Amnesiac
by Radiohead
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 5, 2001
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 559 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 528 out of 559
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 559
  3. Negative: 8 out of 559

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  1. frightopia
    Feb 27, 2023
    7
    Started off kind of meh but it finished off extremely strong! Really loved the vibe throughout
  2. Cyzzyx
    May 18, 2022
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amnesiac, what most would consider Kid A's "B-Side", is a low-key gem in Radiohead's discography. With a slightly more unsettled and darker tone, Amnesiac encapsulates a nice compliment to one of their most ambitious projects yet. As a separate entity, however, I feel like it succeeds in creating its own separate identity, but misses on some of its execution. For some parts, it feels a bit too empty, but this project also has some of the most beautiful and experimental songs that the band has created. The lyricism on this album has the same shortcomings as Kid A in my opinion, perhaps even more of a downfall. I feel like some of the lyrics were a bit too bland, especially in the track Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors. However, this album is still a solid and creepy listen, especially in conjunction with its predecessor Kid A.

    Favorite Tracks: Packt Like Sardines In A Crushd Tin Box, Pyramid Song, You And Whose Army?, I Might Be Wrong, Knives Out, Hunting Bears, Life In A Glasshouse

    Least Favorite Tracks: Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors, Like Spinning Plates    … Expand
  3. All_ButTrU4
    Apr 4, 2022
    7
    Sprawling ballads and mildly successful experiments make this companion piece to Kid A a rewarding listen that doesn't try to match or surpass it's predecessor. Some of my favorite radiohead songs are on here like "pyramid song" cascading melodies or "pull/pulk doors" cold metallic auto tune. Even familiar territory such as brass wind instruments accompanying deflated choruses like that onSprawling ballads and mildly successful experiments make this companion piece to Kid A a rewarding listen that doesn't try to match or surpass it's predecessor. Some of my favorite radiohead songs are on here like "pyramid song" cascading melodies or "pull/pulk doors" cold metallic auto tune. Even familiar territory such as brass wind instruments accompanying deflated choruses like that on "spinning plates " or "life in a glass house". Definitely worth checking out.… Expand
  4. Bendycrate
    Feb 1, 2022
    10
    Amnesiac is one of Radiohead's best albums. The album is an entire experience rather than a casual listen. Songs such as "You and whose army", "Pyramid song" and "Like spinning plates" capture sound and twist it in a way that could only be pulled off by the band themselves. Filler songs populate this album, as a way of building on the already dreary and emotional musical landscape layedAmnesiac is one of Radiohead's best albums. The album is an entire experience rather than a casual listen. Songs such as "You and whose army", "Pyramid song" and "Like spinning plates" capture sound and twist it in a way that could only be pulled off by the band themselves. Filler songs populate this album, as a way of building on the already dreary and emotional musical landscape layed out by the first few opening tracks. every song seems to mix with those before and after itself, creating an experience that cant be described by words so easily… Expand
  5. qxtsa
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    pyramid song really touches my heart. everytime i hear it it makes my heart sink, reminding me of the darkest times of my life. and it brings back the feeling of k*lling myself, because it represents how i felt so well
  6. Edgar_XD
    Jul 22, 2021
    9
    Entre a escucharlo sin muchas espectativas pero debo decir que me sorprendio, es un sonido fresco, sin mucho frenetismo, y cuenta con canciones que te hacen un nudo en el corazon como Piramade Song o Life In A Galsshouse
    Si no fuera por un par de canciones que resultar ser ciertamente olvidables este album se llevaria un 10
  7. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    One of my favourite albums of all time! I love the murky, unique sound. This is much more than just an album comprised of Kid A's leftovers.
  8. Nereaw
    Jan 6, 2020
    10
    This album has it all, the most beautiful songs make me enter into an existential crisis but in the way that I like
    Good job Radiohead
  9. kermie_the_frog
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    Arguably Radiohead's most cohesive record in their entire discography. While still a slightly weaker release then Kid A and Ok Computer, it has clear focus, tone, and themes that keep listeners coming back.
