how they fit in the story of the 90s. It just sounds like the time - in the same way Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins do - the latter especially. I hear Corgan in Yorke's vocals on this album. I'm told both were relatively uninterested in each other, but I'd be interested to hear them together. That comparison is apt. There's a raw, anthemic quality here that feels perfectly at home in the mid-90s landscape. The triple-guitar attack is muscular and intricate, from the iconic, jarring riff of "Just" to the soaring leads on "My Iron Lung." Yet, beneath the wall of sound, the seeds of their future are sprouting. The acoustic despair of "Fake Plastic Trees" is a masterclass in dynamics, building from a fragile whisper to a cathartic roar. "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" is utterly haunting, a dark, arpeggiated ballad that hints at the more experimental and atmospheric textures the band would soon explore. So why not a perfect five stars? While brilliant, The Bends is ultimately an album of transition. It is arguably the peak of a certain kind of alt-rock, but it's still operating within that framework. It's the sound of a band perfecting a style just before they shatter it completely with OK Computer. For that reason, it feels slightly overshadowed by what came next. Still, this is a minor critique of an otherwise essential album.
Never listened to this one fully through before, as I usually gravitate towards Radiohead's later works, but it's still a clear winner. It was compelling to hear them at their most stripped down. Layered guitars, steady drums in the back, small inclusions of strings or other instruments here and there. Gives an ethereal sound. Almost like the alternative rock version of Dark Side of the Moon.
Great project. There were a few points where some of the sounds were questionable, but these moments were easily forgivable after the fact.
miserable just like me
For me, this album doesn't really begin until High and Dry. The mood is set by that song, and it makes the rest of the album better. It leads in well to Fake Plastic Trees and I feel its similarity in (Nice Dream). Although, I don't love this album as much as the other two that I've had so far, it was still very solid.
As soon as I saw Radiohead I knew this will be good. It reminds me of when I was younger. For some reason it encapsulates that 90s feeling in it.I’m enjoying this one a lot. This album is amazing. It really is.I might even get it on Vinyl. 8.5/10
My favorite radiohead album. Classic 90s
Of all the Radioheads this is the best Radiohead 👍
I fucking HATE Creep and thought I hated Radiohead. I was expecting lots of angst on top of a droning background. What a pleasant surprise! A lot of these songs are really well structured with some beautiful melodies. Didn’t love when things got distorted but otherwise this is a huge success.
Perhaps there's hope for me liking 90s music yet. This is the right amount of noisy guitars and moodiness. Really appreciated the quieter songs like High and Dry and Bullet Proof.
Faaaaaaaaade ouuuuuuuuuuuut agaaaaaaaain
Sexo
An all time great album. I’m not the biggest fan of Radiohead but man, is this good. Equal parts interesting, engaging, and devastating.
Yay, a music for sad white guys
Even when Radiohead is not at their best, they're still enjoyably transcending.
Oh hell yeah!
As a rocker at heart, this is my favourite Radiohead album. I understand that the band would have largely been irrelevant by now if they just kept making records like this, but this is nonetheless the sweet spot. Maybe it sticks out precisely because it’s their only proper rock album.
First real quality Radiohead album, the bends a standout track.
The biggest thing going against The Bends is that it's not Radiohead's other albums (aside from Pablo Honey). But when evaluated independently of their other work, and in comparison with the other albums on this list, you realize even if it isn't OK Computer, it's still an absolute banger of an album.
Great album. Love their unique sound
Really enjoyed this project - not my favorite in Radiohead's discog, but a goodie. Faves for me were "Street Spirit (Fade Out)," probably my favorite Radiohead song of all-time, and "Fake Plastic Trees" and "High and Dry."
La dosis sad que necesitaba
I like radiohead. Sometimes I’m not in the mood for them. The Bends is an album of theirs I like most of the time and enjoy.
Alright album. Not as influential as their later stuff but it has some great tracks. My personal favourite but by no means their best and my opinions definitely may change in the future
The guitar on this album is great. Compared to in rainbows, I enjoyed this slightly less. Could maybe be 4.5 potential but I rounded down in this case. Would be happy to listen to this again.
thom yorke! one of those albums that isn't fully fleshed out but you know is a sign of great things to come. As a Radiohead fan, this isn't one I come back to often, but every time I do I remember that right after this release comes OK computer and oh my days am I happy that The Bends was made
Album art: 5
Such a great album such a great band. I could listen to this on repeat.
Great radio head. early stuff is fun
Really good album, but a little bit of a slog to get through in the middle in there. It will probably improve for me on a second listen. Added 7 of 12 songs to my brit rock playlist.
Planet Telex - Solid opener, drums are good. The Bends - Band switches vibes so much it works out nice. High and Dry - Shows off the vocals well, every instrument fits the song perfectly. Fake Plastic Trees - Calming song, great volume changes. Bones - Cool bass riff, I don't really like his voice cracks. (Nice Dream) - Wasn't the biggest fan, too high pitched for me. Just - My favourite on the album, great lyrics, nice backing vocals. My Iron Lung - The guitar kind of annoyed me, the bass carried this one. Bullet Proof ... I Wish I Was - Emotional song, no over playing is good. Black Star - Strong and emotional lyrics, love the ride cymbal. Sulk - Vocals are great, love the guitar part too. Street Spirit (Fade Out) - Weirded me out honestly.
Okay, I think I get this one.
I never really got into Radiohead that much, but this is probably my favorite of theirs. Lots of good songs on here.
Easy to see how this is such a highly rated album, multiple 5 star tracks 4.2 stars
Better than I thought it would be. Probably won't listen to it loads but good.
