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. SmellyJelly
    Sep 9, 2022
    10
    The artists liked by critics who dislike this album can never make an album half as good as Kid A in his/her lifetime!
  2. lapuissance
    Nov 4, 2022
    10
    Wtf is this, This album makes me feel something but I still don't know what. But I know one thing, this is a f***ing masterpiece
  3. Saihodonttop
    Jun 12, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. **** great, every song in this album is a 9, a 10 or even an 11/10


    Fav tracks: idioteque, htdp, everything in its right place, motion picture soundtrack and much more    … Expand
  4. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    10
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  5. RonG
    Jun 6, 2006
    9
    Wonderful in places (Optimistic, In Limbo, Idioteque), occasionally shocking (Treefingers - was someone leaning on a keyboard?) but very pleasantly surprising - I never thought I'd have an album with the line "Yesterday I woke up sucking a lemon" in it, let alone to have it repeated a few times . Generally excellent
  6. EricM
    Jan 3, 2007
    9
    The famous lyricist Yip Harburg once said, "Words make you thing, music makes you feel, songs make you feel thoughts." This is exactly what I get from Radiohead's Kid A. To say that this album or any abum for that matter is pretentious just doesn't make sense to me. How can anyone advocate for change without those against that very change saying they're pretentious. The famous lyricist Yip Harburg once said, "Words make you thing, music makes you feel, songs make you feel thoughts." This is exactly what I get from Radiohead's Kid A. To say that this album or any abum for that matter is pretentious just doesn't make sense to me. How can anyone advocate for change without those against that very change saying they're pretentious. Radiohead clearly makes music for the sake of making music. They refuse to sell their albums on iTunes because they don't want to sell their songs by themselves for they feel each album is its own entity and the songs only make sense in the context of the album. This band pushes the boundaries of music. They are the only widely known band to do so not necessarily the best at it but still they are doing it. This album requires an open mind when it comes to music. While I believe that there is an abundance of melody on this album I stand by the fact that nowhere is it set in stone that melody needs to be in music. Sure we all like a melody but why create a cheap melody for the masses if its not in the songwriters mind? Songwriting is an expression of what someone is feeling and this is what Radiohead wanted to make at this time. Personally I think Hail to the Thief is their greatest triumph but Kid A must be respected as part of the miraculous journey of Radiohead.… Expand
  7. boboJ
    Jul 7, 2004
    9
    i dont like the album as much as my review implies. when it comes to my enjoyment its a 7, but kid a is so impressive its a 9 and as time passes will probly end up as a 10. that being said, its much easier to repspect than love. much.
  8. KeilS
    Dec 7, 2005
    9
    As beautiful, jarring, ultimately comforting experience. Subdued revolution at its finest.
  9. RobertW.
    Aug 30, 2008
    9
    Although, this album may appear challenging, cold and at times distant, it is the intricate and lively percussion effects and generous use of the ondes martenot, that combine radiohead's avant garde electronica, with their more popular alternative rock.
  10. DominicB
    Jun 14, 2009
    9
    Stunning album from the world's finest. Not a single weak track on this album (Yes, even Treefingers). It starts with 2 electronic masterpieces which sets you up for the rest of the album. Quality in every department. "How to Disappear Completely" is a stunning song and one of Radiohead's best.
  11. RyanT.
    Jul 18, 2002
    9
    Though not as good as the masterpiece OK Computer. This album is innovative and very experimental. Most of the songs are mindblowing besides a few filler songs such as Treefingers. Listen to this album with a open mind.
  12. Éamann
    Apr 19, 2005
    9
    Stunningly beautiful. They have an incredible ability to come up with lovely tunes. Their best album.
