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. Pep_D
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    Amazing album. It may not be the most accessible album (It took me a few listens to get into it), but it certainly is one of the best. Not like their earlier albums, but then again, every Radiohead album is different.
  2. 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
  3. JPIngham
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    This is the greatest album of all time, in my opinion.
  4. Manfist
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Easily an album that helped shape the music scene as we know it now. With the leap from the critically and commercially successful sound of OK computer they made what in my opinion is the greatest album of the 00's. Absolute perfection.
  5. mrnice
    Jul 21, 2012
    8
    A strange blockbuster. Like getting a completely new yet intelligent perspective on the world you've come to sense in the same old light. I've always thought that the insecurities and pressure on the band was present beneath the perfect production, and it comes to draw focus from the sharp world-diagnoses Radiohead crafts so well.
  6. Lacohfilho
    Jan 28, 2012
    10
    A perfect fantasy. Radiohead album created a surreal concept of eternal confusion in our minds. The imaginary and where least expected, "Everything In It's Right Place" takes us crashing to the beginning of a disturbing soundtrack. The best album I heard in my life.
  7. Magus
    Feb 27, 2012
    10
    Because I am rather young and I didn't actually discover Radiohead until a few months ago, I didn't get to listen to this album when it came out, when it was a revolution, but I have listened to their albums several times by now, and Kid A sticks out as the best album from the best band of all time. From electronic masterpieces like the title track, that is very emotional despite theBecause I am rather young and I didn't actually discover Radiohead until a few months ago, I didn't get to listen to this album when it came out, when it was a revolution, but I have listened to their albums several times by now, and Kid A sticks out as the best album from the best band of all time. From electronic masterpieces like the title track, that is very emotional despite the electronic sound, to deep and sad songs like How To Disappear Completely, every song is special and means something to me.

    As for those who didn't like this album: Listen to it again. Trust me, this album needs time to grow on you, but as soon as it did, you will find out it is stunning.    … Expand
  8. Meridius
    Mar 22, 2012
    10
    An obfuscation of the current, and limited, boundaries of modern music through the progression from 'rock' to 'electronic' music. Crisp sonic quality accompanied with shifts and mixtures of linearity and surreality; a playground of simple/easy and complex/difficult kinds of equipment mixed together. It doesn't claim itself to be 'experimental' but 'different' - which it is. Not somethingAn obfuscation of the current, and limited, boundaries of modern music through the progression from 'rock' to 'electronic' music. Crisp sonic quality accompanied with shifts and mixtures of linearity and surreality; a playground of simple/easy and complex/difficult kinds of equipment mixed together. It doesn't claim itself to be 'experimental' but 'different' - which it is. Not something to be dealt with completely seriously or completely playfully, but with complete curiosity.… Expand
  9. gideonosphere
    May 14, 2012
    10
    i cannot describe this album accurately with words, but if i had to try, i'd say it's the incarnation of bliss. this is one of the three or four albums that completely warped my perception of music and pushed me into a deeper, fuller, greater appreciation of music.
  10. Blurbtwndalines
    May 15, 2013
    10
    The greatest album of the decade? Absolutely!! Is it the greatest album of all time? It certainly makes a strong case for it. I've never heard in my short, but dense years of listening, a more perfect album. It blends multiple genres from electronic to jazz to classical to ambient successfully, and unites them together in the form of a traditional rock album. But this album is far fromThe greatest album of the decade? Absolutely!! Is it the greatest album of all time? It certainly makes a strong case for it. I've never heard in my short, but dense years of listening, a more perfect album. It blends multiple genres from electronic to jazz to classical to ambient successfully, and unites them together in the form of a traditional rock album. But this album is far from traditional, hell it's a far-cry from a Radiohead record as well, but it is an exquisitely weird and beautiful album nonetheless and stands as the most influential and important recording of the 21st century so far.… Expand
  11. AdamK483
    Feb 22, 2013
    10
    Radiohead's magnum opus and their most ambitious, risky record yet. It came at a time when the pressure to follow-up a monumental album was monstrous, and the result was this drastic change in aesthetic and attitude that marks the band's celebrated ideal of reinventing themselves on every new record they release. a masterpiece from start to finish.
