What makes Daydreaming by Radiohead notable?

Upon its release, 'A Moon Shaped Pool' received widespread acclaim, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and earning praise from major publications like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. The single 'Daydreaming' was noted for its haunting quality and complex emotional depth, contributing to the band's ongoing influence in alternative rock and art pop. By the time of its release in 2016, Radiohead was already a critically acclaimed band known for their innovative approach to music. 'Daydreaming' is part of their ninth studio album, 'A Moon Shaped Pool', following their previous work 'The King of Limbs' from 2011. This album continues their exploration of electronic elements intertwined with orchestral arrangements.

How many songs are on Daydreaming?

Daydreaming has 1 track, running approximately 6 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Daydreaming

Radiohead · 2016

6 min · 1 track · alternative rock

Ethereal soundscapes merge haunting vocals and minimalist piano, creating an atmosphere of introspective melancholy.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Daydreaming — This track encapsulates the album's blend of atmospheric sound and deep emotional resonance, showcasing Radiohead's signature ethereal sound over a simple yet poignant piano melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The single showcases Radiohead's signature ethereal sound and minimalist approach, creating a cohesive and immersive experience.

What we noticed

The track features a slow, steady tempo with minimal instrumentation, primarily driven by piano and layered vocals.
Vocals are delivered in a soft, haunting manner, creating an ethereal atmosphere that complements the sparse arrangement.
The song's structure is built around repetitive motifs that gradually evolve, enhancing its introspective quality.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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: Critical Peak — Part of 'A Moon Shaped Pool', widely regarded as an artistic high point for the band.
Career context: By the time of its release in 2016, Radiohead was already a critically acclaimed band known for their innovative approach to music. 'Daydreaming' is part of their ninth studio album, 'A Moon Shaped Pool', following their previous work 'The King of Limbs' from 2011. This album continues their exploration of electronic elements intertwined with orchestral arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: Sigur Rós· Interpol· The National