Incredible album start to finish, crunchy guitars, thom yorkes haunting vocals. Honestly such a highlight of the bands discography but overshadowed by OK Computer. Theres a lot of songs I come back to frequently. A lot stand up on their own and still feel fresh despite being 30 years old. Favourite Tracks: Bullet Proof ... I Wish I was, My Iron Lung, Just, Fake Plastic Trees, High and Dry, Black Star, (Nice Dream), The Bends Least Favourite: Bones, Sweet Spirit (Fade Out)
This is an album I've heard before, maybe not every single song to be honest. Lots of great tunes on here though. Track 1 is one I've only heard a few times. Thom's distinct voice immediately sets the tone for the album. Lots of cool atmospheric sounds in the periphery. Track 2 is very familiar. (It just gave me Brand New vibes from TDAGARIM. Never made that connection before. Not surprising that Jesse would draw from Thom for inspiration). This is a fairly straight forward rocker, elevated by Thom's vocals. Track 3 is a Radiohead song that I don't think gets enough respect in retrospect. Classic 90's vibe, perfect, soaring vocals. Track 4 is probably the most famous song from the album, for good reason. Hauntingly beautiful. I prefer the version from the Clueless soundtrack but this song is perfection nonetheless. The capper of a really, really strong 3-song run that really could be put up against most other 90's acts. I don't like the effect on Thom's voice at the beginning of Track 5. It gets better as it gets going. But its generally a forgettable song after the heavyweights that preceded it. Track 6 gets back to highlighting Thom's voice. I like this song and l like the manic bridge (or solo) of squealing guitars. Lots of good in this one. Track 7 is the first Radiohead song I ever heard, as it was featured on Much Music's Big Shiny Tunes Volume 1. I will always love this song. Classic Radiohead for me. Track 8 is just okay. This time the manic guitars in the middle didn't do it for me. The verses are pretty good though. Track 9 was a slow burn, haunting little number. A decent song at the end of the album. Track 10 is a mid-tempo song that works for me. It touches on some themes that will be very prevalent in future Radiohead works. I was more aware of the bass guitar in this song more than any other so far. Track 11 is the least played track from the album on Spotify. Must just be because it's near the end because it is far from the worst track on the album. Loud guitars and again Thom's soaring vocals are in full effect on this one. I liked it. Track 12 is the closer. Pretty guitar at the beginning. A slow burn as it ramps up. Makes you want more from this band. And we all know they more than deliver. 4.3/5
Radiohead - *The Bends* however I did like pretty well. I may or may not have an affinity to their more traditional 90's alt sound than most Radiohead fans, but I can tell this the the transitional album to the next few. I liked this slightly better than *Kid A*, but definitely not as much as *In Rainbows* 8.75 ★★★★
Great album. I always say this is like my fifth favorite Radiohead album, but that's more a testament to how strong their discography is and not necessarily a knock on this. I think "Planet Telex", "Fake Plastic Trees", "Just", and "Street Spirit" are really great and are harbingers of things to come. A few of the songs kind of feel like they're holding on to their Pablo Honey sound a bit -- I don't really like the title track at all -- but it's a great leap in quality from their debut. 4.5 stars.
4.5
Aw, sweet young pre-electronic, terrible graphics Radiohead. The preferred Radiohead album of the all rig, no gig, pedalboard-obsessed guitarist. This is a good record, but just nowhere the Titanic-sinker that OK Computer is. "High and Dry" is such a beauty. It could've been "Creep"-level ubiquitous were we a more sensitive species. "Fake Plastic Trees" is a epic heartbreaker. The rest is a little like a U2 without the unifying ego or a Stone Roses who doesn't dance.
There are 4 radiohead albums on the list and 2 that were but have been removed. This one and ok computer are probably the only ones you actually need to hear. Fake plastic trees still holds up.
I've grown to appreciate Thom Yorke and Radiohead in my later years. Not that I didn't dislike them prior...I just never really paid them much attention. But yea, it's great stuff. And only Thom Yorke has somehow made art out of a whiny voice.
Pretty good
radiohead so sloppy i almost crashed the Whippopotamus
4.5 The last great 90s Alt.Rock guitar album. Side one may be the best single side of Radiohead in the catalog. The final three on side two gracefully bow out one by one until "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" leaves you not wanting it to end.
Funny how things goes. When I was young(er), I prefered the early Radiohead, more accessible, good ol' rock with its mandatory share of saturation, and not too much experimentation. Growing old(er), I started to love the experimental Radiohead, this band taking risks, trying things unapologetically, and never releasing twice the same record. And so, even though this is a really good album, I prefer the "other" Radiohead, fully embrassing its weirdness.
Thought it was great, only giving it a 4 because it feels wrong to start off with a 5 when I've only listened to one album.
Thom Yorke is a bit pretentious in most interviews I've seen, and I feel their later music is controversially overrated. However, this album is an iconic highlight of mid 90s light indie rock.
★★★★⅔
This is the first Radiohead record I ever bought, from Southwest Sound in Durango, Colorado during my Sophomore year of high school. It was just weeks before I would see the Paranoid Android music video on MTV Europe for the first time. An auspicious prophecy. I spent a lot of time with this record, in fact I still have the cd. It's not as trailblazing as OK Computer, but you can hear the band moving in that direction.
A- Planet Telex 5 The Bends 4 High And Dry 3 Fake Plastic Trees 4 Bones 3 (Nice Dream) 5 Just 3 My Iron Lung 5 Bullet Proof..I Wish I Was 5 Black Star 4 Sulk 4 Street Spirit (Fade Out) 5 It used to be my favorite Radiohead album, but it's a bit too raw for me now. Still great. I just think you can hear their skills grow in their later albums.
Pretty good.
Standout Songs: The Bends High and Dry Fake Plastic Trees Bullet Proof… I Wish I Was Black Star Street Spirit (Fade Out) One of the few good Radiohead albums in my opinion, way better than their more experimental stuff
Back when Radiohead cared about melody. I miss those days. There are some beautiful moments. Fake Plastic Trees is a highlight for me. Toward the end is a song, Sulk, which gives a preview into the direction they are heading. This song loses this album a star.
Better than Coldplay
This was an enjoyable album. I thought I wasn’t keen of Radio head but they won me over with this one. Just good music to sing along to and make you feel something.
