"In Rainbows" is the seventh studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 10 October 2007 as a pay-what-you-want download. It saw a retail release on 3 December 2007 and in North America on 1 January 2008. This was Radiohead's first release after their contract with EMI ended.
Work on In Rainbows began in early 2005. After an unproductive session with producer Spike Stent, the band returned to their longtime producer, Nigel Godrich. Recording took place in various locations, including Halswell House and Tottenham House, utilizing both conventional rock instrumentation and electronic elements. The lyrics leaned more personal compared to previous albums.
Upon its release, Radiohead's decision to allow fans to choose their own price attracted significant media attention, being the first major act to do so. This innovative approach drew praise for challenging industry norms, although some critics expressed concerns about its implications for less successful artists.
The promotion included webcasts, music videos, competitions, and a worldwide tour. Singles from the album, "Jigsaw Falling into Place" and "Nude," gained recognition, with "Nude" marking Radiohead's return to the US top 40 since their debut. The retail version of In Rainbows topped charts and sold over three million copies globally by October 2008. It was the best-selling vinyl record of 2008 and received multiple certifications, including platinum in the UK and Canada. The album won Grammy Awards and was acclaimed by various publications as one of the best of the year and decade.
Following their 2003 tour for Hail to the Thief, Radiohead took a hiatus, reflecting on their musical direction. During this time, members explored solo projects. In March 2005, they began writing and recording in Oxfordshire, initially without Godrich. Struggling to regain momentum, they turned to Stent, but the collaboration was unsuccessful. In 2006, they resumed touring, which helped them finalize their songs.
Afterward, they re-engaged Godrich, who helped refocus their efforts by constraining their recordings. This led to productive sessions at Tottenham House, where they recorded key tracks. They aimed for a concise album format and settled on ten songs, reserving others for a bonus disc. The album was mastered in July 2007.
Musically, In Rainbows incorporates elements of art rock, experimental rock, and electronica. The band aimed to create an "epic" yet cohesive work. The lyrics explore themes of fear, mortality, and human experience, reflecting a departure from political themes present in prior works. The title was chosen for its open-endedness.
Notable tracks include "15 Step," "Bodysnatchers," and "Videotape," showcasing diverse influences and arrangements. The artwork, designed by Stanley Donwood, was created in conjunction with the music, featuring vibrant yet unsettling imagery. The final cover art was kept under wraps until the retail release, accompanied by additional artwork in limited editions.
