Without that technology, he wouldn't be here today. 'Airbag' is the recollection of Thom Yorke's car crash, in which he sings praises to the airbag that likely saved his life. Ironically, the album that has become known to combat the spread fear of technologically advanced future ahead starts by praising it. Instead, magically sparkling guitar paired with strings bring the album to its start. Gone were the clean guitar arpeggios of 'Creep' and the distorted powerchord verses. Right from the opening bars of ' Airbag', you knew this album is something different than what Radiohead had done in the past. It provided something for each side of the spectrum: big anthems and catchy hooks for the pop crowd, and thought-provoking lyrics and complex music for those who wanted something to think about. It's easy to see why this album was so successful, especially in that era. The album was quickly written off as a flop by their record label, but then exploded, debuting at number one on the UK Album Charts as well as hitting number 21 on the Billboard 200, making it the band's first album to chart in America. That resulted in OK Computer, defying all of the expectations that could've been expected of them. Yet they decided to challenge the expectations. They easily could've continued to tread in that edgy pop rock direction and busted out another strong-selling record. The band at that time was hitting success after success, following up the excessively popular ' Creep' from their debut Pablo Honey and the hauntingly beautiful ' Street Spirit (Fade Out)' from their sophomore release The Bends. The album not only broke borders with its eclectic progressive rock and britpop blends, but it also treaded where few dared to go: it questioned the implications of technology, shining it in both a positive and horrifying light. Perhaps one of the most prolific albums from this period was Radiohead's third album OK Computer. What would this era of technology bring, and what would the consequences be? Many moved forward with uncertainty, though. The world was just beginning to embrace the Internet in 1997 - not quite on the brink of social media just yet, but foundations were being set. The progression of technology and the rapid coming of the Digital Age sent skepticism and worry through the minds of many in the late 90s.
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