Music Details
Artist
Genre
More details
See more music reviews

In Rainbows (by Radiohead, Indie Rock)

common sense media says

Moody, thought-provoking music best for teens.

parents & educators say
See all 9 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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?

Positive 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 applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on In Rainbows

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Radiohead does so many things well. They write wonderful poetic lyrics. They transform listeners into a powerful mood with every ebb and flow of their instruments. They're fronted by a haunting, yet somehow welcoming voice. And, they never just throw an album together to get something on the airwaves. All this remains true for the band's latest release, IN RAINBOWS, which fans were allowed to buy on the band's Web site for how ever much they wanted. No doubt the tracks will captivate diehard fans -- even if they can't decipher the mostly obscure lyrics ("Make a sound/Move back home/Get an invitation/With the edges/Sawn off").

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Each song is as intense as the next, both lyrically ("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 musically (songs build force with guitar riffs, poignant string instrument solos appear with perfect timing, and Thom Yorke doesn't just sing, he pleads). Listeners will be left with a sense of calm, creativity, and contemplation.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 10, 2007
Genre: Indie Rock
This review was written by Heidi Kotansky
 
 

Review It

 

Review In Rainbows

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

Sen0r_Cardgage
adult
12
 
A 2000s masterpiece, but perhaps a bit negative for younger listeners
A very brooding and engaging album from one of the best bands in existence today. For the most part, it's fine for kids, no swear words (except "hell" in the song Nude). Also some slightly negative imagery in the lyrics, assuming your kids can understand what Thom is saying in the first place.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details (1) | read my mind (3)
mnsymphony
teen, 14 years old
12
 
One of my favourite albums ever.
Beautiful. Period. One of the best bands of our decade released one of the best albums of our decade. May not be better than Kid A, or OK Computer, but it is still an excellent album. Not in everyone's tastes though, so be warned.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details | read my mind (2)
ParamoreFan09
teen, 15 years old
13
 
15 Step is my favorite.
I like 15 Step in this album only... the others are not as good in my opinion.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details (2) | read my mind
Brandon4News
teen, 15 years old
15
 
Awww yeah.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind (1)
moose drinking ...
teen, 17 years old
12
 
Simple yet Awesome
This is my favorite Radiohead album.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details | read my mind
hobbes007450
teen, 15 years old
12
 
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)
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind (1)
MusicSavesLives
adult
7
 
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!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details (1) | read my mind
SubterranianHo ...
teen, 17 years old
15
 
Masterpiece pulls along dark and deep emotion that may overwhelm
I can't understand a four star rating on this album, being that I think its greatness can't even be captured in five. If you like Radiohead, you'll love this album. It is truly a sonic masterpiece. The themes here are incredibly dark- Radiohead captures much harsher, scarier feelings and imagery than Eminem with no profanity and no sexual references. Be prepared that while some songs may fly by quite harmlessly, songs like All I Need and Videotape send chills that you won't find many other places.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind
idioteque
adult
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you add In Rainbows to your playlist?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already listened to it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more music
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines