A Moon Shaped Pool
by Radiohead
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: May 8, 2016
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1525 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,393 out of 1525
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 1525
  3. Negative: 91 out of 1525
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  1. JordanMaster
    May 12, 2016
    10
    Absolutely amazing album. It feels like they've revisited their old albums and incorporated those with their current style. Definitely a big improvement over The King of Limbs for me. This album deserves a spot right next to Kid A and OK Computer.
  2. Eggs
    May 11, 2016
    10
    There is only one band on the planet that could produce an album like this. I was a big fan of TKoL as it was an album to immerse yourself in with layers of artfully painted music based on strokes of Yorkeish electronica melded with percussive influences. In AMSP Johnny Greenwood is given a chance to demonstrate the evolution of his composing talents with lush orchestral soundscapesThere is only one band on the planet that could produce an album like this. I was a big fan of TKoL as it was an album to immerse yourself in with layers of artfully painted music based on strokes of Yorkeish electronica melded with percussive influences. In AMSP Johnny Greenwood is given a chance to demonstrate the evolution of his composing talents with lush orchestral soundscapes driving much of the album. They have always set them selves apart from other bands with their ability to unveil little revelations with each listen, and this album is no exception. They are a band for true audiophiles. In short, this album is an eerily, majestic unfurling of the inner contemplations of maturing artists.… Expand
  3. Footowls
    May 11, 2016
    10
    very strange album and a pleasant surprise to know that radio head never lost their edge and it still one of the best bands around. Advice if you want a weird trip this is the album to go to.
  4. movieman2001
    May 11, 2016
    10
    Wow, let me just say that the new album is very good !! I am a diehard fan and have been chomping at the bit for this album to be released. check out the videos on youtube for the first two tracks BURN THE WITCH is track #1 and DAYDREAMING is track #2. The album is so fluid and balanced, BURN THE WITCH is the most up tempo track followed by DAYDREAMING which is exactly as it sounds, veryWow, let me just say that the new album is very good !! I am a diehard fan and have been chomping at the bit for this album to be released. check out the videos on youtube for the first two tracks BURN THE WITCH is track #1 and DAYDREAMING is track #2. The album is so fluid and balanced, BURN THE WITCH is the most up tempo track followed by DAYDREAMING which is exactly as it sounds, very mellow and dream like and one of my favorite tracks on the album. FUL STOP and IDENTIKIT i saw them perform live in 1212 on tour in Miami and Tampa and they are great tracks also. Altogether the album has 11 tracks, two other tracks that are my favorites are THE NUMBERS and the last track, A new version of TRUE LOVE WAITS that you will absolutely love!!! My favorite RADIOHEAD album is KID, but after OK COMPUTER and IN RAINBOWS this is my forth favorite. Let me also say that this album has no filler tracks at all they are all very solid tracks.… Expand
  5. telomerase
    May 11, 2016
    10
    radiohead's most successful experiment of musical genre assimilation that it's been attempting since 2003's hail to the thief, with an added orchestral-folk direction . more thrilling, varied, and musically and emotionally complex than in rainbows. big win.
  6. jimmypowder
    May 11, 2016
    9
    The best album since Kid A and Ok Computer , Radiohead adds layers of sound but with a different take.

    Where OK computer was rock oriented, Kid A electronica oriented , Heart Shaped Pool focuses on classical and chill music with plenty od musical layers to make any Radiohead fan proud. This album is a masterpiece ,plain and simple. As an aside , I saw Radiohead with my wife in a    The best album since Kid A and Ok Computer , Radiohead adds layers of sound but with a different take.

    Where OK computer was rock oriented, Kid A electronica oriented , Heart Shaped Pool focuses on classical and chill music with plenty od musical layers to make any Radiohead fan proud.

    This album is a masterpiece ,plain and simple.

