Codex album art

Codex

Radiohead
The King of Limbs (2011)
Moderate 70 BPM
AI-analyzed — check another song
Share on X Facebook

Song DNA

Dynamic Range6/10
Sudden Changesmild
Texturelayered
Predictabilitymedium
Vocal Stylesoft vocals
Notes: The song features a haunting, ethereal quality with soft vocals and layered instrumentation that creates a reflective atmosphere. The gentle ebb and flow of the music evokes a sense of calm and introspection.

Misophonia Triggers

Mouth Soundsnone
Percussive Clicksnone
Breathing Soundsmild
Repetitive Micro-soundsmild

Codex is a contemplative piece that explores themes of nature and existence through its atmospheric soundscape and delicate vocals.

affiliate links

Hear it the way it was made

The right gear changes everything.

Moods: calm, contemplative, introspective

Traditions: alternative rock

How this song sits on each sensory axis

A dynamic range of 6/10 means this song moves. Expect a real volume climb between quiet sections and the loudest part of the arrangement — enough that you may want to set the initial volume below where you'd normally land.

Sudden changes: mild. There are one or two transitions worth knowing about, though they're musically resolved rather than surprise-driven.

Texture is layered — a full arrangement with clear separation between parts.

Predictability is medium — conventional structure overall, with one or two moments that deviate from what you'd expect.

Vocal style: soft vocals.

Where this sits in Radiohead's catalog

We have 78 songs from Radiohead in the library. Of those, 7 are rated Safe, 55 Moderate, and 16 Intense. This song's dynamic range of 6/10 sits below the artist average of 6.6, making it the #61 most dynamic track of theirs in our library.

Other tracks from The King of Limbs

We have 5 songs from this album. Overall, the album leans moderate in sensory profile.

2011 context

Released in 2011. We have 371 songs from that year in our library, averaging a dynamic range of 6.4/10. This track is about average than the year average. Explore more from the 2010s.

Explore by mood and tradition

Moods
calm · 1610contemplative · 3297introspective · 5721
Traditions
alternative rock · 991

Why this rating

We rate this song Moderate because it falls between our Safe and Intense thresholds on at least one dimension. Moderate is the default for most well-produced music that has real arc but no surprise elements. Full rubric: methodology.

Rating last reviewed: 2026-04-13. Reviewed by the Music I Want editorial team against the documented methodology.

Think this rating is wrong? Email the editor — every message is read and ratings get revised.

Frequently asked about "Codex"

Quick answers pulled from the song's sensory analysis.

What is the sensory intensity of "Codex" by Radiohead?

"Codex" by Radiohead rates as Moderate intensity. Dynamic range 6/10, mild sudden changes, layered texture. Moderate is the default for well-produced music with real arc but no surprise elements.

How loud is "Codex" — what is its dynamic range?

"Codex" has a dynamic range of 6/10. Noticeable climb from quiet sections to loudest point. Set opening volume slightly lower than your preferred peak.

Does "Codex" have sudden or surprising changes?

"Codex" has mild sudden changes — one or two transitions worth knowing about, but they are musically resolved rather than surprise-driven.

What is "Codex" best for?

In our library "Codex" is recommended for: deep listening, meditation, relaxation. These tags are assigned only where the song's sensory profile genuinely supports the use case.

When was "Codex" released?

"Codex" is from 2011, on the album "The King of Limbs". It appears in our 2010s catalog.

What is the emotional mood of "Codex"?

We tag "Codex" as calm, contemplative, introspective. Moods are tonal descriptors based on how the song reads emotionally — separate from the sensory intensity axes.

What is the vocal style of "Codex"?

The vocal style is soft vocals.

Should I listen to "Codex"?

"Codex" is Moderate intensity — fine for most listeners, but with enough dynamic activity that it works best as active listening rather than background.

Songs with the same DNA

layered texture, similar intensity — across any genre or era.

Final Breath
Pelican
moderate
DR 7
That'll Be the Day
Buddy Holly
moderate
DR 6
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Stevie Ray Vaughan
moderate
DR 7
Santa Maria
Appleseed Cast
moderate
DR 6
You Better You Bet
The Who
moderate
DR 6
Play
Jorja Smith
moderate
DR 6

Safer alternatives with a similar feel

These songs share similar moods but with a gentler sensory profile.

Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2
Frédéric Chopin safe
It's Too Late
Carole King safe
Kind of Blue
Miles Davis safe
Kiss the Rain
Yiruma safe
Across the Universe
The Beatles safe

What this song means to people

No stories yet. Be the first.

Share what this song means to you

Keep exploring

In Limbo
Radiohead moderate
Videotape
Radiohead moderate
Follow Me Around
Radiohead moderate
Up
Cardi B intense
Miss Clare Remembers
Enya safe
Islands
Shakira moderate
← All Radiohead songs    Check another song →