"Controversial Radiohead track sparks two lawsuits, ultimately ending up being performed by Prince due to initial disfavor"
Radiohead's Debut Single "Creep" - A Journey Through Time
In 1992, English rock band Radiohead released their debut single "Creep," a song that would launch their career and leave an indelible mark on the music industry. Written by singer/guitarist Thom Yorke before the group had formed, the song was recorded somewhat unexpectedly at the suggestion of producers Sean Slade and Paul Q. Kolderie.
The song's quiet-loud dynamic, with its themes of obsessive, unrequited attraction, alienation, insecurity, and self-loathing, resonated with listeners worldwide. Despite its minimalist fashion, "Creep" played a crucial part in Radiohead's rise, becoming an international hit and compared to other early 1990s alt-rock "slacker anthems" such as Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
The Making of "Creep"
Initially, "Creep" featured a piano part added later by guitarist Jonny Greenwood. However, due to a production oversight, the piano was only included towards the end of the song. Greenwood's violent musical outbursts were initially out of frustration at the song's overall quietness, but his contributions, particularly his use of gain and dead notes, significantly contributed to the final product.
Controversies and Copyright Issues
Radiohead incorporated elements from the 1972 song "The Air That I Breathe" by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. After legal action, Hammond and Hazlewood were credited as co-writers of "Creep," resolving the dispute. In 2018, Radiohead launched their own court case against Lana Del Rey for similarities between "Creep" and her track Get Free. The lawsuit was later resolved, with Del Rey stating, "I guess I can sing that song any time I want."
The Legacy of "Creep"
"Creep" has been widely covered by numerous artists across genres, attesting to its enduring impact. Thom Yorke himself released a remix featuring synthesizers and time-stretched acoustic guitar in 2021, offering a reinterpretation of the original. The song explores themes of alienation and heartache, conveyed through Yorke's haunting vocals and stark lyrics about feeling like an outsider and unworthy of the object of affection.
Behind the Lyrics
Yorke has stated that the song "Creep" can be interpreted as both a happy song about recognizing what you are and a song about realizing you are not good enough for the person you are in love with. The song is based around the chord progression G/B/C/Cmin.
The Impact of "Creep"
"Creep" was initially unsuccessful at home in the UK but became an international hit due to heavy rotation on Israeli and American rock radio. Despite this success, Radiohead grew tired of "Creep" and felt it pigeonholed their music, causing tension with their record label during the follow-up album. The band did not perform it live for several years, although it remains their most successful single.
Prince even sang his own version of "Creep" at Coachella 2008, but his representatives ensured it was kept off streaming services after the performance. In summary, "Creep" launched Radiohead's career amid complex feelings about its popularity and legacy, involves a notable copyright settlement, resonates thematically with alienation and heartache, and has been influential enough to inspire many covers and remixes.
In the making of "Creep," Jonny Greenwood's contributions, particularly his use of gain and dead notes, significantly added to the song's overall sound, turning his initial frustration into a positive part of the final product. The resonance of "Creep" extends beyond its release, as it is often categorized as a staple of entertainment and music, especially within the realm of alternative rock.