4.5 stars. Phenomenal album, impressive arrangements. Yorke's falsetto and dreary lyrics can be draining at times. "High and Dry" harbinger for 2000's mainstream alt rock. Heavier tracks like "My Iron Lung" are more hard rock. Favorite is "Just".
Godt album! Litt mer Brit-popete enn jeg trodde
The most “rock” radiohead album
I already know I love this album.
4,4999 périodique; c'est un 5, mais il faut parfois se garder du jeu pour d'autres albums meilleurs. Ce qui me fascine, dans cet album, c'est qu'une grande partie des tricks qui font OK Computer sont déjà présents sur The Bends. L'unité en tant qu'album ou la cohérence de l'enchaînement des pièces ne sont pas autant réussies sur The Bends, mais les pièces demeurent puissantes. Je le dis publiquement: Fake Plastic Trees, c'est très bon, Phil! Je l'ai confirmé avec une écoute après avoir lu ton commentaire incendiaire. ;)
Un album que je n'écoute vraiment plus souvent, j'ai trouvé Planet Telex meilleure que jamais. Les guitares sont excellentes, saturations savoureuses. Le son du drum est la seule faiblesse de la prod pour moi; manque un peu de chaleur. 4.49 étoiles.
solid as concrete
a step forward in the sonic evolution of Radiohead, and a preview of the brilliance yet to come.
I guess I don’t hate Radiohead anymore. Thank you Generator.
My radiohead cherry has finally been popped! Amazing album, cadence stayed fresh and very unique sounds, I particularly enjoyed "high and dry" and "just"
All albums after this one 5stars.
Of all the Radiohead albums we have encountered on this journey, I would call this one the most accessible. I mean, I honestly like their other albums, but they do tend to feel a little self-consciously “artsy.“. I don’t feel as pretentious saying I like this one.
Much better than I was anticipating. This is not the sleepy rock they explore in future albums. The creativity and strong vocals are here.
Maybe it's because part of me wants to like Radiohead, but this album seems better and less mumbley than prior ones I've listened to on this project. I could see myself listening to it again. In the case of other RH albums, there's typically a few standout songs that I enjoy, but a lot of others that irritate me, mostly because of Thom's mumble-singing. 3.5* rounded up.
i had this cd as a child
Every song gets better& better until it ends with Street Spirit (Fade Out). Great album, but not my fav from them.
It's a solid indie art rock album at the more dreamy (and mopey) end of the spectrum. There are flashes of brilliance but, as with most music by this band, it is difficult to judge how sincere the melancholy is. Are they just knowingly pulling on the heart strings? But the talent is undeniable.
Det fungerede godt for mig idag. Måske med mere tid ville det være en 5er. Jeg vender tilbage.
I forgot how full of interesting sounds and songs this record is.
A very great record overall. It doesn’t have anything extraordinary about it, I just really enjoyed the vibe, very moody and sad record. I would definitely listen to this again. Loved Yorke’s emotional vocals and the guitars in this one. First full Radiohead album I listened to, so not sure if this would be my favorite or not.
For years and years, I tried to get into Radiohead and failed. I remember hearing OK Computer at a young age and hating it. I mocked my little brother for wasting his money on that CD (that didn't age well). I remember a high school teacher of mine showing me Kid A and it not click for me at all. I remember buying In Rainbows, listening to it once and then forgetting about it. I knew all about the big songs and the legacy and the hype. And that made me really want to get into this band... but I kept failing. That is until I bought The Bends. I had heard High and Dry on the soundtrack for the JGL movie 50/50 and fell in love with the song all over again... so I bought the album. And that's when Radiohead finally clicked in my brain. And now i'm a huge fan and I love all the records... except King of Limbs and Pablo Honey (does anyone actually like those ones outside of the people fully in the band's cult?)... and I really regret not seeing them live the last time they were in Toronto (fingers crossed for this year) etc etc. And it's all thanks to The Bends. Even though it's not my favourite Radiohead album, it still holds a special place in my heart. Side note: I think my favourite is In Rainbow... not that that really matters. Anyways... onto the album: 1. It's catchy as hell. So many hooks. It's fully of poppy, grungy alternative rock classics with choruses that constantly had me singing along. 2. The singles are still incredible and deserve their place in the alternative rock radio cannon. High and Dry and Fake Plastic Trees are beautiful. Just just fuckin' rocks. Street Spirit (Fade Out) reminds me of a later Radiohead track, maybe something off In Rainbows... either way it's a haunting way to end the album. (Just googled it and i had no idea My Iron lung, Planet Telex and The Bends were all also singles. Radio has forgotten them I suppose.) 3. I really love the stretch from High and Dry to Just. Incredible. But really there isn't a bad song on the record. I will admit i'm not the biggest fan of Planet Telex and The Bends... which makes the start of the album a low point for me... but it only gets better from there. 4. Favourite deep cuts: Black Star (love that chorus), Bones (what an underrated poppy track) and (Nice Dream) (this track snuck up on me... i didn't remember it from back in the day, but i really enjoyed it.. the subtle chorus, the guitar at the end). Ultimately, I think I enjoyed it even more now than when I bought it. At the time it felt like a stepping stone and I quickly jumped to the bigger albums... so i'm glad I got to revisit this. What a great record.
On first listen, I really liked the first 4 songs or so and then the rest all blended together. I gave it one more chance and its grown on me — and I would probably like it more if I was in an angstier mood.
Another 90’s nostalgia piece, I knew every song, excellent if you actually enjoy the mood Radiohead were in.
I always had this idea I wasn't crazy about "earlier" Radiohead but this was very solid and I listened to it twice. You can definitely hear OK Computer coming down the pipe.
I know this isn’t one of the most celebrated albums, but I always like this album. I think it was a little more accessible than some of their later ones.
Very good album, I think this might be my favourite piece of Radiohead
I enjoy early Radiohead very much and this album is one of my favorites from them. There is melody with some of the atonal aspects they did more of later.
