The best things in life are acquired tastes. Classical music, fine wine and Radiohead are a… The best things in life are acquired tastes. Classical music, fine wine and Radiohead are a few examples. Hail to the Thief, Radiohead’s sixth studio album, is what lead-singer Thom Yorke calls “dark pop.” And yes, dark pop rocks.

Hail to the Thief is not an overtly political record. It seems that while other bands sing about anger, Radiohead sings songs of something different: fear. In the opening track, “2+2=5,” Yorke coos about a lack of control similar to that presented in George Orwell’s “1984.”

In the funereal “I Will”, Yorke fears for the future of his 2-year old son Noah – “I won’t let this happen to my children” – but shows hope in the beautifully arranged “Sail to the Moon,” singing: “Maybe you’ll be president/but know right from wrong/or in the flood you’ll build an Ark and sail us to the moon.”

In the powerful love song, “Where I End and You Begin” he sings, “There’s a gap where we meet/where I end and you begin/and I’m sorry for us.” It also contains songs about euthanasia – “Go to Sleep” – and dead rabbits – “Myxomatosis.”

Hail to the Thief, like past Radiohead releases, isn’t an easy listen. It is obvious that the members of Radiohead believe good pop music must be difficult – most likely a lesson learned from the release of the hit song “Creep,” which almost disbanded them over 10 years ago. Thus, Hail to the Thief requires repeated listens to appreciate.

As with all good music, each song improves with every listen. Once you uncover the melodies underneath the sound, they never leave you. In the end, Hail to the Thief is truly a masterful collection of songs that prove Radiohead is still the best band in the business.