Ill Wind
Radiohead · 2019
4 min · 1 track · alternative rock
A haunting blend of electronic textures and melancholic melodies that encapsulates the fragility of existence.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ill Wind — The title track serves as a poignant reflection on despair and uncertainty, showcasing Thom Yorke's emotive delivery paired with lush instrumentation that deepens the song's impact.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The track showcases strong writing and production but lacks the depth of a full album experience.
What we noticed
- The track features a slow, brooding tempo with layered instrumentation that builds gradually throughout its duration.
- Vocals are delivered in a subdued manner, often harmonizing with atmospheric synths and guitar textures.
- The song incorporates dynamic shifts, moving from quiet introspection to more intense crescendos, creating an emotional arc.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- Deep Cut — A single that adds to the catalog but doesn't fit major roles.
- Career context
- By 2019, Radiohead had established themselves as pioneers of alternative rock, having released influential albums like 'OK Computer' and 'In Rainbows'. 'Ill Wind' arrived after a period of experimentation with sound, marking their continued evolution and willingness to explore new sonic landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sigur Rós· Interpol· The National
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ill Wind 4:14
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Assume Form
James Blake
Explores fragile emotions with electronic textures and haunting melodies, similar to Radiohead's introspective style.
22, A Million
Bon Iver
Merges electronic elements with a melancholic atmosphere, reflecting on complex relationships and personal fragility.
Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan Stevens
Delivers a poignant exploration of loss and longing using delicate instrumentation and deeply personal themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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