Spinner

The 25 Most Exquisitely Sad Songs in the Whole World: No. 23

'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."

All Sad Songs


Listen to 'No Surprises'

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Travis

Please! There are a million Radiohead songs sadder than this one. "No Surprises" isn't even intended to be sad, just Thom's way of saying he wants the quiet life-he just can't help but sound melancholy even on a song that's not. The man has been ground to a nub by life. And it happens there's a song he wrote that I think perfectly captures that - "We Suck Young Blood" is probably so despondent, terrifying and misery-inducing that it is beyond 'sad'...and yet a great song. Just try to listen to it with the headphones on, nothing else around, in the dark, and see if you don't run for the razors afterward...oh and "Scatterbrain", live version of "Like Spinning Plates", and "True Love Waits" are also good ones to think about offing yourself to.

April 13 2010 at 3:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jessica Lumintang

Even in the beginning of the song, my eyes are welling up. :(

January 08 2010 at 12:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Olivia Jones

Radio Head is my baby daddy.

October 01 2009 at 1:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Daniel

I can't understand how this song is here, it must be in the first place!!! is so beautiful.....!!!!!

September 05 2009 at 9:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Daniel's comment
erin

no joke! first place!

October 01 2009 at 11:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Susan Savino

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.

August 31 2009 at 9:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tonnie

Thom Yorke is brilliant in this video. For the record, tho, he says this isn't about the obvious (is it ever?)
"Creep" brings out the f*** this in all of us, though, and could've made this list easily.
Nobody conquers the emotion of sadness quite like Radiohead, one of the greatest bands of this day, my opinion.

November 24 2007 at 11:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sandra Christie

I'm almost embarrassed to say this is the first Radiohead song I've ever heard, but I'm SOLD!!!!!!!!!!! This really is one of the saddest songs ever......I can hear I have alot of catching up to do!!

July 28 2007 at 9:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Johnny Karlsson

Ein Lied by Rammstein is one of the sadest songs i ever heard... it does'nt matter if you dont understand the vocals couse they are in german, its sounds so sad...

July 01 2007 at 6:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
AK

Best Band.

June 29 2007 at 2:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
b32007

if the smashing pumpkins is alienation and nine inch nails for self-destruction, radiohead is self-pity. They're just the most melancholic band ever. this is the band to "slash your wrist to"

June 04 2007 at 2:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to b32007's comment
Travis

Perfectly stated, haha. Poor Thom...

April 13 2010 at 3:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply