Review
Radiohead's The Bends, released in 1995, marks a powerful evolution from their debut album, showcasing a more mature and emotionally resonant sound. With soaring guitar work, textured production, and Thom Yorke's haunting vocals, the album explores themes of alienation, identity, and disillusionment. Tracks like "Fake Plastic Trees" and "High and Dry" underscore the band's ability to blend melancholic lyricism with melodic hooks, while songs like "Just" and "My Iron Lung" highlight their harder-edged rock sensibility. The album balances raw intensity with introspective moments, establishing Radiohead as a band unafraid to push sonic boundaries. The Bends not only solidified Radiohead’s critical acclaim but also laid the groundwork for their experimental direction in later works. It remains a standout of ‘90s alternative rock and an essential listen for fans of emotionally charged, intelligent songwriting.
Comments
Info
The Bends is the second studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 13 March 1995 in the United Kingdom and 4 April 1995 in the United States. The album marked a significant evolution in the band’s sound, incorporating more layered guitar work and emotionally resonant lyrics compared to their debut, *Pablo Honey*. The album was released by Parlophone in the UK and by Capitol Records in the US. It achieved commercial success, peaking at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and reaching number 88 on the US Billboard 200. Over time, *The Bends* has garnered widespread critical acclaim and is considered a landmark record in alternative rock. Recording sessions took place at several locations including RAK Studios in London and Abbey Road Studios, beginning in late 1993 and continuing into 1994. The album was produced by John Leckie, with Nigel Godrich serving as an engineer, who would later become the band's long-time producer.
Tracklisting
- Planet Telex
- The Bends
- High and Dry
- Fake Plastic Trees
- Bones
- (Nice Dream)
- Just
- My Iron Lung
- Bullet Proof ... I Wish I Was
- Black Star
- Sulk
- Street Spirit (Fade Out)