For me, Radiohead blurs the line between elevator music and radio hits. I made the mistake of listening to this while getting some work done and it was too easy for it to slip into the background. Don't get me wrong, there are some Radiohead songs I truly love, but none of them live on this album.
Masterpiece of alt rock. Not even the best Radiohead album and it’s damn near perfect. Songs like Fake Plastic Trees are timelessly beautiful.
Certainly an album made of decent songs
Radiokopf👍
Really enjoyed this one as someone who’s not listened to any of there music before I’m excited to see more from them
good but was not in the radiohead at 7 am
I adore this album. It's part of my personal (and probably a lot of other people's) Radiohead holy trinity, though I think it often gets overlooked in favour of Kid A and OK Computer. I love Fake Plastic Trees as much as the next person, I think it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I also love High and Dry. The only reason this album is not five stars for me is because I do prefer the lyricism on some of their other albums, but I do still very much like the arrangements on this one.
Great
yes
S ganze Albom esch rächt guet und tönt extrem noch Radiohead, för 5 Stärne aber e chli sad. High and Dry fühli bsonders.
Very good and yet it's still far from their best. 8.5/10
Thirty years old and could easily pass for a new release (in a good way) – the (to me) strongly Bowie influenced and (imho) best Radiohead album. Definitely the one with my all time favourite Radiohead track (Black Star). All killer, no filler. Listening brings back a weirdly specific memory of driving to work as a Shropshire Star reporter, along the Bridgnorth to Telford road, with this album on heavy repeat on my car cassette player. Four (black) stars!
A comparatively middle of the Road Radiohead album, but still great.
loved!!!!
Great album start to finish. Probably one of my least favorite radio heads though. It gives drinking beer in the garage working on my car. Favorite tracks: high and dry, just, nice dream 8/10
Just is one of my fav songs ever really good album some quality tracks all of it tickles the brain
A handful of songs I adore and a handful that are more in the vein of boring brit pop. This album stirs up so many good and sad feelings for me.
If this was teenage me, it would have been an insta-5. High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, and Just remain all-timers, but the album cuts and other singles are a bit… “Britpop boring” for me these days.
Good! I kept thinking this was Pablo Honey prior to this and definitely underrated it in my memory; finally going back to it made me realize it’s like a more straightforward OK Computer, or at least a blueprint. My preferred R-HeD is still bleeps and bloops with The Kid King A-mnesiac of Limbs approach, but I enjoyed this.
It's just such a crying shame that Thom Yorke quit actually singing in the later Radiohead albums because when he sings, they absolutely soar. There are so many fantastic songs on this album: Just, My Iron Lung, Planet Telex, Fake Plastic Trees and Street Spirit all stand out. I was a little late to the Radiohead party but when I found myself there it was actually because of 'Just' being a favourite of the DJ at the Rock & Indie night at uni. I then had to work my way backwards and forwards but by that point, they'd stopped making the great rock music that got my attention. This is the Radiohead album I still come back to the most, either way.
Excellent album 4/5
This album is a Black Star. Strange just enough, love this sounds. - my iron lung - fake plastic trees
Near perfect. Superb collection of songs.
Really liked it. Fave track: Just
Upbeat rock music. Sometimes slow. 4/5
ill say 4/5 cuz its pretty goated. just not a big fan of bones, sulk, and black star.
Not quite as good as OK Computer but still excellent. High and Dry and Fake Plastic trees are standouts. This one is definitely more Coldplay sounding but it’s well executed. With more time might be a 5. High 4.
litttttt
Such a rocking album from one of the best there is
Already know I like Radiohead and have a couple of songs in Liked Songs from this. Yeah this album is great.
Cool tunes
Radiohead gets better and better each time
favorite radiohead album... thanks mom
Perfect soundtrack for when you have the metaphorical bends. The (very iconic) cover image is my face when listening to Street Spirits (Fade Out). The only thing I have to criticize is that the album doesn't manage to keep up the quality of the tracks over the slightly above-average running time. Slightly off-topic: There is a joke to be made involving this image and the term "radiohead", but I will not make it. 4.5/5
Nice, relaxing. Reminds me of U2.
De cuando Radiohead era una banda de rock. Temas clásicos que no caducan y que suenan bien.
Maybe my favorite from Radiohead so far, vocals were much less whiny and had a nice atmosphere without getting too slow. Good alternative rock but still not really outstanding in my opinion
Pretty solid, remarkable vocal performance by Thom.
This album feels so ahead of its time. This feels more like mid 2000s alternative rock. It puts me in a mood and I have had no skips. Also the lead singer's voice reminds me of Keane.
stream leah kate - super over
Better than I expected
I liked this one more than the Kid A album.
Классика, ни слова больше...
песнки хорошие есть
Rating: 4/5 | Favorite Track: Just --- I much prefer Radiohead's art rock albums that come later, but this still a very solid alt rock sound.
Not a Radiohead guy personally but I do understand the hype this was very well-constructed
Well, it took four albums in under two months, but I finally found a Radiohead album that I liked more than just "it's Good!" Maybe it's because this one is a lot more generic and less experimental. Maybe, I just need things like guitar hooks and melody to enjoy albums. 7/10
brilliant
Pretty interesting,
Standouts: • High and Dry • Fake Plastic Trees • Just • Black Star
Added to Library: TRUE This album slaps. It was probably my second introduction to the band after hearing In Rainbows and it's something I keep going back to. The intro to The Bends where you can hear some TV nonsense in the background is for some reason enjoyable to try to catch. I also like the album cover. Its like... robotic or cyborg-ish, with feelings of elation or bliss, given the entity's expression.
Jag lyssnade aldrig så mycket på radiohead när det begav sig. Var inte helt såld. Detta album är dock rätt bra. Har lyssnat ganska mycket för att bryta igenom. Tycker rösten är lite sisådär, men musikaliskt är det intressant. Det är fint och varierat. Nog inte riktigt nåt jag skulle lyssna på särskilt mycket idag. Men jag tycker ändå det förtjänar en fyra. Det är för bra för att bara ge en trea.
Fjärde skivan av Radiohead hittills och jag gillar den precis som jag gillade In rainbows. Solid fyra med många bra låtar!
75/100
Good, but I still don't see what all the fuss is about with these guys
THIS is how you do a sophomore album! Fantastic album with so many emotions running through it at all times. 8.5/10
301/1001 Radiohead con más guitarritas es mejor Radiohead. 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Soundtrack of my life in high school. It's still amazing, especially the less known songs (Nice Dream, Bulletproof, Black Star). It's really close to a 5, but I just feel like there are other Radiohead albums I prefer much more. I'd put Bends in the 4th place, hence 4/5 (a strong one though!)
It’s been a while since I listened to this one. In 1995 though, this was in constant rotation. Production holds up for being 30 years old. Not a bad tracks on the album. They would only continue to get better with each album over the next few!
there was a time that i was pretty neutral on radiohead but honestly they kick ass. even the albums that aren't THE albums are great
I mess with this. Good lyrics, solid and interesting production. Could use some catchier hits i think, but overall it was fun to listen to.
Amazing album that can serve as a gateway for newcomers getting into Radiohead
Even if it is not being the best Radiohead album, it is still a very good album
Vgg
By far the most rock Radiohead album we have listened to, almost didn't sound like Radiohead compared to the others. I do like that they show some variation and not all albums sound the same though. I really like the guitar used in a lot of these songs. Doesn't seem overly complicated but just works really well. The standouts were (Nice Dream) and Street Spirit. Probably my least favorite of the Radiohead albums so far because I really like the trippy albums that have come before, but still really good in different ways.
I really enjoyed this album. I'm always shocked how much the radio had effected my musical upbringing. I recognized High and Dry, well enough I could sing along, but had never clocked it as Radiohead song.
My first Radiohead vinyl
Very comfy, even though I liked some of the later stuff better.
i was already familair with the first half of this album. 2nd half seemed light on hits. I liked early Radiohead but they kinda lost me later in their catalog. Maybe someday it'll click. Its great though.
cool
Bangers
Best Radiohead album IMO. When they were still an alt rock band rather than delving more into the electronic and abstract. The production is excellent and there's a lot of great songs here. Street Spirit is probably my favorite Radiohead track, the deeper cuts like Fake Plastic Trees and My Iron Lung are wonderful as well. I don't really have a reason not to give it 5 stars except that I'm still a bit biased against Radiohead.
So, to everyone who ever tried to get me into Radiohead, you should've started here. This is the first album of theirs I've been able to sit through all of without any complaints. Matter of fact, I spun it twice. I then decided to check out Pablo Honey, which mostly bored me after "Creep". Unsure if that's my fault for pushing myself too far with them today, or if that's just not a very good album. Anyways, I'll stick with this one for now, and then see if it eventually helps me find my way into anything else.
Album I owned, but rarely played and even less so all the way through. Listening now though, it holds up pretty well. Took a belated deep dive into the 'Head after OKC was an earlier choice here. Following that, I find myself avoiding the whole Bends/OKC vs. KidA/Amnesia debate by zeroing in on what I consider the later, superior, In Rainbows/Moon Shaped Pool. This is good though - but I consider Talk Show Host the best of their 90s work which probably points heavily to their later stuff.
esse álbum é meu parça de academia
tem anos que eu tento gostar de verdade de radiohead, mas o santo nunca bateu. dito isso, esse aqui é o que eu mais gostei das vezes que ouvi. bem post-britpop, tem uma sonoridade boa, meio atmosférica e as guitarra sao top. é um album noventista bem sólido e barulhento! (((acho que a voz do thom yorke me irrita um pouco)))
I liked The Bends more than any other Radiohead album we've had, there's more music I like in it, there's more of a Britpop style sound in it, and while I never got into this lot but really liked Muse, there are parallels everywhere. Didn't like Fake Plastic Trees, liked most of the other stuff, easy 4/5.
I think my second favourite of the Radiohead albums that we've had, it's good throughout with a couple of real highs (High & Dry, Just) and not much in the way of filler. A big step forward from Pablo Honey, and it gets even better with OK Computer. 4/5.
Muy buen álbum, consistente. Tiene grandes canciones y tiene una duración perfecta.
not my fave radiohead album, still a good one
7.5/10 Favorite Tracks: Planet Telex, High and Dry, Black Star, Street Spirit
I really liked this album
Great album. These guys just write amazing songs
Great album, just and street spirit are class. Think this album is a bit too straightforward to be on the same level as OK computer, they sound like a britpop muse here. Not a bad thing for the most part but there a couple of tracks which sound like other bands, which is definitely not the case for all the Radiohead after this. I will definitely listen to a lot of this again but not quite a 5.
I <3 Radiohead. I like "Pablo Honey", but this is where Radiohead locked in. There are a lot of great tracks on here "Planet Telex", "Fake Plastic Trees", "Just", "My Iron Lung", "Street Spirit", etc. I'm really burnt out of "High and Dry" from listening to it all the time in high school but it stills hits. Album cover is fantastic, probably my favorite Radiohead album cover. This album is tight. Close to a 4.5/5 but there is definitely some filler here so I'll just say its a 4. Favorite track: Street Spirit (Fade Out)
I'll admit, I only like Radiohead's first three albums but nothing afterwards. This is a good one and bridges the gap between Pablo Honey and OK Computer. It has some really solid songs on it.
I already listened to this album, more than once! I've listened to it enough to become familiar with this record, and I would consider it a really great Radiohead record and one of the best albums of the 90s. It had a perfect middle point between the sad, poignant musings and the grungy, rock sound that they still had from the previous record. The Bends is just still amazing, front to back, with a production that shoots far beyond dynamic heights or mellow lows, so that it either felt like soft cushions or hammers breaking walls when it came to the mix.
