Kid A
by Radiohead
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Oct 3, 2000
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1244 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,134 out of 1244
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 1244
  3. Negative: 90 out of 1244

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  1. jdg
    Mar 31, 2006
    10
    A f*cking masterpiece.
  2. PatrickO
    May 14, 2006
    10
    When you sit down and digest this album, you say- where's the experimentation? It's not so easy to find. The experiment lies in the fact that this sound is clearly stripped down from OK Computer. The album is also a symbol- the death of "stadium rock" and the rebirth into their recent electronic sound. Notice the space at the end of "Motion Picture Soundtrack"? The album When you sit down and digest this album, you say- where's the experimentation? It's not so easy to find. The experiment lies in the fact that this sound is clearly stripped down from OK Computer. The album is also a symbol- the death of "stadium rock" and the rebirth into their recent electronic sound. Notice the space at the end of "Motion Picture Soundtrack"? The album purposely drags on to 49:59. 4959 is the Mayan Number of Rebirth. This metaphoric and symbolic theme appears all over the album. This is why Kid A is held in such high regards, with me and with thousands of other people... the art transcends describable beauty.… Expand
  3. SAVAGETOAST
    Jun 13, 2006
    10
    Radiohead is CAH(cool). This CD is great if you listen to it a lot. It is a classic Radiohead album with its own individual eerie feel to it. Idioteque and Optimistic own and all in all...so does this album.
  4. RG
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    tired of everyone saying you have to listen to it more than once to get it. The first feeling that you get after the first listen ... cannot put my words together. every listen something new rises up. every listen some part of your brain or heart gives out. i will stop now, but it is one of the best records ever made, still dont know how it reached #1 when it came out, myabe because of ok tired of everyone saying you have to listen to it more than once to get it. The first feeling that you get after the first listen ... cannot put my words together. every listen something new rises up. every listen some part of your brain or heart gives out. i will stop now, but it is one of the best records ever made, still dont know how it reached #1 when it came out, myabe because of ok computer buzz.… Expand
  5. shaung
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    This is Radioheads pinnacle music expression, portraying one of the most sonically altering changes last seen from the Beatles with sgt.Pepper. Never has a mainstream album been so challenging yet in contrast, through careful listening, rewarding. From the opening keyboard descending of electronicly accentuated vocals ,"everything in its right place" sets the futuristic snowscapes of This is Radioheads pinnacle music expression, portraying one of the most sonically altering changes last seen from the Beatles with sgt.Pepper. Never has a mainstream album been so challenging yet in contrast, through careful listening, rewarding. From the opening keyboard descending of electronicly accentuated vocals ,"everything in its right place" sets the futuristic snowscapes of Radioheads premonitions of art. As the album takes its coarse. its evident they are unconcerned by anyones opinionated veiws of progression, as the fickle public yearn for change, then ridicule and scruntinize artists for leaping to other heights. "How to disappear completely" is Yorke at his most longing, searching for a means of emancipation of the emptiness of existence. As jonnys electronic blending, echoes through his void. "idioteque" is a societal premonition of self eradication, are immenant demise is ultimately self concieved. Yorkes desperate howls of agony concoct some of musics catchiest depressions. The finality of this bleak landscape is most vividly conveyed in the closing,"motion picture soundtrack" Ascending organs captivate some of the most profond imagery of human emotions. Every thought of existence coalesced into the shooting of stars in the harp section. Conjuring onyx night white planes of the distant mountains layed out of the cover. The part" i will see you in the next life" is a self assurance of the continuity thats the cause of this dirge. All in all, this record is beyond the judgement of self appointed judges that are so subjegated to the praising of Kaka, its beauty is lamented on its own merits.… Expand
  6. sethisawesome
    Nov 5, 2007
    10
    This is one of those rare things that divides people like the little debbie pastry line. people seem to either love it or hate it. i happen to love it. a lot. i literally FELT the music here, the strange and unexpected sonic intricacies seemed to coarse through my very soul upon first listen, and they still do today.
  7. Timr
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    If i could, i would if it an 11. there is a beauty one cannot discribe. morning bell chimes to me every time i hear of radiohead.
  8. poophead
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    resonance? yeah, so this is one of the most groundbreaking albums of the 21st century.
  9. AyrtonL.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    The best record of the century. (This is non-negotiable boyos).
  10. Filly
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    7 years and the cd keeps getting better.
  11. SeanP.
    May 22, 2007
    10
    The apotheosis of "grower" and "before-its-time." I'm still in the process of "getting" this album, and their other albums, for that matter.
