In Rainbows
by Radiohead
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 2281 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,078 out of 2281
  2. Mixed: 71 out of 2281
  3. Negative: 132 out of 2281

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  1. headerfooter
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Radiohead makes more than music. They create atmospheres with their sounds that some people just cannot understand. It is more about the experience than individual songs with Radiohead. You have to hand it to them, no matter how complex their arrangements they always seem to keep it down to earth.
  2. GuyH
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Falls slightly short of The Bends and Ok Computer but possibly only due to the trifling matter of having two less tracks than those two colossi! They finally nail a few ideas they've been experimenting with on the last 3 albums - 'Jigsaw' and 'Weird Fish' completely destroy 'I Might be Wrong', 'In Limbo', 'Where I End', etc. The intro Falls slightly short of The Bends and Ok Computer but possibly only due to the trifling matter of having two less tracks than those two colossi! They finally nail a few ideas they've been experimenting with on the last 3 albums - 'Jigsaw' and 'Weird Fish' completely destroy 'I Might be Wrong', 'In Limbo', 'Where I End', etc. The intro to '15 Step' conjures up nightmares of electro skit hell but the song develops well and turns into a really addictive opener. 'Bodysnatchers' is their best rocker since The Bends. 'Reckoner', 'Nude' and 'Videotape' are right up there with 'Fake plastic Trees', 'Exit Music' and 'How to Disappear Completely'. 'Faust Arp' is completely fresh and offers up a very different vocal performance from Thom. 'All I Need' and 'House of Cards' are mood pieces but infinitely more satisfying than 'The Gloaming', 'Spinning Plates', 'Hunting Bears' and the like. This is the first Radiohead album since 'Kid A' where the songs complement each other and add up to a satisfying whole. There is also a lightness to this album that is unique and stands it in good stead. Whisper it but in time 'Rainbows' could slowly, but surely, become the Radiohead album you feel like listening to most often.… Expand
  3. AaronS.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Best album since 'Kid A'. I liked 'Hail to the Thief' and 'Amnesiac', but have to say that Radiohead haven't sounded this alive as a band in years. Compulsively listenable.
  4. ElvisP.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    In Rainbows and Kid A are the best albuns of the decade!!!
  5. Sam
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Beautiful.
  6. DanL
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    My expectations for this album were sky-high, and I can't say that they weren't met. In Rainbows contains several tracks that practically brought me to tears upon listening to them, and I really can't say that often. There isn't one weak track on this album, and as great as Amnesiac or Hail to the Thief are, In Rainbows absolutely dwarves both of those albums. My expectations for this album were sky-high, and I can't say that they weren't met. In Rainbows contains several tracks that practically brought me to tears upon listening to them, and I really can't say that often. There isn't one weak track on this album, and as great as Amnesiac or Hail to the Thief are, In Rainbows absolutely dwarves both of those albums. Personally, my favorite tracks are: "Nude," "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi," "Reckoner," and "Jigsaw Falling into Place." However, in order to fully appreciate any of the tracks, you need to listen to the album from start to finish, as it flows better than any Radiohead album since OK Computer. I can't wait to hear the bonus tracks that come with the discbox. The only thing keeping In Rainbows from becoming a masterpiece is the fact that it was only released one week ago... time will tell.… Expand
  7. BP
    Oct 16, 2007
    8
    No big deal, Kid A is still their best.
  8. KSlice
    Oct 16, 2007
    9
    Reckoner rocks. All I Want makes me well-up. Thealbum is almost unassuming in the way it warms up to you. I am wildly surprised by how much I like it - and how much more I like it each time I hear it. Even non-Radiohead fans will find at least one track they'll like.
