Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool (2016)
Released in 2016, A Moon Shaped Pool is the ninth studio album by Radiohead. Marking a return to orchestral arrangements and intimate songwriting, the album blends electronic textures, piano-driven compositions, and lush string sections.
The album is deeply introspective, often interpreted as reflecting themes of heartbreak, environmental anxiety, and societal unease. Critics praised its emotional depth, production, and maturity, making it a standout in Radiohead’s later discography.
Album Credits
Band Members:
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Thom Yorke – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Keyboards
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Jonny Greenwood – Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Orchestration, Ondes Martenot
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Ed O’Brien – Guitar, Backing Vocals, Effects
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Colin Greenwood – Bass
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Philip Selway – Drums, Percussion
Producers: Nigel Godrich & Radiohead
Label: XL Recordings
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Alternative Rock / Art Rock / Orchestral Rock
Cover Art & Design
The album cover features abstract, fluid shapes resembling rippling water, designed by longtime collaborator Stanley Donwood.
The visuals evoke the album’s ethereal, melancholic tone and its themes of natural impermanence, emotional reflection, and environmental consciousness.
Musical Style & Sound
A Moon Shaped Pool is characterized by:
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Orchestral arrangements with strings and choral elements
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Minimalist piano-driven compositions alongside subtle electronic textures
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Introspective lyrics exploring heartbreak, loss, and societal concerns
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Layered atmospheres creating a haunting, immersive experience
Tracks such as Burn the Witch and Daydreaming highlight Radiohead’s ability to balance orchestral grandeur with delicate emotional nuance. The album emphasizes subtlety, repetition, and mood over traditional rock structures.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Longgestablished Material: Some tracks, like True Love Waits, had been performed live for over two decades before studio release.
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Recording Process: Recorded in both Oxfordshire and Paris, the band incorporated live orchestral performances alongside electronic production.
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Artwork Significance: Stanley Donwood created a visual style that mirrors the album’s fluid, organic soundscapes.
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Critical Acclaim: Widely regarded as one of the band’s most beautiful and emotionally resonant works.
Did You Know?
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“Daydreaming” was accompanied by a surreal music video directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
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Thom Yorke’s lyrics on the album are often interpreted as reflecting the end of his long-term relationship.
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The album was voted one of the best of 2016 by numerous publications, including Pitchfork and Rolling Stone.
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A Moon Shaped Pool features orchestral arrangements by Jonny Greenwood, further showcasing his classical and avant-garde influences.