Returning from their longest gap between albums, In Rainbows triumphs as Radiohead’s strongest record since 2000’s Kid A. While 2003’s Hail to the Thief was a strong return to their classic guitar-driven form, In Rainbows builds and mutates into something that sounds distinctly like Radiohead without retracing any steps. Opener “15 Steps” starts off as a jerky drum and vocal intro, then adds a light-hearted guitar riff, which in turn yields to a sinister, rock bass riff backed by the cheers of a children’s chorus. “Bodysnatchers” features some of the best guitar sounds on In Rainbows as the song enters a more melodic mode about halfway through. One of the album’s musical peaks is the downtrodden “All I Need.” Sentimental, dark, and beautiful, Thom York singing “I’m in the middle of your picture, lying in the reeds” makes this song the perfect feel-bad hit of the fall. “Reckoner” receives a more subdued treatment than in live performances, but despite some online outcry, is even better for it. Here, York’s falsetto is one of many delicate hooks (another being Johnny Greenwood’s gentle picking during the chorus of “Nude”) that give In Rainbows its distinct and memorable tenor. The album’s climax is the energetic and unabashedly catchy “Jigsaw Falling Into Place.” This standout track builds to one of York’s best turbo-charged register jumps, making this song requisite “repeat” material. The haunting piano ballad, “Videotape,” closes off In Rainbows with killer lyrics that are as much genius as they are creepy as fuck—think of an updated “Motion Picture Soundtrack.” While attention naturally settles on York, drummer Phil Selway and bassist Colin Greenwood also deserve loads of credit for their air-tight and fabulously unpredictable performances. People keep asking “who will be the Radiohead of the 2000s?” The answer is Radiohead, stupid
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