What does Radio Retaliation sound like?

A fusion of global rhythms and ambient soundscapes that evoke a sense of both urgency and tranquility. Rooted in trip hop and dub music. Start with "Sound the Alarm".

Is Radio Retaliation a good place to start with Thievery Corporation?

Yes, Radio Retaliation is recommended as a starting point for new Thievery Corporation listeners. A fusion of global rhythms and ambient soundscapes that evoke a sense of both urgency and tranquility. By the time 'Radio Retaliation' was released in 2008, Thievery Corporation had established themselves as leading figures in the downtempo genre, following their critically acclaimed album 'The Richest Man in Babylon' from 2002. This album marked their sixth studio release, showcasing their continued evolution in blending diverse international influences with electronic music.

Who is Radio Retaliation for?

Radio Retaliation works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Radio Retaliation?

Radio Retaliation has 15 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Radio Retaliation

Thievery Corporation · 2008

56 min · 15 tracks · trip hop

A fusion of global rhythms and ambient soundscapes that evoke a sense of both urgency and tranquility.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sound the Alarm Start here — This track opens the album with an infectious energy, blending reggae and dub influences that set the tone for the political themes explored throughout.
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El Pueblo Unido — A reimagining of a classic protest song, this track encapsulates the spirit of resistance and community, showcasing Thievery Corporation's commitment to social justice.
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Hare Krsna — This track features hypnotic beats paired with spiritual chants, exemplifying the group's ability to merge different cultural elements into a cohesive sound.
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Beautiful Drug — With its dreamy melodies and reflective lyrics, this song highlights the album’s exploration of escapism amidst sociopolitical realities.

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 album's eclectic mix of global influences and ambient textures creates a distinctive yet cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

Tracks like 'El Pueblo Unido' and 'Hare Krsna' utilize chants and traditional instrumentation, creating a multicultural sound palette.
The sequencing includes interludes that transition between songs, maintaining a cohesive flow while varying the tempo throughout the record.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
atmospheric background focus
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Acclaimed for its themes and sound, marking a high point in their artistic evolution.
Themes: political resistance· global rhythms· socioeconomic critique
Career context: By the time 'Radio Retaliation' was released in 2008, Thievery Corporation had established themselves as leading figures in the downtempo genre, following their critically acclaimed album 'The Richest Man in Babylon' from 2002. This album marked their sixth studio release, showcasing their continued evolution in blending diverse international influences with electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors: Air· Zero 7· Bonobo