  13. MorrisL
    Jul 23, 2006
    9
    Buying this album is like making an investment. I got it on its release, and listened to it twice before putting it away in repulsion. Then, about three YEARS later, I pick it up and play it through, and found three or four gems amidst a lot of truly terrible songs. But, all the same, when it shimmers, the beauty leaves you breathless, and there's enough shimmer to make it worth your Buying this album is like making an investment. I got it on its release, and listened to it twice before putting it away in repulsion. Then, about three YEARS later, I pick it up and play it through, and found three or four gems amidst a lot of truly terrible songs. But, all the same, when it shimmers, the beauty leaves you breathless, and there's enough shimmer to make it worth your money. But remember, you're buying future enjoyment, and present hatred.… Expand
  14. DavidH
    Sep 5, 2006
    9
    firstly, this album is not ok computer. Was never going to be and nothing ever will be. What it is is an album that given a few listens will have you realising is very very good indeed. That is its main problem, some people will have given this one listen and disliked it, however after a few times it becomes deep, intriguing and essential. It is not mainstream and it is not radio . Each firstly, this album is not ok computer. Was never going to be and nothing ever will be. What it is is an album that given a few listens will have you realising is very very good indeed. That is its main problem, some people will have given this one listen and disliked it, however after a few times it becomes deep, intriguing and essential. It is not mainstream and it is not radio . Each song on its own is a masterpiece however and the only reason it doesnt get a 10 is that i think ok computer is better. Given more time tho this might even overtake that classic...… Expand
  15. LeeteF.
    Apr 18, 2008
    9
    A very nice album, but please. Admit it. It is NOT awesome when you've heard it like 40 times. First 5 times are random (except for opening track of course), the next 30 listens are incredibly entertaining and breathtaking. But then the album loses it's quality or whatever. Just like any electronic album does. The sounds don't last as long as proper instruments. Sry guys. A very nice album, but please. Admit it. It is NOT awesome when you've heard it like 40 times. First 5 times are random (except for opening track of course), the next 30 listens are incredibly entertaining and breathtaking. But then the album loses it's quality or whatever. Just like any electronic album does. The sounds don't last as long as proper instruments. Sry guys. Give this a listen, and then put on something like David Bowie's Hunky Dory, and you'll know what i mean. Good point about this being a headphones album in a dark room late at night. It is right now.… Expand
  16. SamerM
    Sep 30, 2008
    9
    This album starts with one of the greatest opening tracks of all time, Everything in Its Right Place, which sets the scene for a new, different Radiohead. Radiohead made something new, but it's also something as good as before, if not better. Idioteque is an amazing song, and the same goes with Optimistic. The only problem is that the lyrics seem like they were pulled out of a hat This album starts with one of the greatest opening tracks of all time, Everything in Its Right Place, which sets the scene for a new, different Radiohead. Radiohead made something new, but it's also something as good as before, if not better. Idioteque is an amazing song, and the same goes with Optimistic. The only problem is that the lyrics seem like they were pulled out of a hat (which is actually how they were picked). Everything in Its Right Place seems a lot less epic when you realise Thom's saying "Yesterday I woke up sucking on lemons" while the electric stuff in the background makes sure everyone knows of this fact.… Expand
  17. GeoffS
    Aug 14, 2006
    9
    This album reminds me of floating on a cloud... a cloud of EXTREME PARANOIA!! ABAHABALALH!!!
  18. DanH
    Jun 23, 2008
    9
    The aural equivalent of a James Joyce novel. "Treefingers" is weak for me, as is "In Limbo"; everything else is stunning. Hence the 9. If you liked this, get "Neon Golden" by the Notwist - its actually better than Kid A.
