Radar (song)

“Radar” was written by Radiohead during the sessions for Hail to the Thief, which took place in Los Angeles and Oxfordshire. The song features a driving electronic beat, layered synthesizers, and Thom Yorke’s falsetto vocals. Its structure is unconventional, with a verse-chorus form that shifts into a bridge and an extended instrumental outro. The recording was produced by Radiohead and Nigel Godrich, who had worked with the band since OK Computer (1997).¹

The lyrics of “Radar” are sparse and ambiguous, with Yorke singing about “a radar” and “a light that never goes out.” Some interpretations suggest themes of surveillance and paranoia, consistent with the album’s political undertones, which were influenced by the post-9/11 climate and the Iraq War. However, Yorke has stated that the song is not overtly political but rather about personal relationships and emotional distance.

“Radar” was performed live during the 2003 and 2006 tours, often with extended improvisations. A notable live version from the 2003 Glastonbury Festival was included on the DVD Radiohead at Glastonbury (2004). The band also played a stripped-down version during their 2012 tour, which was praised by fans. An alternate studio take, titled “Radar (Alternate Version),” was released on the single “2 + 2 = 5” in 2003.

While “Radar” was not released as a single, it received positive reviews from critics, who often highlighted its atmospheric production and Yorke’s vocal performance. In retrospective reviews of Hail to the Thief, the song is sometimes cited as a deep cut that showcases the band’s experimental side. It has been covered by a few artists, including the jazz group The Bad Plus, who included an instrumental version on their 2005 album Suspicious Activity?.²

One lesser-known fact is that the song’s working title was “Radar” from the start, but it was nearly cut from the album due to time constraints. The band ultimately included it because they felt it balanced the album’s flow. Another obscure detail: the song’s outro features a sample of a radio transmission, which was recorded by Yorke on a shortwave radio. Additionally, the song was never played in full after 2012, making it a rarity in Radiohead’s live catalog.³

Hail to the Thief

Radiohead's sixth studio album, released in 2003, known for its political themes and blend of electronic and rock elements.

Nigel Godrich

British record producer and engineer, longtime collaborator with Radiohead.

B-side

A secondary track on a single, often not included on the main album.