“No Surprises” is the tenth track from British band Radiohead’s third album, OK Computer, released on May 21, 1997, and the third single from the album. The song peaked at number 4 in the UK charts.
“No Surprises”, one of the album’s less aggressive tracks, was crafted with electric guitar inspired by The Beach Boys’ song “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, acoustic guitar, glockenspiel, and vocal harmonies. With this track, the band strove to reproduce the musical atmosphere of Marvin Gaye and Louis Armstrong’s recording of “What a Wonderful World”.
The song’s lyrics have been interpreted as representing suicide, an unfulfilled life, and dissatisfaction with contemporary society and the political order.
Personnel:
– Thom Yorke: Vocals and acoustic guitar.
– Jonny Greenwood: Glockenspiel.
– Ed O´Brien: Guitar and backing vocals.
– Colin Greenwood: Bass
– Phil Selway: Drums.