    As an aside , I saw Radiohead with my wife in a raging rainstorm on Mothers Day , the same day this album was released. The In Rainbows tour. One of the best concerts I ever saw , though I was very cold and wet.    … Expand
  7. DanielT
    May 11, 2016
    10
    I am completely surprised by this album. I knew they were going to come out with something that I have never heard before, but this just blew me away. I am a huge fan of the band, and have been for upwards of a 2 decades. I had high hopes, and they were exceeded. Definitely one of their most complete sounding albums.
  8. amandalf
    May 11, 2016
    9
    First listen: Ok, this album is pretty cool - not as good as "In Rainbows" but DEFINITELY better than "King of Limbs"
    Second listen: Wow, alright this album is actually really good...
    Third listen: OK I was wrong - this is on par with "In Rainbows" but in a totally different way Fourth listen: "Play it again" You will love this album more each time you listen to it. It evokes a    First listen: Ok, this album is pretty cool - not as good as "In Rainbows" but DEFINITELY better than "King of Limbs"
    Second listen: Wow, alright this album is actually really good...
    Third listen: OK I was wrong - this is on par with "In Rainbows" but in a totally different way
    Fourth listen: "Play it again"

    You will love this album more each time you listen to it. It evokes a beautiful, strange emotion within you with every play that you cannot escape or forget.    … Expand
  9. D3ad
    May 11, 2016
    8
    A moon shaped pool has a very refined, contemporary sound to it. The songs are very intricate, but easy to listen to. That being said, it's easily the furthest album from typical Radiohead. That's not a bad thing, it's unique in an appreciative fashion. The only flaw in this album, in my opinion, is the complete lack of variety. "Burn the Witch", the first song on the album, is mostA moon shaped pool has a very refined, contemporary sound to it. The songs are very intricate, but easy to listen to. That being said, it's easily the furthest album from typical Radiohead. That's not a bad thing, it's unique in an appreciative fashion. The only flaw in this album, in my opinion, is the complete lack of variety. "Burn the Witch", the first song on the album, is most diverse song on the album. After that point, it's constant melancholy. I love the sound, but without a few breaks of diversity, the album blurs into one sad sound.… Expand
  10. jesseurbancsik
    May 11, 2016
    10
    Everyone gets annoyed because of all the acclaim that Radiohead receives, but this album reinforces that they deserve it. Melancholy, beautiful, regret. This album is beautifully mastered with amazing sounds that will haunt you until you listen to it whole again. This album is a true fan album MADE for the FANS.

    Highlights:    Everyone gets annoyed because of all the acclaim that Radiohead receives, but this album reinforces that they deserve it. Melancholy, beautiful, regret. This album is beautifully mastered with amazing sounds that will haunt you until you listen to it whole again. This album is a true fan album MADE for the FANS.

    Highlights: Burn the Witch, Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief, and True Love Waits.    … Expand
  11. tyho451
    May 11, 2016
    10
    Echoing desperation and sleepily on edge, this is a paranoid android on a damn good tranquilizer. By the middle of my first listen I couldn't tell what was up or sideways. I was lost in the most accessible and arguably the most convincing of the near flawless 25 year spree this band is now on.
  12. Flashdump
    May 11, 2016
    8
    Really good album. Very heartfelt. Beautifully composed, arranged, written and produced. Identikit is a bit of an odd one for me (purely because I loved what I heard of the live version). Not a huge fan of Ful Stop
  13. tishyw98
    May 11, 2016
    10
    such a great record with great use of an orchestra to create a very chilling piece of sound. After multiple listens, this album really begins to grow on you and i could even consider it one of their best albums to date imo.
  14. FeralGoon210
    May 11, 2016
    7
    Is this album better than King of Limbs? Without a doubt. Is this the greatest Radiohead album of all time? Not at all.
    I sincerely believe all of these 10 ratings are just an overreaction by fellow Radiohead fans, excited for a somewhat 'normal' album.
    Some of the tracks here are great, Daydreaming migjt be one of their best songs written.
  15. TheDovahkiin101
    May 11, 2016
    10
    This album is much different from their others, it has so many amazing songs too. It's much sadder than all of their other albums and still manages to sound like Radiohead.
  16. maddreya77
    May 10, 2016
    5
    As a long time Radiohead fan, I must say I was very disappointed by this record. The mastering isn't right and the track listing doesn't flow properly. Also, I don't understand why they once again took a popular track that was great as it was (TLW) and distorted it into a sub par darker version. I get the context, but it overall it doesn't work for me.
  17. lubor108
    May 10, 2016
    10
    The more you hear the album, the better the music is. Profound layers of a perfect sound, no rush, slow and clear tones. This is a future of music even if it means the end of rock'n'roll.
  18. hugey
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Everything it promised and more. I was moved to tears by the singles and the full album, as usual, will take weeks or months to digest fully. This makes it even harder to rate their work by installation. Breathtaking, beautiful, orchestral. Sets the benchmark for a new era of Radiohead and music at large.
  19. AndresAlfonso
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Is a Darker in rainbows , Another masterpiece by Radiohead , awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome , awesome , awesome , awesome , awesome , awesome ,awesome
  20. CMongler
    May 10, 2016
    10
    A Moon Shaped Pool is phenomenal. It’s incredibly dark, harrowing, emotional, and at times, hard to listen to because of it. But it’s a classic Radiohead album through and through, so distinctly unique in sound and timbre as listeners have come to expect from a new Radiohead album, yet still familiar, and fitting, for the band that created favorites such as Kid A, OK Computer, or In Rainbows.
  21. isatxe
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Is a very great album, very contemporenean, and orchestrator, amazing arrengements!! But is not a perfect album in global, for me two songs (Identikit & Ful Stop) can be out of the album, this two songs are the most guitar songs, and is better getting and more acustic, clasical, minimal orchestrator album, this two songs remember more to Amnesiac/Hail to the Thief, and is not necessary forIs a very great album, very contemporenean, and orchestrator, amazing arrengements!! But is not a perfect album in global, for me two songs (Identikit & Ful Stop) can be out of the album, this two songs are the most guitar songs, and is better getting and more acustic, clasical, minimal orchestrator album, this two songs remember more to Amnesiac/Hail to the Thief, and is not necessary for make a more innovaion album....And adding Spectre, and making any changes in the tracklist, then we get an amazing contemporanean album!! This is not an band album, you don't will see any simil to From the Basement of this album.

