The 25 Most Exquisitely Sad Songs in the Whole World: No. 23
- Posted by Spinner Staff
- Comments (46)
'No Surprises' Radiohead (1997)
The Breakdown: A killer even by Thom Yorke's bleak standards, the kiddie chimes can't hide the singer's suicidal depression.
The Waterworks: "I'll take a quiet life/A handshake, some carbon monoxide."
Casualty Count: One heart that's "full up like a landfill."
Listen to 'No Surprises'
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Reader Comments(1 of 3)
Susanat 8-31-2009
When my husband and I were in France to watch a group by the name of "CHOPPER ONE" we happened to see Thom Yorke stroll by the restaurant we were having dinner. I have always loved his music and he has to be one of the best musicians, along, of course, with his band. He is extremely talented.
Danielat 9-05-2009
I can't understand how this song is here, it must be in the first place!!! is so beautiful.....!!!!!
erinat 10-01-2009
no joke! first place!
Olivia Jonesat 10-01-2009
Radio Head is my baby daddy.
charlesat 5-05-2007
tom welling fav. band and okay song
Sydneyat 5-05-2007
30 minutes by Tatu
It's such a sad and beautiful song.
And Makes me Wonder by Maroon 5 made me cry.
SCat 5-06-2007
Radiohead has no shortage of songs that reach out and grab a melancholy place in your heart. But for me, the one that tops this is "How to Disappear Completely" from Kid A. He seems so distant from himself, looking down at the situation from outside and not wanting to come back for a while. Haven't we all been there? Thanks always to Radiohead for capturing these hard-to-place emotions in some of the best art music ever.
Sharonat 5-06-2007
I don't know the title or who sang it ... hopefully someone does who will see this and shoot me off an email with the answer ... but ... its a country song i haven't heard in about ... god it must be about ten yeare ... about a christmas cease fire during WWII ... another really good one is "Its only the Wind" sorry no clue who sang it ... and of course "Riding with Pvt. Malone"
Colleenat 5-06-2007
sometimes you cant believe another person on this planet could feel as alienated and sad - and then I heard Radiohead . Misery does love company ! lol ... thanx to them for giving a voice to feelings I'd never admit !
Nealat 5-06-2007
Well imagine, if you will, the well overtoned sarcasm in Mr. Yorke's music. Tom's heart must have been to Hell it's self, while his brain went to heaven. No Suprises is actually full of Life while showing the masses you don't have to smile when your happy. FO
jordaat 5-06-2007
i looove this song....it has some things to do with george orwell's "1984".....
Ralphat 5-06-2007
geez...i was thinking of stuff like Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry". What is all this crapola?
Bobat 5-06-2007
"geez...i was thinking of stuff like Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry". What is all this crapola?"
Sorry old man.
ReturnFormerat 5-06-2007
what is this, half these songs have upbeat music! just because the lyrics are a bit sappy.
if you want SAD, listen to My Wine in Silence by My Dying Bride. Thats easily the most depressing riff Ive ever heard, and the lyrics will get the waterworks going, too. For My Fallen Angel is another really sad song by them.
Anathema has some really sad stuff, too.
this list seems to be quite biased...
Ashat 5-06-2007
I think Creep as their saddest song. The Bends is the 2nd.
Lyssaat 5-06-2007
I know it's a bit cliche by now, but Radiohead's "Creep" still makes me well up a bit. It's just so dang depressing, and the music is awesome.
apersonat 5-06-2007
I always thought it was "I'll take a quiet life/A handshake of carbon monoxide." Anyways Thom is a mastermind :D
Jasonat 5-06-2007
AMAZING SONG!! I love it!
stuckyat 5-06-2007
I never felt that No Surprises was about suicide.
I think the reviewer missed the point about OK COMPUTER being anti-technology and that carbon monoxide is a by product of technology and progress. Taking the carbon monoxide along with the handshake is sarcasm.
The video, if you want to include it, reinforces the idea. The tank is filling up with water and he's struggling to keep his head above water the whole time, and when he can't, he takes his last breath and holds it until the crisis passes.
As the water lets go, he gets this huge grin on his face, pleased as punch that he made it.
Jimat 5-07-2007
Why the hell would anybody want to listen to stupid sad songs? Songs to inspire someone to commit suicide? Nawh.....songs should be upbeat and give reasons to go on and enjoy life, not depression.