  10. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    7
    I was expecting bad Kid-A rip-offs, but this album does deliver pretty well. I don't think there's anything outside a couple of great songs (and one just plain magnificent one) that I'd really come back to, though. The re-made Morning Bell is a lot better than Kid A's, where I thought it was one of the weaker tracks. Overall, not something I'd come back to that often, but there's enoughI was expecting bad Kid-A rip-offs, but this album does deliver pretty well. I don't think there's anything outside a couple of great songs (and one just plain magnificent one) that I'd really come back to, though. The re-made Morning Bell is a lot better than Kid A's, where I thought it was one of the weaker tracks. Overall, not something I'd come back to that often, but there's enough merit in most tracks for an occasional listen.
    Favourites: Pyramid Song, Morning Bell/Amnesiac, Knives Out
    Least Favourites: Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors, Hunting Bears    … Expand
  11. faed27
    Jul 6, 2019
    8
    Great album, not as brilliant as Kid a but still very solid.
    Songs Ranked:
    1. Pyramid Song (9.5) 2. You and whose army (9.2) 3. Knives Out (9.0) 4. I might be wrong ( 8.5) 5. Life in a Glasshouse (8.5) 6. Dollars and cents (7.8) 7. Packt like Sardines in a crushed Tin box (7.5) 8: Like Spining Plates (7.5) 9. Morning bell/ Amnesiac (7) 10. Hunting Bears (5) 11. Pulk/Puil    Great album, not as brilliant as Kid a but still very solid.
    Songs Ranked:
    1. Pyramid Song (9.5)
    2. You and whose army (9.2)
    3. Knives Out (9.0)
    4. I might be wrong ( 8.5)
    5. Life in a Glasshouse (8.5)
    6. Dollars and cents (7.8)
    7. Packt like Sardines in a crushed Tin box (7.5)
    8: Like Spining Plates (7.5)
    9. Morning bell/ Amnesiac (7)
    10. Hunting Bears (5)
    11. Pulk/Puil Revolving Doors ( 3)    … Expand
  12. guitarmaniac004
    Dec 22, 2017
    7
    Has it's moments for me, but as an avid Radiohead fan it doesn't make it in the top 5 albums for me. It still has some bloody amazing moments for me though. Has to be said though, Pyramid song is one of the best songs they've ever written.
  13. AkumaJack
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    Underappreciated. Sometimes i think this could be the best radiohead album besides Ok Computer.
    It has a lot of killing tracks like You and whose army?, Pyramid song or Packt like sardines. Everyone always. If you have to listen to it i'd suggest to listen carefully at least a couple of times to appreciate it.
  14. Ricko
    Sep 26, 2017
    9
    The follow up/ sister album to the quietly monumental "Kid A". Recorded at the same time, released half a year later - Amnesiac, while also experimental in nature, is quite a different album and although it would have been pretty cool, you can understand why it wasn't released with "Kid A" as a double album. Both records are very much individual pieces of work. The exploration and creativeThe follow up/ sister album to the quietly monumental "Kid A". Recorded at the same time, released half a year later - Amnesiac, while also experimental in nature, is quite a different album and although it would have been pretty cool, you can understand why it wasn't released with "Kid A" as a double album. Both records are very much individual pieces of work. The exploration and creative risk taking is still present but "Amnesiac" is undoubtedly more instant and accessible. The first 8 songs are brilliant but I think it tapers off ever so slightly towards the end. Take "Like Spinning Plates", a good song but one that sounds much better live when stripped back as heard on the "I Might be Wrong" record. For me, "Hunting Bears" is unnecessary and more of an interlude. No complaints about the closer "Life in a Glass House" which is top notch. Really good stuff overall from a great, great band.… Expand
  15. cadet
    Jul 31, 2017
    8
    this is probably Radioheads most weird record to this date and it shows in song like this version of morning bell is haunting in this version and the beautiful and two of the most dramatic in the Radiohead discography being pyramid song and you and whose army which are two of the best songs on the album, There's the intro Packt like sardines in a crushd tin box which is a good openingthis is probably Radioheads most weird record to this date and it shows in song like this version of morning bell is haunting in this version and the beautiful and two of the most dramatic in the Radiohead discography being pyramid song and you and whose army which are two of the best songs on the album, There's the intro Packt like sardines in a crushd tin box which is a good opening track and there's the closing track which is life in glass house which is a great way to close this album but the problem with this album is that it can get really dodgy and obscure with the track pulk/pull revolving doors and hunting bears which are nothing but interlude detours that are really boring, and track listing is really not the best with pyramid song being before Pulk/revolving which i think that pyramid song and you and whose army should of been in the second half of the record because the first half show more electronic elements and the tracks should of slowly start getting more and more organic with the instrumentation thats what i thought this album should of done but overall its a great album… Expand
  16. Rob1986
    Jul 20, 2017
    9
    Just sitting & listening to this again...if this is the worst album Radiohead made since Pablo Honey then they must be the greatest band ever. 3 so-so tracks, 8 brilliant tracks. The scraps falling off the Radiohead table are amazing.