Pretty Good. I enjoyed this quite a bit. I'm not the biggest fan of "OK Computer," so I kind of rolled my eyes when I saw this, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. Solid 7/10 closer to an 8 than a 6, but still a solid 7.
Great radiohead
Best Radiohead album. Period!
Radiohead's The Bends stands out as one of the band's most sonically accessible albums, offering a compelling blend of alternative rock with melodic hooks and emotional depth. In contrast to the more abstract and experimental nature of their later works, such as OK Computer and Kid A, The Bends captures a rawer, more relatable sentiment, allowing listeners to connect on a personal level through its introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation. This album serves as a beautiful bridge between mainstream appeal and the band's artistic evolution, making it a poignant experience that resonates with a wide audience.
A clear step up from Pablo Honey, but it's just nowhere near as good as almost anything that would come after.
sick ass guitar riffs
Classic rock because it's classic and it rocks
84/100.
not as good as ok computer, but still a solid listen.
Justice for half stars, this one is a 4.5 for me
As someone who hasn’t listened to much Radiohead, this album was a delightful re-introduction. The first half of the album sonically aligned with me most during a morning commute down the peninsula — its namesake, The Bends, High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, and Bones.
I like Radiohead. I think in my Last.fm days it was one of my most played artists. It's hard to rate this album fairly knowing what other albums are to come after and how influential they are. I'm definitely more fond of experimental electronic Radiohead and Kid A is still one of my favorite albums to this day. This is actually the first time I've listened to this album through and it's incredibly emotional. There are a couple OUTSTANDING tracks. Iron lung is insane. I personally feel like If you put this up against other alternative rock from the era it loses a little bit of its luster. There's so much great stuff out there. If I want to hear this style of music I'm much more likely to go for some Sonic Youth, Smashing pumpkins, Dinosaur Jr. Etc. Great album but I don't really see myself revisiting again soon
Great Album. I always forget about Radiohead because their later material is stuff that I couldn't care less about leaving alone. The Bends and OK Computer are total masterpieces. The guitars sound good, the songwriting is good, the vocals are good. It's got sad songs, it's got rockin' songs. It's got it all.
3.5
Well, I have something of a love-hate thing with Thom Yorke's vocals, particularly on OK Computer, but I really rather enjoyed this album, which I'll add to my streaming favourites. Probably not as important as OK Computer but pretty enjoyable.
Done
¿Que hacer después de un debut con una canción para toda una generación? Pues hacer un disco aun mejor y mas influyente. Pasaron de ser alumnos aventajados de los Pixies a ser líderes a los que tratar de emular (que se lo digan Coldplay, Muse y tantos otros). Este The Bends fue un paso de gigante, y les abrió un camino por el que solo ellos transitaron (Ok Computer, Kid A, In Rainbows o The Smile...). Lejos de la euforia Brit-pop, supieron exponer la angustia de fin de siglo y la alienación electrónica como nadie. John Lekie y Nigel Godrich aportaron lo suyo. No es mi disco favorito (In Rainbows), ni el mejor (Ok Computer) pero es imprescindible. ¿Grandes? Inigualables. El legado de Jeff Buckley está a buen recaudo.
Radiohead gets a bad rap by musicheads but they’re actually pretty good. The type of rock they produce is unique and catchy. Their bad reputation SHOULD go to bands that actually deserve it like NINE INCH NAILS!!! Now those guys are the creepy ones.
A bleak album, and arguably, the true start of Radiohead. Great stuff.
Classic 90s alt rock. Very strong opening, tapers off a bit in the second half. Highlights: "Planet Telex" (strong, propulsive opening), "The Bends" (melody is a bit Beatles-esque), "High and Dry" (Coldplay based their early career on this song), "Fake Plastic Trees" and "Just" (epic 90s angst)
Hell yeah
I enjoyed this one!
Super polished and fun listen , some of the track feelings can get repetitive over time but it’s def an album I see with s lot of replay value. There are few but enough skips for me to stop this from being a 5 in conjunction with the repetitive feeling at times it’s a low to mid 4/5
4 Stars (11/15)
Radiohead - The Bends As expected, this was going to sound great. This album is filled with bangers that'll make you vibe with it, there's also a lot of catchy hooks and great riffs that are shown there. If only the band knew for what they will later on create... Overall, this is great! 1.- Planet Telex = 8/10 2.- The Bends = 9/10 3.- High and Dry = 10/10 4.- Fake Plastic Trees = 10/10 5.- Bones = 8/10 6.- (Nice Dream) = 9/10 7.- Just = 10/10 8.- My Iron Lung = 10/10 9.- Bullet Proof ... I Wish I Was = 7/10 10.- Black Star = 8/10 11.- Sulk = 8/10 12.- Street Spirit (Fade Out) = 10/10 FINAL SCORE: 8.9/10
Stand out tracks to me: High and Dry, Just, My Iron Lung, and Street Spirit
This would be 3 stars but Street Spirit pushes it to 4
The first of a great run
Solid and dependable. They’ll never be an all time favorite, but I can’t deny how good it is. 4/5
Album cover freaks me out
83% Best: The Bends; High and Dry; Bones; My Iron Lung; Black Star; Street Spirit (Fade Out) Must-Hear? Sure
although nowadays this album has kind of been discounted by fans, critics, and the band themselves i’ve always really enjoyed it and considered it to be in my top 3 RH albums. it’s very of its time but i don’t think that’s a bad thing fav songs: my iron lung, just, planet telex
I will say, I’ve never actually gotten around to ever listening to more than 2-3 Radiohead songs due to the ones I heard not being my cup of tea. But this album was great and I can understand the hype now. Will listen more
Good
Hot take is that this is the best album by this band, and the reasons are simple. Radiohead wanted to be something different, and there is nothing wrong with that. They wanted to escape the guitar band persona and escape they did. The disappointing thing is that there are a lot of fans of Radiohead as heavier, Thom Yorke more expressive, rather than conceptual, experimental, and seemingly... lazy. This album has emotion, it has expression that is a bit louder than the abstract varietals we will end up getting from later offerings. This is peak Radiohead, everything else afterwards is the price we pay for their popularity. In fairness, OK Computer was a great follow-up and stands on its own for where Radiohead wanted to be, and there is love for that album here. The love though is more of a gratitude for trying something different, but now it is time to come home.
