We present the vibrational features of MnO2, Li0.33MnO2, Li x CoO2 and Li x Mn2O4 used as positive electrode materials in lithium batteries. Raman and FTIR spectroscopies yield a reliable description of lattice when either crystalline disorder or phase transition due to Li insertion is expected. The local arrangement in the γ-MnO2 structure is investigated as a function of the pyrolusite intergrowth rate. The phase evolution in Li x CoO2 and Li x Mn2O4 is studied as a function of the degree of deintercalation.