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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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...
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. Kideoteque
    Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Everything truly is in its right place.
  10. 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
  11. fcof
    Oct 15, 2009
    10
    After universal acclaimed "OK Computer" Radiohead turned out with a genius follow up... Of course they changed the formula, for better. Kid A is a representation of a worl-wide arena filler band, that turns out with their most groundbreaking still natural album to date.
  12. MoritzH
    Oct 13, 2009
    10
    Morning Bell, Everything In It´s Right Place, Idioteque three of the best radiohead tracks ever.
  13. 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
  14. SteveO
    Aug 26, 2009
    10
    Quite simply one of the greatest albums ever recorded. Not to everyone's tastes, but certainly to mine.
  15. 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.
  16. TannerC.
    Jul 17, 2009
    10
    The greatest album ever made.
  17. JordanS
    Jun 29, 2009
    10
    Words fail me. A pioneering, post-genre masterpiece. Easily the best album of the 21st century. Period.
  18. leighm
    Jun 24, 2009
    10
    The timing, the tone, and the music are perfect. one of the best records ever.
  19. NamaarB
    Jun 20, 2009
    10
    Easily, one of the best albums of the last 25 years, hell EVER? Radiohead, Radiohead, Radiohead... this album is nearly flawless... One thing I must say though... Treefingers seems to get a lot of filler talk thrown at it... NOPE! great song.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. TKOFOX
    May 22, 2009
    10
    This album tells a story of simple men/women enduring complex ideas with johnny greenwood (etc.) composing the sound scape. Its brilliant. I wish more albums like this would come along. Until then.
  23. FionnK
    Apr 27, 2009
    10
    this is an album that any one who plays music should be proud of they didn't only push them selfs but music as a whole its just a shame more don't fallow DON'T DO WHAT YOU THINK EVERYONE WANTS YOU TO DO DO WHAT YOU WANT TO.
  24. JohnR
    Apr 20, 2009
    8
    A very good album by Radiohead but sparse in some parts which works for some songs and not for others. A great follow up to OK COMPUTER.
  25. 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
  26. OzzL
    Mar 6, 2009
    8
    A few great songs, and as a whole it's quite solid, but due to its lack of accessibility (took me a good few listens to get into it) I'd say it's one of their weaker albums. Although it's still really good.
  27. finul
    Dec 20, 2008
    10
    Arguably the band's finest album yet, a follow-up to the already fantastic OK Computer. The album's electronica edge lost them some fans, but the eletronica tunes succeed ("Idioteque," "Morning Bell," "Everything in its Right Place"), as do more conventional rockers like "Optimistic." The best album of the new millennium thus far.
  28. GrantC.
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    Without a doubt, the single best record of the millennium, and one of the best of all time. Radiohead could have easily followed up with "OK Computer" II, but they did what impresses me more than anything a band could do. They completely destroyed their already phenomenal (and at one time superior, only on "OK Computer") sound, and completely reinvented it. The guts to do that is Without a doubt, the single best record of the millennium, and one of the best of all time. Radiohead could have easily followed up with "OK Computer" II, but they did what impresses me more than anything a band could do. They completely destroyed their already phenomenal (and at one time superior, only on "OK Computer") sound, and completely reinvented it. The guts to do that is unbelievable. It's not like Red Hot Chili Peppers' backwards movement from funk-rock rapping to melodic pop-rock, it was a risky movement, in contrast to their very safe move to more popularity. Radiohead could easily have ruined their careers with this album. It was a bold move. However, they did nothing near destroy their careers. Sure, they lost some fans to this abrupt change in course, but out with the old in with the new (and more intelligent in this case, haha) I always say. Through all Jonny Greenwood's magnificent guitar work, which is all incredibly impressive, I really think his mostly electronic synth work on "Kid A" is where he draws the fine line between being a great guitarist, and a genius. The whole album is a 21st century masterpiece. It honestly got me into liking electronic music (the electro-rock eased me into more pure electronic quickly). SImply, it's a must-have.… Expand
  29. 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
  30. NiallM
    Sep 10, 2008
    10
    With OK Computer Radiohead managed to break into the mainstream with intelligent and magnificent alternative rock. With Kid A they spectacularly broke out of it, seemingly much to the confusion of the mainstream press who in the two days they had to review it, really didn't get it. Anyway listen to it for two months and you'll realise how great it is.
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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.
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  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.
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