  9. carld.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Best since OK Computer ,heart warming
  10. declanmm
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    simply superb an instant classic have to get the cd version of the cd which is a bit steep at 40 sterling but sometimes its worth bending over for the best album of the year
  11. ChristianM
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    I have a theory: Every single song on the album apty depicts a color. All I Need is a thermal song (red) while Weird Fishes is very aquatic (blue) and House of Cards has a smokey feel (indigo). Videotape ends the album perfectly, describing the core colors of a projector (red, blue, green), and successfully combines these colors to make a dark ambiance (black). There is virtually every I have a theory: Every single song on the album apty depicts a color. All I Need is a thermal song (red) while Weird Fishes is very aquatic (blue) and House of Cards has a smokey feel (indigo). Videotape ends the album perfectly, describing the core colors of a projector (red, blue, green), and successfully combines these colors to make a dark ambiance (black). There is virtually every mood you can think of on this album, and it all fits together in a beautiful rainbow.… Expand
  12. GrantB
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    wow!! unbelievably good, easily their best since ok computer, and even that had one or two fillers on it.. the most complete album i have heard in years.. both lulling and attention grabbing, it gets in your head from the opening blips of 15 steps and doesnt let up until videotape ends.. amazing
  13. JohnS
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Proves yet again that Radiohead are incapable of producing a bad album. Though not quite on par "Kid A", "In Rainbows" is a terrific album that is all killer.
  14. Don
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Bar none, the best album since Nirvana's Nevermind.
  15. SeanP.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    ...and so Radiohead keeps the mantle of being my favorite contemporary band. How they do it, I don't know.
  16. GabeP.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    This album is solid gold. Radiohead has done it again. I can't stop listening this rhythmic, emotional, and downright beautiful album.
  17. Cornell
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Every once in a while Radiohead comes out to show the musical world what to do next. Well, they are back with their best album since Amnesiac (thats right kids!!)...a beautiful mix of styles that -once again- makes even the hardcore fans adjust their idea of what(ever it is that) Radiohead is.
  18. chuckg.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    This album is a grower that gets better with every listen. Its up their with o.k computer wich i love.
  19. FelipeP.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Their best album, beautiful!
  20. DavidE.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    This album is amazing. It's better than those stupid pretentious indie rock critics from dusted magazine ranked it. Grow a pair of balls and listen to something other than an underground band.
  21. ScottC.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    INCREDIBLE! BEST RADIOHEAD ALBUM SINCE OK COMPUTER.
  22. mt
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    great
  23. RylanL
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    A resurregence from a band that never went away. Only radiohead could top themselves by releasing such a masterpiece and fundamentally changing the music landscape by denying the record companies their pennies. Ingenious culturally, and that's independent of the music.
  24. etiennef.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    brillant!!!
  25. KyleZ.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    What album are the guys over at Dusted Magazine listening to? Honestly Radiohead's best album.
  26. ARAM
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Best Radiohead album since OK Computer. While the albums in between were leaps and bounds above their peers, this one will prove radiohead to be in the league of the Beatles and Pink Floyd. Listening to this masterpiece makes you realize how mediocre most popular music is out there today.
  27. BrandonDouglas
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Brilliance wrapped in complexity, wrapped in simplicity. Not until you start to know the album do you realize its beauty. Phil's drums are better than ever on this album, and other than that, there's too many great things to say about it,
  28. JoeG.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Radiohead always somehow makes the most meaningful music when the world isn't quite ready to understand it fully. At the same time it always seems perfect.
  29. TobbiG.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    I can't stop listening to it... it is on repeat. Love it. Most honest work in music since the Beatles?
  30. heebooh
    Oct 15, 2007
    8
    Great album, but que the sound quality is rather poor when you try to play it loud. Not as good as "Hail to the Thief", though. But I suppose it's a good bargain...for 2 quid, HA !
  31. cristian
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    FANTASTIC!
  32. coryB.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    From soaring symphonies to incredible harmonies it doesn't get any better than this. It is the best piece of music i have heard in a long long time. So what were the boys from "Dusted Magazine" listening to?
  33. Dave
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    All I have to say is WOW! After the last few releases by Radiohead, my expectations for In Rainbows was not really high. They definitely exceeded my expectations, and then some. This is the Radiohead Aalbum I've been waiting for since OK Computer. There really insn't any filler on this recording at all, all the songs flow very smoothly and each one is great. I don't like to All I have to say is WOW! After the last few releases by Radiohead, my expectations for In Rainbows was not really high. They definitely exceeded my expectations, and then some. This is the Radiohead Aalbum I've been waiting for since OK Computer. There really insn't any filler on this recording at all, all the songs flow very smoothly and each one is great. I don't like to give out 10's too often, but this deserves it. Not the masterpiece of OK Computer or The Bends, but pretty darn close!… Expand
  34. SammyB
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    simply great.......could be their best....time will tell......could be the greatest album ever.....time will tell
  35. ShanilS.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    For me "In Rainbows" is an apt title as this album mixes the "weirdness" and "innovation" from the past with a refreshing boldness and accessibility that has arguably been lacking in their more recent albums. We see many shades of the band on this album. The lyrics are often poignant, drifting from the direct "I don't want to be your friend/ I just want to be your lover - House of For me "In Rainbows" is an apt title as this album mixes the "weirdness" and "innovation" from the past with a refreshing boldness and accessibility that has arguably been lacking in their more recent albums. We see many shades of the band on this album. The lyrics are often poignant, drifting from the direct "I don't want to be your friend/ I just want to be your lover - House of Cards" to more abstract thoughts "I get eaten by the worms...when fishing- Weird Fishes/Appregi". The tracks are layered, they often build...burst and fade away into another great track(catchy riffs and weird electronic beats included). It's the sort of album that gets better upon each listen. For me."Body Snatchers", "Reckoner" and "Jigsaw Falling into Place" are my favorites though like many great albums, each track has a statement and purpose.. The most solid, immediate compilation I've come across on a Radiohead album. ..fantastic stuff...they've still got it.… Expand
  36. TysonS
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Simply put: the most hauntingly beautiful example of rock I have ever heard.
  37. joer
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Best Radiohead album since Ok Computer.
  38. alexj.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Awesome album - this band has assimilated its stylistic meanderings of the last ten years in a multi-layered, warm and lush collection of songs. In Rainbows may sound like Radiohead-lite at low volume but as soon as you crank it up (in your headphones, preferably) its mean core is revealed, which is why this is no The Eraser - The Sequel. Yorke is great, no doubt about it, but Radiohead Awesome album - this band has assimilated its stylistic meanderings of the last ten years in a multi-layered, warm and lush collection of songs. In Rainbows may sound like Radiohead-lite at low volume but as soon as you crank it up (in your headphones, preferably) its mean core is revealed, which is why this is no The Eraser - The Sequel. Yorke is great, no doubt about it, but Radiohead is a five-headed monster.… Expand
  39. jakew
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    This album is a very smooth transition from Hail to the Thief; it's better in the all ways that it strives to be.
  40. juanm
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    simple the best record this decade .. so far
  41. SamuelP
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Radiohead is still great, fifteen years later. While not as epic as OK Computer, this album is nevertheless original, channeling the creativity of works like Kid A into a genuinely effective masterpiece.
  42. ML
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    The reviewer from Dusted Magazine must be deaf and/or lyrically challenged. RH fan or not, you can't discount the brilliance of In Rainbows..
  43. VASILIS
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    THE BEST SINCE O.K. COMPUTER.WE LOVE YOU GUYS
  44. PaulF.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    My favorite Radiohead album since 'The Bends'. Not to say that Ok Computer, Amnesiac, Kid A, and Hail to the Thief weren't good, they were great. But this is the most listenable album they've made since their early days. I love every track, each for very different reasons. And it feels like an ALBUM, not a collection of songs. Tight, 10 song set. Beauty. Now come out My favorite Radiohead album since 'The Bends'. Not to say that Ok Computer, Amnesiac, Kid A, and Hail to the Thief weren't good, they were great. But this is the most listenable album they've made since their early days. I love every track, each for very different reasons. And it feels like an ALBUM, not a collection of songs. Tight, 10 song set. Beauty. Now come out with a CD version for me to add to my collection and I'll be really happy.… Expand
  45. PeterS
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Could hardly be more pleased with how this one turned out. Hugely looking forward to the second CD.
  46. Carlos
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Absolute Class !
  47. williamg
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    this is the best record radiohead has realeased in the new milenium , its a beatiful album from start to finish, not to mention the revolutionary way they were able to release it, which I think in time will be the way future artist will release their material
  48. NW
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Radiohead has learned through their artistic refiners fire that brilliant music can be both innovative and original, while still being accessable. And that's it's okay to write songs to smile to.
  49. RoyalJ
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    All hail to the kings! One of their best recordings which puts a lot of the disposable emo/garage band rock to shame. Their albums have a shelf life that is incredible. Ths album is yet another layered, honest, crafty construction that further reinforces that thought. If you don't feel any thing after listening to "All I Need" or "Nude" than try to open up to more sounds & styles.
  50. Marcus
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Too good for any comments
  51. RezaM
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Radiohead' music is future of the rock.
  52. Kobe
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    I want give it 10 points,but OK Computer comes to me. They just can compete themselves.BOXER and this albums are the best albums in this years so far.
  53. daveg
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    there is a beauty here that i couldn't see coming, even in hearing the tracks before... even in knowing that it's radiohead.
  54. dmitri
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    This is the most human record Radiohead have made in a decade. Listen close. The concepts of love and defiance in the face of annihilation will prove vital to the future of Western man.
  55. DanielG
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    one of the best radiohead albums. i can't wait for the bonuns tracks!
  56. Mika
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    subtle smarter radiohead. just beautiful stuff.
  57. JoshF
    Oct 15, 2007
    8
    In Rainbows definitely merits multiple listens, for it reveals its beauty in layers. I'm not floored by it like I wanted to be, but I like it nonetheless. Radiohead are like the Simpsons to me, in that even a less-than-stellar release is better than the majoirty of other things being released.
  58. AshleyG.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Wonderful Album Radiohead's best since Ok Computer... should be listening to this for a long while!
  59. JonathanW.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    from release to listen and to listen again...it simply is a wonderful gift and a time when such gifts are hard to come by.
  60. SteL
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    This is nearly a truly great album. Gets better with every listen - and it's fairly addicitve. Download it for free - if you like it then go ahead and buy it.
  61. ToddC
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Simply brilliant! Wonderfully layered and unique. Simultaneously glum and hopeful throughout. Can't wait till the physical CD comes out!
  62. KarthikJ
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    probably their best album since OK Computer
  63. MrE
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    regresando el espacio vacio que siempre le has pertenecido..
  64. seanm
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Without a doubt this next to only OKcomputer as Radioheads most consistent and earnest album.
  65. JustinH.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Brilliant.
  66. A-Dog
    Oct 15, 2007
    7
    Hmm . . . I think this album is certainly better than Pablo, Honey and Hail to the Thief, but pales in comparison to any of their 3 classics, (which are all 11/10) and the Bends which was a good rock album at 8.5/10. People are desperate right now because music does not seem to have any bands that unite people . . . unfortunately I think Radiohead's 7-9 years of doing this are done, Hmm . . . I think this album is certainly better than Pablo, Honey and Hail to the Thief, but pales in comparison to any of their 3 classics, (which are all 11/10) and the Bends which was a good rock album at 8.5/10. People are desperate right now because music does not seem to have any bands that unite people . . . unfortunately I think Radiohead's 7-9 years of doing this are done, although this album proves they still are a far above-average band at this (late) stage of their careers. Sad.… Expand
  67. JuanZ
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    After 4 years of "silence", In Rainbows represents, for me, the most accomplished album the band had in their discography. Every single song is just great.
  68. AnonA
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    This is one of the most beautiful, thick, and lush albums I have ever heard. It haunts me me more with each listen. This is truly a masterpiece.
  69. mt
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    great
  70. LuigiL.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Great, almost perfect.
  71. pumpucco
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Easily the best album of the year so far. Melodic, enchanting and surprisingly very very romantic.
  72. lorym.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    spectacular album.
  73. JanuszG.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Their poppiest album since The Bends. Brilliant all the way.
  74. GregB
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    A+++++This album is perfection. 10/10 What more can be said?
  75. DamirR.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    A master-piece for generations to come.
  76. JustinH.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Brilliant.
  77. pix101101
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    I love all previous Radiohead albums, but this is the one I'll play when people not too familiar with the band are around... This album is just Perfect on every level!
  78. RichB.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Perfection. Best album since Kid A.
  79. DeanP.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best Radiohead release since OK Computer. There is not a single dud on this one.
  80. Andrew
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Very pleasing album start to finish. Just very smooth transitions all the way. Beautiful songs like Nude and Arpeggi make this record lovely. Tunes like Reckoner and Jigsaw make this record phenomenal.
  81. JoeC.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Simply brill. Fresh. Good. Awesome.
  82. ErwinG.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Another Great one from Radio. Music full of feelings & emotion.
  83. Guillermot
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    This is the most emotional album in any sense of the year all the six of them has evolve in a new sound that only doing amazing music for almost 20 years can achieve. its the sample that this is the real rock of our time
  84. JimC.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    You will love if you're a fan... if you're not... too bad for you.
  85. Chris
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    More like 9.5 (10 is only given to Kid A and OK Computer), though this nearly has the potential to make it there. My review will be short and sweet. Behind the National's Boxer, this is the best album of the year. Radiohead continues to prove that they are the best band in the world today, and should be considered one of the best bands of all time. If you download this album, donate More like 9.5 (10 is only given to Kid A and OK Computer), though this nearly has the potential to make it there. My review will be short and sweet. Behind the National's Boxer, this is the best album of the year. Radiohead continues to prove that they are the best band in the world today, and should be considered one of the best bands of all time. If you download this album, donate something, they deserve it.… Expand
  86. TedS.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Hail To "In Rainbows"! A solid, monolithic masterpiece that combines all their previous inspirations - just like a rainbow holds full color spectrum. This album sounds like Radiohead's brand new "Greatest Hits" collection written and recorded from scratch.
  87. GustavoR.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    There is nothing to compare with, they are at the top of their game. And their game is one of the only hocks that push rock music forward nowadays. The album is beaultiful with delightful moments and harmonies without losing their characteristical tention and complexity. Its as avant-guarde as Ok Computer, as Sgt Peppers was... absolutely thrilling, song by song infatuating.
  88. StanleyR.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    This powerful album will grab you from the start, but it's still a "grower" - with each listen your appreciation multiplies, and it gets better and better. Filled with rich textures and emotions, this album paints a landscape in your mind.
  89. raggar
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Beautiful, honest, with a glimpse of what they have made during the last decade, their sound is still fresh, and touching, I think this album its gonna be an instant classic..
  90. SebastianF
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    You'd expect a band to run out of ideas, to start repeting itself trying to keep up with their fame. But Radiohead does not care about fame, or at least that is what it seems after every album they make, constantly changing and experimenting, that's why this album is so great, you've never heard this sounds before and probably never will again.
  91. VenturaV.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Simply amazing!!!
  92. neilg
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    In time this album will become as recognised and celebrated as Dark Side of the Moon and Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. With the release of In Rainbows Radio Head has published 10 tracks that are completely relevant to the 21st century world man has built for himself. The music immediately strikes the human soul and makes one recognise the intimacy with which we are involved with In time this album will become as recognised and celebrated as Dark Side of the Moon and Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. With the release of In Rainbows Radio Head has published 10 tracks that are completely relevant to the 21st century world man has built for himself. The music immediately strikes the human soul and makes one recognise the intimacy with which we are involved with all that happens in and around us. Just listen to this album, while you're working, on the train, at home with your family, alone in the dark, while running on the treadmill - it is so close to being, that it's like listening to something familiar that you must have heard while in the womb, but at the same time you struggle to to hear what is being said and have to listen and listen to it again and again. STUNNING BEAUTIFUL !!!!… Expand
  93. EdwardM.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Amazing.
  94. fernandoso
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    the best of 2007, excellent album
  95. Steve
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Love this album - just listened to it on a long coach ride on a rainy day, perfect. Standout tracks for me are 15 Step, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, All I Need, but really, I love it all. Radiohead = best band in the world.
  96. MycroftW
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Perfect!
  97. AlexanderJ
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best since OK
  98. PaulC.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    What is Dusted Magazine and why does it get a vote? This is hands down one of the best albums of 007. Worth every penny you decide to pay for it.
  99. billd
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    in rainbows is it's own genre of music. also, in rainbows is perfect.
  100. ThomasB
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    While it's not as experimental as Hail to the Thief, it still packs an emotional punch.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2007
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2007
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. BBC collective
    90
    In Rainbows really does present Radiohead at their most full-blooded and confident.
    Read full review
  2. Billboard
    80
    Overall, the material feels more human, more honest, more assured.
    Read full review
  3. Dot Music
    80
    Happily, In Rainbows is pretty, pretty good.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »