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. ShanilS.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    For me "In Rainbows" is an apt title as this album mixes the "weirdness" and "innovation" from the past with a refreshing boldness and accessibility that has arguably been lacking in their more recent albums. We see many shades of the band on this album. The lyrics are often poignant, drifting from the direct "I don't want to be your friend/ I just want to be your lover - House of For me "In Rainbows" is an apt title as this album mixes the "weirdness" and "innovation" from the past with a refreshing boldness and accessibility that has arguably been lacking in their more recent albums. We see many shades of the band on this album. The lyrics are often poignant, drifting from the direct "I don't want to be your friend/ I just want to be your lover - House of Cards" to more abstract thoughts "I get eaten by the worms...when fishing- Weird Fishes/Appregi". The tracks are layered, they often build...burst and fade away into another great track(catchy riffs and weird electronic beats included). It's the sort of album that gets better upon each listen. For me."Body Snatchers", "Reckoner" and "Jigsaw Falling into Place" are my favorites though like many great albums, each track has a statement and purpose.. The most solid, immediate compilation I've come across on a Radiohead album. ..fantastic stuff...they've still got it.… Expand
  2. TysonS
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Simply put: the most hauntingly beautiful example of rock I have ever heard.
  3. joer
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Best Radiohead album since Ok Computer.
  4. alexj.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Awesome album - this band has assimilated its stylistic meanderings of the last ten years in a multi-layered, warm and lush collection of songs. In Rainbows may sound like Radiohead-lite at low volume but as soon as you crank it up (in your headphones, preferably) its mean core is revealed, which is why this is no The Eraser - The Sequel. Yorke is great, no doubt about it, but Radiohead Awesome album - this band has assimilated its stylistic meanderings of the last ten years in a multi-layered, warm and lush collection of songs. In Rainbows may sound like Radiohead-lite at low volume but as soon as you crank it up (in your headphones, preferably) its mean core is revealed, which is why this is no The Eraser - The Sequel. Yorke is great, no doubt about it, but Radiohead is a five-headed monster.… Expand
  5. 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.
  6. juanm
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    simple the best record this decade .. so far
  7. 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.
  8. ML
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    The reviewer from Dusted Magazine must be deaf and/or lyrically challenged. RH fan or not, you can't discount the brilliance of In Rainbows..
  9. VASILIS
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    THE BEST SINCE O.K. COMPUTER.WE LOVE YOU GUYS
  10. PaulF.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    My favorite Radiohead album since 'The Bends'. Not to say that Ok Computer, Amnesiac, Kid A, and Hail to the Thief weren't good, they were great. But this is the most listenable album they've made since their early days. I love every track, each for very different reasons. And it feels like an ALBUM, not a collection of songs. Tight, 10 song set. Beauty. Now come out My favorite Radiohead album since 'The Bends'. Not to say that Ok Computer, Amnesiac, Kid A, and Hail to the Thief weren't good, they were great. But this is the most listenable album they've made since their early days. I love every track, each for very different reasons. And it feels like an ALBUM, not a collection of songs. Tight, 10 song set. Beauty. Now come out with a CD version for me to add to my collection and I'll be really happy.… Expand
  11. PeterS
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Could hardly be more pleased with how this one turned out. Hugely looking forward to the second CD.
  12. Carlos
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Absolute Class !
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. RoyalJ
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    All hail to the kings! One of their best recordings which puts a lot of the disposable emo/garage band rock to shame. Their albums have a shelf life that is incredible. Ths album is yet another layered, honest, crafty construction that further reinforces that thought. If you don't feel any thing after listening to "All I Need" or "Nude" than try to open up to more sounds & styles.
  16. Marcus
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Too good for any comments
  17. RezaM
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Radiohead' music is future of the rock.
  18. 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.
  19. daveg
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    there is a beauty here that i couldn't see coming, even in hearing the tracks before... even in knowing that it's radiohead.
  20. 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.
  21. DanielG
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    one of the best radiohead albums. i can't wait for the bonuns tracks!
  22. Mika
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    subtle smarter radiohead. just beautiful stuff.
  23. 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.
  24. AshleyG.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Wonderful Album Radiohead's best since Ok Computer... should be listening to this for a long while!
  25. 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.