  17. 8-bit-waffle
    May 30, 2016
    10
    This is my favorite album by radio-head. There is so many good songs from I might be wrong and pyramid song. And my favorite knives out is a great song and one of their best.
  18. marcmyworks
    May 10, 2016
    7
    Amnesiac is the beautiful soft flame of KID A. This album seems to be more the b-sides of the former rather than a fully realized concept, however it is quite an achievement. Download: Pyramid Song, Morning Bell/Amnesiac, Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Box.
  19. EmmeKira
    May 16, 2015
    7
    The follow up of Kid A, or Kid B, as many people like to call it, for me does not reach the level of its predecessor. Its an album where Radiohead push even more the boundaries set in Kid A, but there aren't songs that can actually match the same weirdness and at the same time greatness of tunes like Idioteque, National Anthem or Everything in Its Right Place. Some tracks actually manageThe follow up of Kid A, or Kid B, as many people like to call it, for me does not reach the level of its predecessor. Its an album where Radiohead push even more the boundaries set in Kid A, but there aren't songs that can actually match the same weirdness and at the same time greatness of tunes like Idioteque, National Anthem or Everything in Its Right Place. Some tracks actually manage to be more well crafted, Pyramid Song for example, but still, I feel like this is one of the weakest works of Radiohead in the 2000s.… Expand
  20. Xagent86X
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    How could they follow up the brilliance and experimentation of Kid A? With more. But this album is far from a B-side collection from Kid A. Amnesiac has it's own feel, it's own place in the discography of the greatest band ever formed.
  21. normankant
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    Amnesiac is my favorite record from Radiohead.
    It is not made of b-sides of Kid A. I repeat, to all of you that didn't get it yet, it is not made of b-sides of Kid A. To be true, it is a unique album, in the discography of Radiohead, but also in the history of music.
    Melodies are melancholic, sad, elegant, or inexistent. The voice of Yorke is at its edge. Amnesiac is amazing because it    Amnesiac is my favorite record from Radiohead.
    It is not made of b-sides of Kid A. I repeat, to all of you that didn't get it yet, it is not made of b-sides of Kid A. To be true, it is a unique album, in the discography of Radiohead, but also in the history of music.
    Melodies are melancholic, sad, elegant, or inexistent. The voice of Yorke is at its edge.
    Amnesiac is amazing because it alternates absurd experimental tracks to more easy, guitar-driven ones.
    It's a masterpiece.    … Expand
  22. jaxmcgraw
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    This album continues Radiohead's style perfected in Kid A. Amnesic is nowhere near Kid A, but still does what the band does best. Many aspects of this album are different from the rest of their discography thematically and stylistically. Amnesic is dark and subtle which makes this album the most emotional Radiohead album. Even though Amnesiac stays quiet and subtle at times, it has someThis album continues Radiohead's style perfected in Kid A. Amnesic is nowhere near Kid A, but still does what the band does best. Many aspects of this album are different from the rest of their discography thematically and stylistically. Amnesic is dark and subtle which makes this album the most emotional Radiohead album. Even though Amnesiac stays quiet and subtle at times, it has some buildups that create quite an impact. Fear of hell is a theme possibly displayed in this album with songs such as "I might be wrong" and "pulk/pull revolving doors." The closer on this album "Life in a glass house" could not be more perfect and is my favorite Radiohead song. This album is out there, but has some of the best Radiohead moments.… Expand
  23. thezhgguy
    Jul 15, 2013
    10
    Although it goes against popular opinion, I firmly believe that Amnesiac is Radiohead's greatest album to date. A serious listen reveals that this is probably their most thoughtfully composed, meaningful and emotional album, with some of the most hauntingly brilliant and beautiful tracks they've ever released.
