In Rainbows review

The 7th album by Radiohead. This is widely regarded as one of their masterpieces and notable for having a pay-what-you-want release.

Tracks:

1. 15 Step: 8/10 while occasionally overwhelming, this artistic and at times awe-inspiring track never ceases to impress.

2. Bodysnatchers: 9/10 this song takes some fairly familiar themes and what at first appears to be an ordinary rock instrumental and turns both into genuine art.

3. Nude: 9/10 simultaneously understated and utterly soaring, even in quieter moments this never stops being a musical juggernaut.

4. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi: 9/10 Radiohead in every sense of the word, this blends aural art and thematic depth into a seamless whole.

5. All I Need: 9/10 it's disappointing to see Radiohead do such a generic song topic, but this song is infused with artistry and charisma, and boasts a fantastic outro.

6. Faust Arp: 8/10 an interesting track, especially because it's the closest Radiohead have come to doing hip-hop.

7. Reckoner: 10/10 a song which manages to be heart-breaking, euphoric and exhilirating- frequently all at the same time. One of the best Radiohead songs ever.

8. House of Cards: 8/10 despite this song's more commercial sound, it's still unmistakably Radiohead and it's still excellent.

9. Jigsaw Falling into Place: 9/10 not only a terrific song with a great beat, but thankfully far less depressing than most of the album.

10. Videotape: 9/10 the last- and most depressing- song on the album, this is a brilliantly emotional and tear-jerking finale although it may crush your soul.

Best song: Reckoner
Worst song: Faust Arp

Summary: This album is an emotional juggernaut so you'll need to be prepared for it. Aside from that, there isn't really a downside to it. It's a difficult album to define and to talk about. It covers so many themes and sounds. It isn't an album you listen to, it's an album you experience and one which works its way into your psyche and explodes like an atom bomb. It's rock music at its artiest, most powerful and most shattering. It's an overwhelming, tear-jerking and occasionally life-affirming experience, and it's up there with OK Computer. It really is that good.



Final rating: 10/10