  26. SteL
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    This is nearly a truly great album. Gets better with every listen - and it's fairly addicitve. Download it for free - if you like it then go ahead and buy it.
  27. 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!
  28. KarthikJ
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    probably their best album since OK Computer
  29. MrE
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    regresando el espacio vacio que siempre le has pertenecido..
  30. seanm
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Without a doubt this next to only OKcomputer as Radioheads most consistent and earnest album.
  31. JustinH.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Brilliant.
  32. 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
  33. JuanZ
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    After 4 years of "silence", In Rainbows represents, for me, the most accomplished album the band had in their discography. Every single song is just great.
  34. 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.
  35. mt
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    great
  36. LuigiL.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Great, almost perfect.
  37. pumpucco
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Easily the best album of the year so far. Melodic, enchanting and surprisingly very very romantic.
  38. lorym.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    spectacular album.
  39. JanuszG.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Their poppiest album since The Bends. Brilliant all the way.
  40. GregB
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    A+++++This album is perfection. 10/10 What more can be said?
  41. DamirR.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    A master-piece for generations to come.
  42. JustinH.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Brilliant.
  43. pix101101
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    I love all previous Radiohead albums, but this is the one I'll play when people not too familiar with the band are around... This album is just Perfect on every level!
  44. TomB.
    Oct 15, 2007
    4
    The softness seems limp and WILL NOT let up. Can it touch Ok Computer? Get the fuck out of here, critics.
  45. RichB.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Perfection. Best album since Kid A.
  46. DeanP.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best Radiohead release since OK Computer. There is not a single dud on this one.
  47. sm
    Oct 14, 2007
    5
    it's okay.
  48. sasaj.
    Oct 14, 2007
    1
    it realy isnt good
  49. Andrew
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Very pleasing album start to finish. Just very smooth transitions all the way. Beautiful songs like Nude and Arpeggi make this record lovely. Tunes like Reckoner and Jigsaw make this record phenomenal.
  50. JoeC.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Simply brill. Fresh. Good. Awesome.
  51. ErwinG.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Another Great one from Radio. Music full of feelings & emotion.
  52. 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
  53. JimC.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    You will love if you're a fan... if you're not... too bad for you.
  54. Chris
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    More like 9.5 (10 is only given to Kid A and OK Computer), though this nearly has the potential to make it there. My review will be short and sweet. Behind the National's Boxer, this is the best album of the year. Radiohead continues to prove that they are the best band in the world today, and should be considered one of the best bands of all time. If you download this album, donate More like 9.5 (10 is only given to Kid A and OK Computer), though this nearly has the potential to make it there. My review will be short and sweet. Behind the National's Boxer, this is the best album of the year. Radiohead continues to prove that they are the best band in the world today, and should be considered one of the best bands of all time. If you download this album, donate something, they deserve it.… Expand
  55. TedS.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Hail To "In Rainbows"! A solid, monolithic masterpiece that combines all their previous inspirations - just like a rainbow holds full color spectrum. This album sounds like Radiohead's brand new "Greatest Hits" collection written and recorded from scratch.
  56. GustavoR.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    There is nothing to compare with, they are at the top of their game. And their game is one of the only hocks that push rock music forward nowadays. The album is beaultiful with delightful moments and harmonies without losing their characteristical tention and complexity. Its as avant-guarde as Ok Computer, as Sgt Peppers was... absolutely thrilling, song by song infatuating.
  57. StanleyR.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    This powerful album will grab you from the start, but it's still a "grower" - with each listen your appreciation multiplies, and it gets better and better. Filled with rich textures and emotions, this album paints a landscape in your mind.
  58. raggar
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Beautiful, honest, with a glimpse of what they have made during the last decade, their sound is still fresh, and touching, I think this album its gonna be an instant classic..
  59. SebastianF
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    You'd expect a band to run out of ideas, to start repeting itself trying to keep up with their fame. But Radiohead does not care about fame, or at least that is what it seems after every album they make, constantly changing and experimenting, that's why this album is so great, you've never heard this sounds before and probably never will again.
  60. VenturaV.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Simply amazing!!!
  61. neilg
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    In time this album will become as recognised and celebrated as Dark Side of the Moon and Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. With the release of In Rainbows Radio Head has published 10 tracks that are completely relevant to the 21st century world man has built for himself. The music immediately strikes the human soul and makes one recognise the intimacy with which we are involved with In time this album will become as recognised and celebrated as Dark Side of the Moon and Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. With the release of In Rainbows Radio Head has published 10 tracks that are completely relevant to the 21st century world man has built for himself. The music immediately strikes the human soul and makes one recognise the intimacy with which we are involved with all that happens in and around us. Just listen to this album, while you're working, on the train, at home with your family, alone in the dark, while running on the treadmill - it is so close to being, that it's like listening to something familiar that you must have heard while in the womb, but at the same time you struggle to to hear what is being said and have to listen and listen to it again and again. STUNNING BEAUTIFUL !!!!… Expand
  62. EdwardM.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Amazing.
  63. JohnE
    Oct 14, 2007
    1
    Boring, adult-lite rock. Vague.
  64. fernandoso
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    the best of 2007, excellent album
  65. 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.
  66. MycroftW
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Perfect!
  67. AlexanderJ
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best since OK
  68. PaulC.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    What is Dusted Magazine and why does it get a vote? This is hands down one of the best albums of 007. Worth every penny you decide to pay for it.
  69. billd
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    in rainbows is it's own genre of music. also, in rainbows is perfect.
  70. ThomasB
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    While it's not as experimental as Hail to the Thief, it still packs an emotional punch.
  71. okoko
    Oct 14, 2007
    2
    worst radiohead ever.
  72. emmap
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    I am in love, this is the most beautiful record of the year.
  73. LynM.
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    On my 8th or 9th listen, In Rainbows finally hit me over the head and heart and ears. Videotape must be what sounds like when you're taking the first steps toward that blinding light/tunnel moments after death. The way Radiohead captures the special feelings we have in universal daily occurrences just about makes me want to love everybody. When listening to a good Radiohead song, you On my 8th or 9th listen, In Rainbows finally hit me over the head and heart and ears. Videotape must be what sounds like when you're taking the first steps toward that blinding light/tunnel moments after death. The way Radiohead captures the special feelings we have in universal daily occurrences just about makes me want to love everybody. When listening to a good Radiohead song, you can't help but feel connected to others-- strangers, lovers. 15 steps is one for the road, windows down, watching passersby. Kids saying "Yahhh!" Probably my favorite "dance" song since Idioteque. Nude is undoubtedly a favorite and I'm glad the final version arrived without too much glaze. They kept it quiet and that's exactly how I loved it way back when. Too bad the rhodes is gone, though. I have to say, Reckoner was the pleasant surprise overall: Drums and guitar like the Bends & OK Computer--taking us on sentimental states of nostalgia. Thom's voice reaching for those states again, succeeding and then some. But then comes a break, sweeping soundtrack, looking for something more... It's ups and downs, the way his voice mixes in with the violins at the end... it's splendid. Nothing at all what I expected. I thank Radiohead for this music. I thank God for making Radiohead.… Expand
  74. mh
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    so sweet is this
  75. 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.
  76. 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.
  77. jon
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    awsome
  78. TaylorW
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Enchanting, spellbinding, surprising. Radiohead's best yet.
  79. 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.
  80. 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
  81. 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
  82. NikkiIkki
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Brilliant! Ive been waiting for a fifth of my life for this album... and it was well worth it!
  83. SophieB
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    Very very pleasantly surprised.. a beautiful album. Will check out more Radiohead in the future.
  84. justinz
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best Radiohead album since Kid A. Dare I say it even rivals OK Computer as Radiohead's best album...
  85. AndersW
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Radiohead have done it again.
  86. 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
  87. ScottyT
    Oct 14, 2007
    0
    Radiohead sucks. The End.
  88. Gregor
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    Lovely.
  89. OctavianI.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Great album !
  90. Michaelshutyourmouth
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Next to Kid A. Pure genius.
  91. jazzusj.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Awesooome album, beautyfull songs, Tom's voice like wine, older -> better!
  92. johnb
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Fantastic. Not a track that disapoints at all.
  93. redpop
    Oct 14, 2007
    0
    Radiohead is dead!!
  94. ddd
    Oct 14, 2007
    1
    no good time
  95. SudipV
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    On Par with OK Computer
  96. 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.
  97. QQQQ
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    GOOD ROCK!
  98. AC
    Oct 13, 2007
    1
    Mediocre
  99. 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.
  100. 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.
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 »