  12. NE
    Jun 17, 2007
    10
    Classic. The best album of the 21st century. The first question you should ask when you hear the initial seconds of "Everything in Its Right Place" should be "Is this the same band that released Pablo Honey and The Bends?". Of course, those albums are great (and OK Computer being for me another 10), but this is one of the most satisfying and inventive albums ever. I'll never get Classic. The best album of the 21st century. The first question you should ask when you hear the initial seconds of "Everything in Its Right Place" should be "Is this the same band that released Pablo Honey and The Bends?". Of course, those albums are great (and OK Computer being for me another 10), but this is one of the most satisfying and inventive albums ever. I'll never get tired of listening to it, from "Everything..." to the silence of "Motion Picture Soundtrack". OK Computer is a classic. But I love this more.… Expand
  13. MaxM
    Jun 21, 2007
    10
    This is my favorite album next to Amnesiac. It's hard to believe Radiohead can create two great albums within two years.
  14. ChadM.
    Feb 13, 2008
    10
    I find it annoyingly funny (if that makes any sense) that anyone who dislikes Radiohead, and "Kid A" in particular, gives a reason that always sounds like this: "I hate Radiohead, their fans, and Kid A because they are sooo PRETENTIOUS." Really? Pretentious? If you think Radiohead is Pretentious, then you clearly do not understand the meaning of the word (See the review a couple of slots I find it annoyingly funny (if that makes any sense) that anyone who dislikes Radiohead, and "Kid A" in particular, gives a reason that always sounds like this: "I hate Radiohead, their fans, and Kid A because they are sooo PRETENTIOUS." Really? Pretentious? If you think Radiohead is Pretentious, then you clearly do not understand the meaning of the word (See the review a couple of slots below); Radiohead is the total opposite of the word pretentious. Not only does Radiohead shy away from the spotlight, but they hate it. And they deserve every accolade they get. Somebody describes "Kid A" by saying: "Comparing this to other albums is like comparing an aquarium to blue construction paper", which I think is a perfect way to put it. "Kid A" is truly in a galaxy of it's own; it's another world with no limitations, rules, or boundaries. The moment you start the record with "Everything In It's Right Place", those first synth notes roll over you like a mammoth wave of clouds and you are completely submerged into a new world. "Everything" then flows perfectly into the dreamlike title track. "The National Anthem" follows and bludgeons you upside the head like a sledgehammer with it's heavy bass line, horns, and saxophone fusing into some weird hybrid world. The calm "How to Disappear Completely" becomes one with the ambient "TreeFingers", which by itself it a preposterous track, but in the context of the album as a whole, it fits and makes perfect sense; and it's the calm before the climactic storm of "Optimistic". "In Limbo" feels like a nightmarish purgatory, with the final minute of the song sending you spiraling down the rabbit hole. Next is the apocalyptic "Idioteque", which uses electronica, drum machines, and eerie chords to create one of the more impressive Radiohead songs to date. "Idioteque" morphs perfectly into the gloomy "Morning Bell". But the very last track is where "Kid A" seals the deal; "Motion Picture Soundtrack" is staggeringly gorgeous, with Tom Yorke ending it with the words "I think you're crazy" and "I'll see you in the next life". Well...."Kid A", in one word, is a: Masterpiece.… Expand
  15. TheConglomerate*
    Mar 16, 2009
    10
    Music from another realm. Highlight: The eerie penderecki-like strings and thom's falsetto on 'how to disappear completely'. Stunning. Listening to the Kid A transports you to another place when listened to closely. I agree though, if you aren't interested in either modern electronica, jazz, or classical music then you wont really find much to like here. You need to Music from another realm. Highlight: The eerie penderecki-like strings and thom's falsetto on 'how to disappear completely'. Stunning. Listening to the Kid A transports you to another place when listened to closely. I agree though, if you aren't interested in either modern electronica, jazz, or classical music then you wont really find much to like here. You need to have your head outside a 'hits' mentality to appreciate this. Stunningly beautiful album. 5 stars… Expand
  16. chrisn
    May 25, 2009
    10
    For everyone who's criticising this album, i would love to see you do better with the help of 5 other people. chances are you will never, ever accomplish anything close to kid a. that is why radiohead have the recognition and you don't. i'd rather it stayed that way.
  17. LeahT
    Jul 28, 2009
    10
    Radiohead's third straight masterpiece after The Bends and OKC. Simply stunning - a grower for some. But can anyone here claim to have ever heard a song more beautiful than "how to Disappear Completely"? I challenge it. Radiohead takes risks and consistently redefines genres. No one's ever written anythinglike The National Anthem. Yorke is a genius.