  19. PatrickK.
    Dec 22, 2001
    9
    This album is quite good, but it is nothing special. So a major-label band actually shows some originality and intelligence... big deal. There is plenty of music more "daring" and mind-fucking than Kid A; it just doesn't get played on MTV. Their lyrics are nothing groundbreaking either, basically just rehashed Marxism with an obscurantist twist. Capitalism and technology alienate This album is quite good, but it is nothing special. So a major-label band actually shows some originality and intelligence... big deal. There is plenty of music more "daring" and mind-fucking than Kid A; it just doesn't get played on MTV. Their lyrics are nothing groundbreaking either, basically just rehashed Marxism with an obscurantist twist. Capitalism and technology alienate us?? No shit.. So I must agree in part with the all the reviewers sucking Radioheads's collective dick.. Kid A shows some originality and intelligence, something all too rare in the wanker-filled world of rock'n'roll. But they do not deserve the fawning acclaim and cultish following they enjoy, which I venture is due more to EMI's advertising budget than anything else.… Expand
  20. bernlin2000
    Oct 5, 2010
    9
    A truly wonderful album, with a few songs that probably experiment too far, and lose me a bit ("Kid A", "Treefingers"). A lot of these songs, though, still have a quintessential Radiohead sound, and the overall theme of the album is so different from "OK Computer". It feels like a natural extension to that albums feelings of being lost in the modern world of technology, with Yorke's voiceA truly wonderful album, with a few songs that probably experiment too far, and lose me a bit ("Kid A", "Treefingers"). A lot of these songs, though, still have a quintessential Radiohead sound, and the overall theme of the album is so different from "OK Computer". It feels like a natural extension to that albums feelings of being lost in the modern world of technology, with Yorke's voice now becoming part of that system of electronics, to great effect. For people stuck in the alt rock of "Pablo Honey", it will not be a very appealing sound. But those that loved the message of "OK Computer" will really get a lot out of this album, and it's among Radiohead's best.… Expand
  21. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 7, 2010
    9
    An absolutely groundbreaking effort and quite a gutsy change of direction after the phenomenal success of OK Computer (1997). I actually think Amnesiac is a bit of an improvement, but let's be honest, with a Radiohead album, there usually isn't much room for that. A lovely record.
  22. Ricko
    Sep 5, 2017
    9
    The follow up to the magnificient "OK Computer" marked the start of the next chapter of Radiohead where they moved from cutting edge rock to progressive/experimental music. Not as groundbreaking as many give it credit for but Radiohead definitely created one of the last great albums of the 20th century with this. 10 tracks long, each one seems to belong exactly where it is - as the openingThe follow up to the magnificient "OK Computer" marked the start of the next chapter of Radiohead where they moved from cutting edge rock to progressive/experimental music. Not as groundbreaking as many give it credit for but Radiohead definitely created one of the last great albums of the 20th century with this. 10 tracks long, each one seems to belong exactly where it is - as the opening song says "Every in its right place". The amount of work gone into the album is there for all to hear. It has a complexity that only comes when the artist is completely immersed in their work. The title track "Kid A" is the highlight for me and is as good a track as Radiohead have produced. I used to have favourite tracks from this album but over the years I've grown to love the record as a whole more than any specific tracks. "Kid A" really should be listened to as a whole piece. A mix of experimental touches but with good tunes driving it forward. It's a pity they didn't release it with "Amnesiac" as was once mooted as I think it would have been one of the truly great double albums.… Expand
  23. guitarmaniac004
    Dec 18, 2017
    9
    A beautifully haunting, distopian and chilling album from Radiohead. Making my vinyl collection for sure, I'm just here to show appreciation for this album.
  24. perUmbram
    Oct 29, 2013
    9
    It really is the best, most evocative and most profoundly moving Radiohead album. OK Computer, now we'll use you to do something marvellous and homogenous. Quieter and more concrete than its predecessor, it shows influences from triphop, krautrock and the likes of Aphex Twin and Björk.
  25. marcmyworks
    May 10, 2016
    9
    The controversy of this album was so large at the time due to Radiohead completely changing their sound to create an album far before its time. Artists such as Kanye West, Bjork and Kid Cudi still use this album as reference to their work. Download: Idioteque, Everything in its Right Place, Motion Picture Soundtrack, Morning Bell.
  26. Tombenelli
    Apr 9, 2014
    9
    This is by far the best album of the 2000s. Simply awesome; the beautiful beginning, Everything In Its Right Place: it's epic. And what about Idioteque? Easily on the best songs ever.
    This is a masterpiece, way better than Ok Computer
  27. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    9
    An extremely unique album, which took even longer to appreciate than its predecessor, but gives almost as much as it back.