  12. Porcupine765
    Jul 30, 2012
    10
    This is one of those albums that grow on you. When I first heard this, I hated it... I strongly recommend this now. This is actually a quite diverse album, songs range from slow, percussion-less, moody songs like "Treefingers" through more standard songs like "Optimistic" to dance-able songs like "Idioteque".
  13. katabatic
    Aug 24, 2012
    10
    No other album translates the social-personal issues of the human condition in the 21st century into music as does Kid A. It takes ideas such as global warming, capitalism, cloning, hysteria, depression, and nostalgia and uses wide-spanning genres such as kraut-rock, free-form jazz, minimal electronic, ambient, and post-rock to express them. The most fascinating aspect of the album is howNo other album translates the social-personal issues of the human condition in the 21st century into music as does Kid A. It takes ideas such as global warming, capitalism, cloning, hysteria, depression, and nostalgia and uses wide-spanning genres such as kraut-rock, free-form jazz, minimal electronic, ambient, and post-rock to express them. The most fascinating aspect of the album is how liquid it feels: songs warp and splash into each other and, despite the disparate genre ensemble, the songs feel inseparable. To those of you who have trouble "getting into" Kid A, try harder. It's not pretentious in any sense. It takes some time to adjust to Kid A, largely due to its unconventional structure and minimalism. Just let it invade you because once your ears adjust to the frequencies, Kid A is endlessly rewarding and absorbing. Whenever I have the time, I pop my vinyl copy of Kid A onto my record player and just sit back and listen to it all, starting with the quirky keys and swirling vocals on Everything In its Right Place and ending with the analog splash that concludes Motion Picture Soundtrack. It's an experience worth the effort.… Expand
  14. michael_b
    Oct 9, 2012
    10
    without a doubt one of the greatest albums i've ever listened to. the entire thing has such a great electronic flow and blends together so nicely. great to listen to on a rainy day.
  15. mrjohno
    Jun 3, 2013
    10
    It amazes me how low the scores are fort radiohead albums. Radiohead have some of the most amazing, mind opening music in the world, just listen to the song Kid A and try and imagine stuff. its insanely good.

    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.
  16. 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.
  17. MauroPTriano
    Jan 4, 2014
    10
    Underrated at its time, this is by far the best and most innovative album of the decade 2000's (2000-2009). This is a reborn Radiohead and a band at its best.
  18. Geologist
    Apr 29, 2013
    10
    For some odd reason, "Kid A" was the first Radiohead album I ever listened to. For not starting with albums like "The Bends", or "OK Computer", the average music lover would think that my reaction to Kid A would be mixed, or negative. Now, it's one of my all time favorites. In 2000, I heard of the monumental critical success of the record, and decided to give it a listen. Kid A is anFor some odd reason, "Kid A" was the first Radiohead album I ever listened to. For not starting with albums like "The Bends", or "OK Computer", the average music lover would think that my reaction to Kid A would be mixed, or negative. Now, it's one of my all time favorites. In 2000, I heard of the monumental critical success of the record, and decided to give it a listen. Kid A is an artful album in many ways, blending alternative rock, jazz fusion, IDM, ambient and electronica all into one record. It seems like a hard thing to do, but somehow, Radiohead managed to pull it off, and create a near perfect record. Kid A is an album that represents a generation, the 60's had Sgt. pepper, the 70's had Dark Side Of The Moon, the 80's had London Calling, the 90's had Nevermind, and the 2000's? We have Kid A.… Expand
  19. Xagent86X
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    Oh, you all liked the musical style on OK Computer? Oh, you name it as one of the best albums of all time? We're as good as the Beatles? Here try this. A complete curveball, nay, the pitcher turned around and threw the ball to the center fielder. The crowd went wild, and rightfully so.
  20. RockCritic
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    Not a masterpiece on the first listen, but if you are a true Radiohead fan, this album will grow on you and most people realize that this album is a rock masterpiece, and probably one of the best electronic albums ever.
  21. edvard
    Feb 23, 2014
    10
    If there is one album I would dexcribe as magic, it is Radioheads masterpiece "Kid A".
    I remember being sick and I listened to this album, the music on Kid A cured me! I wasnt sick anymore!
