The Most Popular Radiohead Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:48
Fans of Radiohead often engage in heated debates over which of the band's songs deserves the top spot. With a discography that spans decades and transcends several music genres, every fan has a personal favorite. This dynamic often makes it quite challenging to reach a consensus on which track stands out the most. Through real-time voting, this interactive site allows fans to cast their votes and see how their favorite songs stack up against others. The live ranking system ensures that every vote counts and provides a constantly updated list of fan favorites. It's an enticing opportunity for every Radiohead enthusiast to make sure their preferred tracks get the recognition they believe they deserve.

What Is the Most Popular Radiohead Song?

  1. 1
    22
    votes
    This is arguably Radiohead's most well-known and popular song, thanks to its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about feeling like an outsider.
    Creep is a popular song by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released in 1992 as the lead single from their debut album 'Pablo Honey'. The song is characterized by its haunting melody, introspective lyrics, and distinctive guitar riffs. Creep gained significant attention due to its raw emotional intensity and relatability. It explores themes of self-doubt, alienation, and unrequited love, striking a chord with many listeners.
    • Release Year: 1992
    • Album: Pablo Honey
    • Genre: Alternative rock
    • Length: 3:56
    • Writer(s): Thom Yorke
  2. 2
    31
    votes

    Karma Police

    Radiohead
    This song has become an anthem for Radiohead fans, with its haunting melody and lyrics about the dangers of conformity.
    Karma Police is a song by the British rock band Radiohead. It was released as a single in 1997 and later featured on their acclaimed album OK Computer. The song is characterized by its melancholic and haunting sound, combining elements of alternative rock and electronic music. Karma Police is known for its powerful and emotional lyrics, exploring themes of control, guilt, and karma. Musically, it features a slow-paced tempo, prominent piano melodies, and a striking build-up towards the end.
    • Release date: June 16, 1997
    • Album: OK Computer
    • Genre: Alternative rock, electronic
    • Length: 4:21
    • Lyricist: Thom Yorke
  3. 3
    13
    votes

    Paranoid Android

    Radiohead
    This epic track from OK Computer continues to be a fan favorite, with its complex structure and surreal lyrics.
    Paranoid Android is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, included in their highly acclaimed album OK Computer, released in 1997. It presents a progressive rock sound with influences from alternative rock, art rock, and experimental genres. Paranoid Android is widely considered one of Radiohead's most complex and ambitious compositions.
    • Album: OK Computer
    • Release Date: 1997
    • Genre: Progressive rock
    • Length: 6 minutes and 23 seconds
    • Lyricist: Thom Yorke
  4. 4
    22
    votes

    Fake Plastic Trees

    Radiohead
    This ballad from The Bends is a fan favorite, with its poignant lyrics about modern society's obsession with materialism.
    Fake Plastic Trees is a song by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released as a single in 1995 and later included in their second album, The Bends. The song is a melancholic ballad with introspective lyrics that touch upon themes of consumerism, alienation, and emotional numbness. It features a haunting guitar melody and the unique vocals of Radiohead's lead singer, Thom Yorke.
    • Release Date: April 1995
    • Album: The Bends
    • Genre: Alternative rock
    • Length: 4 minutes and 50 seconds
    • Songwriter(s): Radiohead (Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, and Philip Selway)
  5. 5
    6
    votes

    No Surprises

    Radiohead
    This gentle song from OK Computer is a fan favorite, with its beautiful melody and lyrics about the monotony of modern life.
    No Surprises is a song by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released as the third single from their critically acclaimed album 'OK Computer' in 1998. The song is characterized by its mellow and melancholic sound, featuring tranquil melodies, delicate acoustic guitar, and Thom Yorke's haunting vocals. Lyrically, No Surprises depicts a sense of disillusionment and numbness in modern society. The track's introspective and introspective lyrics combined with its soothing musical arrangement have made it one of Radiohead's most beloved and enduring songs.
    • Album: OK Computer
    • Release year: 1998
    • Genre: Alternative rock
    • Length: 3:48
    • Songwriter(s): Radiohead
  6. 6
    7
    votes

    High and Dry

    Radiohead
    This catchy song from The Bends has become a classic, with its memorable guitar riff and lyrics about a failed relationship.
    High and Dry is a song by the British rock band Radiohead. It was released as the second single from their second studio album, 'The Bends', in 1995. The song features a melancholic tone with relatively simple instrumentation and introspective lyrics. It showcases Thom Yorke's emotive vocals and the band's ability to create a sense of longing and vulnerability. High and Dry became one of Radiohead's most popular songs, gaining significant acclaim and radio play worldwide.
    • Album: 'The Bends'
    • Release Year: 1995
    • Genre: Alternative Rock
    • Length: 4:17
    • Songwriters: Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Phil Selway, Ed O'Brien
  7. 7
    17
    votes
    This haunting track from Kid A is a fan favorite, with its minimalist instrumentation and dreamlike atmosphere.
    Everything in Its Right Place is a popular song by the acclaimed English rock band Radiohead, released on their fourth studio album, Kid A, in 2000. The song is known for its unique sound, blending electronic elements with alternative rock and experimental music. The lyrics, written by Thom Yorke, are often interpreted as a reflection on the disorientation and detachment felt in a modern society. Overall, the song is atmospheric, hypnotic, and thought-provoking.
    • Album: Kid A
    • Year: 2000
    • Genre: Alternative rock, Electronic
    • Length: 4:11
    • Writer(s): Thom Yorke
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    This haunting ballad from The Bends is a fan favorite, with its beautiful melody and lyrics about the futility of life.
    Street Spirit (Fade Out) is a song by the popular British rock band Radiohead. It was released as the final single from their second studio album, The Bends, in 1996. The song is known for its haunting and atmospheric sound, featuring a melodic guitar riff and Thom Yorke's emotionally powerful vocals. Lyrically, Street Spirit delves into themes of despair, powerlessness, and the human condition. The track has been widely praised for its introspective and thought-provoking lyrics, as well as its atmospheric musical arrangement.
    • Album: The Bends
    • Release year: 1996
    • Genre: Alternative rock
    • Length: 4:12
    • Composed by: Radiohead
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    This energetic track from The Bends has become a fan favorite, with its driving guitar riff and lyrics about the pressure to conform.
    Just is a song by the popular British rock band Radiohead. It was released as a single in 1995 and later included in their second studio album, The Bends. The song is known for its catchy guitar riffs, intense vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. Just explores themes of frustration, self-doubt, and societal pressures. It combines a unique blend of alternative rock and post-grunge elements, showcasing Radiohead's signature sound.
    • Release Year: 1995
    • Album: The Bends
    • Genre: Alternative rock
    • Length: 3:54
    • Songwriter(s): Radiohead
  10. 10
    7
    votes

    Pyramid Song

    Radiohead
    This haunting track from Amnesiac is a fan favorite, with its intricate piano melody and lyrics about death and rebirth.
    The "Pyramid Song" is a hauntingly beautiful track by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released as a single in 2001 and later included on their album "Amnesiac". The song is known for its complex time signature and ethereal atmosphere, featuring mesmerizing piano chords, soaring string arrangements, and Thom Yorke's mesmerizing vocals.
    • Release Date: May 14, 2001
    • Album: Amnesiac
    • Genre: Alternative rock
    • Length: 4:49
    • Time Signature: 4/4 + 1/8 + 5/4

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Streaming numbers
    Look at the number of streams the song has on various platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. This will give an idea of how popular the song is among listeners.
  2. Chart performance
    Check where the song peaked on music charts such as the Billboard Hot 100, UK Singles Chart, and other international charts. Higher chart positions generally indicate greater popularity.
  3. Radio play
    Research how frequently the song was played on radio stations upon its release and whether it still gets airplay today.
  4. Sales numbers
    Investigate the total number of physical and digital copies of the song sold, as well as certifications such as gold or platinum status.
  5. Critical acclaim
    Look at how the song has been rated by music critics, publications and websites. Songs that are highly praised might be seen as popular within the context of the artist's entire discography.
  6. Awards and nominations
    Check whether the song has won any awards or been nominated for prestigious music awards like the Grammy Awards or MTV Music Awards.
  7. Impact on the artist's career
    Consider how important the song was for Radiohead’s career. Did it help them break through to a wider audience or define their sound?
  8. Fan opinion
    Evaluate how popular the song is with Radiohead fans by looking at online polls or discussions in fan forums, social media platforms, or articles about the band.
  9. Cultural impact
    Assess the influence of the song on popular culture, such as whether it has been featured in movies, TV shows, or commercials, covered by other artists, or referenced in literature or art.
  10. Longevity
    Analyze how well the song has aged and whether it still resonates with listeners today. A song that remains a fan favorite or continues to influence new artists demonstrates enduring popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Radiohead song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1601 views
  • 135 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular radiohead song

Radiohead is a British rock band that has been captivating audiences since the early 1990s. With their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics, they have become one of the most influential bands of their generation. Over the years, Radiohead has released a number of hit songs, each one showcasing the band's diverse range of musical styles. With such an extensive catalogue of music, it can be difficult to determine which Radiohead song is the most popular. That's why we've created a poll to find out which song truly stands out as the fan favorite. Whether you're a die-hard Radiohead fan or simply curious about their music, this poll is sure to provide some valuable insight into the band's most beloved songs.

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