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. DanielJ.
    Nov 2, 2007
    10
    Incredible....the most beautifully haunting piece of music ever created. Yorkes vocals go great with the atmospheric guitar and dark bass lines not to mention the different variations of percussion.Q gave it 5 stars so do I anybody who gives it less than 4 is clearly a lunatic, I'd even worry about those who only give it 4!!!!!download it now.
  2. WilliamR.
    Nov 3, 2007
    10
    In 10 years when you speak of albums of the years, decades, of all time you will speak of this album. Perfect. Radiohead=Most important Band on the planet
  3. KristiJ
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    I had written Radiohead off... its true. After OK Computers brilliant soundtrack of my summer all those years ago I waited with baited breath for their next release and was so disappointed by Kid A that I quickly moved on and disregarded all other releases until In Rainbows. I was intruiged by their method of release and all the reviews I heard were favorable. I wasn't disappointed. I had written Radiohead off... its true. After OK Computers brilliant soundtrack of my summer all those years ago I waited with baited breath for their next release and was so disappointed by Kid A that I quickly moved on and disregarded all other releases until In Rainbows. I was intruiged by their method of release and all the reviews I heard were favorable. I wasn't disappointed. In short THIS is the album that should have followed up OK Computer. Haunting melodies wonderfully explored lyrics and a mood that sits with it from beginning to end. An A+ album!… Expand
  4. CarlosD
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Has struck me in a manner I didn't expect. Gorgeous, addictive and even revolutionary. I'll be hard pressed to find a better album this year.
  5. Mike
    Oct 13, 2007
    8
    Ranks right after The Bends and OK Computer for me. And umm...metacritic staff? aren't you guys being a bit too nice with that 70 ranking for the Dusted Magazine review?? I could understand why you guys would want the album to be a huge success though....
  6. JamieS
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This will sound slightly fanboy-ish, but this is the best album Radiohead has released. With more emotional ups and downs than OK Computer, and a far better balance of experimental / rock music than Hail To The Thief. Somehow, and I would have never thought it possible, it seems more mature than Kid A or Amnesiac. Excellent job, Radiohead. Once again, you've raised the bar.
  7. JasonG
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    No words.
  8. Brendan
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    It's an instant classic. Radiohead truly is a bottomless pit of beautiful, creative music. The way that Radiohead manages to keep the music going at such a high quality after so many great songs astonishes me to no end. Definitely one of the best albums they've ever done, getting better with every listen.
  9. TresJ
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Awesome...Once again Radiohead does the unexpected and they hit it out the park
  10. GaryG
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    I partied hard to this album last night, sniffing coke off of a stripper's inner thigh. Dat shit was bangin, dawgs!!! Yall ever sharted in someone's mouth? I have, and I did it while listening to In Rainbow, friends.
  11. simong
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    there are no words.
  12. CoreyP
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    I went into "In Rainbows" not thinking about Radiohead's previous work. With that in mind it is hand's down the best CD of the year.
  13. sdjones
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    I knew from the first listen-through that this would be my favourite album of 2007. I haven't exactly been a huge fan of Radiohead's last two outings - this one is brilliant! There's shades of Jeff Buckley and even Keane (who is imitating whom?) and a million other subtlies. Complex Radiohead album-yes. Completely listenable, even accessible- also yes.
  14. DK
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    It's their masterpiece. OK Computer with heart. Takes the best of everything they've learned from their past three experiments and infuses them with the heart and emotionality of their earlier work. It will rank with Kid A and The Moon and Antarctica as the alternative-rock albums of this decade.
  15. dAVEJ
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    An excellent new album from Radiohead.
  16. AgroR
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Music for a movie..a good one
  17. Alex
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Incredible
  18. ChristophM
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    For perhaps the first time ever, Radiohead has given us an album with a completely positive and uplifting message. Where past efforts have been nigh-apocalyptic in their take on the modern world, In Rainbows is a 42-minute love song. In that, Radiohead exceeds expectations and beautifully captures the emotion of the album.
  19. Felix
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Best album since Kid A, and OK Computer.
  20. andyp
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    Of course it's not OK Computer, I hope nobody ever holds them up to that standard again. However I like it just as much as Kid A. Best Album of the Year hands down.
  21. TheTruthAKAKeep-it-Simple
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Radioead's Pet Sounds..not that its their best or even my favorite, but it communicates cohesion and beauty better than any of their previous albums.
  22. AaronW.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    spellbinding...every song is good...shines a light on a beautiful human heart
  23. CameronG.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    The best music radiohead has pumped out for a long time! Brilliant!
  24. Ed
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Once again Radiohead prove that they're a step ahead and a cut above pretty much everyone eslse out there. Stunning.
  25. Tim
    Oct 13, 2007
    7
    wow, radiohead with lush orchestral arrangements!!? I love the first five songs but i think the album starts to lull around the second half a bit. I'm still getting into the two new ones however-
  26. GrandeF
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Radiohead did it again!
  27. Masedogg
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    On the surface it's fun, creative, beautiful and strange. However, its secret brilliance lies in its subtleties...in sounds that anyone but the most careful listener will never hear. Yet they continue to present themselves after many listens. You are instantly subject to an emotional ride of hope and tragedy and many unsettling areas in between. Radiohead have not given their On the surface it's fun, creative, beautiful and strange. However, its secret brilliance lies in its subtleties...in sounds that anyone but the most careful listener will never hear. Yet they continue to present themselves after many listens. You are instantly subject to an emotional ride of hope and tragedy and many unsettling areas in between. Radiohead have not given their listeners this much to feel and think about ever before. Believe it or not, I think they're actually getting better… Expand
  28. RaymondH
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    A masterpiece. Not as good as Graduation but still the second best album of the decade.
  29. RichardF
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    It's like Kid A with guitars. Actually it's like Kid A with OK Computer. Since it's Radiohead you can also be pretty assured there is no filler.
  30. GabrielV
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    it was a long wait since the last album, but it wast worth every second of it. In Rainbows sounds new, fresh, but it's still radiohead, it's still one of the greatest bands alive today, once again they reinvented themselves, without even having the ambition of doing so, and thus making a hange that sounds completely natural and logical. It get's a little mellow at times, it was a long wait since the last album, but it wast worth every second of it. In Rainbows sounds new, fresh, but it's still radiohead, it's still one of the greatest bands alive today, once again they reinvented themselves, without even having the ambition of doing so, and thus making a hange that sounds completely natural and logical. It get's a little mellow at times, but in a grat way, 10 perect tracks, no fillers, just pure radiohead!.… Expand
  31. Marc
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Sonorously, it sounds like a more confident Hail to the Theif, which is delicious in its own light.
  32. BenS
    Oct 13, 2007
    8
    Hardly a departure for the band, but after the fractured brilliance of Hail To The Thief and Amnesiac, they finally - musically at least - sound comfortable in their own unique genre. There were a few disappointments - Bodysnatcher's lo-fi rock and Nude's slow tempo - but both tracks, and many others, grow better in time, and after four listens I'm still surprised by the Hardly a departure for the band, but after the fractured brilliance of Hail To The Thief and Amnesiac, they finally - musically at least - sound comfortable in their own unique genre. There were a few disappointments - Bodysnatcher's lo-fi rock and Nude's slow tempo - but both tracks, and many others, grow better in time, and after four listens I'm still surprised by the intricacies of this album. A slight laps towards the end of the record is more than made up for by the beautiful closer, 'Videotape', and other highlights include the opener '15 Step' and the pairing of 'Arpeggi' and 'All I Need'.… Expand
  33. AG
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This album blew me away, there is no other band out there at the moment that can deliver such a diversity of sound and yet with such cohesion. The cohesion of the overall album marks it apart from their last effort (hail to the thief) and is probably their greatest to date. A fusion of all of Radioheads influences over the years have combined to create an astonishing sound
  34. BrandonS
    Oct 13, 2007
    7
    Once I gave up all hope that Radiohead would ever reach the heights of OK Computer or even The Bends, I started enjoying them more. I like this album better than any since Kid A, but still the songs tend to blend into each other. The album is more spaced-out electronically tinged post-modern, post-apocalyptic, post-everything music, from a very reliable group. Is it earth shattering? No. Once I gave up all hope that Radiohead would ever reach the heights of OK Computer or even The Bends, I started enjoying them more. I like this album better than any since Kid A, but still the songs tend to blend into each other. The album is more spaced-out electronically tinged post-modern, post-apocalyptic, post-everything music, from a very reliable group. Is it earth shattering? No. Is the marketing brilliant? Absolutely. Another strong addition to a notable catalog. But OK Computer it ain't.… Expand
  35. walkerr
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    As close to perfect as any album in a long time. It gives you hope that there are still muscians who matter. Moody, haunting, perfect.
