Lost in rainbows

Radiohead has become one of the most phenomenal bands of the last 20 years. Releasing classic albums such as Kid A, The Bends and of course OK Computer, which is still voted 'best album of all time' in many yearly polls.

After their last album released in 2003 titled Hail to the Thief, it seemed the band was finished and fans were begging for more. Finally after four and a half years of waiting, Radiohead released their latest album, In Rainbows.

Satisfying the fans

In Rainbows already worked up hype when the band announced that due to having no record contract, they would be releasing the album as an internet download from their official website, and that customers could pay as much or as little as they please. Yes, people could have the album for free. But what's the album like?

The album kicks off with a hard thumping electronic beat in the track 15 Step before the guitars take their place. The bass line is the standout point on this track, reminiscent of the track Airbag from the album OK Computer. The cheers of children toward the end of the track give it that extra special touch.

Bodysnatchers is the second track on the album and is pure adrenaline rock. It is probably the most distorted and rocked up Radiohead have ever been, following in same steps as Just from The Bends and Electioneering from OK Computer.

Since the late 90's Radiohead was playing around with the next track titled Nude, it was played live but never recorded, finally 10 years later it has been recorded for In Rainbows and the results are nothing short of beautiful. Thom Yorke's vocals hit the high notes throughout, showing once again that his ability to sing classes him as legendary. Nude is possibly one of the most beautiful tracks Radiohead have ever recorded.

Weird Fishes/Arpeggi is one of the more thought out pieces on the album, developing from a basic drumbeat and guitar rhythm, but explodes into something much more at the peak of the song, giving the song a lot of energy.

Radiohead is not known for making very romantic songs, but All I Need is probably the closest they will ever get. The song is not full of lovey-dovey lyrics, but more poetic. The song is about the struggle of love, and the music helps convey that theme very well.

Halfway through the album, Faust Arp feels like a "filler" song. Lasting just over two minutes, this acoustic guitar song feels like Radiohead's take on The Beatles. Little can be said about the track, but Yorke holds some wonderful vocal harmonies on this track.

One of the highlights of the album is definitely Reckoner. Structurally this is the most complex song on the album. Every instrument, including the vocals, draws you in, making it impossible not to hum along with the lyrics. The breakdown in the middle of the song is breathtaking and really leaves us salivating for more.

House of Cards is a song completely different from what you would expect from Radiohead. The tempo is slow and feels like a mixture of soul and funk. It can become quite tedious after the first couple of minutes and may be the only track you find hard to get used to, but after awhile it grows on you.

House of Cards is followed by, in my opinion, the best track on the album. Jigsaw Falling Into Place is a blend of all the things that Radiohead stands for. A great guitar riff, blended with a winding bass structure. The vocals start very low and mellow, almost lingering, but then turn into powerful energetic cries which lift you to sing along. The bridge of the song is beautiful, with what sounds like three guitars playing simultaneously, making a sound that is glorious to your ears.

The album closes with the piano driven Videotape. It is a suitable closing for the album. Yorke's vocals on the lyrics are completely heartfelt, as if he is singing this one for the fans. The lyrics also give people something to think about, "This is my way of saying goodbye, because I can't do it face to face." Could this mean it's the last we will hear of Radiohead? After this amazing album one can only hope not.

Final grade

In Rainbows proves even more that Radiohead is classed as one of the best bands in the world. Expect this one to be winning many music awards and don't be surprised if it's the best thing you hear this year.