    **** Incredible! 10/10
  22. Andremax
    Dec 7, 2013
    10
    the weirdness and fusion of classical music-electronics-comtemporary modern era, was a way to escape the routine of alternative rock, Pablo Honey, The Bends and OK Computer (in which he was predicting what was to come, with a mark more or less electronics.
    unlike the that bands do to hang on trial, made ​​a masterpiece with everything we were entitled.
    something that makes you travel,    the weirdness and fusion of classical music-electronics-comtemporary modern era, was a way to escape the routine of alternative rock, Pablo Honey, The Bends and OK Computer (in which he was predicting what was to come, with a mark more or less electronics.
    unlike the that bands do to hang on trial, made ​​a masterpiece with everything we were entitled.
    something that makes you travel, may seem boring, just not the contrary, relaxing, exctasiant and melancholy, as works of art (painting, poetry and even music). Sometimes sounds like one song, however, shows that out of the routine is good to differentiate and try new things.
    Have a good trip, after a weary day, relax listening (and experiencing) Kid A, the ears may be confused, but what matters is what naa enter your mind and you will be reborn.    … Expand
  23. MitchellKiss
    Oct 6, 2013
    10
    It's one of the bravest releases for a band in decades and it had one of the smartest marketing campaigns. It was quite polarising upon release but KID A has earned such a level of acclaim over the 13 year period since it's release, that many consider it to be superior to it's predecessor, OK Computer, one of the greatest albums ever released.

    KID A is dear to myself and Radiohead fans    It's one of the bravest releases for a band in decades and it had one of the smartest marketing campaigns. It was quite polarising upon release but KID A has earned such a level of acclaim over the 13 year period since it's release, that many consider it to be superior to it's predecessor, OK Computer, one of the greatest albums ever released.

    KID A is dear to myself and Radiohead fans hearts. It has left a large mark on the music industry and will continue to influence many music lovers in the future. In my opinion, it's the greatest release of the noughties and the best Sci-Fi album ever made.

    10/10    … Expand
  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. heisenbergsfan
    Aug 24, 2016
    10
    There's not much more to say about this album anymore. As we entered the 21st century, Kid A immediately blew down the doors and presented us with a cold and dystopian future dominated by technology. OK Computer may have been better on a song to song level, but Kid A is all about the soundscapes and the dense instrumentation. It creates a vivid and unforgettable atmosphere. The album hasThere's not much more to say about this album anymore. As we entered the 21st century, Kid A immediately blew down the doors and presented us with a cold and dystopian future dominated by technology. OK Computer may have been better on a song to song level, but Kid A is all about the soundscapes and the dense instrumentation. It creates a vivid and unforgettable atmosphere. The album has already become a classic.… Expand
  27. havingfun89
    Mar 30, 2018
    10
    While I do give this album a 10, that doesn't mean it's perfect, it's very close though. The experimental sounds definitely hits 95% of the time then and now, and I will always listen to this carefully crafted album and let Radiohead express whatever music they want to create, they deserve it at this point.
  28. 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
  29. pertbanking
    May 6, 2015
    10
    This is by far the darkest album I have ever listened to. And it is spectacular. I don't care what others say--this album shouldn't be considered "hipster"; it should just be listened to by anyone who takes the time to find really good music.
  30. BetterOffDead_
    Aug 23, 2014
    10
    With there second studio album (the bends) Radiohead had become respected and well know, and not just a one hit wonder, with there single (Creep). so they decided to start fresh and with a different approach to music and it payed off. with my first listen to Kid A i didn't really know what to think, so listened to the album from start to finish and Wow, i had heard nothing like Kid A.WithWith there second studio album (the bends) Radiohead had become respected and well know, and not just a one hit wonder, with there single (Creep). so they decided to start fresh and with a different approach to music and it payed off. with my first listen to Kid A i didn't really know what to think, so listened to the album from start to finish and Wow, i had heard nothing like Kid A.With Radioheads originality and with them willing to take a big chance with something completely different and it payed off. beautiful album from start to finish, from the feeling you get when listening to this album, with all the unique effects and theme thats puts you in a place of your own. but this album isn't for everyone still being quite controversial, but most radiohead fans love it.… Expand
  31. ughnicewatch
    Mar 13, 2015
    10
    It's rather a credit to an artist when their greatest competition for album of the decade... is another of their albums. Kid A is sonically and lyrically flawless.
  32. GHarrison
    Dec 24, 2017
    10
    It's 1998, you've just finished your world tour on the back of the release of one of, if not the best album of the 1990's. A decent band may look to replicate it. A good band may look to emulate it. But a great band improves on it.
  33. EmmeKira
    May 16, 2015
    10
    The greatest release of Thom Yorke and the others. An album in which they brought a new level of experimentation on the table. Some tracks are so weird, strange and dreamy that it's even hard to classify hem as actual music, but they still manage to get stuck in your head. An album that de-contructs the concept of rock music itself and a stylistic change that will be emulated by many otherThe greatest release of Thom Yorke and the others. An album in which they brought a new level of experimentation on the table. Some tracks are so weird, strange and dreamy that it's even hard to classify hem as actual music, but they still manage to get stuck in your head. An album that de-contructs the concept of rock music itself and a stylistic change that will be emulated by many other bands in the future, but never with the same success and charisma as Radiohead.… Expand
  34. MisterLim
    Aug 20, 2017
    10
    Kid A marks one of the most experimental moments of Radiohead's music, the album evokes an atmosphere of widespread chaos, paranoia and depression. Synthesizers and orchestrated moments give an such immersive result that the feel is that the album is being played inside your head.
    The minimalism of the lyrics and their variety between extremely personal tracks and those of political    Kid A marks one of the most experimental moments of Radiohead's music, the album evokes an atmosphere of widespread chaos, paranoia and depression. Synthesizers and orchestrated moments give an such immersive result that the feel is that the album is being played inside your head.
    The minimalism of the lyrics and their variety between extremely personal tracks and those of political reference show similarity to the work of David Bowie and Brian Eno on the album Low (1977), reinforcing the quality of the work (just as they make it difficult to interpret in general). The soft transitions of the album are beautiful and the harmony between vocals and riffs is so precise and genius that you wonder how many clones was needed to compose "Idioteque".    … Expand
  35. julius741
    May 26, 2016
    10
    Just a beautiful sounding album. It flows so well like a calm river. Every song feel like one in a good way. It's just one of the best albums in a past 30 years or so.
  36. SBells27Reviews
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    Unlike anything Ive heard before from another band. It's a magical musical ride driven by atmosphere, feels and fantasy. A classic.
  37. khashayarghkh
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Jonny Greenwood / You can actually encounter this virtual reality in your head with the way this guy plays these beautiful patterns of notes with his guitar ,the whole album is a masterpiece, but this song takes me to a different scale of time,space and Dimensions, i think even the artwork is explaining it all. (Optimistic)
    Quoting from someone "Radiohead makes you sick" nah i completely    Jonny Greenwood / You can actually encounter this virtual reality in your head with the way this guy plays these beautiful patterns of notes with his guitar ,the whole album is a masterpiece, but this song takes me to a different scale of time,space and Dimensions, i think even the artwork is explaining it all. (Optimistic)
    Quoting from someone "Radiohead makes you sick" nah i completely disagree, Radiohead makes you open that little door of possibilities , and most of us are just scared to do that.    … Expand
  38. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    An album so breathtaking in its beauty. It's one of those albums that sounds exactly like its accompanying artwork, in that I feel like I'm flying through the mountains when listening to it. The album also perhaps defines the human experience better than any other album.