    Thom sounds as incredible as 'OK Computer' and this album features some of his career highlights, on "How to Disappear Completely" and "Optimistic". The vocal effects are very well implemented, too, and despite me loathing them in most music I come across, they    An extremely unique album, which took even longer to appreciate than its predecessor, but gives almost as much as it back.
    Thom sounds as incredible as 'OK Computer' and this album features some of his career highlights, on "How to Disappear Completely" and "Optimistic". The vocal effects are very well implemented, too, and despite me loathing them in most music I come across, they somehow manage to fit in the songs, especially on the opener.
    Instrumentally, this album is amazing. The album dabbles and experiments with rock, electronica, jazz, ambience and so much else. The atmosphere made on songs like "Everything In Its Right Place" and "How to Disappear Completely" is masterful, and these experimental instrumental make sure that there is no dull moment on the album.
    The lyrics are a lot more cryptic than those than appear on any of the band's previous work. For lines chosen at random, some lyrics are incredibly well written, and while the album relies just as much on atmosphere to sends it messages, the lyrics don't falter.
    Overall, an extraordinary album that truly made me rethink my stance on electronic music as a whole. While I'd argue that it isn't as good as 'OK Computer', it's easily one of Radiohead's best.
    Favourites: Everything in Its Right Place, How to Disappear Completely, Idioteque, Optimistic
    Least Favourites: Treefingers    … Expand
  28. wfsenior
    Nov 18, 2018
    9
    Revisiting some of the most critically acclaimed records of all time, today I listened to "KID A", the fourth studio album from UK art-rock band Radiohead. It's an experimental post-rock project that's an extremely unique and interesting, yet special listen - especially when heard through audiophile headphones. It's a great experience.

    This is by no means a mass appealing album, but it    Revisiting some of the most critically acclaimed records of all time, today I listened to "KID A", the fourth studio album from UK art-rock band Radiohead. It's an experimental post-rock project that's an extremely unique and interesting, yet special listen - especially when heard through audiophile headphones. It's a great experience.

    This is by no means a mass appealing album, but it isn't trying to be. Way ahead of it's time when released in the year 2000, this album still holds up now... if released tomorrow it would still sound just as great. Rich, dense and precise instrumentation combined with Yorke's emotion-packed (often falsetto) vocals pull you into an alternate world - this world is clinical, genuine, calculated & polished... almost so polished that it seems inhuman and robotic, as if we're pulled into a simulation or a machine. The band's entire musical imprint transcends genre once again, following their previous release "OK Computer" - a project which I look forward to hearing.

    My favourite tracks here include 'Everything In It's Right Place' (I love the instrumental so much, as well as the repetition of the track's title... not to mention the vocals and warp effects), 'How To Disappear Completely', 'Optimistic', 'In Limbo', and 'Idioteque'. Also, the artwork perfectly respresents the album - it's ice-cold, jagged, glitchy, and it feels very precise. Overall, "KID A" is 9/10 from me.    … Expand
  29. antoniovrenna14
    May 8, 2019
    9
    Incredible album. Radiohead completely reinvented themselves, and made an album, in my opinion, better than OK Computer. Idioteque is my favorite Radiohead song.
  30. JohnLancelot78
    Aug 2, 2020
    9
    This is a fantastic record! A showcase of rock sensibilities with electronic flares. It truly was groundbreaking in cross-genre-polinziation. The lyrics are the bare minimum, and one wishes they were more descriptive and alluring. This record has production that is akin to if a deity tried their hand at alternative. The guitars are hard and piercing. The beats are pulsating and alive. TheThis is a fantastic record! A showcase of rock sensibilities with electronic flares. It truly was groundbreaking in cross-genre-polinziation. The lyrics are the bare minimum, and one wishes they were more descriptive and alluring. This record has production that is akin to if a deity tried their hand at alternative. The guitars are hard and piercing. The beats are pulsating and alive. The other instruments are orgasmic to the ears. Radiohead truly made a record that can stand the test of time. Also, Thom’s vocals are at times quiet and bombastic. The main takeaway here is the experience for the orifices on the side of the head. It is truly an album that is great every track by track. My favorite track is Idioteque… 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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