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The Rip

"The Rip" is a 2008 song by the English band Portishead, released as the second single from their third studio album, *Third*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"The Rip" is a 2008 song by the English band Portishead, released as the second single from their third studio album, *Third*. The track was written by Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley, and is noted for its shift from a folk ballad to an electronic arrangement. The title also refers to a 2026 Netflix action thriller film, so the term can denote more than one work.

Background

"The Rip" was released by Portishead on 9 June 2008 as the second single from their album *Third*. The song was written by the band's three credited composers: Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley.

Music and style

The song begins as a folk ballad and later transitions into an electronic sound. This contrast is a defining feature of the track and has been noted in descriptions of its structure.

Reception

The song was critically well received and also gained attention through its animated music video directed by Nick Uff. Commercially, it reached number 98 on the French chart.

Title ambiguity

"The Rip" is also the title of a 2026 Netflix film, so the phrase can refer to different entertainment works depending on context.

Key facts

  • "The Rip" is a 2008 song by Portishead, released as the second single from their third studio album, *Third*.
  • The song was written by Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley.
  • Its arrangement moves from a folk ballad into electronic music halfway through.
  • An animated music video for the song was directed by Nick Uff.
  • The song peaked at number 98 in France.
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Canadian context

Portishead has had an international audience in Canada through alternative and electronic music broadcasting and coverage, but no Canada-specific fact is established in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is "The Rip"?
"The Rip" is a 2008 song by Portishead and the second single from their album *Third*.
Who wrote "The Rip"?
It was written by Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley of Portishead.
What style of song is it?
It is described as a folk ballad that transitions into electronic music halfway through.
Did "The Rip" have a music video?
Yes. The song received an animated music video directed by Nick Uff.
How did the song chart?
It peaked at number 98 in France.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rip_(song)
    Supports: Song identity, release date, album, writers, style description, music video, and French chart peak.
  2. Genius — https://genius.com/Portishead-the-rip-lyrics
    Supports: Release date and song identification.