Radiohead - In Rainbows (2007), 7/10

In Rainbows is aptly touted as a pinnacle of Radiohead's discography, combining a peak in both performance quality at a moment of stylistic intersection. "15 Step" is a perfect opener to energize the track list with a rhythmic trance, vocal playfulness, and guitar flourshes, launching right into the equally rocking "Bodysnatchers". Then things change quickly with the slow and swimming "Nude", a beautiful composition where we witness the classic trope of sustained vocal pitch from Thom while the rest of the band swells and cascades around his vocals dramatically. Next is perhaps the strongest single in "Weird Fishes / Arpeggi"; each band member contributes a grandiose iteration of their character and the resulting sound culminates in conjunction with each rise and fall. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" offers another strong composition, producing an epic acoustic piece that transforms into an aptly grandiose climax. "Videotape" provides an epic, open closer, stemming from Thom's creative mind, and reminds us of his stronger solo work in tone and flair. While the album's general quality is perhaps overrated, just as much of their other work, its importance in shifting the band's trajectory is undeniable, as is the creativity behind its release. The project represents a return to greatness after the disappointing and frustrating Hail to the Thief, re-infusing the hard rocking, ambient accented experimental sensibilities that made their earlier work worthwhile. Musically the songs are not entirely groundbreaking, but they remain catchy, emotionally moving songs. Other than perhaps “Faust Arp” and its momentum break placed in the beginning of the second half of the record, there is not a single that would not be exceptional on any track list. The high-energy sensibilities are a strong point for Radiohead within this era, especially for Jonny Greenwood and Selway’s percussion style, but ballads serve their function within the flow of the track list to balance the feeling and affect behind the record. In Rainbows remains one of the band's better records and persists as important for rock music and the grander music industry.