Music of 1997 — OK Computer, Loss, and the Electronic Frontier

In the aftermath of Tupac's murder, the music world entered 1997 with a sense of unease. Hip-hop was grieving but also producing extraordinary art. Rock was evolving in unexpected directions, with Radiohead about to release an album that would be hailed as one of the greatest ever made. And a new sound — loosely labeled "electronica" — was crossing over from underground clubs to mainstream consciousness. It was a year that looked both backward and forward simultaneously.

Radiohead's Masterpiece

OK Computer arrived in June and changed the conversation about what rock music could be. Radiohead's third album was a sprawling, anxious meditation on technology, modern alienation, and the creeping sense that the world was moving too fast for anyone to keep up. "Paranoid Android" was a six-and-a-half-minute suite that shifted between delicate acoustic passages and explosive guitar assaults. "Karma Police" had an unsettling beauty that made it one of the band's most enduring songs. "No Surprises" offered a lullaby-like melody over lyrics about suffocating domesticity. "Lucky," "Exit Music (For a Film)," and "Let Down" were equally stunning.

The album sounded like nothing else at the time. Jonny Greenwood's guitar work moved beyond conventional rock structures, incorporating textures and effects that blurred the line between guitar music and electronic production. The production by Nigel Godrich gave the record a spacious, almost cinematic quality. OK Computer was universally acclaimed and has consistently been ranked as one of the greatest albums ever recorded. It was also the last time Radiohead would make a conventional guitar-based album, as they would soon push even further into electronic territory.

The Loss of Biggie

On March 9, 1997, The Notorious B.I.G. was shot and killed in Los Angeles. He was twenty-four years old. Coming just six months after Tupac's murder, Biggie's death was devastating. The East Coast-West Coast rivalry had now claimed its two brightest stars, and the music world was forced to reckon with the real-world consequences of the feud that had consumed hip-hop.

Life After Death was released just sixteen days after Biggie's murder, and its title took on an unbearable irony. The double album was sprawling and ambitious, showcasing Biggie's versatility across twenty-four tracks. "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems" were infectious pop-rap hits, while "Notorious Thugs" with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony demonstrated his ability to adapt to any style. "Sky's the Limit" and "You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)" hit differently after his death. Life After Death debuted at number one and cemented Biggie's legacy as one of hip-hop's all-time greats.

Puff Daddy and the Family released No Way Out in the wake of Biggie's death. "I'll Be Missing You," a tribute to Biggie built around a sample from The Police, became one of the year's biggest hits. The album marked the beginning of Puffy's era as a hip-hop mogul and mainstream crossover artist.

Electronica Goes Mainstream

The Prodigy released The Fat of the Land in June, and it was a cultural event. "Firestarter" and "Breathe" were adrenaline-fueled tracks that brought rave energy to rock audiences. The album debuted at number one in twenty-five countries and brought electronic music to the front pages. Keith Flint's confrontational stage presence and the band's aggressive fusion of breakbeat, techno, and punk made them one of the most exciting live acts on the planet.

Daft Punk released Homework, their debut, and French house music suddenly had global ambassadors. "Around the World" and "Da Funk" were instantly recognizable, their looping, hypnotic structures turning dance floors into sweat-drenched celebrations. Daft Punk's robotic anonymity and perfectionist approach to production would make them one of the most influential electronic acts ever.

The Chemical Brothers released Dig Your Own Hole, building on the big-beat sound they had helped pioneer. "Block Rockin' Beats" and "Setting Sun" brought electronic music to alternative rock fans, blurring genre lines in exciting ways.

Pop and the Boy Band Rise

The Backstreet Boys released their self-titled debut in the US (it had already been out internationally), and the boy band era was officially underway. "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" and "As Long as You Love Me" were massive hits, and the group's polished harmonies and choreographed performances created a template that would dominate pop for years.

Aqua released "Barbie Girl," a novelty Eurodance track that became one of the most inescapable songs of the year. Love it or hate it, the song was everywhere. Hanson scored big with "MMMBop," proving that teen pop had serious commercial power.

The Spice Girls continued their dominance with Spiceworld and the hit "Spice Up Your Life." Their cultural impact was at its peak, with a movie on the way and merchandise in every store.

Other Highlights

Missy Elliott released Supa Dupa Fly, her debut album produced by Timbaland. The record was unlike anything in R&B or hip-hop at the time — Timbaland's innovative, off-kilter production combined with Missy's playful, inventive flow created a sound that was years ahead of its time. "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" remains a landmark track.

Blur released their self-titled album, a sharp pivot toward lo-fi American indie rock that alienated Britpop fans but produced "Song 2," one of the most recognizable guitar riffs of the decade.