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Kid A - Radiohead
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Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 379 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: Seemingly unwilling to stick to a successful formula, Radiohead follow their breakthrough album 'OK Computer' with this much more experimental work (recorded during sessions that also spawned the later-released 'Amnesiac' album), which ventures even further away from conventional song structure and embraces electronica more fully (even sounding at times like Aphex Twin).… Expand

Critic Reviews

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.
  2. Select
    60
    Like its most obvious forebear, David Bowie's 'Low,' what's not present is as important as what's actually here. The main absentees, then, are choruses, coherent lyrics, crescendos, and guitars.... But, really, what do you want for sounding like Aphex Twin circa 1993? A medal? [Nov. 2000, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Resonance
    30
    A record that might've been amazing if the band had only bothered to write some actual songs. [#28, p. 62]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 188 out of 204
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 204
  3. Negative: 12 out of 204
  1. StJimofSuburbia
    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 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
    • 3 of 3 users said yes
  2. Scraper
    5
    I don't doubt the time and effort put into this album, wonderful technique, and ability. From an objective stand point though, if you're not shuffling through the gray streets of london, you need to put on something else. This album is to Radiohead as Something in the Way was to Nirvana. Not terrible, but I'd rather hear Dive. Get me?… Expand
    • 1 of 4 users said yes
  3. ChrisR.
    0
    Ha ha! Just kidding! 10/10 If you don't get Radiohead you don't get music.
    • 1 of 11 users said yes

See all 204 User Reviews

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