  39. knowlesy56
    Jun 22, 2016
    10
    For those who say they hate kid a, they should give it a listen the whole way through every few months. This is a masterpiece. Every track is brilliantly layered and beautiful, but together kid a is a work of art. You begin with those four iconic synth notes in everything in its right place, and you're immediately transported somewhere else. The opening four tracks are the mostFor those who say they hate kid a, they should give it a listen the whole way through every few months. This is a masterpiece. Every track is brilliantly layered and beautiful, but together kid a is a work of art. You begin with those four iconic synth notes in everything in its right place, and you're immediately transported somewhere else. The opening four tracks are the most beautiful imo, everything in its right place and Kid a filled with tiny details you notice more with each listen. The National Anthem then leaves you grounded by the bassline but somehow floating up somewhere else at the same time, before you crash into the beautiful melancholy of how to Disappear Completely. This is the point where this is no longer an electronic album. No longer bound by genres, Radiohead take you to somewhere else that can't be described in words, until you're left with the promise of "I will see you in the next life" and you're covered by a warm blanket of sound. Seriously, listening to kid a is a different experience to any other album… Expand
  40. Justinolsen77
    Aug 17, 2016
    10
    this is a living masterpiece greatest album of all time. Rafiohead is the best band of the last 20 years. Kid A and OKC are legendary. 2018 next album?
  41. PunkNu-Wave
    Sep 4, 2016
    10
    Kid A is such a spooky album it gave me a nightmare of Thom Yorke shoving pineapples down my throat while screaming 'This is really happening!' When I woke up I was at my desk with this playing on Spotify. Also I was covered in pineapple juice, which still haunts me to this day. At least I hope it was pineapple juice. 10/10
  42. samwich21
    Jun 8, 2017
    10
    How this album lost album of the year to "Two Against Nature" I'll never understand. But what I do know -- I get chills whenever I listen to this album. When I first gave "Kid A" a listen, I thought "is this really Radiohead?" It took a couple of listens, but this album is now a personal favorite of mine among Radiohead's catalog. The tracks appear to be endless and about nothing, but thatHow this album lost album of the year to "Two Against Nature" I'll never understand. But what I do know -- I get chills whenever I listen to this album. When I first gave "Kid A" a listen, I thought "is this really Radiohead?" It took a couple of listens, but this album is now a personal favorite of mine among Radiohead's catalog. The tracks appear to be endless and about nothing, but that is what makes the album so spectacular. There's no point. It's just good electronic-rock music.… Expand
  43. 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
  44. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    The style of this album grew on me after several listens and became the style of Radiohead I enjoy most and looked forward to hearing in their future albums.
  45. PretentiousGeek
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    I always considered Radiohead an alt-rock band, and a miserable one at that, and as such I never really listened to them until the last year or so. I'm a f****** fool. This is truly a landmark album which opens up through it's icy production as you listen. It's truly artistic and I don't think there'll be another album like it for many years, nor does there need to be.

    I love all the    I always considered Radiohead an alt-rock band, and a miserable one at that, and as such I never really listened to them until the last year or so. I'm a f****** fool. This is truly a landmark album which opens up through it's icy production as you listen. It's truly artistic and I don't think there'll be another album like it for many years, nor does there need to be.

    I love all the tracks, no favourites for you.    … Expand
  46. MacsMusic
    Mar 25, 2018
    7
    This album is certainly distinctive; the music and lyrics are original and fairly memorable. Besides being distinctive, Kid A, in my opinion, isn't much else. It's loud and dark-sounding, but it doesn't sound very cool, or fun, and it isn't very enjoyable for the most part. Some songs fail to pack a punch, and are really just forgettable. "Treefingers", "Bell", and "Motion Picture" don'tThis album is certainly distinctive; the music and lyrics are original and fairly memorable. Besides being distinctive, Kid A, in my opinion, isn't much else. It's loud and dark-sounding, but it doesn't sound very cool, or fun, and it isn't very enjoyable for the most part. Some songs fail to pack a punch, and are really just forgettable. "Treefingers", "Bell", and "Motion Picture" don't stand out in my memory, and are not great or even very good as a result. Even if the lyrics on Kid A are really good, I hardly notice them due to the overwhelming music and edited, often-impassionate vocals. The music alone doesn't make Kid A an enjoyable or masterful album, and I just can't pay attention to the lyrics. I really don't care much for the vocal delivery on this album either.

    Now, I do think "Idioteque" is a strong song, and it's wholly entertaining and even captivating. The first song is equally unforgettable and musically effective.

    I really don't love Kid A: the music and vocals just don't amaze me like they do other people. Still, Kid A is an interesting, original album.    … Expand
  47. 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
  48. 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.
  49. rextree
    Feb 19, 2019
    10
    This is Radiohead's "White Album". Very experimental but better than the rest.
