Hail to the Thief - Radiohead

Over the course of their career Radiohead have constantly experimented with the type of music that they make, expanding the musical spectrum of what a rock band can explore, from the conventional anthemic rock of The Bends to the synthesised, electronic beats of Kid A. The band’s sixth studio album released almost three years after the Kid A/Amnesiac sessions seems to be the bridge between these two styles.



Listening to Hail to the Thief there is evidence of styles from every era of the band’s history. Backdrifts and The Gloaming both incorporate the digital tools and atmospheric sounds prominent on the previous two albums; however the song Myxomatosis with Jonny Greenwood’s fuzzy, stomping guitar riff shows a return to more conventional guitar work found on earlier albums. The ondes martenot also continues to make its way into the bands music, present on Where I End and You Begin and We suck Young Blood.

The band clearly have many facets to their music and their musical blend is shown off in two of the most impressive songs on the album; opener, 2 + 2 = 5 and There there. The former kick starts the album with some intricate Greenwood guitar work over a light drum beat before progressing to a loud rock climax, while the latter sees each band member working on their own harmonies and interacting with each others by way of synths, drums, guitars and Yorke’s falsetto.

This may all sound very exciting however it does mean the album lacks any clear focus and continuity. Radiohead used to vary their style from album to album, however here they do it from song to song, and subsequently the album suffers. Unlike previous albums, Hail to the Thief doesn’t demand to be listened to – there’s no masterpiece, no talking point and no ‘wow’ factor. Although all the songs are immaculately produced and full of intricacies in both rhythm and melody, making for enjoyable listening, there is very little reason to go back and listen to the album again and therefore can only really be recommended for die-hard fans. However there are some highlights provided by I Will, Yorke’s haunting response to air raids in The Gulf which killed Iraqi civilians, is truly powerful and the serene Sail to the Moon.

Hail to the Thief seems destined to be the halfway mark in Radiohead’s career. The combination of the band’s styles found on the album while not providing as many moments of brilliance as in the past, nevertheless promises that they will continue to push the limits and experiment and make beautiful music, with an amazing album closer, in true Radiohead style, A Wolf at the Door.


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