Radiohead albums ranked

It is a discussion which almost always ends in an argument. The biggest difficulty in ranking Radiohead’s best albums is how varied their offerings are. With major stylistic changes always appearing between albums, Radiohead rarely fails to surprise listeners.

With the anniversary of Kid A and Amnesiac, This listing will explore Radiohead’s decade-spanning career and attempt to rank each album.

9. Pablo Honey

Radiohead’s debut album Pablo Honey is certainly their weakest. Understandably the band was yet to develop their style into what we have come to expect. Though it may be the weakest album, Creep is without question a standout single.

8. The King of Limbs

Although it is placed low on this list, The King of Limbs is a perfect example of Radiohead’s experimental style. Featuring extremely interesting instrumentals throughout The King of Limbs is certainly a unique experimental album if nothing else.

7. Amnesiac

Amnesiac is arguably one of the most difficult albums in Radiohead’s career. Coming hot off the heels of Kid A, Radiohead were always going to struggle to match the highs of Kid A. While songs like Pyramid Song are exceptional, the album does feel less complete.

6. Hail to the Thief

Released following the election of George W. Bush, Radiohead go political with Hail to the Thief. With a change in musical direction from their previous works, Hail to the Thief is a solid album in its own right.

5. The Bends

Radiohead’s second album The Bends is a major improvement on Pablo Honey. Filled with well-executed alternative rock tracks, The Bends undoubtedly set Radiohead on course following Pablo Honey.

4. A Moon Shaped Pool

The most recent offering from Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool is heavily filled with orchestral arrangments and epic tracks likely informed by the individual band members moves into scoring music for cinema. Beautiful throughout, A Moon Shaped Pool is a fantastic album.

3. OK Computer

This is where the list gets contentious. Many people would consider OK Computer to be Radiohead’s finest work and it’s certainly tight between the final few albums. A defining album for the band, the dystopian commentary of the album will forever be classic.

2. Kid A

Kid A could truly be one of the biggest gambles ever taken by a band. Completely changing up styles from OK Computer, Radiohead took a gamble which paid off. Trading guaranteed success to create an album with artistic purpose, Kid A is an exceptional change in style for the band.

1. In Rainbows

Perhaps a controversial pick, I find it hard not to select In Rainbows as the bands best offering. Easily listenable throughout with beautiful backing tracks and vocals, In Rainbows feels like the sum of all of Radiohead’s best parts.

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