In a recent and revealing discussion with Harry Styles for Rolling Stone, Thom Yorke offered a surprising perspective on one of Radiohead's most enduring hits, 'High And Dry'. When prompted by Styles about his songwriting evolution and the classic 1995 track, Yorke admitted that he wishes he had never written the song, though he acknowledged there is nothing inherently wrong with it.
The track, which appeared on the band's second album The Bends, remains a staple of their discography, having peaked at Number 17 on the UK singles chart upon its release. During the interview, Styles noted how Yorke’s approach to music has shifted over the years, moving away from the traditional singer-songwriter model toward a philosophy where the voice acts as just another instrument within a complex production.
Reflecting on that era, Yorke explained, “Yeah, a guy with an acoustic guitar. Singing his song. That particular one I wish I hadn’t [written], but there’s nothing wrong with that.” He elaborated on his current listening habits, noting that he rarely consumes the work of traditional singer-songwriters, preferring instead to immerse himself in electronic music, film scores, or archival folk recordings. He suggested that his discomfort with the 'High And Dry' era stems from the saturation of that specific sound during the mid-90s, a period he describes as a “real renaissance” of the acoustic singer-songwriter format.
Thom Yorke CREDIT: Naomi Rahim/WireImage
The conversation also touched upon the band's broader history, with Yorke revealing that he felt disconnected from their landmark album OK Computer almost immediately upon its release, feeling an urgent need to move forward creatively. This sentiment aligns with his recent reflections on the band's 2025 reunion tour, where he candidly shared that the experience triggered a significant crisis of confidence.
Despite Yorke's personal reservations about his past work, the mutual respect between him and Styles remains clear. Earlier this year, Styles presented Yorke with an Ivor Novello Fellowship, paying tribute to the band as his personal favorite. As Yorke continues to debut new material, such as the track 'Space Walk', his focus remains firmly on the future of his craft and the ongoing advocacy for artist rights within the music industry.