    Here you have, lisent this order an opin!!

    1. Burn the Witch
    2. Present Tense
    3. Glass Eyes
    4. Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief
    5. Spectre
    6. Daydreaming
    7. Decks Dark
    8. Desert Island Disk
    9. The Numbers
    10. true Love Waits    … Expand
  22. marcmyworks
    May 10, 2016
    9
    AMSP is probably the most accessible album Radiohead has released in years. The band is able to merge their old sound and still remain current and a force to contend with in the Alternative market. Download: Ful Stop, Burn The Witch, True Love Waits
  23. baian
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Give this album the necessary plays and it's beauty will eventually sucker punch you in the gut. This is up there with their best. How this band continues to evolve their sound and produce such amazing albums is beyond me.
  24. Slowave
    May 10, 2016
    8
    For true music fans, the anxiety leading up to a new Radiohead release can feel like the ninth inning of the World Series. All the hype, the questions, and the hope that Thom will get the band on board for the album YOU want. For some it's another Kid A, while for the vast majority its another OK Computer, but you sort of know it won't be any of those... and you dread another King ofFor true music fans, the anxiety leading up to a new Radiohead release can feel like the ninth inning of the World Series. All the hype, the questions, and the hope that Thom will get the band on board for the album YOU want. For some it's another Kid A, while for the vast majority its another OK Computer, but you sort of know it won't be any of those... and you dread another King of Limbs (that is - if you are a "normal" fan, and even if you aren't... do you really want more of that?). Confounding, challenging, and even antagonistic, Radhiohead, at times, seem like the ultimate trolls of "almost melodic." Almost satisfying. Almost a grower if you have the patience and - yes - Catholic school determination to love what you've been told to. I admit that I sort of threw in the towel after King Of Limbs, Modern Boxes, and Atoms for Peace. But Moon Shaped Pool has really restored my faith, and for fans that have been with the band since the beginning (you have to be at least late Generation X for that), this is a huge sigh of relief - for an album that is best described as a sigh. The melodies are back, the guitars (at least the acoustic) are mostly present, and they haven't jumped the shark. This even grabbed me more than In Rainbows on a first listen, and much more so than anything since OK Computer. And the best thing is that it's a grower that is immediately rewarding. With the release of the first two singles - and then seeing them listed at 1 and 2 on the album, there was a moment of panic, as Burn the Witch seemed OK Computer B-side level at first, while Dreamers seemed like another basic reverb soaked crooner. Boy was I wrong. A good pair of headphones and multiple listens proves they belong in a top 20 catologue. As for the rest of the album.... loving it all more and more, and anticipating some campfire memories to enrich them even more. So, while it wasn't another OK Computer, it is definitely a mature step that rewarded the most patient of fans. Already I'm wondering what's next, and when. In summary, thank you Thom. Thank you Johnny. You've may not have hit the ball out of the park like it was 1996, but this is at least a ground rule double when it was needed.… Expand
  25. hiddensynapse
    May 10, 2016
    10
    There's something remarkable about this album.

