Last week, a new project headed by Radiohead’s Thom Yorke hit shelves, welcomed by the praise of critics who seemed equally floored by the album’s meticulous music as they were confused by it.

Perhaps more important than giving music nerds something new and unusual to tap their toes to, the arrival proved that the concept of the “supergroup” is still alive and well in the recording industry.

Merriam-Webster defines the term as: “An exceptionally successful rock group, in particular one formed by musicians already famous from playing in other groups.”

Here’s a look at some supergroups that did that definition justice.

Atoms for Peace: Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Flea (The Red Hot Chili Peppers), Nigel Godrich (Radiohead - producer), Joey Waronker (R.E.M, Smashing Pumpkins), and Mauro Refosco (David Byrne, Forro in the Dark).

The Dead Weather: Jack White (The White Stripes), Alison Mosshart (The Kills), Dean Fertita,  (Queens of the Stone Age), and Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs, The Greenhornes).

Chickenfoot: Sammy Hagar (Montrose, HSAS, Van Halen), Joe Satriani (Mick Jagger, Deep Purple), Michael Anthony (Van Halen), and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers).

Child Rebel Soldier: Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Pharrell Williams.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Nick Cave, Mick Harvey (The Birthday Party), Tony Franklin, and Chris Slade (Uriah Heep).

The Firm: Paul Rodgers (Bad Company), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Tony Franklin (Roy Harper), and Chris Slade (Uriah Heep).