Favorite tracks: Planet Telex, High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, Street Spirit. One of the weaker Radiohead albums overall, but still has really high highs across the album and is much better than their debut.
Clearly great written, excellent musicianship, outstanding production. This is objectively great, but I just cannot get into Radiohead.
hef sagt þetta bestu plötu hausins til að fara í taugarnar á fólki. við þetta hlustun er ég nokkuð viss um að hún sé það ekki. hvort ég breyti um nálgun til að hætta að skaprauna fólki er ósennilegt. 4,5.
Yeah maybe it's not as experimental as Kid A but holy shit I'll take this any day of the week over that opening track that just makes me think I'm being moneyshot with mercury. Also one of the better songs on this is called 'Just' and I find that funny. Highlights: Fake Plastic Trees, Just, The Bends
Dookie by Green Day was released 1994, the Bends was release 1995, welcome back dookie. 8/10 Fav tracks - Planet Telex, The Bends, High and Dry, My Iron Lung, Bulletin Proof... I wish I was, Black Star, Street Spirit (Fade Out) Least Fav - Fake Plastic Trees
Tied with OK Computer for my favourite Radiohead album, while it doesn’t have the same level of complexity as OK Computer, this album has a good balance of the meat and potatoes alt rock where the band started and a taste of where it would end up musically. A tad front loaded but an enjoyable listen and something I’m happy to return to after many years seeing as this was probably my most listened to album in my second year of uni. Highlights: The Bends, High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, Black Star, Street Spirit (Fade Out)
If only Radiohead made more records like this, rather than the twaddle they have come out with since.
I nearly gave it 5 stars just for Street Spirit but remembering the fact I always find myself listening to the hits rather than the whole album took it down one.
Radiohead's reinvention. While their smash hit Creep off the first album was a big success for the band, Radiohead aimed to show off their depth with the sophomore release. The Bends is an incredible showcase of how a rock band can wield the potential of rock music in whole new directions. Tonally, it's timeless while still borrowing the best from its grungy American neighbors. The songwriting shows innovation and interesting moments from Radiohead that most other bands wish they could capture in a single song. The Bends would go on to be eclipsed by numerous other fantastic Radiohead albums, but it's still worth listening to understand how the band evolved over time.
How many Radiohead albums are on this damn list? I enjoyed this one more than the others that have come up, but it wasn't exactly a high bar to stumble over. This is a bit more abrasive and less whiny than later efforts, yet still polished. I was going to give this a 3, but on subsequent listens I'm bumping it to a 4.
Radiohead's last album as a proper "Rock" band. Soon, they would begin their quest to "disappear completely" and become one with their machines. It's a great album, but loses two half-stars because both "OK Computer" and "KId A" are even better.
Before in rainbows, this one was my fav. Holds up
There’s something beautiful and calm but deeply unsettling about this album. Maybe my favorite Radiohead I’ve heard so far?
favourite song- fake plastic trees favourite lyric- suck, suck your teenage thumb / toilet trained and dumb / when the power runs out, we'll just hum / this, this is our new song / just like the last one / a total waste of time, my iron lung cover - 7/10 album - 4/5
Melancholy and poetic. A great listen and will def revisit. High and dry if perfect for a movie soundtrack. Title track is great too.
I keep saying that I don’t like Radiohead, but I really didn’t enjoy this album. This is maybe less experimental than many of their albums and more accessible. I will listen to this one again and may find that I am a Radiohead fan after all.
Already heard about half the album many times over the years, and I have done a run of this album before. Such a great melancholy feeling throughout this album. Many iconic riffs and chords. Some time soon I’ll focus on the lyrics.
Some of it felt a bit dated and overplayed, but still really enjoyed it. Not quite in 5 star territory for me.
Ran hot and cold on this. Several songs hint at what Radiohead would become in later albums, but just as many felt like more run-of-the-mill fuzzy rock songs.
I was one of those people who didn't listen to The Bends until *after* OK Computer came out, because I'd written off Radiohead as just another grungey one hit wonder (BWAHAHhahahHHAA in retrospect.) While I still enjoy the album a lot, it's hard to listen to the hits (High & Dry, Fake Plastic Trees) with fresh ears - and the songs I probably return to most feel very much like the direction some of their future work would go in: a bit more ambient, dreamy, alienation-fests (Bullet Proof...I Wish I Was, (Nice Dream)).
just lying in the bar with my drip feed on talkin to my girlfriend waiting for something to happen BARS
First time listen. Loved it
Enjoyed it. More moody than I anticipated. Never sell out.
Not my favorite Radiohead album but pretty great nonetheless. Low 4.
It was good, I shouldn’t have listened to ok computer first
Like Van Halen but actual good and much gayer lol I really like high and dry, very fall vibes :)
Probably my favourite Radiohead album. This is absolutely full of bangers.
Es ist ein ruhiges und gefühlvolles Werk, bei dem die Band ein neues Level der musikalischen Reife präsentiert. Mit Highlights wie “High & Dry” und “Fake Plastic Trees” bietet das Album eine emotionale Tiefe, die sowohl berührt als auch nachdenklich stimmt. “High & Dry” besticht durch seine sanften Gitarrenklänge und Thom Yorkes eindringlichen Gesang, der die Hörer in eine melancholische Stimmung versetzt. “Fake Plastic Trees” hingegen ist ein kraftvoller Ballade, die durch ihre lyrische Schönheit und musikalische Intensität besticht. Insgesamt ist “The Bends” ein Album, das sich perfekt für einen entspannten Britpop Afternoon Tea eignet. Es lädt dazu ein, sich zurückzulehnen, eine Tasse Tee zu genießen und in die gefühlvolle Welt von Radiohead einzutauchen.
