Amnesiac is the fifth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released in June 2001. Recorded in the same period as the band's previous album, it is often discussed as a companion piece to that record rather than a conventional follow-up. The album combines studio experimentation with more song-based structures, producing a varied sequence that ranges from sparse electronic textures to piano-driven balladry and horn-backed jazz arrangements.

Musical style and themes

Stylistically, Amnesiac expands on the electronic and ambient experiments of its predecessor while reintroducing more recognizable melodic forms. The arrangements use synthesizers, samples, acoustic instruments and unconventional percussion. Lyrically the songs touch on memory, loss, dislocation and interpersonal tension, conveyed through oblique imagery and variable vocal delivery.

Notable tracks and characteristics

  • "Pyramid Song" — a slow, rhythmically ambiguous piece built around piano and strings.
  • "Knives Out" — a more conventional guitar song with a clear rock structure.
  • "I Might Be Wrong" and "Life in a Glasshouse" — examples of the album's range, from live-feel electronic rock to brass-driven jazz pastiche.

The album artwork continued the band's long-running collaboration with their visual artist, contributing to a cohesive aesthetic across releases.

Recording, release and reception

Much of Amnesiac originated in sessions shared with the preceding album; tracks were rearranged and completed independently to form its own sequence. Upon release in June 2001 the album reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and received broadly positive reviews. Critics praised its atmosphere, production and willingness to blend disparate influences, while some listeners noted its challenging or fragmentary nature. Notable reviews included a high rating from online music outlets.

Legacy and significance

Amnesiac is frequently cited in discussions of early-2000s experimental rock. It reinforced Radiohead's reputation for artistic risk-taking and is often paired with the band's other transitional work in critical reassessments. Songs from the record have remained part of the band's live repertoire and the album continues to be studied for its production techniques and mood-driven sequencing.