# The 21st century Radiohead album Thom Yorke compared to Lou Reed, The Beatles and David Bowie

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-21st-century-radiohead-album-thom-yorke-compared-to-lou-reed-the-beatles-and-david-bowie/
- Published: 2026-11-02T15:51:41+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T16:41:21+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/21st-century-radiohead-album-thom-yorke-compared-to-lou-reed-the-beatles-and-david-bowie/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Yorke called *In Rainbows* Radiohead’s “classic album”.
- He compared it with *Transformer*, *Revolver* and *Hunky Dory*.
- The album was designed as a coherent 45-minute statement.

## Summary

Thom Yorke described Radiohead’s 2007 album *In Rainbows* as the band’s own equivalent of landmark records by Lou Reed, The Beatles and David Bowie. He said the group aimed to make a coherent 45-minute statement, reflecting his view of the rock album as an artistic form.

The article argues that *In Rainbows* has become one of Radiohead’s defining works, pairing electronic experimentation with a renewed focus on connecting with listeners. It highlights “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” and “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” as enduring songs, and notes that the album’s influence and reputation may continue to grow.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.