In Rainbows, Radiohead’s seventh studio album, is a dizzying exploration of love, loss and life that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. If you’re looking for an album to make you feel everything all at once, look no further. Released initially as a groundbreaking pay-what-you-want download on the 10th of October 2007 and later through a physical release in December 2007, the album remains a powerful meditation on the transience of human emotions and experiences. In October 2007, the album was revealed on Radiohead’s blog by guitarist and keyboardist, Jonny Greenwood, directing readers to inrainbows.com where they could preorder an MP3 version of the album for any amount, even for free. This release marked the innovative use of the pay-what-you-want model for music sales, a concept proposed in April 2007, by the band’s managers, Bryce Edge and Chris Hufford. This model garnered significant international media attention and was met with polarising opinions about its potential impact on the music industry.

Musically, In Rainbows traverses a wide range of genres, incorporating elements of experimental rock, alternative rock, art pop, electronica and art rock. The eclectic soundscape creates a rich and immersive experience reflecting the deliberate disjointed quality of the album. In an interview for The A.V Club with Ed O’Brien, Thom Yorke stated that “…It very much explores the idea of transience. It starts in one place and ends somewhere completely different.”

The first track on the album, ‘15 Step’ features a unique 5/4 time signature and a handclap rhythm inspired by Peaches’ ‘Fuck the Pain Away.’ Radiohead’s unique approach to the production of music influenced the diverse sound of the album. Yorke’s imagery and lyricism throughout the album punctuates the broad range of sounds carried through the album. The outro of ‘All I Need,’ for instance is truly heart-wrenching, with its descent into silence leaving a lasting impression on the listener. ‘Jigsaw Falling Into Place’ astutely captures the chaotic yet inevitable diveinto a drunken stupor on a night out, highlighting the fleeting nature of human connections and encounters one might experience in this state. Mean whilst, ‘Videotape’ stands out with its ominous percussion, adding a layer of tension and introspection to the track.

In Rainbows was widely recognised as one of the top albums of 2007 by various music publications. It was ranked first by Billboard, Mojo, PopMatters; third by NME and The A.V Club; fourth by Pitchfork and Q; and sixth by Rolling Stone and Spin. It was also shortlisted for the 2008 Mercury Prize and won two Grammy Awards at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package.

Photo credits: Unspash