  36. Sam
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Beautiful.
  37. Ronix
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    As OMH put it: their work is critic-proof. And this album, I think, leaves no doubt about that. It cannot be criticized. Or, at least, it makes it very difficult to. Or, given a third option, it has to be criticized in a much different way that any other album is. In my opinion, and having heard if not a lot, a large amount of music, Radiohead keeps: a) reinventing themselves, since each As OMH put it: their work is critic-proof. And this album, I think, leaves no doubt about that. It cannot be criticized. Or, at least, it makes it very difficult to. Or, given a third option, it has to be criticized in a much different way that any other album is. In my opinion, and having heard if not a lot, a large amount of music, Radiohead keeps: a) reinventing themselves, since each Radiohead album sounds trully different to their previous material. This can be discussed in many ways, but what it makes it remarkable is that no matter how much success they get, they will reinvent their sound in their next work (it would've been easier for them to make TheBends-ish or OkComputer-ish albums over and over again, but they have chosen not to) b) making music that sounds like nothing you've heard before. You can try to match any of these songs to any kind of music, but you won't be able to get it right: it's just different. They're the ones to be resembled by other bands. And that's that, either you like Radiohead or not. And 'In Rainbows' is no exception to these two statements. And I think this is an incredible thing to achieve (or "re-achieve"). From '15 step' to 'Videotape', each song sounds different from anything else (brain tries to match it with something you've heard before and fails) and, in my opinion, each song sounds amazing. And, not to be disregarded, the album sounds trully like a whole, which is something most bands fail to achieve. I've been waiting for it for four years now (since Hail to the Thief) and I am far form dissapointed by the wait. They deserved to be waited. They are different. And we need them.… Expand
  38. ChrisS
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    In Rainbows is an amzing record filled with masterpieces. All the songs are great. We see Radiohead at their best here.
  39. mh
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    so sweet is this
  40. emmap
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    I am in love, this is the most beautiful record of the year.
  41. ThomasB
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    While it's not as experimental as Hail to the Thief, it still packs an emotional punch.
  42. AndrewH
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    stupid dusted magazine needs to be removed. that hack doesn't know what he's talking about. I can accept other people's opinions when they're not so misinformed.
  43. MycroftW
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Perfect!
  44. 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.
  45. AlexanderJ
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best since OK
  46. VenturaV.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Simply amazing!!!
  47. DeanP.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best Radiohead release since OK Computer. There is not a single dud on this one.
  48. RichB.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Perfection. Best album since Kid A.
  49. 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
  50. jazzusj.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Awesooome album, beautyfull songs, Tom's voice like wine, older -> better!
  51. OctavianI.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Great album !
  52. Gregor
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    Lovely.
  53. JeffG
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Radiohead's seventh album continues their pattern of growth which, arguably, took a step back with 2003's Hail To The Thief. The combination of the songwriting skills that they have always possessed with the studio skills of Kid A has resulted in what may be their most brilliant work yet. As with any Radiohead album, the initial impression is just a taste of the appreciation Radiohead's seventh album continues their pattern of growth which, arguably, took a step back with 2003's Hail To The Thief. The combination of the songwriting skills that they have always possessed with the studio skills of Kid A has resulted in what may be their most brilliant work yet. As with any Radiohead album, the initial impression is just a taste of the appreciation which develops from repeated listens. Already most fans rank this as close to OK Computer and Kid A. In time, this album is sure to be seen as a masterful work in Radiohead's impressive progression.… Expand
  54. AndersW
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Radiohead have done it again.