  50. bmcdonald1413
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    This album is a 10.0. I’d say it occupies 25% of my music listening. The other 75% by Anima, In Rainbows, and Doolittle lol.
  51. PrinceParanoid
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    There's something simply ethereal about hearing the synths come together at the start of this record. Although I can't put many of my feelings to words, that may just be precisely the point of this album. Music is, and has always been, subjective - but there are certain descriptors you can apply to music to assess its quality. Kid A, when most of these descriptors are applied, is aThere's something simply ethereal about hearing the synths come together at the start of this record. Although I can't put many of my feelings to words, that may just be precisely the point of this album. Music is, and has always been, subjective - but there are certain descriptors you can apply to music to assess its quality. Kid A, when most of these descriptors are applied, is a terrible album - it seems sprawling and disorganised, with writing equivalent to that of a high schooler. And yet, I don't believe I've ever heard a smarter album. Truly bizzare, and a must listen.… Expand
  52. Codeling
    Aug 7, 2021
    10
    What a masterpiece. This album is just perfect.
    Best songs: Motion Picture Soundtrack, How to Disappear Completely, Everything in Its Right Place, Idioteque
    Worst songs: -
  53. UggyCaesar
    May 23, 2020
    10
    To put it simply this is the greatest album ever created (thus far). I think back in 2000 no one was ready for this behemoth. We were all expecting the next Ok Computer but Radiohead did us one better. The cohesiveness of this album is astonishing. The transitions from Everywhere to Treefingers is haunting. And then Optimistic just transcends the album to another level and then you areTo put it simply this is the greatest album ever created (thus far). I think back in 2000 no one was ready for this behemoth. We were all expecting the next Ok Computer but Radiohead did us one better. The cohesiveness of this album is astonishing. The transitions from Everywhere to Treefingers is haunting. And then Optimistic just transcends the album to another level and then you are left In Limbo. By the time you get to the 8th track your mind is spent trying to absorb and understand what just happened, and then you are revived into a wonderful state of confusion as Idioteque forces it’s beat through your body. Morning Bell does not allow you to catch your breath just yet, not until the band finally provides us listeners with Motion Picture Soundtrack, the perfect track for recovery... of meditation and contemplation from the journey of the masterpiece we just went through. I listen to a lot of music, from all genres, from all time periods and I have never been more certain that this is the greatest album of all time.… Expand
  54. 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
  55. Dalmx
    Mar 23, 2021
    7
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  56. SpaceKing7
    Nov 2, 2021
    0
    Shockingly pretentious and self-indulgent. That’s all this album has been, all it is, and all it ever will be, just like all of Radiohead’s other albums.
  57. AdrianOst077
    Feb 1, 2023
    9
    Normally when artists go away from their usual sound and try to go in a completely wrong direction, the outcome is either the old fans don't like it and it receives a lower reception than the previous album, the old fans stick to the older stuff whilst gaining a new fanbase that likes the new sound that the band has adopted, and then there is Radiohead even when they try to get away fromNormally when artists go away from their usual sound and try to go in a completely wrong direction, the outcome is either the old fans don't like it and it receives a lower reception than the previous album, the old fans stick to the older stuff whilst gaining a new fanbase that likes the new sound that the band has adopted, and then there is Radiohead even when they try to get away from the sounds of OK Computer and The Bends, they still manage to win over Radiohead fans and music fans alike. Ask any Radiohead fan, and you will find Kid A in the top 3 of their favourite albums by them, maybe along with In Rainbows or OK Computer which I find to be the holy trinity of the band as being their most successful and widely acclaimed albums produced by Radiohead. The whole point of Kid A was to get away from the sounds of OK Computer and The Bends and doing something different to get away from the fame the past 2 albums brought them, away from the pressure to top that album. Even when they try to do that, not matter as hard as they can, the fans love it, as seen with the user score. Critics maybe not so much as they were used to Radiohead being an alternative rock band and the last thing they thought the band was going to release is an electronic and experimental rock album.
    Some of the songs stay true to the traditional instrumental sound of Radiohead as seen with How To Disappear Completely, Optimistic and maybe even Motion Picture Soundtrack. The album is emotional, dealing with the immense pressures of fame and success and falling into a limbo of being at the top of the world but at the same time, at the bottom of a pit full of depression, anger and confusion with no idea of how to get out than hoping and wishing as much as you can and that this is a dream that you will wake up from and everything around you is not real. From the first moments of listening to Everything in its Right Place, you get put into this atmosphere of being in this futuristic dystopian setting which OK Computer captured, carrying on with the themes of the government being the puppeteers of the common people, pushing and pumping consumerism onto people and how our greedy ways and destructive ways of life and politics will be the end of us with songs like Idioteque touching upon those themes.

    Is it a must hear album? Yes, I've had this opinion for a while believing that Radiohead are possibly the most talented group of musicians out there with the skill they have when it comes to instruments and keep innovating techniques no one would of ever thought to do, and Kid A is just one part of capturing just what 5 musically masterminded talents from Abingdon can do.    … Expand
  58. vancemay77
    Apr 25, 2022
    9
    Definitely my favorite Radiohead album. This album marks a huge turning point for the band as they shifted from a more standard rock band into something entirely different, using electronic elements with mind-blowing intensity. I will say, it is hard to get through the entire album in one sitting, but if you can, it proves to be incredibly rewarding. 'Idioteque' and 'Everything in itsDefinitely my favorite Radiohead album. This album marks a huge turning point for the band as they shifted from a more standard rock band into something entirely different, using electronic elements with mind-blowing intensity. I will say, it is hard to get through the entire album in one sitting, but if you can, it proves to be incredibly rewarding. 'Idioteque' and 'Everything in its Right Place' are masterpieces that represent Radiohead at peak fascinating.… Expand
  59. johndoemuxicwee
    May 13, 2022
    10
    when this album got reviewed again it got better numbers and i think that will keep being the trend for such a good album
  60. Cyzzyx
    May 18, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kid A, Radiohead's 21st century debut, is as dystopian as it gets. Possibly one of the coldest albums of all time, Thom expresses an empty emotion that is very difficult to capture in good music. Through the framing of an experimental electronic/rock album, the band demonstrates a confident ability to guide the listener through the tracks as if you are floating across the experience. The songwriting is excellent for the most part, although some songs like The National Anthem had a bit too much ambiguity in the lyricism. Other than that, most of tracks had a poetic-like nature to them, demonstrating an ability to fit into the dystopian vibe that they are trying to convey. This album has the most heart wrenching songs in Radiohead's discography, and what an appropriate album to house them.

    Favorite Tracks: Everything In Its Right Place, The National Anthem, How To Disappear Completely, Optimistic, Idioteque, Morning Bell, Motion Picture Soundtrack

    Least Favorite Tracks: Treefingers, In Limbo    … Expand
  61. siggi104
    Jul 8, 2022
    10
    When everything works out perfectly and the stars align, an album like this comes to be.
  62. 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!
  63. AverageMusic
    Aug 26, 2022
    8
    I wasn't so sure about this album after the first two songs. But as the album progressed I came to like it a more. It's incredibly artistic and it sounds amazing.I do kind of wish that there was a more vocal performance from Tom Yorke on this album. But from what was provided, it was very delightful.
  64. 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
  65. frightopia
    Feb 25, 2023
    9
    My favorite Radiohead album so far. It just itched my brain in the right way.
  66. 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
  67. 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.
  68. Poophead528
    Aug 6, 2023
    3
    Haha, kid a is a good album you guys are hilarious, wait, you're serious? This album is an electronic mess, and this is coming from someone with a radiohead cd 15 years after cds were relevant. One part of Motion Picture Soundtrack sounds like a bunch of clips of squidward playing clarinet. Ok, ok, Idioteqe is good and I really like How to Dissapear completely. But I do not like this albumHaha, kid a is a good album you guys are hilarious, wait, you're serious? This album is an electronic mess, and this is coming from someone with a radiohead cd 15 years after cds were relevant. One part of Motion Picture Soundtrack sounds like a bunch of clips of squidward playing clarinet. Ok, ok, Idioteqe is good and I really like How to Dissapear completely. But I do not like this album overall.… 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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