  18. ChaiseW
    Sep 14, 2009
    10
    Yes, Thom Yorke may be pretentious; yes, this album may be a tremendous departure from the anthem rock of OK Computer and The Bends; yes, it may be difficult to swallow the first few listens, but no, this album is not shit. Kid A redefined modern music, it created a genre of it's own by combining other genres from past decades. This album is essential, it is pivotal to all musicians Yes, Thom Yorke may be pretentious; yes, this album may be a tremendous departure from the anthem rock of OK Computer and The Bends; yes, it may be difficult to swallow the first few listens, but no, this album is not shit. Kid A redefined modern music, it created a genre of it's own by combining other genres from past decades. This album is essential, it is pivotal to all musicians who even think of creating a masterpiece of their own. Kid A destroyed the CD, but conceived the Mp3.… Expand
  19. RobertP
    Dec 24, 2006
    10
    haha... Who the hell are "Resonance"?
  20. SaxMan16
    Aug 19, 2010
    10
    To call Kid A a good album is an understatement, while not as diverse and as good song by song as its predecesor Ok Computer, Kid A may be better as a full collective album. Its one of those albums that it is almost required of you to listen from start to finish. While it is an album that definetely has a recurring musical theme, each song takes you to a different place, whether it beTo call Kid A a good album is an understatement, while not as diverse and as good song by song as its predecesor Ok Computer, Kid A may be better as a full collective album. Its one of those albums that it is almost required of you to listen from start to finish. While it is an album that definetely has a recurring musical theme, each song takes you to a different place, whether it be the chilling "Everything in its Right Place" to the near tear jerking "How to Disappear completely, to the anything but "Optimistic", to "In Limbo" which most certainly lives up to its name being confusing and without real direction (in a good way). Kid A while not Radioheads magnum opus, may be their most obscure, challenging, and most thought provoking piece of art, which it is nothing less than a piece of art.… Expand
  21. mazky
    Jan 12, 2011
    10
    Beautiful from Track 1 - Track 10 (Yes, even Treefingers) Just as good as OK Computer musically. But it's the album, the order of the songs, that make it so amazing.
    Calming, Dark, Haunting and Beautiful all in 40 minutes.
    You can lay in a dark room and just get lost in its experimental, electronic beauty. IN-CREDI-BLE Please....    Beautiful from Track 1 - Track 10 (Yes, even Treefingers) Just as good as OK Computer musically. But it's the album, the order of the songs, that make it so amazing.
    Calming, Dark, Haunting and Beautiful all in 40 minutes.
    You can lay in a dark room and just get lost in its experimental, electronic beauty. IN-CREDI-BLE Please.... Please..... Listen.    … Expand
  22. Kideoteque
    Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Everything truly is in its right place.
  23. mpshea28
    Sep 5, 2010
    10
    It's ok if you don't like it. It's a piece of music you are either going to love or hate. It's not for everybody. This is my favorite album of all time. In fact, I think it's better than Abbey Road and Dark Side of the Moon. It is an album that truly lives up to the hype for me, unlike Arcade Fire's Funeral. Seriously, how can that album be in the same league as Kid A? It again shows thatIt's ok if you don't like it. It's a piece of music you are either going to love or hate. It's not for everybody. This is my favorite album of all time. In fact, I think it's better than Abbey Road and Dark Side of the Moon. It is an album that truly lives up to the hype for me, unlike Arcade Fire's Funeral. Seriously, how can that album be in the same league as Kid A? It again shows that we all hear things differently.… Expand
  24. lukeMUSEicLover
    Sep 5, 2010
    10
    thus album moves you from start to finish. it tells a rich story. it is radioheads finest and no album will ever top this. Some like Sgt. peppers lonely hearts club band and ok computer got close, to name a few, but not this good. A+ job. the best album ever.
  25. Chaziltasm
    Dec 2, 2010
    10
    I am a massive radiohead fan. and this is there greatest album. Radiohead is my favourette band and this does not dissapoint. Kid A and Optimistic are my favourette tracs from this album.
  26. pumpkinmate
    Oct 30, 2010
    10
    An album at the forefront of its time & a complete work of art. The first time I heard it it was like nothing I had heard before. The influence of this album will resonate for generations...
  27. Cobweb
    Nov 19, 2010
    10
    This album is quite literally perfect. I can't honestly think of anything bad to say about it, except that Treefingers should be a little bit shorter.
