In 2007, at the height of music piracy and declining album sales, Radiohead released their seventh studio album, *In Rainbows*, in a move that sent shockwaves through the music industry. The album was a cultural landmark, not only for its musical content but for its revolutionary distribution method.
### The "Pay-What-You-Want" Release
On October 10, 2007, with only ten days' notice, Radiohead released *In Rainbows* as a digital download on their website. In an unprecedented move, they allowed fans to pay whatever they wanted for the album, including nothing at all. This "honesty box" system was a direct challenge to a music industry struggling with the transition to digital formats and the perceived devaluation of music.
The release was a massive success. While many downloaded the album for free, a significant number of people paid for it, and the band still topped the charts in the US and UK with the physical release that followed. The "In Rainbows" model sparked a global conversation about the value of music and the relationship between artists and fans, and it has been cited as an influence for the surprise album drops and direct-to-fan marketing that are common today.
### The Music of "In Rainbows"
Musically, *In Rainbows* was a departure from the more experimental and electronic sound of their previous albums, *Kid A* and *Amnesiac*. The album is often described as more personal, intimate, and warm, with a focus on themes of love, life, and mortality. It features a blend of rock and electronic elements, with intricate guitar work, complex rhythms, and Thom Yorke's signature falsetto.
The album was critically acclaimed and is considered by many to be one of Radiohead's best works. It won two Grammy Awards and has sold over three million copies worldwide.
### Radiohead: A Brief History
Radiohead formed in 1985 and consists of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, and Philip Selway. They rose to fame in the 1990s with their alternative rock sound, and their 1997 album *OK Computer* is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. Throughout their career, they have been known for their willingness to experiment with their sound and to challenge the conventions of the music industry. *In Rainbows* is a prime example of their innovative spirit.