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In Rainbows

(2007, Indie rock, by Radiohead, Label: No label)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Moody, thought-provoking music best for teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    One song touches on the fear that grips society today: "You can fight it like a dog/And it brought me to my knees/They got scared and they put me in…All their eyes wrapped around my face/Although everybody else can see." Also, a few tracks have a tinge of depressing lyrics such as "Your eyes/They turn me/Turn me on to phantoms/I follow to the edge of the earth/And fall off/Everybody leaves/If they get the chance" and "You only stick with me/Because there are no others."
  • Violence:

    A few poetic references such as "words are a sawed off shotgun." The last track is open to interpretation: Is the subject of the song contemplating suicide ("This is my way of saying goodbye/Because I can't do it face to face")?
  • Sex:

    "I don't wanna be your friend/I just wanna be your lover" is about as sexual as it gets.
  • Language:

    One mention of "hell."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About In Rainbows

Parents need to know that although the music and vocals on this CD are haunting and sound depressing, the lyrics really aren't. Most of the songs are obscure, but don't talk about anything that's not safe for teens. "Videotape," however, is the one track that is open to interpretation: Is the subject of the song contemplating suicide or does he just realize that he's just had the most perfect day and couldn't imagine another one like it?

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the marketing behind Radiohead's new CD. Why do you think they allowed people to pay what they wanted for the songs? Do you think most people will pay as much as they would if they bought it somewhere that had it at a set price? Why was it only available through their Web site? Did all this create more of a buzz around the release? Was that intentional? Families can also talk about making something different. Why does Radiohead's music and songwriting stand out from other music out there? What is it about popular culture that makes so many artists try to sound the same? Do you think it's hard to be different?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    greeeeeeeeat

    one of the most brilliant albums i have ever heard. however, tip for the reviewers: when they are talking about the "most perfect day ever" it is reference to faust (earlier in the albm, there is also song called faust arp)

  2. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    Beautiful Beyond Expression.

    Radiohead is a brilliant band, and this album really demonstrates this. This band is just... Breath-taking. The music is beautiful and thought-provoking and it is ORIGINAL. You just can't help but to love it!

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Mississippi
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

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