  28. mongoose_126
    Dec 29, 2010
    10
    In contrast to what many mainstream critics said, Kid A is, without a doubt, one of the greatest albums of the previous decade. Kid A might or might not have been groundbreaking, but it is certainly one of the most challenging albums ever to have commercial success. Kid A had no official singles or music videos, yet it went to #1 upon initial release. Kid A is more of a piece of art ratherIn contrast to what many mainstream critics said, Kid A is, without a doubt, one of the greatest albums of the previous decade. Kid A might or might not have been groundbreaking, but it is certainly one of the most challenging albums ever to have commercial success. Kid A had no official singles or music videos, yet it went to #1 upon initial release. Kid A is more of a piece of art rather than being just another commercially passable album. It challenges you to hear what's on the album.… Expand
  29. Siriusfisherman
    Oct 26, 2011
    10
    There are many bands out there trying to create great albums, and there have been many great albums made. The 90's were full of these albums, OK Computer, Nevermind and the past decade was full of them as well, Funeral, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. All of these albums are classics, people will listen to them for years to come. However, there is really no dispute among music lovers that theseThere are many bands out there trying to create great albums, and there have been many great albums made. The 90's were full of these albums, OK Computer, Nevermind and the past decade was full of them as well, Funeral, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. All of these albums are classics, people will listen to them for years to come. However, there is really no dispute among music lovers that these can touch anything in the likes of Sgt. Pepper. It would seem that in the past twenty years, while a lot of the music was great, none of it could stand up to the effect that the brilliance and innovation of some of the all time greats had. Kid A however does stands out. Everything to do with the album is very unique, the music is very challenging and not influenced by anything mainstream, the lyrics are dark and abstract, and the most unique aspect of all, it was not anything anyone else was even thinking about making. WIth albums like Nirvana's Nevermind, there were multiple bands that were also trying to come up with the pinnacle album for Seattle grunge rock, but with Kid A, no one was even expecting anything like it to come into existence. This album truly is one of a kind, and whether or not you like it, its uniqueness cannot be taken away. No album had ever been made using all of these concepts from underground genres of music. It opened the doors for countless other artists thats music would have otherwise remained ignored and it created a new direction for more mainstream genres to aim at. This kind of album can only happen every so often, and Radiohead executed it perfectly. They took all of these ideas these other musicians had and created something beautiful. There is no other album in the last two decades that can be compared to this album, and for that reason Radiohead will go into history as one of the all-time greats.… Expand
  30. StJimofSuburbia
    Feb 22, 2011
    10
    Upon first listen I can see why old school Radiohead fans won't like this album, I didn't either. After a few listens though the album grew on me. Radiohead took a leap of faith here by making an album totally opposite of their past masterpieces (The Bends & OK Computer). This transition kind of reminds me of Dylan going acoustic. His loyal folk fan base was horrified and didn't wantUpon first listen I can see why old school Radiohead fans won't like this album, I didn't either. After a few listens though the album grew on me. Radiohead took a leap of faith here by making an album totally opposite of their past masterpieces (The Bends & OK Computer). This transition kind of reminds me of Dylan going acoustic. His loyal folk fan base was horrified and didn't want anything to do with him after that. Thankfully artists make music for themselves and what that is and what the fans want may be two different things. If artists just stuck to their roots we they would never be able to grow intellectually and musically. Kid A is a fantastic album and is well worthy of all the praise it has and continues to receive and "Everything In It's Right Place" is one of the best songs of all time.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best Album of 2000
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2000
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2000

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. Pitchfork
    100
    Comparing this to other albums is like comparing an aquarium to blue construction paper.... It's the sound of a band, and its leader, losing faith in themselves, destroying themselves, and subsequently rebuilding a perfect entity. In other words, Radiohead hated being Radiohead, but ended up with the most ideal, natural Radiohead record yet.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    90
    Radiohead have completely immersed themselves in the studio-as-instrument--signal processing, radical stereo separation, and other antinaturalistic techniques. Even the precious Guitars--saturated with effects and gaseous with sustain--resemble natural phenomena rather than power chords or lead lines. Essentially, this is a post-rock record.... Kid A is not only Radiohead's bravest album but its best one as well. [Oct 2000, p.172]
  3. Ink Blot Magazine
    80
    For an album that apparently grew out of the band trying to get away from melody, there's a lot of it here. They can't help themselves. They try to do a song with a robotic dance beat, load it up with bleak phrases like "laughing till my head comes off" and "take the money and run" and "this is really happening," call it "Idioteque" for chrissake, and what stands out are not the beat and not the phrases or the apparent concept of dance music being silly when horrible things are happening in the world, but the seven or eight different heartwrenching vocal lines and the amazing way they intertwine.
    Read full review
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