    Be it the elegantly elusive and haunting orchestral work by Jonny, or the stripped back melodic soundscapes and dreamy lyrics of Thom, there's always a new sound or note dragging you further into A Moon Shaped Pool. It's cohesive, consistent, melodic and experimental. Not only that, but Radiohead chose the perfect time to release it.    There's something remarkable about this album.

    Be it the elegantly elusive and haunting orchestral work by Jonny, or the stripped back melodic soundscapes and dreamy lyrics of Thom, there's always a new sound or note dragging you further into A Moon Shaped Pool.

    It's cohesive, consistent, melodic and experimental. Not only that, but Radiohead chose the perfect time to release it.

    Not only does A Moon Shaped Pool possess the haunted humanity so prevalent on In Rainbows, but it also pleas the modern world to reacquaint itself with nature. As opposed to OK Computer and Kid A, Pool doesn't necessarily condemn our increasingly technological world. Instead, it beckons us to peel our eyes away from our glossy-screened distractions so that we may embrace the present tense and see the Earth as she is, laid bare before us. "Distance is like a weapon," it warns.

    Thom likens the awakened populace, those who have seen the majesty of mother nature, to flower petals lost in the wind - momentarily fleeting and easy to dismiss, yet immortally primed to return and sprout anew.

    "The future is inside us," Thom advises. "It's not somewhere else".

    A Moon Shaped Pool's warnings are urgently relevant, and we'd do well to heed their advice.    … Expand
  26. dro
    May 10, 2016
    10
    As a longtime Radiohead fan, AMSP is exactly what I was hoping for, but was afraid the band could never accomplish at this point in their career. However, they exceeded expectations again. This album is their best work since Kid A and includes some of their best songs to date, including Ful Stop, Present Tense, Glass Eyes, and The Numbers.
  27. Jacob1998
    May 10, 2016
    10
    For me, In Rainbows is the Brainchild of Radiohead's unprecedented journey. However, listening to this (possibly final) Radiohead album finally put all the pieces together. It's clear that while this is not Radiohead's best album, it's certainly their most fluid and beautiful to date (maybe with the exception of Kid A). We start off with 'Burn the Witch', possibly the biggest punch of theFor me, In Rainbows is the Brainchild of Radiohead's unprecedented journey. However, listening to this (possibly final) Radiohead album finally put all the pieces together. It's clear that while this is not Radiohead's best album, it's certainly their most fluid and beautiful to date (maybe with the exception of Kid A). We start off with 'Burn the Witch', possibly the biggest punch of the album in terms of the 'rock-like' nature. This song maintains Radiohead's ability to continuously produce a kick-ass song opening. For me this is a 9 out of 10 song. We delve into the beauty and melancholy of 'Daydreaming', a personal favorite of mine. The song's hidden layers will keep you coming back for more and the growth/build of the song is like none other by Radiohead, Thom's vocals are heartbreaking. A 10/10 song for me. Next, we get the first new song 'Decks Dark', a fantasy (quite Dystopian-like) in which the piano carries the song (slower than the first but a build from 'Daydreaming') This song reminds me a bit of SHA from OK Computer (both of which are song#3 on respective albums). This song grew on me after multiple listens and I feel safe to give it a 9/10 at this point. "Desert Island Disk' is a song performed by Thom at the Paris Peace Concert along with 'Silent Spring/The Numbers". The guitar riff on this carries the song and eventually, grows into a jazz;-like groove. Overall an 8/10 for me and my least favorite on the album, but still a very pleasant song to listen to. 'Ful Stop' is next on the list. This song is slowly growing to become one of my favorites on the album; a bass and drum riff that grows until explosion with Thom murmuring 'You really messed up everything'. In the end, the product is an explosion of sound and rhythm (this may be Phil's highlight). 9.5/10 song. The intermission is 'Glass Eyes', another true beauty. This song is more of a ballad than anything, and a gorgeous one at that (likely formulated around Thom's breakup). This song may not be a 10/10, but it is perfect for the album and in the perfect place, over all 10/10. 'Identikit' is the last awakening of rock on the album and may be the most gripping song on the album. The song starts off with a very mild but funky bass and drum riff with Thom's vocals chiming in and out, and similarly to 'Ful Stop', builds into something exceptional with a well-needed guitar solo to close the song. 9.5/10. I could go on and on about this album and the remaining songs. 'The Numbers' is 'Silent Spring', a song played by Yorke at the Paris Peace Concert. Overall, a very 'chill' and accessible song with a build as the song nears its end. One I truly enjoyed as I was unsure what the song was until I heard the opening 'Silent Spring' chord and it brought me back to the concert. Well needed. Still debating what to rank this song. 'Present Tense' is possibly my third favorite on the album. This song is truly beautiful; the guitar, vocals, and smooth drumming compliment each other perfectly. I loved this song in concert and I love it now, 9.5/10 (on account of the slightly uneasy guitar opening which throws me off a bit) and a perfect fit for the album. The next song is one which truly grew on me after multiple listens and it is easily my second favorite on the album 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief'. This song title is long, but the song is perfect in length, well tailored. Another 'build' song which starts off slowly and builds as it goes on. The string section comes in so smoothly and elegantly to compliment Thom's stunning vocals. One of Radiohead's most notable modern melodies lies in this song. (10/10). The final song is one which I will not rate. I'm still deciding whether 'True Love Waits' was better on 'I Might Be Wrong' or on this album. Regardless, the lyrics are some of Radiohead's best. The melody...stunning...choice in instrumentation...debatable. I'll save this for some other day. Overall, this album is utterly stunning and beautiful, it's a true return to form for Radiohead and an exceptional fit to an exceptional legacy. Radiohead did not let me down and will forever be my all time favorite band with The Beatles. Enjoy everyone!… Expand
  28. dr_heartless
    May 10, 2016
    1
    This is a band on auto pilot. It's a mess of boring noise with nothing to offer unless your looking looking to impress other Radiohead fans with how much you can put up with this lack luster lump of junk. I've been with them from the start but after this and king of limbs I'm out!
  29. WaffleMaker
    May 10, 2016
    10
    This is yet another beautiful album by Radiohead. A Moon Shaped Pool is a bit more calm and ''weird'', so you might want to listen to it multiple times to get it under your skin as is expected from radiohead. The only let down was the last track on the album that is named ''True Love Waits'', while it isn't bad, I feel that the older live version is better than this one.
  30. ForAMinuteThere
    May 10, 2016
    9
    After listening to Radiohead's A Moon Shaped Pool almost exclusively since Sunday I have come to the conclusion that it is beautiful, haunting, ethereal, transportive, emotional, affecting, and any number of other pretentious adjectives that one fan can conjure. It is one of the most intricate and layered albums I have ever heard and I assume the more I listen and get closer to the musicAfter listening to Radiohead's A Moon Shaped Pool almost exclusively since Sunday I have come to the conclusion that it is beautiful, haunting, ethereal, transportive, emotional, affecting, and any number of other pretentious adjectives that one fan can conjure. It is one of the most intricate and layered albums I have ever heard and I assume the more I listen and get closer to the music with headphones I will hear even more depth.

    That being said, almost everyone who isn't already a fan is likely going to hate it. Which I almost expect, and kind of relish. That isn't a bad thing really - this release seems like a fan album. It almost seems like a farewell album. 8 of the 11 tracks are already known to us, and the 3 that aren't dip into different Radiohead eras very easily.

    So yeah, I dig it. Sorry, you probably won't.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Album of 2016
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2016
11
#11 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Aug 11, 2016
    89
    Gone are any remnants of yesteryear's "rock music" ideology, thrusting Radiohead into a mature state of potentially their best work still to come.
    Read full review
  2. Magnet
    Aug 9, 2016
    90
    This is Radiohead's deepest, darkest pool of devotion and doubt in a career marked by almost nothing but. [No. 133, p.51]
  3. Uncut
    Jun 21, 2016
    90
    There's a lighter, more hopeful bent to the musical settings, which perfectly balance the more dissonant leanings of The King Of Limbs with a sumptuousness and gentleness they've rarely sought since OK Computer. [Aug 2016, p.81]
See all critic reviews »