“In Rainbows” is a meditation on love, life and death that follows a loose story arc. From the playful opener “15 Step,” it is clear the narrator is struggling with failing relationships and the terrifying inevitability of death. But its punchy drum machines and warm guitar tones ooze life, begging to be danced to.  
Radiohead covers a lot of sonic ground throughout this album. They hadn’t made a song as raw and energetic as “Bodysnatchers” since the ‘90s. Singer Thom Yorke shouts about feeling disillusioned and losing control over his life over heavily distorted guitars. This contrasts excellently with the following track “Nude.” Soaked in gorgeous strings and boasting one of Yorke’s best falsetto performances, it sounds like ascending to the astral plane. 
“Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” resumes focus on the narrator’s romantic hardships. While the narrator describes himself getting “eaten by the worms and weird fishes” after another failed attempt at love, he has the willingness to try again and again. Meanwhile, the backing instrumental rises and falls, constantly shifting like an ocean. 
“In Rainbows” is an album full of beauty. The climactic ending of “All I Need,” the soft hollowness of “House of Cards” and the rising strings that mark the outro of “Reckoner” are just a few examples of the many stunning moments that are found throughout. However, the final song “Videotape,” may be the best of all. It has a minimal arrangement – just a piano and some percussion. It’s a stark contrast to the complex and layered compositions of the other tracks. The song serves as a reflection after a single magical, drunken night with a girl that happened on the previous track, “Jigsaw Falling Into Place.” The narrator remarks that when he goes to heaven, it will be okay, because “today has been the most perfect day I’ve ever seen.”  
Full of vibrant sonic bliss and marking an uncommonly optimistic moment in Radiohead’s discography, “In Rainbows” remains one of the band’s finest achievements. It’s an album about pursuing true happiness despite any struggles or hardships that lay before you. The woman of the narrator’s dreams can represent anything. As long as you have the willingness to pursue, it is worth any cost. Take risks, do what scares you and live your life in rainbows.