Hail To The Thief
by Radiohead
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 10, 2003
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 647 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 606 out of 647
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 647
  3. Negative: 13 out of 647

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  1. PeterH
    May 31, 2005
    10
    Grows and grows until you can't stop listening. Ignore the negative reviews and just listen to their 4th consecutive masterpiece.
  2. RachelM
    Aug 22, 2005
    8
    No doubt this is Radiohead best album after OK and The Bends. It's not such a classic, though. It can never be when people expect them to be sounding like No Surprises forever. However, this record is unique in their career for its combination of alt rock songs with more Kid A-like songs. The result isn't a mess but a mature record. It's also true some tracks leave you a No doubt this is Radiohead best album after OK and The Bends. It's not such a classic, though. It can never be when people expect them to be sounding like No Surprises forever. However, this record is unique in their career for its combination of alt rock songs with more Kid A-like songs. The result isn't a mess but a mature record. It's also true some tracks leave you a bit cold (The Gloaming or Backdrifts), as Radiohead is better making perfect alt rock songs (2+2=5, Go To Sleep, There There, Scatterbrain) than trying to sound experimental (best try here is Myxomatosis). This is the worst thing I can say about the best band ever. All Radiohead records makes you feel (at least at some point) there's nothing higher.… Expand
  3. omniQ
    Nov 14, 2006
    8
    Just let the band take a stylistic breather. So they don't feel like pushing the envelope to the brink of breakage this time. Wait until their monstrously good LP7, but sit back and take a break with this one for now, please.
  4. TylerF
    May 21, 2006
    10
    To anyone picking up this album let me give you a bit of advice: listen to this album at least 20 times full through before coming to a decision on it. Like their previous best work, OK Computer and the brilliant Kid A, it takes time for all the sounds Radiohead puts out before you finally 'get it'. Don't expect to pop it in and be instantly floored by every song (although To anyone picking up this album let me give you a bit of advice: listen to this album at least 20 times full through before coming to a decision on it. Like their previous best work, OK Computer and the brilliant Kid A, it takes time for all the sounds Radiohead puts out before you finally 'get it'. Don't expect to pop it in and be instantly floored by every song (although some songs hit hard the first time- "2+2=5" and "there There"). The CD gets better with every listen. There's nothing more than you can ask than of this. We live in a world of commercial radio where songs hit the air waves for a week, make the top 10, and then fall off in another few weeks. Radiohead have staying power!! Their music is pure bliss- just let it sink in in time.… Expand
  5. EricC.
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    Really is a fantastic album. Radiohead always deserves the hype they get. Unfortunately, this release doesn't have the lasting effect that Ok Computer had. Well, probably nothing will. Very talented song writing, an almost perfect mix of instruments and computer sounds. Just not an album I'll play frequently, as good as it is. And Max M, here's a few Radiohead-ish bands Really is a fantastic album. Radiohead always deserves the hype they get. Unfortunately, this release doesn't have the lasting effect that Ok Computer had. Well, probably nothing will. Very talented song writing, an almost perfect mix of instruments and computer sounds. Just not an album I'll play frequently, as good as it is. And Max M, here's a few Radiohead-ish bands that are worth looking in to. My Morning Jacket, Blonde Redhead, and if you're adventurous, Battles. They're on this site.… Expand
  6. leighm
    Jun 24, 2009
    10
    Underrated. this album is a collection of so many different genres. it is a prime example of Radiohead's versatility. Its superb.
  7. richard
    Nov 15, 2008
    8
    Radiohead sets the bar so high for themselves that it is difficult to rate their music. for most groups this would be considered their tour de force but for Radiohead, it comes off as just another fantastic album. With it they cement their place in history alongside Zeppelin and The Beatles. They past The Rolling Stones a long time ago.
  8. bernlin2000
    Oct 5, 2010
    8
    A weaker effort than what they've done since Pablo Honey, but still a good Radiohead album. What really makes it weaker is how uneven the album is. About 2-3 tracks longer than a usual Radiohead album, there are a number of songs ("Backdrifts", "We Suck Young Blood", "Scatterbrain") that shouldn't have made the cut, but somehow managed to. I would sitll highly recommend it, though, becauseA weaker effort than what they've done since Pablo Honey, but still a good Radiohead album. What really makes it weaker is how uneven the album is. About 2-3 tracks longer than a usual Radiohead album, there are a number of songs ("Backdrifts", "We Suck Young Blood", "Scatterbrain") that shouldn't have made the cut, but somehow managed to. I would sitll highly recommend it, though, because it's still several notches above most of the "fridge buzz" out there.… Expand
  9. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 7, 2010
    10
    Radiohead's most underrated album, in my opinion. It may lack the unforgettable songs of other efforts but it makes for a damn fine listen. Its being stuck between Kid A/Amnesiac and In Rainbows probably hurts its reputation a bit, but Yorke and Company still deliver.
  10. Cfreedomz
    May 6, 2011
    10
    this album is it's own genre."sail to the moon" with it .
    this is a perfect album containing elements of all things radiohead.political but not preachy true collectors item.
  11. theodor
    May 18, 2011
    10
    This album is one of their best- at least in the parts of the whole sum. the problem with the whole is tracklisting. get rid of 2-4 songs and it really works well. i'd say we suck young blood, and scatterbrain and a few others would have comfortably fit onto a rather good side EP. no two people would agree on which songs to omit- the whole 14 gets lost, but when i have listened to about 11This album is one of their best- at least in the parts of the whole sum. the problem with the whole is tracklisting. get rid of 2-4 songs and it really works well. i'd say we suck young blood, and scatterbrain and a few others would have comfortably fit onto a rather good side EP. no two people would agree on which songs to omit- the whole 14 gets lost, but when i have listened to about 11 and used the skip button-always a different set of songs, but it works and i think this is perhaps the most artistically developed and mature radiohead album in concept, if it is missing some of the more instinctive musical features. these points have never bothered me in the slightest!… Expand
  12. kman5473
    Jan 14, 2017
    9
    This album, I think, is the most underrated Radiohead album by far. It has 14 songs, 4-6 more than most Radiohead albums. Each song works very well together, and I love that they were able to move in a direction uniquely different from Kid A and Amnesiac. Some of the songs, I'll admit, take strides nearly too big away from what we usually can expect from a Radiohead record. BUT the songsThis album, I think, is the most underrated Radiohead album by far. It has 14 songs, 4-6 more than most Radiohead albums. Each song works very well together, and I love that they were able to move in a direction uniquely different from Kid A and Amnesiac. Some of the songs, I'll admit, take strides nearly too big away from what we usually can expect from a Radiohead record. BUT the songs that are great on this album are truly outstanding. The biggest missteps being, "Sit Down, Stand Up," "We Suck Young Blood," and "I Will." However, in the context of what this album is trying to do (in my mind, write a soundtrack in the same thematic vein as "Animal Farm") each track builds to complete whole that makes sense. This is not supposed to be a concept album like, "OK Computer," or "Kid A," --no, this is supposed to be hard to listen to because the emotions are so difficult and complex to perceive in the first place. If you love Radiohead already, or looking for a place to start, "Hail to the Thief" is as good as any other Radiohead album.… Expand
  13. Ricko
    Apr 13, 2012
    8
    Not quite up with their best work and probably 3 tracks too long but still a great album with some moments of absolute brilliance. After the excitement that came with it's predecessors, this was slightly anti climatic. There is something about the album that just gives it a gloomier than normal feel.It was great to hear Johnny Greenwood's guitar strongly involved for theNot quite up with their best work and probably 3 tracks too long but still a great album with some moments of absolute brilliance. After the excitement that came with it's predecessors, this was slightly anti climatic. There is something about the album that just gives it a gloomier than normal feel.It was great to hear Johnny Greenwood's guitar strongly involved for the majority of the album after it's bitpart on Kid A and Amnesiac. 2+2=5, There There and Myxamatosis were the highlights for me.… Expand
  14. shakersonic
    Sep 28, 2012
    9
    Super album. You will find a lot of things. Rock and piano ballads with a slight touch of electronic music. It's a very original sound, and the lyrics are deep and poetic.
  15. StaticBunny
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    My favorite Radiohead album. Why? Because in addition to the experimental sound that was developed during the Kid A era, the rock sound is back with it. And these two sounds surprisingly incredible, and go together like vanilla and chocolate ice cream. This is one heck of a treat, for rock listeners and hipsters alike. In ways, I believe this is better than Kid A and OK Computer.
  16. mrnice
    Jul 21, 2012
    10
    My first non-immediate album back in the day. There There worked from the first listen, but the rest of the album seemed boring on first hand and my teenage mind didn't expect patience to be rewarded, but through repeated listenings I came to understand what a deep and pertinent yet abstract work of art this is. You'll see imperfections at first, quirks later on, and by the crucial listenMy first non-immediate album back in the day. There There worked from the first listen, but the rest of the album seemed boring on first hand and my teenage mind didn't expect patience to be rewarded, but through repeated listenings I came to understand what a deep and pertinent yet abstract work of art this is. You'll see imperfections at first, quirks later on, and by the crucial listen you will see charisma and strength.… Expand
  17. Lacohfilho
    Jan 28, 2012
    8
    Despite being another great album, one feels that something is missing. Possibly it's the lack of a greater beauty in music. But it's still amazing and great to hear it.
  18. EddieHokie
    Mar 6, 2013
    9
    I put this album as Radiohead's 4th best album and it is excellent. It has tons of songs which is rare on a Radiohead album. This is their darkest album in terms of tone and lyrics. It can get borderline uncomfortable on tracks like "Suck Young Blood", "Wolf at the Door", "Myxamatosis" but like all Radiohead albums, more and more listens offer revelations and satisfaction. HTTT hasI put this album as Radiohead's 4th best album and it is excellent. It has tons of songs which is rare on a Radiohead album. This is their darkest album in terms of tone and lyrics. It can get borderline uncomfortable on tracks like "Suck Young Blood", "Wolf at the Door", "Myxamatosis" but like all Radiohead albums, more and more listens offer revelations and satisfaction. HTTT has classic songs Go To Sleep, There There, 2 2 5, Sit Down. Stand Up) and true to form there is one absolute dud (Gloaming). This album isn't warm and inviting like earlier efforts and thats the point. Like the metal band Tool said once, "finding beauty in the dissonance".… Expand
  19. marcmyworks
    May 10, 2016
    8
    Radiohead brings back their rock sensibilities for their 6th album. Though not as commercial as OK Computer or The Bends, Hail to The Thief offers fantastic melodies, piano fueled ballads and the lushness of Thom Yorke's voice. Download: We Suck Young Blood, 2+2=5, I Will, Sail to the Moon.
  20. Charlyrockstar
    Apr 14, 2014
    10
    a great album of variations, is an miz of Kid A and OK Computer, but only one, agreat album of pure rock, and melodies full of feelings, recomedated for everyone
  21. RadioheadLuv17
    Jul 24, 2014
    9
    Here is my track by track, but first; this album is all the things that make Radiohead loveable channeled into one cohesive body of work, with great songs and a sound that is distinctly theirs. It would be one of their best, but the 56-minute runtime is not supported with enough variety to carry it through. It's still nice to see them so in their own, and though it may be a littleHere is my track by track, but first; this album is all the things that make Radiohead loveable channeled into one cohesive body of work, with great songs and a sound that is distinctly theirs. It would be one of their best, but the 56-minute runtime is not supported with enough variety to carry it through. It's still nice to see them so in their own, and though it may be a little self-indulgent for them, I can't help but love it. A significant chapter in their career. (Note: All track-by-track ratings are in context to the album; a 5 here might be a 4 elsewhere or vice versa.)
    2+2=5 (5/5)
    One of Radiohead's best openers to date, then slow-moving jazz-influenced number evolves into a paranoid punk rock anthem, then screeches to a halt.
    Sit Down, Stand Up (5/5)
    A haunting yet beautiful melody exhibits Thom Yorke's political paranoia; the instrumentation builds until the song is drowned out in a roar of white noise. Radiohead in their essence.
    Sail To The Moon (5/5)
    Another win for HTTT! the third in a masterful opening sequence this drifts along with the ease of a 50's ballad. The classical picking adds to the daydream effect, and it serves as the calm after the storm!
    Back Drifts (4/5)
    Though a little over-extended this song has killer bass, and the beat keeps the pulse of the song moving, even when it's broke the 4-minute mark. A little more variety would have been nice though...
    Go To Sleep (3.5/5)
    While it's rock feel fits well in the midst of an electronic wasteland, it's easily forgettable, and lacks the characteristics of the other songs. Not a disappointment just not a jackpot either!
    Where I End (4.5/5)
    A pick-me-up, this song represents the album's sound quite nicely. While not quite as spectacular as the opening three it's very pop, though quite dark, and it keeps the album moving.
    We Suck Young Blood (2.5/5)
    If Where I End kept the album moving, then this was a major road block, tripping it up with a ridiculously slow tempo, and a slightly repetitive structure. Elements of it have potential but as it's whole it's a bore.
    The Gloaming (5/5)
    I don't know why I like this song so much- it's the waterfall drip maybe, or it's the fact that it breathes life into the album after "WSYB". Though I may be over-rating it it flows well and it's a good side opener.
    There There (3.5/5)
    Often regarded as the album's best track I disagree, but believe it's a good catchy song. Not quite a 5, because I rarely feel the urge to play it, and it's a little too slow, but far from filler.
    I Will (4/5)
    I Will on it's own is far from a massive accomplishment. But when viewed as the intro to Drunken Punch-Up, as there is no break in between, it's brilliant and contributes to the album in mood and variety.
    Drunken Punch-up (5/5)
    And they're back. The album's building up steam before it ends and this jazz fusion pop-fest is no exception. It manages to be dark, complex and fun all at the same time.
    Myxomatosis (5/5)
    Also rocks. the album's over all slow tempo is sped up a little in a catchy and vibrant jam comparable to a track off THE BENDS, or Bodysnatchers off IN RAINBOWS.
    Scatterbrain (3/5)
    It's beautiful, and the lick would be heart-breaking, but it meanders, and the album would be just fine without it. WSYB & this could be removed to make an amazing and way shorter album.
    Wolf At The Door (5/5)
    Radiohead always have the best closers. Always. The abstract poetic lyrics, incredibly melodic chorus and almost hip-hop influenced verse serves to make a total masterstroke!    … Expand
  22. EmmeKira
    May 16, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Radiohead's sixth record is sort of a return to form. A work in which guitars, bass, drums and a overall "normal-hearing" rock sound returns.. with of course the same unique tunes and originality typical of the british band. Thom Yorke gave the album a very heavy political feel, with songs like 2 + 2 = 5 that refer to George Orwell's 1984 or Knives Out. It's a good LP with some killer tracks like the 2 mentioned before or There There. I believe the only problem it has is that aside from few great gems, there aren't that many incredbile songs as other records like Ok Computer, The Bends or Kid A. It's a good album, but it feels like Radioheads did not gave 100% of their talent.. a feeling that instead is totally absent in the later and more mature work, In Rainbows.… Expand
  23. eldude
    Jun 24, 2015
    10
    My favourite album from my favourite band, I still can't understand the crtizims that it gets. I really think there is not one single song that is not great in Hail To The Thief, they all work great by themself but work so much better alltogether. I strongly recomend the Collectors Edition which includes "Where bluebirds fly" one of their best songs. I also think the best artwork done byMy favourite album from my favourite band, I still can't understand the crtizims that it gets. I really think there is not one single song that is not great in Hail To The Thief, they all work great by themself but work so much better alltogether. I strongly recomend the Collectors Edition which includes "Where bluebirds fly" one of their best songs. I also think the best artwork done by Stanley Donwood is the one used in this album.… Expand
  24. BoogeeFilmGuy
    Jul 15, 2015
    9
    For my first review on albums, I picked one of my favourites: Hail To The Thief, by Radiohead. Its got some pretty good hits on there, one of my personal favourites being There There. A must-listen for rockers everywhere.
  25. elhenzo
    May 16, 2017
    10
    Pretty good album, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. I like the rocky parts a lot, and the experimental parts are good too. Definitely start with some other albums before this one, though.
    Favorite tracks: 2 + 2 + 5, Sit Down Stand Up, Backdrifts, There There, A Punchup at a Wedding, Myxomatosis, A Wolf at the Door
    Least favorite track: The Gloaming
    Rating: 10/10
  26. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    7
    Yes [x42]. For some reason, I felt compelled to give this album another go (it wasn't the first time) and it clicked for some reason. While I still think that this album was in dire need of more interesting material, I really wouldn't consider all but a few songs to be bad.
    Favourites: 2+2=5, Go to Sleep, There, There
    Least Favourites: Backdrifts, The Gloaming, I Will
  27. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    Love this style of Radiohead. One of my favorite albums from them. A style that I've grown to love from them and one I continue to expect. It's hard not to let albums let this, from Radiohead, make you get fully entrenched in the music.
  28. All_ButTrU4
    Jun 4, 2022
    7
    I truly have no strong feelings about this record. It was so dense and monotonous the songs blend into a forgettable mess . I genuinely can't remembered most of what I've heard. I don't think it's a bad record but that it's so standard for the bar they've set that my mind disregards it.