  24. TimeToRoam
    Jun 7, 2013
    10
    I am not much of a music expert in general, but I've heard Amnesiac enough to know it's an example of quality music. Especially, the breathtaking, mind-blowing I Might Be Wrong proves that Radiohead could never make a bad album. I would choose it over Pablo Honey and its hit-track Creep any time (not that i don't like it, I love pablo honey), just for I Might Be Wrong...
  25. mrjohno
    Jun 3, 2013
    10
    It amazes me how low the scores are for Radiohead albums. Radiohead have some of the most amazing, mind opening music in the world, just listen to pyramid song on this album when you need to think out of the box, and you will see why. It's seven eight timing is unusual and unpredictable which takes the casual listener out of it's comfort zone.

    As with all Radiohead albums, the whole is    It amazes me how low the scores are for Radiohead albums. Radiohead have some of the most amazing, mind opening music in the world, just listen to pyramid song on this album when you need to think out of the box, and you will see why. It's seven eight timing is unusual and unpredictable which takes the casual listener out of it's comfort zone.

    As with all Radiohead albums, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Its clear its not for everyone though, just by some of these reviews. Try hard and you wont be disappointed.    … Expand
  26. crazilon
    May 12, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was a great album. Some of the songs were weird gibberish but most of it was melodic heaven. "You And Whose Army?" was most likely my favorite... at the beginning it was mostly gibberish but it got better and better.… Expand
  27. MBond1810
    Apr 12, 2013
    8
    'Amnesiac' is by far the best Radiohead album: more cohesive and various than its twin 'Kid A'. 'Life in a Glasshouse' is probably the greatest song they ever recorded.
  28. gideonosphere
    May 14, 2012
    10
    this one caught me off guard back in the day, but it's a real beauty. for those that can't appreciate this, i've got to say that if a band doesn't go to that experimental place, the diamonds that come out afterwards just wouldn't happen (in rainbows, anyone?).
  29. Vampire25
    Apr 3, 2012
    7
    I've always thought Amnesiac was a bit of a hit and miss album by Radiohead. Some tracks really stand out and show just how brilliant Radiohead is, and other tracks lack that brilliance. It's nevertheless a solid album but it's no where near Radiohead's best work. B
  30. RocknRoll
    Mar 4, 2012
    8
    The best Radiohead album? Of couse not, but regardless is still as beautiful as any record they produce will be. Continuing with the Kid A trend, Amnesiac arguably has even weirder tracks (...Revolving doors, Like Spinning Plates) that take some getting used to, but are often worth it. Admittedly, there are a few duff tracks (Hunting bears and Dollars and Cents are pretty dull), but theseThe best Radiohead album? Of couse not, but regardless is still as beautiful as any record they produce will be. Continuing with the Kid A trend, Amnesiac arguably has even weirder tracks (...Revolving doors, Like Spinning Plates) that take some getting used to, but are often worth it. Admittedly, there are a few duff tracks (Hunting bears and Dollars and Cents are pretty dull), but these can merely be treated as interludes in an album that contains songs such as Pyramid song, You and Whose Army, Life in a Glasshouse and a much superior version of Morning Bell.

    Essential listening for any Radiohead fan.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Best Album of 2001
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2001
9
#9 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Spin Cycle
    75
    "Amnesiac" deepens the mystery that Radiohead began with its curious, largely electronic 2000 release, "Kid A," and certainly won't satiate those awaiting the lauded band's supposed return to guitar-heavy epics.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    Either Yorke’s lyrics are better this time, or the comparative voluptuousness of the vocal performances make it easier to tune in, or we’ve finally grasped what he’s been getting at since abandoning OK Computer’s more straightforward man-vs-society musings.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    By the sound of it, Radiohead have strayed off into the same territory Yes did over a quarter century ago -- and two pieces of marginalia in a row don't bode well for the outcome. [8 June 2001, p.72]
See all critic reviews »