In Rainbows - Radiohead
User Score
9.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 1384 Ratings

User score distribution:

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  1. VinnyP
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    This album is stunning and achingly beautiful. There is absolutely no filler here, and the band sounds the most genuine that they've sounded in years. I keep changing my mind on what the best songs are, because they really are all that good. Listening to In Rainbows takes you ona journey that is a bit of a rollercoaster, a bit of sonic orgasm, all with an undercurrent infused with a dark sense of love. I know I'm talking crazy here but the music has just captivated me that much. By the time the journey ends with "Videotape," you'll want to revisit it right away. As a fan I not only love the album but am happy for the band, for them to continue to reach new levels and to continue to put out music that matters. Hands down the best album of the year so far, possibly my favorite of the decade. Expand
  2. Tom
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Makes me realize there are true artist still left in this world.
  3. j30
    Aug 11, 2011
    10
    A perfect album and one of the best albums of the decade. This is one of those albums you'll look back on and remember the exact time and place you first listened to it. It's a record that changed the music industry forever by asking consumers how much their music meant to them. Apparently a lot, because the album went number 1 on music charts when the cd copy came out. It's kind of funny to think that this album didn't win "Album of the Year" at the Grammy's. Expand
  4. GabiorA.
    Oct 22, 2007
    3
    Radiohead prove further that they can release anything to critical acclaim with this collection of elevator tunes and indie electronic college crap pop. Even if you argue that maybe this music just isn't for me just look at the lyrics to see the lack of effort here. Every positive user review is hysterically identical "haven't creamed my pants this bad since OK Computer." Either way, fanboys will be fanboys. Expand
  5. adamb.n
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    radiohead at their absolute best i dont recall having as many chills as that from an album since ok computer
  6. agusb
    Oct 13, 2007
    1
    this is not music it's just weird sounds and someone speaking
  7. KD
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Honest, mature, so appreciated.
  8. DanielC.
    Nov 3, 2007
    3
    Terribly disappointing outing for Radiohead. Made me long for and choose their other material (any of it) over this rather dull set of songs. Sounds too much like The Rolling Stones meets Coldplay to be really considered anything at all. Every listen sparks more disappointment.
  9. ddd
    Oct 14, 2007
    1
    no good time
  10. mikek.
    Oct 15, 2007
    0
    sucks
  11. SoundsLikeShit
    Oct 22, 2007
    0
    Most overrated band of all time. Like Ok Computer this album sucks too.
  12. RonS
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    This is definitely their most consistent album since KID A. Every track brings something new and unique to the table. Bravo! We've got another masterpiece!
  13. ScottH
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    Solid. Their best album in 10 years. A return to form. "In Rainbows" will be talked about for many years to come.
  14. AndréP
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    in rainbows is the album of the year
  15. TimmyT.
    Oct 13, 2007
    0
    Radiohead is, to put it simply, way past their time. Stop making music for God's sake. Your done.
  16. redpop
    Oct 14, 2007
    0
    Radiohead is dead!!
  17. 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 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
  18. sasaj.
    Oct 14, 2007
    1
    it realy isnt good
  19. ScottyT
    Oct 14, 2007
    0
    Radiohead sucks. The End.
  20. stevej.
    Oct 16, 2007
    1
    I guess I just continue to not get it... I guess Radiohead just isn't for me, but why is that you can get a guy to mumble into a microphone with largely disconnected melodies behind him and directionless, repetitive musical blips layered in and it's called genius? Lyrics? Hmmm... incoherent psychobabble. Must also be genius. Radiohead albums just continue to feel to me self indulgent, devoid of energy, and unjustifiably revered. Expand
  21. AndrejsB.
    Oct 16, 2007
    1
    I am (was?) a huge fan of Radiohead, but this particular album sounds as a mediocre collection of B-sides penned by Coldplay (in other words, bad). Each time I listen to the album, this is exactly what I find myself thinking. The melodies are really weak and forgettable - those are the same two chords everybody else uses, and if their previous albums had these two chords plus something Radiohead-ish, which made the songs incredible, now this special part of it is gone. As if dilletantish melodies weren't enough, the string arrangements, which were supposed to be Greenwood's best work, are syrupy and standard and do not add anything to the tracks. Overall, the album is an unbearable listen and I frankly consider throwing away the CD I burned. Expand
  22. Jones
    Oct 17, 2007
    0
    Sounds like Moby mixed with Amnesiac. Highly overrated and lacking contrast.
  23. baffleds.
    Oct 18, 2007
    5
    In Rainbows stands a good chance of becoming the most overrated album of the new millennium. I am simply *baffled* by the fawning reviews above. After OK Computer, Kid A, and even Hail to the Thief, this sounds like the result of a weekend jam at Nigel's place. How can it have escaped so many ears that these songs are nothing more than dressed-up riffs? And how can so many critics and fans have been satisfied by these watered-down, adolescent lyrics: "I don't wanna be your friend; I just wanna be your lover" -- I might have expected this from Justin Timberlake, but not Thom "an airbag saved my life" Yorke. Can someone help me out here? I feel like I'm living in a rock and roll version of the Emperor's New Clothes. Expand
  24. JonathanH
    Oct 21, 2007
    0
    Never thought I would say this of an album by these guys, its a piece of shit! This is not more terrifying than "OK Computer" and OK Computer was'nt even that terrifying. Personally I think "Hail to the thief" while a little bit patchy here and there, was this band continuing to improve greatly. So we were hoping for a more direct but also more interesting noise from them this time around. And would it hurt to use a guitar for a rhythm??? Well all I can say, is that this album, with its lame title "In Rainbows" is nothing but.......why can't these guys just write proper songs. I know they're not a pop band for crying out loud, but , thats what makes a great band, great songs. Not long compositions with no real gel. Ugh!!! Is music getting worse or is it just me. No, its getting worse!!!! Collapse
  25. Bored
    Oct 20, 2007
    1
    This is by far the most overrated and overhyped album of 2007. Radiohead has a long tradition of making overrated and overhyped music and this is their greatest achievement yet. In Rainbows is a duller and more boring version of Kid A. I've listened to it many times and there's NOTHING memorable about this album. It doesn't grow on you, it does not affect you in any way either positive or negative it does nothing at all. In fact, if you'd remove the vocals some of the tunes would make for a nice background music to play in an elevator. Expand
  26. jigsaw
    Oct 22, 2007
    0
    Radiohead is always over-rated!
  27. KevinT.
    Dec 6, 2007
    3
    I just don't get Radiohead. I love the song Creep... but uh it stops there for me. I Have tried on numerous times and failed to see the genius. What the heck am I missing? Listening to Radiohead reminds me of the misery I feel when I have to listen to a Rush song on the radio.
  28. LesH.
    Jan 5, 2008
    1
    Why so much hype? Bends rocks a bit, OK Computer combines haunting electro w/rock moments, Kid A is atmospheric electromood music that really should be an EP featuring optimistic, Hail to the Thief has 2 or 3 great moments. In rainbows (much like Kid A) feels like music made by a software company as an audio accompaniment to a revolving screensaver. 90% of the time I can't get past thom yorke's gentle floaty whiny warble. I don't get this tedious spacey trainspottingesque band. Do I need to be on something to enjoy it? I keep buying and listening, trying hard to understand the acclaim and appeal of this disc and this band. I don't get the across-the-board praise. Expand
  29. BenW.
    Feb 9, 2008
    2
    Frankly, I think that this is self - indulgent crap. I mean, come on people! This CD is nowhere near the greatness of OK Computer, or any of their other Cd's. Of course, all of you fanboys are going to immediately give this CD a ten just because it's Radiohead. Seriously, they could put out a CD of random noises, dull songwriting, and stupid lyrics and you guys would love it. Oh wait, they just did. Expand
  30. NickLove
    Jun 16, 2008
    0
    This disc of radiohead is a garbage, this group is a shit, I dial all they are bad(wrong). Not because in the critiques they put him with good puntajes.
  31. MIF
    Aug 17, 2008
    2
    Quite worthless. Except for the traces of an idea now and then. But all together, just a lame "radio-friendly" boring electrorock. A huge huge dissapointment.
  32. StevenJ.
    Oct 30, 2009
    0
    Can anyone understand what the singer is saying ever? hes bad and the melodies and musical style is stupid and bizarre.
  33. GeoffB
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    I had listened to almost every song on the album from concerts and the album still blew my mind, a mellow acoutic dreamscape that I will have on over and over and over again. Bravo!
  34. kelly
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Can't get this record off my headphones! Such a great album.
  35. tonys
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    i really enjoyed it
  36. AlexB
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    All of the hoople over the unconventional release method may overshadow this album's true brilliance. Radiohead's songwriting has returned to Ok Computer-Kid A era strength, but their style continues to evolve. Given enough time, this album may rank amongst not only Radiohead's greatest, but the greatest of the decade.
  37. AC
    Oct 13, 2007
    1
    Mediocre
  38. okoko
    Oct 14, 2007
    2
    worst radiohead ever.
  39. UncleDougBigelow
    Nov 6, 2007
    0
    Over processed garbage. C'mon people, you're better than that.
  40. JackS.
    Oct 17, 2007
    3
    The only "great" song on this album was written 10 years ago (while the band was busy making it's only "great" album). Let's face it folks, Kid A has not aged well. It sounds dated, pompous and self-important. How anyone with functioning ears can stand the bleeps and blips is beyond me. You get much of the same bleeps and blips that pass for music progress on this record. The first 2 tracks are typical of this album and of what Radiohead has become - poorly produces electro-turd music. In Rainbows is mediocre at best. I would hate to see the music collections of all the sheep rating it a 10. Expand
  41. ookysoot
    Dec 23, 2007
    1
    "Paul K" hit it right on the head: "sound of heads disappearing up arse." radiohead is so full of shit. you pathetic provincial children actually think this is good music, and that is funny. the rest of us will think of your bastardized musical experiences, and feel sorry, when we're listening to some truly inspiring stuff. you all just have your heads so far up your arses that you can't hear what rubbish this band is, or, worse, what brilliant stuff other bands are making. you all are hopeless. Expand
  42. Radioheadfan
    Dec 4, 2007
    4
    Limps along until you realize its not worth helping this lame dog. A real snoozer.
  43. PaulK
    Dec 9, 2007
    2
    Sound of heads disappearing up arse.
  44. PaulR.
    Jan 29, 2008
    2
    For all the acclaim, this is an incredibly boring album. Somewhere in their quest to conquer the world of critical acclaim they mistook 'interesting' for 'quality.'
  45. DennisB.
    May 19, 2008
    1
    Radiohead fans are such idiots! Although obviously good musicians, these guys can't write to save their lives. Of course the cult-like fans explain that away with claims of depth and accusations of "you just don't get it man." Don't worry, I get it: This is the most over-rated band in rock history.
  46. ChrisB.
    Nov 11, 2007
    5
    Every Radiohead album since OK Computer has been vastly overrated, overhyped, and over dissected by music critics, this one isnt any different. This time though, half the songs dont seem to lead to anywhere except some sort of hungover dream state.
  47. Sep 22, 2010
    0
    Like all their albums, this is experimentalism gone bad. They have very little to say, so they keep repeating themselves. Yuck. Unfortunately my girlfriend likes this crap so I am forced to endure more often than I care to recall...
  48. KeithR
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    Simply beautiful! - Soulful, lush. Right up there with The Bends and Kid-A, combining many elements of both offerings in a decidedly mature release.
  49. nikv.
    Feb 4, 2008
    10
    A flawless album with lush and beautiful arrangements underpinned by Thom Yorke's exceptional voice. Stands up to OK Computer and The Bends. A masterful achievement.
  50. MagnusE
    Sep 18, 2009
    10
    Amazing. End of story. OK Computer II
  51. StacyH
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Absolutely love this album. From the awesome 90's college rock type songs like Bodysnatchers to the tranquil harmonies like All I Need, I am really loving this album. I'm on about my 20th listen now and I don't see my self stopping anytime soon.
  52. PatrickD
    Oct 17, 2007
    8
    a lot looser and dare i say it, a lot funkier than anything theyve done. that said does it stand to their pinnacle as the greatest guitar rock band in the world: no. its a pleasure to listne to as radiohead sounds like theyre having fun. hopefully this leads to a warmer more emotive music in the future versus the cold rather boring stuff of the kid a-amnesiac-httf era
  53. jasonz.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    This is starting to seem like their best album yet. I get the feeling that they are less afraid of pop music, especially based on Thom's latest quote on the blog. But this hasn't changed their obsession with making excellent and unique sounds. It just might make a little bit more sense to the average music lover than "Hail to the Theif", "Amnesiac", and "Kid A".
  54. bart
    Dec 20, 2007
    10
    anyone who is not falling in love with this album simply does not have a soul.
  55. AnaG
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    No doubt, best album of 2007
  56. WSiew
    Jun 29, 2008
    9
    Nothing beats OK computer but this still stirs.
  57. BenR
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    Quite possibly the best record of the decade, maybe even since "OK Computer". Grab some headphones, put on "Nude", turn it up, close your eyes, and enjoy.
  58. GroovySpirit
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Their best since 'The Bends'! I'm a big fan but really didn't expect it to be this good! 'Reckoner' proves their superior originality - no other bands come close. 'Bodysnatchers' - love the way after the 2nd verse it turns from a standard catchy tune into a brilliant climax - all in 4 mins - love it! Best of all it sounds optimistic and happy - makes you wanna bop your head along to the multi-texture beats, grooves & guitar. Expand
  59. md
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    can't stop playing this cd. all i need is one of their best songs ever.
  60. AdrianB
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Amazing album, Best album of the year.
  61. IsaacAshe
    Nov 3, 2007
    6
    Ultimately fails to grab you by the scruff all the way through - a disappointment after all the plaudits I read before listening, and the genius solo work of Thom Yorke that proceeded this release.
  62. luke
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    best album of the year!
  63. TimC
    Oct 13, 2007
    7
    7/10 compared to their other albums. It is good, very good in places. But it isn't up the
    re with OK Computer, The Bends or even Kid A.
  64. 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.
  65. justinz
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best Radiohead album since Kid A. Dare I say it even rivals OK Computer as Radiohead's best album...
  66. NikkiIkki
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Brilliant! Ive been waiting for a fifth of my life for this album... and it was well worth it!
  67. GCB
    Oct 16, 2007
    9
    Most of the talk about this album has been centred around its unique optional pay release system. Almost every topic about it on message boards contains question such as how much did you pay? Will the sound quality be better on the actual CD? will you be buying the box set aswell? If you squint hard enough you may found someone actually commenting on the quality of the songs but its seems most people have dismissed that this is actually a piece of music and not just a marketing experiment. For what its worth I paid £1 for the album as I figured if its good enough, I Expand
  68. HARRYG
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    On one listening, it sounds good. Really good, but better than O.K. Computer. Isn't that like saying more perfect than perfect?
  69. NemoM.
    Nov 8, 2007
    9
    A great Album. Every track is quality.
  70. johnn.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    simply gorgeous!!!
  71. AlexF
    Nov 8, 2007
    7
    It's a good album, but I expected more from Radiohead. It lacks that certain something that makes you realise that this is Radiohead.
  72. DanielL.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    Emotional and darkness... Lindo, Radiohead.
  73. RobertV.
    Oct 22, 2007
    10
    Amazing Album!!!!!!!
  74. [Anonymous]
    Oct 22, 2007
    10
    Best album ever!
  75. RyanT.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    Listening to In Rainbows takes you from the bottom of the rainbow over the clouds and back down to earth at the end. Truly blissful.
  76. ColbyS.
    Oct 24, 2007
    9
    At first listen, I was only impressed by All I Need and Videotape. However, like most of the best albums out there, this one's a grower. Upon further listening and delving into the beautiful idiosyncrasies, it's warm and dreamlike. Really quite impressive, and in its atypical minimalism, a true step for the band. Excellent.
  77. DD
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    This album contains some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. About three of the songs hit an emotional chord that is equivalent to music from John Coltrane or Beethoven. Those tracks are sublime. The rest are very very high quality. I understand people who didn't like it. Most masterpieces sound awful the first time you hear it. A Love Supreme or The 9th Symphony by Ludwig Van isn't the most accessible on the first listen. It took me 3 times to get into OK Computer. The first time I heard it I thought it was trash. Sit through the album a couple of times while you are cleaning the house or checking email. It will hit you and you'll weep. Expand
  78. JoshW.
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    Elegant. Perfect.
  79. OlavJ
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    Excellent ! ..all of it. Still, think twice before listening to this album when you're feeling down ..it could just drag you further
  80. MandyJ.
    Jan 2, 2008
    10
    This is their best album since OK Computer. I was skeptical at first, but I am glad I listened. Simply beautiful.
  81. JohnS.
    Jan 5, 2008
    10
    There's no doubt about the quality and genius of this album. Like all post-2000 Radiohead releases, it does take a few spins to begin appreciating, but the more you listen to it, the better it gets. Go ahead and treat yourself with Scotch_mist if you haven't already, it worth all your time. Best album of the year for me
  82. JyotirmayaD
    Jan 9, 2008
    7
    After listening to Kid A, I thought Radiohead were the most self-indulgent band to listen to. Well, what ya know... the critics hailed it as very good so I gave "In Rainbows" a listen. It was user friendly as they said it was.... and yes, I like it...like it....not Love it...
  83. DaveP.
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    This is NEW, in the sense that Radiohead seems to consciously implode, then explodes again renewed. Great album, a graduate of their last.
  84. JackL.
    Apr 10, 2008
    10
    I'm a recent fan of Radiohead, and In Rainbows was the first one I listened, because of all the good critics about it. I can say this is THE best album so far. As I have read before in other coment: Album of The Year. Period.
  85. OsianL
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever listened to. Beautiful, innovative, smooth and deep- I just can't get bored of it.
  86. broj
    Apr 6, 2009
    10
    Seldom does an album actually deserve a 10, this one clearly does. It's a work of great beauty and shows the amazing talent of this seminal band. A great return after a slightly disappointing Hail To The Theif. Album of the year.
  87. ScottW
    May 5, 2009
    10
    One of the best albums ever made. Art rock at its best. Radiohead has always been one of the best artsy rock bands out. Few bands though other then Pink Floyd or Supertramp for example, get better and better when exploring them selves. In Rainbows is that kind of album and more. Like The Wall album or Breakfast in America, In Rainbows is a master of rock genius that shows just how priceless this group is. Expand
  88. PhillE
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    Can't understand why more people dont look at this as their best album. I mean its absolute brilliant. Not only the 10 main songs, but also the ones on the second disk. I loved kida/amnesiac/hail but I just think this one has more of something, and not in complexity or groundbreaking whatever, I just think they play the instrument better in this, arrangement is better. For me its like they have taken all the fantastic stuff they already had going on and just made it perfect. Album of the decade if you ask me. Expand
  89. kevinl
    Feb 15, 2010
    10
    The sweetest, softest music ever music that impacts you as a human being and really makes you feel.
  90. FredrichL
    Feb 5, 2010
    10
    The best album I have ever heard. Amazing.
  91. MichaelL
    Apr 1, 2010
    10
    Another brilliant album from Radiohead. A mix of alternative and electronic, a true collection of great hits. Although it may not be as good as some of their older albums it's nothing short of amazing with a new experience of songs waiting to be explored!
  92. PabloM
    Apr 21, 2010
    9
    In Rainbows finds a good balance between the melodies and the duration of the songs. Creating a sensation of emotional lightness, that makes this easy-listening album atractive. Also the songs seems to flow, making us willing to hear it.
  93. JohnA.
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    a great album
  94. MuSauce
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    I instantly fell in love with this cd. Its brilliantly simple, and relaxed. 10!
  95. MarkP.
    Nov 17, 2007
    10
    Miles above everyone else.
  96. IselStocks
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    It makes me wonder what music sounded like before I heard this album.
  97. HaroldN
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    every element they create in the past you can find on these beautiful piece.. the best album of 2007.
  98. christopherk.
    Nov 3, 2007
    10
    DUH!
  99. ChrisA
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    I dig it baby.
  100. georgeb
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    yes yes yes...this is radiohead
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 42
  2. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. In Rainbows really does present Radiohead at their most full-blooded and confident.
  2. Overall, the material feels more human, more honest, more assured.
  3. Happily, In Rainbows is pretty, pretty good.