Classics Revisited: Radiohead - In Rainbows
Classics Revisited is the series where we shine a light on the incredible albums that helped shape music. This month, we’re looking at Radiohead’s phenomenal masterpiece, In Rainbows.
Last updated: 16th Nov 2022
Originally published: 15th Nov 2022
In 1997 when Radiohead unleashed OK Computer on the world, they went from “that band that did Creep” to being synonymous with musical excellence. The band established itself as nothing short of genius with their third album, an incredible yet likely daunting feat for the band, who had many more albums in them.
Radiohead continued to release albums that were donned incredible by critics and listeners alike. But in 2007, the band released the seminal In Rainbows, a jaw-droppingly enthralling album from start to finish. We’d even go as far as to say it easily beats OK Computer. Even with its hands tied behind its back. And blindfolded.
So what makes In Rainbows so special that we’re happy to wind up countless OK Computer die-hards? Let’s take a look…
One unusual, pioneering approach the band took was self-releasing the album online, telling listeners to “pay what they like”. To see an album released by such a huge band without a record label and with no price attached was bizarre, to say the least. Radiohead was the first act of their size to release music this way, and it got the industry talking.
But let's focus on the music.
Sonically, In Rainbows is diverse, with ethereal songs that sound like film soundtracks, fierce, messy rock tunes, and alternative indie electronic tracks to dance to. Despite each track sounding different from the last, they’re all united by something that’s hard to put into words. Each track of the album is intrinsically linked somehow. So not only do we have multiple different genres to enjoy in just one album, they all feel a part of something larger, like a story.
15 Step kicks off the album with infectious energy in 5/4 timing. Using a pepped-up handclap rhythm, it’s almost impossible to sit still with this track playing. Then, Bodysnatchers bursts the door down, with fuzzy guitars creating the heaviest track on the album.
Quieter moments on the album include Nude, Faust Arp, and House Of Cards. But being a bit quieter is all these tracks have in common. Nude layers countless angelic vocals on stunning strings before reaching a peaceful resolve, while House Of Cards ends on reverbed guitars that make the song feel like a blurry memory. Faust Arp is built on strings and could easily have been taken from a scene from the latest blockbuster.
Weird Fishes / Arpeggi tricks you into thinking it’s a quieter track until it finally erupts, releasing a towering monster at the end as it crescendos into liberated madness. Jigsaw Falling Into Place isn’t too dissimilar from Fishes as one of the rawer tracks that rapidly becomes chaotic with lyrics about going out drinking.
A deeply emotive piece of art, In Rainbows features many draining and crushing moments. But it isn’t shy of euphoric, transcendent, and ethereal moments either. You can experience all of this in All I Need alone - one of the most intense tracks we’ve ever heard with the band's signature exhausting crescendo.
Or, if you're seeking an equally gut-wrenching song with a more lowkey instrumental, Videotape closes the album with lyrics about a man filming his final message before ending his life.
Radiohead’s Thom Yorke developed a reputation for penning lyrics about politics as well as consumerism, alienation, and other less personal topics. But In Rainbows saw a much more personal approach, with lyrics touching on love, depression, betrayal, unrequited love and more.
Furthermore, Yorke's lyrics said so much with few words on In Rainbows - “I hit the bottom then escape” from Weird Fishes / Arpeggi is a significant line bursting with meaning but Yorke’s delivery adds an extra layer of meaning as does the music at the moment he sings it. And this isn’t the only moment of its kind on the album. Yorke’s careful choice of lyrics partnered with his pained vocals over heavily emotional instrumentals reoccurs throughout the album, all synergising to bring out the best in each other. It’s this incredible attention to detail throughout that puts In Rainbows leagues above most other albums - including OK Computer.
If you’ve heard this album, it’ll come as no surprise to find out In Rainbows ended up on countless “best albums” lists, including Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time. So if you haven’t given this phenomenal album a listen yet, do yourself a favour and set aside some time to do so. We bet you'll fall in love with it.
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