In Rainbows

One of my favourite Radiohead albums.

YES

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I was a 16-year-old brat when I heard on the news that Radiohead were giving their new album for free on the internet, revolutionizing the music industry. I couldn't understand the revolution part as I was young enough to consider having music online as a given, but I was intrigued enough to hear the album. At the time, I knew people liked Radiohead, but I never really understood why. Then, I downloaded 'In Rainbows' and it felt like a whole new world opened in front of me. The context of this experience is that I was listening to a lot of metal at the time, but I had an aunt and an uncle who were feeding me new wave, trip-hop, and electronic music, which was nice but didn't always work all that well. Then came Radiohead with this electronic rock album where the singer seemed to want to be heard as more of an instrument than a carrier of words. My English wasn't all that good then either, so understanding the lyrics wasn't part of the deal anyways, but the whole experience was full of mixed feelings. Even today, when I can fully understand the lyrics and the impact Radiohead has on music, 'In Rainbows' is an album that has a special place in my heart. The rhythm of these songs is out of this world and it overshadows any other aspect for me. Even outside the bangers, songs like 'Nude', 'All I Need', and 'House of Cards' are charged with energy, and all the rest are simply beautiful songs. I mean, it's obvious I'm sort of biased with this album, but that's because it works for me, and I love it. And yeah, I agree that Thom Yorke is whining, but Sigur Rós' Jónsi does it as well, and nobody bats an eye. 6/5, but the interface limits me.

5/5. This is Radioheads best album. It’s as simple as that really. The opener “15 Step” sets the tone of the whole thing perfectly beginning with a strange little percussive electronic beat and then slowly adding in more and more elements. First you get Thom Yorkers Vocals, then the beautiful warm feeling guitar line, and finally the great bass-line and from there the song is just operating at full power. “Beauty” really is the word of choice with this album, whether that be the guitar arpeggios of “Weird Fishes” or the slow and almost orchestral “Nude” which ends with a great vocal buildup, or even “Reckoner” which is an absolutely stunning song sound-wise. But there’s also time for some bangers on here whether that be the albums hardest rocker “Bodysnatchers” or the crazy guitar parts of “Jigsaw falling into place.” And of course it wouldn’t be a Radiohead album if it didn’t end by making you feel very sad, and “Videotape” packs one of the strongest emotional punches in the bands entire catalogue. In a career full of highs, In Rainbows stands out to me as the highest peak, as Radioheads best work. An album without a single weak song, where no second, no instrumental flourish is wasted. Also of course you can’t talk about this album without also mentioning how it was released. Radiohead put it up on their website with a “Pay what you want” rule, even if you wanted to pay absolutely nothing for the album, which with one of the biggest musical battles of the 2000’s being “how do we distribute and value music in a post-internet world” definitely sparked a lot of discourse at the time.

Perfectly rated as top 10 albums of all time.

In wasn't sure what to expect. I know people idolize Radiohead but I thought it was just ok. Some good songs, some dull ones. 3*

I got The Bends as one of my first albums and I really enjoyed it. So when I got this album, I was like "Oh cool, Radiohead again. I'll probably enjoy this." But actually, I didn't really enjoy this. The first half of the album had really similar drum beats which made the entire first half feel exactly the same. I would not say that the song are bad, but they are diffidently not good. I do like that the album did carry the same feel throughout though, so that was pretty nice Best song: Bodysnatchers Worst song: none in particular 4/10

How often does it happen that u open an album, and all of the songs are already liked? I almost died of happiness seeing that this was my todays album. Love it. Love it so much. Goosebumps. I am melting from how amazing this music is. I lack words to describe how much i enjoy listening to Radiohead, especially In Rainbows. (a million/5)

I always enjoyed Radiohead, but wasn’t a diehard. Then this album dropped and it was the right time in my life with the right vibe. I connected with the melancholy, the desire, and the just plain weirdness of Thim Yorke.

Radiohead is always a vibe

Lowk I can taste the colors

Tyvärr!

ok today i give radiohead another fighting chance. it's been months since i've listened to them, and i've gotten a lot of exposure to other music in the same realm since (much to my disappointment). (who's fault is that? it couldn't possibly be my own, for listening this list while also holding ... eclectic taste. no, the only logical option is that the nameless editors of this silly list have no idea what good music sounds like. obviously.) decent so far, except for the ending of bodysnatchers. oh he is actually singing "weird fishes" i thought i was mishearing. house of cards is carrying a lot. on the whole, the album is leaning upper-mid? the one bit of bodysnatchers was the only really grating part. jigsaw falling into place has a good progression. videotape is going well EXCEPT for this repeating clic-ka-click sound. this is maybe the album where i acknowledge radiohead is making music. actually i think i gave ok computer a 3/5 so yeah i do know that they're actually musicians. but this is like, dare i say, ... enjoyable? ... music. it's pretty well balanced. the vocals are weird and tinny and yorke-y, as is, in fact, everything else on the album too, but that's just their sound. all-in-all, they do it well.

I remember getting this on free download from the band a pay what you wish offer so not strictly free. I didnt really appreciate it at the time I was more used to guitar driven moody slow alt rock post Britpop feel about them. This however added more electronica dance beats along with Thoms wailing yet beautiful and haunting vocals. I really did'nt get it at the time i must admit but having a walk and listening to it yesturday the penny dropped I like the vocals its driving beat and atmospheric feel its really good and worth a few more listens to really appreciate it

never been a fan of radiohead

Not my style

YEP

Can’t believe this is the third Radiohead album on the list. Like the others I doubt I’ll ever listen to it again. Musically great but I cannot get on board with the overall style and find the vocals tuneful across the range but whiny - just brings me down.

Alternative rock, art rock, experimental rock, art pop, electronica.

a banda mais superestimada do mundo volta com mais um álbum onde todas as músicas são iguais, cantadas em um tom de voz horrivel

I feel dumb for not liking this that much

Very atmospheric, a little trippy. Like floating in space set some sick drum rythms. Favorite songs : Weird fishes and Jigsaw

rozumiem czemu dali to jako woah super do odkrycia album ale kurwa mnie denerwowało te piski

Pretty faultless. Always in the conversation for favourite Radiohead album.

No skips

Excellent album. 4/5

Me pego un tiro

Good

This album is Radiohead getting back to that Radiohead sound. Great album.

I had to listen to it twice to make up my mind, since I was fluctuating between 4/5 and 5/5. In the end, I figured that this is definitely closer to a 5/5 than it is a 4/5. It's probably not something I'd normally listen to, but it's definitely a great listen.

meh (2,5)

Certainly an album

Technically proficient, still lacks soul. Atmospheric music that does its job better then most electronic music does. The vocals just become more of another instrument sound to my ears. Technically good, will probably never seek out again.

Always a classic. Not my highest 5 star on here, not my fav Radiohead reccord, but 100% essential listening. And the story behind the album is great.

Wasted talent

In Rainbows was palatable, but the spark is just not there for me when it comes to Radiohead albums.

Was gonna be more kind to this album than anticipated but then I saw a clip from an interview with Thom Yorke this morning and was immediately pissed off. I like it more than the other Radiohead albums I've been subjected to, er I mean...listened to...but that's not saying much. Weird Fishes is solid stuff and a few of the other tracks have some pretty cool production quality but overall, it just doesn't pull me in

used to really like this one in like 2014. fever's broken. it's okay. takes like eight songs to get good. maybe ok computer and kid a were just so hot that teenage me was wooed into loving them. No...Radiohead fever was serious in 2014. You should have seen the RYM lists.

Petition to never hear another Radiohead album

I did not like the beginning but it did end up getting better as it went. I still cannot figure out why everyone likes this band so much.

Another all-timer from Radiohead. It's not my personal favourite, but it is undeniably excellent. Experimental with a good variety in sound. Looking at a 4 from me, even if I respect all the 5s out there.

First time listener, first time liker. It’s hard judging the album after two listens, as it seems to be a grower, and it’s difficult to take in all the layers in the songs. However, I didn’t dislike a single song, and had no trouble relistening to it a couple of hours later. In time, it might grow to a five, but I’m not there yet.

sounded pretty good so far, revisit later 3

It's Radiohead. It seems you either really like them or you really don't.

1 - 15 Step - 👍 2 - Bodysnatchers - 👍 3 - Nude - 👏 4 - Weird Fishes / Arpeggi - 👍 5 - All I Need - 🙌 6 - Faust Arp - 🤷🏻‍♂️ 7 - Reckoner - 🙌 8 - House Of Cards - 🙌 9 - Jigsaw Falling Into Place - 🫶 10 - Videotape - 🤷🏻‍♂️ 4/5

Incredible

Nothing actually wrong with the music, just doesn’t deliver for me, wanky music for wanky fans.

Enjoyed

Un gran álbum de príncipio a fin. Una obra maestra de Radiohead.

Was listening to this album two days ago, but I'm always more than happy to give it yet another spin. Nobody needs to tell you that In Rainbows is pretty close to perfect - it's definitely a top 3 Radiohead album (sorry The Bends). It returns back to the rock sensibilities while keeping that post-Kid quieter electronic sensibility, and that has tempered the fire in Radiohead's forge to make In Rainbows an exquisitely refined and moreish listen. In Rainbows is an album that can be savoured from both ends - it's both an artistic masterpiece with an ogre's worth of layers to unpack, but you can still (mostly) get away with throwing it on the AUX at a house party. No missed courses on the menu (except maybe Videotape?) and the more popular singles are worthy mains. A good solo listen while still great with friends, and enough of a sonic smorgasbord throughout to satisfy any palate. Only pissed off because this is my last Radiohead album on here despite being 1/3rd through the list, so now I only have a dozen Elvis Costello albums to look forward to. Also imho it's not quite as up there as OK Computer and Kid A, it's preceding albums, in terms of pure front-to-back perfection (don't ask me why, but it's just how I feel). In Rainbows is the last hurrah of Radiohead's truly great period and it's a fitting fat lady. Fav tracks: 15 Step, Weird Fishes / Arpeggi, Body snatchers, Jigsaw Falling Into Place

good very inspiring for alot of early 2000s

Lovely to revisit this, hadn't heard it in full for years. One of their best.

I have not listened to this album before. I wasn’t on board when it started but I slowly grew into iit as it got more like the Radiohead I like. Might need to listen again but for now bang in the middle. 2.5 stars.

Lovely stuff - tracks 3-7 are as good a run as Radiohead have managed. Probably the album of theirs I return to most regularly

New to me and having listened twice it is not an album I’ll be listening to again, even though I like Radiohead very much, due to the incredible quality of their run of albums from “Pablo Honey” through to “Amnesiac”. Not near the bottom of the two stars. Tom.

love it

great

I didn't get on with this album immediately, I think I didn't understand it in the lineage of their albums, but with enough time it makes complete sense and is a strong contender. Some superb songs, maybe not as transformative as some of their other albums but easily up there.

Feels like the kind of album you can just lose yourself in on a late night, really enjoyed it

Two Radiohead albums in a row. I must be being punished. Jokes aside, I enjoyed this one quite a bit more than Kid A. There were still moments of “why am I listening to this”, but overall it was a better experience. 3/5 ⭐️ 275/1081

More listenable and ambitious than their fellow products of the EMI / Abbey Road posh boy band sausage factory - Pink Floyd, Muse, Coldplay, Keane etc. But still over emotive and vacuous. Don’t fall for the marketing.

Whenever I listen to Radiohead, I'm surprised to discover that I enjoy it. Then I go back to not listening to them for a few more years.

It’s a low 5 for me, lacks a little something compared to OK Computer. Nonetheless, still another sensational album from Radiohead

I was really excited to get this album, but I did not like it nearly as much as the other Radiohead songs that I have heard. It just seemed… milder than a lot of their other stuff.

Radiohead always a pleasure.

jeje peak lo tengo en vinilo

Already had

Iako ih inače mrzim iz dna duše, ovo je možda najbolje što sam čula dosad njihovo. Daleko mi je od dobrog still, naravno. 2/5, 3/10

Great vocals and good structure with the songs not a miss on it love the opening and jigsaws falling into place. 9/10

This could be your favorite Radiohead album. It’s fucking brilliant.

Bodysnatchers is great 15 step and nude are not that good. Weird Fishes is so so good. It drags a little bit in the middle but I can still appreciate the music being made. Jigsaw Falling into Place is fantastic. A lot of this album isn't for me but it's a very well made album with some great tracks on it. 7.5/10.

First listened 27th August 2025. Favourite songs are Weird Fishes / Arpeggi and All I Need.

Honestly? Kinda mid. Nothing in here was really standing out and it just felt like an off day for Radiohead.

Listened to this one a lot yesterday. Very easy to listen to and i enjoyed it! Radiohead? sounds like the first version of wireless head

I love this album. Can listen to it in any mood.

lowkey listened to this on the entirety of a 5 hour flight. banger especially with nothing else to do

4.75

Really good album with an interesting choice for the track order. Going from the vibes of Jigsaw to the depressing feelings of Videotape is something quite unique. Best song: Nude

gaydiohead in gaybows

off yrself

Love this. In most songs, there is a palpable tension between the frantic drums and piano and the generally pleasant guitars, with Thom’s voice straddling the two. The result is unsettling and genuinely interesting.

I didn’t know this album well- how:why?! It’s so good!! I’ve listened to it 3 times and it keeps getting better

---🎧listened before 1001--- it's in rainbooooooowssss!!!!!!! my favorite radiohead album!!!!! wow. i'll always remember that when i first listened to "All I Need"'s climax, it was the first time i ever felt that floaty feeling i get when the music is transcendent. and right now i was trying to be quiet in the morning listening to "Bodysnatchers" but i think it's literally impossible to stay still and calm listening to that. it always makes me go crazy!!! that track is probably in my top 5 Radiohead ever. the fuzzzzz and overall, i think what makes this my favorite Radiohead album is the warm, spacey atmosphere it has. Radiohead is always amazing at building little worlds for the listener to fall into with each album, so of course the atmosphere here is amazing, but i think i just like the world of In Rainbows the most. i'm always drawn towards dreamy sounding music and this album has some of their dreamiest songs, such as "Nude", etc... so yeah easy 5 stars for me.

Por fin escuché este álbum y ya veo por qué tiene esta fama. Muy bueno. En fin… viva Palestina libre 🇵🇸

I was almost convinced I didn't like Radiohead, but this was pretty great.

Top five of all time

A challenging listen with a lot of gold at the end

Heard before?:❌️/✔️(not entirely) Will listen again?:✔️

Mellow alt rock

yawn boring 9/10 best song - weird fishes / arpeggi

Favorito

wowies

Radiohead isn't exactly my cup of tea but there is no denying the creativity, uniqueness, and talent on this album. It's a very specific album by a very specific band, and even if it's not totally for me, they are by far the best at what they do.

I was always under the impression that Radiohead is fine but severely overhyped. I'll need to listen to more albums before I fully change that opinion. That being said, with this album is great and I'm at least starting to see the appeal. Maybe I'm misjudging because of one bad album or something? I guess I shall find out.

Such a grower of an album. Don't know if I was initially put off by the online-only thing (Not selling CDs? That'll be awful then), but this is one of their best in a very good catalogue.

En general me han gustado todas las canciones, pero no lo suficiente como para ponerle una puntuación mayor. Mi favorita diría que es la primera.

Not bad but...

Paid $1 to download this 20 years ago and really didn't like it. It was the point where I basically decided to give up on Radiohead. I really liked it this time though! Maybe I should've waited to give up after Hail to the Thief.

This is one of my fav albums of all time. This is one of the first albums this website has given me that I’ve already listened to most of but nonetheless I listen to it again for this review. Song reviews: 15 step: I haven’t heard this one before. The rhythm at start feels like I’m a hip hop dancer and learning dance steps. I love the beat and guitar cords are cool. I love the little cymbal details on drums. Hello sexy bass. 5/5 Bodysnatcher: this song know who they are. 5/5 Nude: has always been one of my favs. Something so special about it. 5/5 Weird fishes/ Arpeggi: another fav. Literally iconic 5/5 All I need: I have also always loved this one. It is so underrated. 5/5 Faust Arp: first time listening and I can’t believe it cause it’s so amazing. 5/5 Reckoner: I love all the instrumentation. 5/5 House of cards: love it. 5/5 Jigsaw falling into place: another icon. 5/5 Videotape: well hello piano. 5/5