  29. zJake
    Apr 26, 2019
    10
    People complain that HttT is too long and has too many songs with not much flow. While it may not be their best-flowing album, how people can complain about ‘too much Radiohead’ is beyond me. I think this is a really great record and has arguably some of their best songs on it. There, There, 2+2=5, Myxomatosis and Wolf at the Door are personal highlights for me though all the songs arePeople complain that HttT is too long and has too many songs with not much flow. While it may not be their best-flowing album, how people can complain about ‘too much Radiohead’ is beyond me. I think this is a really great record and has arguably some of their best songs on it. There, There, 2+2=5, Myxomatosis and Wolf at the Door are personal highlights for me though all the songs are great (including The Gloaming which I honestly think is amazing). If the amount of songs and the flow doesn’t sit right with you, people on Reddit say that Thom Yorke mentioned an ‘amended’ tracklist that you can try, though it has some songs omitted:
    1. There, There
    2. The Gloaming
    3. Sail to the Moon
    4. Sit Down, Stand Up
    5. Go to Sleep
    6. Where I End and You Begin
    7. Scatterbrain
    8. 2+2=5
    9. Myxomatosis
    10. Wolf at the Door    … Expand
  30. RPF
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    This album does not have the same flow as an album like 'OK Computer' but it has some of Radiohead's best tracks to date. Its starts with 2+2=5 a slowly creeping inferno that builds and builds. Go to Sleep with its powerfull guitar riffs straining into a crescendo with Phil Selway's precise and powfull backbeat. truly incredible. This album is full of all the paranoid anxiety as 'OkThis album does not have the same flow as an album like 'OK Computer' but it has some of Radiohead's best tracks to date. Its starts with 2+2=5 a slowly creeping inferno that builds and builds. Go to Sleep with its powerfull guitar riffs straining into a crescendo with Phil Selway's precise and powfull backbeat. truly incredible. This album is full of all the paranoid anxiety as 'Ok Computer' but delivered in an angry and loud fashion. The track 'Myxomatosis' greats you with this distorted bass line juxtaposed by Phil's commanding drumming. This album is perfection. It may be "bloated" as some critics say, but if it's bloated full of incredible Radiohead songs then you wont hear me complaining!… Expand
  31. Cyzzyx
    May 18, 2022
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hail To The Thief is a very politically-charged album by Radiohead that ambitiously mixes aspects of experimental rock and electronic. Although I feel like the execution was not perfect and the project seems scattered at times, it still demonstrates a unique sonic landscape all throughout the album. In my opinion the opener to this project is one of their best of all time, 2+2=5. What an explosive way to start an album. And its closer, A Wolf At The Door, is excellent as well. The lyricism seems a bit cheesy at some parts, and the instrumentals especially closer to the middle of the album seem out-of-place sonically. However, this album is still a banging listen.

    Favorite Tracks: 2+2=5, Sit Down/Stand Up, Sail To The Moon, There There, A Punch Up At A Wedding, Myxomatosis, A Wolf At The Door

    Least Favorite Tracks: Go To Sleep, The Gloaming, I Will    … Expand
  32. lemail
    Mar 4, 2023
    8
    Radiohead hasn't released a single bad record and this is no exception. While the lows are low compared to their other records, they're still great. the Highs on the other hand are quite something different. From the soft and intimate emotionally invested "Scatterbrain" to the absolute deep paranoia and unsure madness in the "Wolf at the Door" chorus, this record manages to keep myRadiohead hasn't released a single bad record and this is no exception. While the lows are low compared to their other records, they're still great. the Highs on the other hand are quite something different. From the soft and intimate emotionally invested "Scatterbrain" to the absolute deep paranoia and unsure madness in the "Wolf at the Door" chorus, this record manages to keep my interest and the last side has to be my favorite from the entire Radiohead catalogue. Held down by it's unsure vision, the record does get a bit incoheisive at times like at the sudden IDM influenced "The Gloaming",… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best Album of 2003
6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2003
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Q Magazine
    70
    As admirable as Radiohead's quest ongoing quest to ignore expectations, tear up the manual and proudly rebel against the limitations of 4/4 time seems, some of Hail To The Thief comes dangerously close to being all experimentalism and precious little substance. [Jul 2003, p.98]
  2. Flak Magazine
    80
    Of course it's political, and of course it continues to merge electronic experimentation with more familiar rock structures; but it employs all those debate-igniting props simply to further the band's more pressing agenda: to tirelessly explore beauty's terrible fragility.
    Read full review
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    90
    Hail to the Thief is overloaded with miraculous sounds.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »