What makes Burn the Witch by Radiohead notable?

This single received widespread acclaim, debuting at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. Its eerie orchestration and politically charged themes resonated with listeners, reflecting contemporary societal anxieties, further solidifying Radiohead's role as cultural commentators. By 2016, Radiohead had already established themselves as experimental pioneers. 'Burn the Witch' was their first single since the critically acclaimed album 'The King of Limbs' (2011), marking a return to their unique sound after a five-year hiatus.

How many songs are on Burn the Witch?

Burn the Witch has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Burn the Witch

Radiohead · 2016

6 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of orchestral textures and unsettling rhythms, evoking a sense of impending dread and existential unease.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Burn the Witch — The title track stands out for its chilling arrangement and urgent lyrics that critique societal conformity, encapsulating the album's central themes of fear and paranoia.
→
Spectre — Originally written for a James Bond film, 'Spectre' showcases Radiohead's signature atmospheric sound while exploring themes of surveillance and distrust in relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The single showcases Radiohead's signature experimental style with haunting orchestration and layered vocals.

What we noticed

The orchestration features strings and brass that create a tense atmosphere, with rhythmic patterns that shift unpredictably.
The lead vocals are layered with harmonies that add to the unsettling quality, often echoing phrases rather than delivering straightforward lines.
The song 'Burn the Witch' employs a steady build-up, culminating in a climactic release, while 'Spectre' contrasts with a more subdued, reflective tone.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The single represents a departure in sound and themes for the band.
Themes: societal control· post-truth anxiety
Career context: By 2016, Radiohead had already established themselves as experimental pioneers. 'Burn the Witch' was their first single since the critically acclaimed album 'The King of Limbs' (2011), marking a return to their unique sound after a five-year hiatus.
Stylistic neighbors: Sigur Rós· Interpol· The National

New to Radiohead? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Burn the Witch

The song's refrain repeatedly asserts a call to action against a faceless authority figure, creating an atmosphere of collective dread.

This repeated invocation amplifies the urgency and tension throughout the track, drawing listeners into its narrative of resistance against oppressive forces.