30 years ago, Radiohead released their album “The Bends,” and the band transformed from a one-hit wonder to a pioneer in the alternative rock genre.

The album peaked at four on UK charts, and it remained in the Top 100 for 204 weeks. Hits on the album included “Fake Plastic Trees,” “High and Dry,” “Just” and “Street Spirit (Fade Out),” which was their first Top-5 hit in the UK.

During the time of its release, the rock scene was dominated by grunge and alternative rock; however, post-grunge bands such as Foo Fighters and Creed began to rise. For the genre, the album displayed more raw emotion, which would build into the later creation of “OK Computer.” The style of this album framed the band’s distinct sound, leaving them a force to be reckoned with in the alternative rock scene.

“It [the album] is kind of something we feel that it’s really come from us,” lead singer Thom Yorke said in an interview on ‘The Beat.” “It’s the first recording that has come from us.”

Although “Creep” didn’t launch their career as an artist, it gave them the upper hand they needed to go on to create some of their most influential work in albums like The Bends, In Rainbows and OK Computer.

“If we hadn’t had that success with ‘Creep,’ we wouldn’t have made The Bends and we would have been dropped by EMI [their recording label],” the band’s bassist Colin Greenwood said in an interview with Niall Doherty, writer and editor for Louder. “Isn’t that crazy?”

Never listened to Radiohead? Here are some songs to listen to: “Jigsaw Falling Into Place,” “Reckoner,” “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi,” “How to Disappear Completely,” “All I Need,” “Man of War,” “Karma Police,” “Let Down,” “Blow Out” and “Exit Music (For A Film).” Each of these tracks reflect Radiohead’s artistic mission of crafting compelling narratives through metaphorical lyrics that explore darker, introspective themes. Their experimental and eclectic instrumentals further define their unique sound and make their music instantly recognizable.