Rolling Stone Magazine
Rolling Stone named Radiohead one of the 100 greatest artists of all time.
via Wikipedia: Radiohead · see source
Rolling Stone named Radiohead one of the 100 greatest artists of all time and included five Radiohead albums in its lists of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The magazine has been a key chronicler of the band's career, documenting their rise from early grunge comparisons to their status as experimental pioneers.
- Role
- Cultural Chronicler & Observer
- Affiliation
- Independent Media / External Press
- First Appears
- Early 1990s (Documenting early career)
- Status
- Active Observer
- Primary Focus
- Music Criticism and Cultural Impact
- Key Interaction
- Cover Stories on Major Album Releases
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Rolling Stone's relationship with Radiohead spans decades, from early reviews of Pablo Honey that compared them to grunge acts like Nirvana to later acclaim for albums like OK Computer, which the magazine hailed as a landmark record. The magazine included five Radiohead albums in its lists of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and named the band one of the 100 greatest artists of all time. Radiohead were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, an honor often covered and celebrated by Rolling Stone.
In Their Own Story
In 1997, Rolling Stone critics sat with advance copies of OK Computer, a record that would later be acclaimed as one of the greatest albums in popular music. The magazine's writers parsed its complex production and themes of modern alienation, recognizing a shift in alternative rock. Years later, when Kid A divided listeners upon release in 2000, Rolling Stone was among the outlets that later named it the best album of the decade, validating the band's dramatic change in style toward electronic music, jazz, classical, and krautrock.
Reader's Guide
Rolling Stone Magazine serves as the historian of Radiohead's cultural impact, not a participant in their creative conflicts. Its journalists and editors have covered the band from the outside, documenting key moments: the worldwide hit of 'Creep', the critical rise with The Bends in 1995, the landmark status of OK Computer in 1997, and the experimental turn of Kid A in 2000. The magazine has tracked Radiohead's self-released In Rainbows (2007), their exploration of rhythm on The King of Limbs (2011), and Jonny Greenwood's orchestral arrangements on A Moon Shaped Pool (2016). Through cover stories and album rankings, Rolling Stone has framed the band's narrative for mainstream audiences, ensuring their experimental risks are preserved in the cultural record.
Did You Know?
- Rolling Stone named Radiohead one of the 100 greatest artists of all time.
- The magazine included five Radiohead albums in its lists of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
- Rolling Stone ranked The Bends at No. 111 in its 2012 edition of the 500 greatest albums.
- Radiohead were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
- Rolling Stone later named Kid A the best album of the decade, despite its initial divisive reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rolling Stone Magazine in relation to Radiohead?
Rolling Stone acts as an independent cultural chronicler that has documented the band's career since their emergence in the early 1990s. As a major external media outlet, it serves as a primary source for critical analysis and historical context regarding the group's evolution.
What role does Rolling Stone play in Radiohead's legacy?
The magazine functions as an observer that validates the band's artistic significance through high-profile cover stories on their major album releases. Its reviews and features help shape public perception of the band's impact on modern music culture.
How has Rolling Stone recognized Radiohead's achievements?
Rolling Stone officially named Radiohead one of the 100 greatest artists of all time, cementing their status in music history. Additionally, the publication included five of their albums in its definitive list of the 500 greatest albums ever made.
Which specific Radiohead album received a notable ranking from Rolling Stone?
In the magazine's 2012 edition of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, The Bends was ranked at number 111. This placement highlights the critical acclaim the band received for their breakthrough record during that era.
Why is Rolling Stone important to Radiohead fans?
For fans, the magazine provides a trusted archive of professional criticism that tracks the band's journey from indie darlings to global icons. Its ongoing coverage offers essential insights into how the music industry and culture have responded to each new release.
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