  55. isaacC
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    Distinctly Radiohead, everything they have worked towards. In Rainbows is a culmination of the bands exploration into electonic beats with Kid A, mornful guitars and up beat cymbols from the bends and the jarring, slurring, rolling lyrics of Hail to the Theif. All along their carear has been planned out. Each album a stepping stone to this moment in time. The only question is what lies Distinctly Radiohead, everything they have worked towards. In Rainbows is a culmination of the bands exploration into electonic beats with Kid A, mornful guitars and up beat cymbols from the bends and the jarring, slurring, rolling lyrics of Hail to the Theif. All along their carear has been planned out. Each album a stepping stone to this moment in time. The only question is what lies beyond the Rainbow?… Expand
  56. 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.
  57. 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.
  58. 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.
  59. 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
  60. Mika
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    subtle smarter radiohead. just beautiful stuff.
  61. PeterS
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Could hardly be more pleased with how this one turned out. Hugely looking forward to the second CD.
  62. 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.
  63. 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.
  64. TysonS
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Simply put: the most hauntingly beautiful example of rock I have ever heard.
  65. SammyB
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    simply great.......could be their best....time will tell......could be the greatest album ever.....time will tell
  66. cristian
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    FANTASTIC!
  67. 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?
  68. 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 !
  69. Grant
    Nov 5, 2007
    10
    The first time I listened to this album, I admit I was slightly underwhelmed. But after repeated listening, this is may be their finest work to date
  70. KyleZ.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    What album are the guys over at Dusted Magazine listening to? Honestly Radiohead's best album.
  71. 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.
  72. sethisawesome
    Nov 5, 2007
    10
    Not only the best album I've heard all year, its one of the best albums I've heard ever. Even better than Kid A. And I loves me some Kid A. My heart rate actually quickened during parts.
  73. 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.
  74. FelipeP.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Their best album, beautiful!
  75. 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.
  76. 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.
  77. 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.
  78. lorym.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    spectacular album.
  79. pumpucco
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Easily the best album of the year so far. Melodic, enchanting and surprisingly very very romantic.
  80. LuigiL.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Great, almost perfect.
  81. mt
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    great
  82. 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.
  83. 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
  84. seanm
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Without a doubt this next to only OKcomputer as Radioheads most consistent and earnest album.
  85. MrE
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    regresando el espacio vacio que siempre le has pertenecido..
  86. KarthikJ
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    probably their best album since OK Computer
  87. 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!
  88. 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.
  89. 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.
  90. PatricioC.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Great album! Bye bye recording industry!
  91. AndrewC
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Best Radiohead album since Kid A. What kind of crack was the reviewer from Dusted smoking?
  92. AdamW
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    I can only liken this album to a perfect game in baseball. There might only be 28 or so EVER that are even close to this good. It's the masterpeice of the decade so far. Anyone that gives this album anything less than perfect, should seriously question the health of their ears. I'd say it's worth at least $13.
  93. NelsonB.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    ....paralyzing.
  94. StevenM.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Consistently good all throughout. Radiohead at their best and this is only the first half. From the songs I've heard from the 2nd half of the album we are all in for another treat.
  95. EricS.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    I think that whoever gave this album 40/100 needs to be assassinated.
  96. yofredm.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    This is the least abrasive and most ear-friendly album since the bends. Very accessible. It almost seems like the challenge of listening to radiohead is missing, but its not, because I doubt any other band can deliver music of this caliber.
  97. Anonymous
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Wow. This album was amazing. From the fun 15 step to the beautiful Videotape, this album progressed smoothly containing some of the best radiohead songs i've heard. I wanted more songs after Videotape. I guess i'll just have to wait until december third when the second half comes out.
  98. Richard
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    An amazingly beautiful album. So far my favorite songs are Reckoner, Wierd Fishes/Arpeggi, Jigsaw Falling into Place, and Bodysnatchers. I would say the weakest song on the album is either Faust Arp or House of Cards, but I will have to listen to those some more.
  99. Aaron
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    best Radiohead album since Kid A
  100. GlenG
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    A shimmery, glittering, diaphanous masterpiece, layer upon subtle layer building into an incredible endproduct that I just can't get my ears off of. Everything that Radiohead ever has been, synthesized into something new and nothing short of gorgeous to listen to... again, and again, and again. Personally, it's already supplanted Kid A as my favorite of theirs.
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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 »