People often say that rock and roll is dead, and that the idea of the “rock star” has faded. But Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead, proves that’s not true. For over 20 years, he’s been one of the most creative and respected musicians in the world. From OK Computer to Kid A to In Rainbows, Yorke and Radiohead have shaped the sound of modern rock in ways few others have.
Yorke is known for his emotional voice, deep lyrics, and love for experimental sounds. So when he talks about a song he loves, fans listen carefully.
Thom Yorke’s Favourite Song
In an interview in 2006, Thom Yorke revealed that his favourite song of all time is “Unravel” by Björk. The song is from Björk’s 1997 album Homogenic, and it’s a haunting, emotional piece filled with soft electronic sounds and gentle saxophones.
Yorke said,
“I’m trying to get Radiohead to do a cover because I think it’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.”
That’s high praise coming from a man who’s written some of the most powerful songs in modern music.
Why He Loves “Unravel”
It’s easy to understand why Yorke connects so deeply with this song. Unravel is about the slow heartbreak that comes when you start to lose someone you love. It’s calm but deeply sad — the kind of song that makes you feel everything all at once.
The song’s mix of electronic sounds and raw emotion is exactly what Yorke has always loved exploring in his own music. You can even hear a bit of Unravel’s mood in Radiohead songs like “How to Disappear Completely” or “Motion Picture Soundtrack.”
Yorke once described Björk’s voice as “very sexual, but also very childlike. Very powerful, but with no sense of harm.” That mix of strength and vulnerability is something Yorke’s own music often captures too.
When Radiohead Covered “Unravel”
In 2007, Radiohead actually performed a cover of Unravel during an online webcast. Yorke sang while playing a simple electric piano part. It wasn’t flashy or loud — just raw and beautiful. Even though the recording quality wasn’t great, fans loved it because it felt so personal and heartfelt.
You can easily find this performance online, and it’s worth listening to if you want to hear how Yorke made Björk’s song his own.
Yorke and Björk: Mutual Respect
Thom Yorke and Björk have also worked together. They sang a duet called “I’ve Seen It All”, written for the film Dancer in the Dark, directed by Lars von Trier. The song features both singers trading lines over dark, cinematic music.
Björk later said about Yorke:
“He’s very shy and uncertain, but a very special person. When he enters a room, he changes the whole atmosphere in a positive way.”
It’s clear that the respect goes both ways.
What This Tells Us About Thom Yorke
Yorke’s love for Unravel shows what kind of artist he is. He isn’t drawn to big, loud songs — he loves music that feels emotional, honest, and human. It’s the same feeling you get when listening to many Radiohead tracks.
His choice also reminds us that even legendary artists are still fans at heart. They listen, they get inspired, and they carry those feelings into their own art.
Final Thoughts
Thom Yorke’s favourite song, Unravel by Björk, says a lot about him — his sensitivity, creativity, and respect for music that touches the soul. Both artists share a love for beauty, sadness, and sound that feels alive.
So next time you listen to Radiohead, try playing Unravel afterward. You might start to hear where Yorke’s heart truly lies — in that quiet, emotional space where music feels like magic.