Fans are praising an 80s icon for their excellent new rendition of a 70s classic

Radiohead, the British rock band famous for their 1992 hit song “Creep,” has been accused of copying the chord progression and melody of a 1980s song by The Hollies. The band members deny any intentional plagiarism and assert that similarities in music are common and unavoidable due to the finite number of chords and melodies available.

The controversy arose when sharp-eared listeners noticed striking resemblances between Radiohead’s “Creep” and The Hollies’ song “The Air That I Breathe” from 1974. Both tracks feature a chord progression of G-B-C-Cm, a particular sequence that is not frequently encountered in popular music. The similarity is especially noticeable during the chorus of each song, where the melody and chord changes align almost perfectly.

Despite the undeniable parallels between the two songs, Radiohead maintains that any resemblance is purely coincidental. Guitarist Jonny Greenwood explained that while they were aware of “The Air That I Breathe,” the band did not deliberately reference or copy it. Greenwood emphasized that borrowing musical elements unintentionally is a common occurrence in the music industry, given the vast array of songs that have been written over the years.

The issue of musical plagiarism is a contentious one in the music world, with many artists finding themselves embroiled in legal battles over alleged similarities between songs. In the case of Radiohead and The Hollies, no legal action has been taken so far, as proving deliberate imitation in court can be a challenging task.

Music experts and fans alike have weighed in on the controversy, with opinions divided on whether Radiohead’s use of the chord progression and melody was acceptable or constituted plagiarism. Some argue that similarities in music are bound to happen, given the limited combinations of chords and notes available. Others believe that artists have a responsibility to be original and avoid copying the work of others.

The debate over the alleged musical borrowing by Radiohead showcases the complexities of creativity in the music industry. While some may see similarities between songs as homage or inspiration, others view such resemblances as a lack of originality or artistic integrity. Ultimately, the line between influence and imitation is a thin one, and artists must navigate it carefully to avoid accusations of plagiarism.

As the discussion surrounding Radiohead’s “Creep” continues, one thing remains clear: music will always be a subjective and nuanced art form, open to interpretation and debate. Whether intentional or not, similarities between songs will continue to spark controversy and discussion among musicians and fans alike.