With most bands or artists that I dislike, there is one album that makes me see them in a new light, where I realize that I might be mistaken about thme. The Bends is that record for Radiohead. Sure, I prefer many singers to Thom Yorke. But on this record there general nihilism is put aside, and you can actually sense that they are able to feel positive emotions. I quite like that. Also, this is an album where Johnny Greenwood shows that he has a great sence for melody, as seen in his soundtracks for PTA. This has some of his most beautiful guitar work on it. I also think this is their most influential record, seeing how much Coldplay and their peers took from this. There is even a bit of The Bends in early 2000's U2.
This album has some pretty good tracks. Gets a little emo but really the work of guitar and drums sometimes carries it pretty well.
essential 90s and RH record
This is a great album. Smooth with a driving beat.
1. "Planet Telex" 3,8 2. "The Bends" 3,8 3. "High and Dry" 3,6 4. "Fake Plastic Trees" 3,4 5. "Bones" 3,4 6. "(Nice Dream)" 4,2 7. "Just" 4,3 8. "My Iron Lung" 4,2 9. "Bullet Proof ... I Wish I Was" 3,7 10. "Black Star" 3,9 11. "Sulk" 3,6 12. "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" 4 Average 3,83
Classic album
My first Radiohead album that i listened and finished, started their discography with ok computer but didn't finish it at that time, a solid album worthy of re listen.
84
*sigh* Radiohead..... you have some of my favorite songs ever but I haven't gone and gave you a proper listen, bc imma be real yall kinda scare me with how many music snobs slob on your knob..... It not because I don't like you, Creep is in my top 5 songs ever, its just the added pressure of "what if I don't like you?" But here you are and 1001 albums gods have determined its time to listen. Kowabunga Planet Telex The Bends High and Dry (fake plastic tree was alright I just dont want to relisten to it) Just My Iron Lung Street Spirit Hell yea Radiohead, good music... 4/5
Altogether a pretty good album. Some really good sounds going down on this album that I enjoyed. Some of the songs I could have done without, but I was vibing with most of it.
Nice 90s rock!
I always feel like Radiohead is a band I'm supposed to like more but I can't get myself to do it. Thom Yorke's singing can be difficult unless you're in the mood for it. With that being said, this is a great album. High and Dry and Fake Plastic Trees specifically are two amazing songs. Some songs are a bit weaker but overall an above average listen for sure. 8/10 (4/5)
This is a great album, a 90's staple that I had on high rotation back in the day. Perfect intro tune to set the tone with "Planet Telex" then you roll right into radio and alt classics "The Bends", "High & Dry" and the fantastic "Fake Plastic Trees". The next wave includes "Bones, and "Just" & "My Iron Lung", all fan favorite upbeat gems. The entire album has the energy, the vibe of the day and is loaded with some of their very best music. I wish they would have continued down this path & matured their sound after the other absolute classic "Ok Computer", but they chose a different less catchy, less connected and more abstract sound that I didn't ever fully understand or embrace outside of a few songs per album. The album ends on a high note with "Street Signs (Fade Out)" which is just a cool song and a fitting end to a great album. He could really sing and this song epitomizes where they could have gone. Top 1001 worthy.
4 stars. somehow hadn't listened to this one much.
Beautifully sad & melancholic listening experience
i kinda fuck heavy w guitar rock radiohead...8/10
Having this as the last of the Radioheads for me I think cements my opinion they got more to my taste over time. This is a little angsty and raw for my taste, but I do like a couple of the tracks; particularly Just.
Imagine if Radiohead just carried on making records like this? Rather than deciding to take any raw edginess and hope out of their music and pursuing a dream to sound like a bunch of whining woodland creatures. 4.3
This album is Radiohead at their best. Fantastic stuff. High and dry and fake plastic trees are fantastic songs and then further down the album you have just and my iron lung. there are some great tunes! Favourite song:Just Least favourite: Sulk Album artwork: Iconic cover.
I enjoyed this, but they are different than what I usually listen to
a bit weird listening to this after OK computah and in rainbows, but it grew on me after a couple of listens YYY
truly amazing to hear
bombastic
September 16, 2024 HL: "Fake Plastic Trees", "My Iron Lung", "Black Star", "Street Spirit", "High and Dry" Radiohead #4 on this list I guess I used my witchcraft to summon this album, since I just listened to The King of Limbs (2011) for the first time, an odd duck in their catalogue but still enjoyable to me (like a 3.5/5). Which means I listened to *every* other single album in Radiohead's catalogue, including Pablo Honey, before hearing The Bends once in full. Now, the surprise isn't really there, since I knew the big songs, like "High and Dry" & "Street Spirit", in passing. I guess knowing them from their later, more eclectic releases makes the homogeneity of The Bends surprising. No jazz bands this time? No strange, syncopated time signatures? Perhaps my slowness in reaching The Bends has to do with "Fake Plastic Trees"; In my first attempts to get into Radiohead, I saw it was touted as *the* great song of theirs (well maybe along with "Karma Police" & "Creep"). And I thought it was good, but in the realm of lighter-waving anthems from Coldplay, The Verve, Muse, Snow Patrol, etc., it kinda got lost in the mix. Now, I hear its fragility ("If I could be who you wanted / all the time") & slow build on a simple musical idea, and I think it’s one of the most beautiful songs of the 90s. I don't know what changed, tbh Aside from that song, I enjoy this album, but consider my feathers unruffled. Admittedly, I see several of the songs in the same light I used to see "Plastic Trees". Logically, this implies The Bends will be my favourite Radiohead album at some point.
If I'm honest with myself, I didn't give this album the listen it deserves. I was very distracted while listening to this on Friday and didn't write a review until Monday. I liked the overall sound of this album, but I couldn't tell you a single song.