← Back

Hail to the Thief

by Radiohead

Released: June 09, 2003

Alternative rock, art rock, experimental rock, electronic rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

"Hail to the Thief" is the sixth studio album by English rock band Radiohead. Released in June 2003, the album marks a return to more traditional rock instrumentation and song structures after the experimental approach of their previous albums "Kid A" and "Amnesiac". Its lyrics were greatly influenced by the political conditions of the time, particularly the controversial War on Terror - hence its title.

Inside the Recording

The album was recorded in two weeks in Los Angeles with longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Band lead Thom Yorke referred to it as…

Band lead Thom Yorke referred to it as a reaction to the sudden moment of fear in the Western World after September 11th attacks.

"Hail to the Thief" is notable for its…

"Hail to the Thief" is notable for its mix of rock and electronic music, with influences ranging from jazz and soul to ambient and Krautrock.

Despite this, it reaffirmed Radiohead's status as one…

Despite this, it reaffirmed Radiohead's status as one of the most respected and innovative bands of its time.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

2 + 2 = 5

It features some of the band's most well-known songs, such as "2 + 2 = 5", "There There," and "A Punchup at a Wedding." The album was well-received by critics and fans alike, debuting at number one in the UK and number three in the U.S. While it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album, it didn't win.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Radiohead - Hail to the Thief

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

Full background

The Complete Album Story

The album was recorded in two weeks in Los Angeles with longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. Its lyrics were greatly influenced by the political conditions of the time, particularly the controversial War on Terror - hence its title. Band lead Thom Yorke referred to it as a reaction to the sudden moment of fear in the Western World after September 11th attacks.

"Hail to the Thief" is notable for its mix of rock and electronic music, with influences ranging from jazz and soul to ambient and Krautrock. It features some of the band's most well-known songs, such as "2 + 2 = 5", "There There," and "A Punchup at a Wedding."

The album was well-received by critics and fans alike, debuting at number one in the UK and number three in the U.S. While it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album, it didn't win. Despite this, it reaffirmed Radiohead's status as one of the most respected and innovative bands of its time.