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. PhilC
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    absolutely heartwrenching.. what a beauty...
  2. GaryD
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    No filler, less gloom, all Radiohead. Still lightyears ahead of the rest. Still Towering Above the Rest
  3. JimL
    Nov 2, 2007
    10
    When you grow up, you'll realise this was the album of the year
  4. FaisalI.
    Nov 2, 2007
    10
    Radiohead's best album. Enough said.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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....
  10. 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.
  11. JasonG
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    No words.
  12. 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.
  13. TresJ
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Awesome...Once again Radiohead does the unexpected and they hit it out the park
  14. 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.
  15. simong
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    there are no words.
  16. 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.
  17. Tom
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Makes me realize there are true artist still left in this world.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. dAVEJ
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    An excellent new album from Radiohead.
  21. AgroR
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Music for a movie..a good one
  22. Alex
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Incredible
  23. 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.
  24. Felix
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Best album since Kid A, and OK Computer.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. AaronW.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    spellbinding...every song is good...shines a light on a beautiful human heart
  28. CameronG.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    The best music radiohead has pumped out for a long time! Brilliant!
  29. 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.
  30. TimmyT.
    Oct 13, 2007
    0
    Radiohead is, to put it simply, way past their time. Stop making music for God's sake. Your done.
  31. 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-
  32. GrandeF
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Radiohead did it again!
  33. 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
  34. RaymondH
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    A masterpiece. Not as good as Graduation but still the second best album of the decade.
  35. 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.
  36. 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
  37. Marc
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Sonorously, it sounds like a more confident Hail to the Theif, which is delicious in its own light.
  38. MatthewS
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    One of the most amazing albums to be composed. The fact that is scores one point higher than MIA and Arcade Fire is a joke, a really sad joke.
  39. 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
  40. EpictetoK
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    :0
  41. GillesB
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Nice album :P
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. 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.
  45. Sam
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Beautiful.
  46. 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
  47. MesiaS
    Oct 14, 2007
    4
    Hmm, reviews seem to be mixed on this one. I think there are a few good "songs" but their extremely weak lyrical abilities are put on display here on the more sparse songs.
  48. 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.
  49. mh
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    so sweet is this
  50. emmap
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    I am in love, this is the most beautiful record of the year.
  51. redpop
    Oct 14, 2007
    0
    Radiohead is dead!!
  52. ThomasB
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    While it's not as experimental as Hail to the Thief, it still packs an emotional punch.
  53. 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.
  54. MycroftW
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Perfect!
  55. 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.
  56. AlexanderJ
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best since OK
  57. VenturaV.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Simply amazing!!!
  58. RJM.
    Nov 4, 2007
    1
    i'm so sick of people busting their nuts over this band. ok computer has its moments, so does kid a. but the rest of their catalog, including this one, is rubbish. Radiohead make pretentious, over-reaching, non-sensical crap, and because you all minions can't tell what the fuck they're doing, you go ahead and assume it must be brilliant. uhh, that's a little i'm so sick of people busting their nuts over this band. ok computer has its moments, so does kid a. but the rest of their catalog, including this one, is rubbish. Radiohead make pretentious, over-reaching, non-sensical crap, and because you all minions can't tell what the fuck they're doing, you go ahead and assume it must be brilliant. uhh, that's a little fallacious. listen, thom yorke proved long ago that he has nothing to say: his lyrics have always been, and continue to be, terrible...just terrible. phil selway, while we're on the subject of terrible, is also terrible. probably the drummer with the worst feel i've ever heard. i urge you to stop telling yourself that this shit moves you, and realize that it's a bunch of trash. there are or otherwise -- don't waste your time with this rubbish.… Expand
  59. sm
    Oct 14, 2007
    5
    it's okay.
  60. sasaj.
    Oct 14, 2007
    1
    it realy isnt good
  61. DeanP.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best Radiohead release since OK Computer. There is not a single dud on this one.
  62. RichB.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Perfection. Best album since Kid A.
  63. 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
  64. jazzusj.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Awesooome album, beautyfull songs, Tom's voice like wine, older -> better!
  65. OctavianI.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Great album !
  66. Gregor
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    Lovely.
  67. ScottyT
    Oct 14, 2007
    0
    Radiohead sucks. The End.
  68. 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
  69. AndersW
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Radiohead have done it again.
  70. 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
  71. 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.
  72. 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.
  73. 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.
  74. 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
  75. Mika
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    subtle smarter radiohead. just beautiful stuff.
  76. PeterS
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Could hardly be more pleased with how this one turned out. Hugely looking forward to the second CD.
  77. DanielG
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    one of the best radiohead albums. i can't wait for the bonuns tracks!
  78. 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.
  79. 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.
  80. TysonS
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Simply put: the most hauntingly beautiful example of rock I have ever heard.
  81. SammyB
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    simply great.......could be their best....time will tell......could be the greatest album ever.....time will tell
  82. cristian
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    FANTASTIC!
  83. 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?
  84. 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 !
  85. 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
  86. KyleZ.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    What album are the guys over at Dusted Magazine listening to? Honestly Radiohead's best album.
  87. 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.
  88. 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.
  89. 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.
  90. FelipeP.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Their best album, beautiful!
  91. 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.
  92. BenW
    Nov 5, 2007
    10
    I thought Spoon Ga*5 had album of the year nailed for sure - but this has blown my mind out. Best album since Funeral (2004). But lets wait for Grizzly bear's new one
  93. 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.
  94. 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.
  95. lorym.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    spectacular album.
  96. pumpucco
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Easily the best album of the year so far. Melodic, enchanting and surprisingly very very romantic.
  97. LuigiL.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Great, almost perfect.
  98. mt
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    great
  99. 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.
  100. 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
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 »