10 Most Streamed Radiohead Songs on Spotify
Radiohead is one of the first bands that comes to mind when it comes to alternative rock music. The band has achieved incredible success with many albums. Although it’s been nearly 40 years since their formation, many of their songs are still on the tip of the tongue. Let us look at the success of this band from the perspective of Spotify streams.
Most Streamed Radiohead Songs on Spotify
10. “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” (2007)
Tenth on our list is “Jigsaw Falling Into Place.”.
“Jigsaw Falling Into Place,” is a track from Radiohead’s seventh studio album, “In Rainbows.” It was released as a single on January 14, 2008.
Unfortunately, the song didn’t achieve the success we’re used to from Radiohead. When we watch the video, we can see that not much investment was made in the music video. The impact of this on the success of the song is debatable.
The official music video for “Jigsaw Falling Into Place,” was directed by Garth Jennings and Adam Buxton.
As of today, “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” has been streamed on Spotify 159.416.315 times.
9. “Just” (1995)
“Just” is featured on Radiohead’s second studio album, “The Bends.” The song was written by Radiohead’s lead guitarist, Jonny Greenwood.
While “Just” didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of Radiohead’s later hits, it is a fan favorite and is often performed in their live shows. The music video, directed by Jamie Thraves, gained attention for its surreal and mysterious narrative.
“Just” has been streamed 154.465.935 times on Spotify (March 12, 2024).
8. “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” (2007)
“Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” is a part of the album “In Rainbows.” The album emerged triumphant at the 2009 Grammy Awards, claiming the coveted title of Best Alternative Music Album. The band’s sonic prowess extended further as their mesmerizing track “House of Cards” secured the Grammy Award for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package.
In 2008, the Q Awards recognized the brilliance of “In Rainbows” by presenting it with the award for Best Album. Adding a visual dimension to their accolades, the UK Music Video Awards in 2008 celebrated the creativity of Radiohead’s music videos. Notably, the visually arresting “House of Cards” received the award for Best Animation in a Video.
As of today, Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” has been streamed 182.307.472 times on Spotify.
7. “Exit Music (For a Film)” (1997)
“Exit Music (For a Film)” is on Radiohead’s third studio album, “OK Computer.” The song is influenced by William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The lyrics include references to the play, and the theme of forbidden love and escape mirrors the tragic love story of the Shakespearean characters. The song has been used in various films and television shows. Notably, it was featured in the 1996 film “Romeo + Juliet,” directed by Baz Luhrmann, which underscores the connection to Shakespearean themes.
The song tells the story of the passionate love of two people who fall in love, have an affair that their families oppose, and decide to run away in the middle of the night.
This love song has been streamed 208,864,1823 times on Spotify and ranks third on Radiohead’s list of most streamed songs on Spotify
6. “Paranoid Android” (1997)
“Paronoid Andriod” is Radiohead’s fourth-most streamed song on Spotify. The song is known for its complex and multifaceted structure. It is over six minutes long, making it one of Radiohead’s more extended compositions.
The song is often seen as a critique of the excesses and superficiality of modern urban life. References to “yuppies networking” suggest a disdain for the self-absorbed, corporate culture.
The music video for “Paranoid Android” was directed by Magnus Carlsson. It features surreal and often disturbing animated visuals, contributing to the overall sense of unease and disconnection that the song conveys.
“Paranoid Android” has been streamed 207.866.644 times on Spotify.
5. “Fake Plastic Tree”
“Fake Plastic Trees” was released as a single as the third single from their second studio album, “The Bends,” in 1995. The song has been interpreted as a commentary on consumer culture, the superficiality of modern society, and the emptiness that can result from a focus on materialism. The lyrics portray a world filled with artificial and shallow elements.
The music video for “Fake Plastic Trees” gained attention for its surreal and visually striking imagery. Directed by Jake Scott, the video features scenes of a supermarket filled with fake and plastic items, reinforcing the song’s themes.
“Fake Plastic Trees” has been streamed 278.40.453 times on Spotify (March 12, 2024).
4. “High and Dry” (1995)
“High and Dry” was released as the lead single from Rediohead’s second studio album, “The Bends,” in 1995. Radiohead recorded the album at RAK Studios in London during the sessions for “The Bends.” The band worked with producer John Leckie, who also produced their debut album, “Pablo Honey.”
“High and Dry” is a song in which Radiohead moves a little further away from alternative rock. The acoustic guitar is at the forefront, and the song feels like a conventional rock song.
The lyrics of “High and Dry” have been interpreted in various ways, but it is generally considered a song about feeling abandoned or left behind. The imagery in the lyrics conveys a sense of vulnerability and isolation.
“High and Dry” has been streamed 397.207.540 times on Spotify.
3. “Karma Police”
Third on our list is “Karma Police.” Thom Yorke’s interpretation of this song is perfect as always, and it is featured on Radiohead’s “OK Computer” album.
Yorke calls on the “Karma police” to “arrest this man” who “talks in maths” and has qualities that seem mechanical or detached from humanity. The reference to talking in maths might symbolize a person who is overly rational, cold, or lacking emotional connection.
The focus shifts to a girl with a “Hitler hairdo,” indicating a hairstyle reminiscent of Adolf Hitler. This description creates a negative image, and the singer expresses discomfort, suggesting that her presence is unsettling. The mention of crashing her party could represent a rebellion against a conformist or oppressive environment.
“Karma Police” has been streamed 504.901.638 times on Spotify as of today.
2. “No Surprises” (1997)
“No Surprises” is featured on Radihoead’s best-selling album, “OK Computer,” released in 1997. The album was number one in many countries, including Ireland and the UK, and went triple platinum.
“No Surprises” is proof of how much a song can move people without having too many lyrics, with the addition of melody. The song is also one of Radiohead’s saddest and most depressing songs.
“No Surprises” was written by Philip James Selway, Edward John O’Brien, Colin Charles Greenwood, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, and Thomas Edward Yorke.
As of today, the song has been streamed 625,249,566 times on Spotify and ranks ninth among Radiahead’s most streamed songs.
1. Creep (1993)
The year is 1993, and a sad and almost depressive melody starts on the radio. The melody and the tone of the singer’s voice take hold of us; all sounds around us fade away, and we feel as if time and space are disappearing.
On the one hand, the question “Who is this?” comes to mind, on the other hand, we break away from our thoughts and immerse ourselves in the music and the sound. It’s like the world stops.
Yes, even though 31 years have passed, the impact of “Creep” has not diminished. Do you think Radiohead knew when they produced this song consisting of only 4 chords that it would change the balance in the rock world and become one of the best alternative rock songs of all time?
“Creep” has been streamed 1,552,729,903 (March 12, 2024) times on Spotify and is Radiohead’s number one most streamed song on Spotify.
What is your favorite Radiohead songß Let us know in the comments!
