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. 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
  2. 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.
  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. frightopia
    Feb 25, 2023
    9
    My favorite Radiohead album so far. It just itched my brain in the right way.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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!
  8. 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.
  9. siggi104
    Jul 8, 2022
    10
    When everything works out perfectly and the stars align, an album like this comes to be.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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: -
  15. 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.
  16. Dalmx
    Mar 23, 2021
    7
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  17. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    THIS ALBUM CHANGED MUSIC. Bold claim,yes? Even so it's indisputable. The acclaimed radiohead still recovering from the suffocating success and acclaim of 'ok computer' went into isolation and emerged at the beginning of a millennium with the end of radiohead as we knew them. Thom had recovered enough from the pressure a follow up presented. The experimentation demonstrated on this wasn'tTHIS ALBUM CHANGED MUSIC. Bold claim,yes? Even so it's indisputable. The acclaimed radiohead still recovering from the suffocating success and acclaim of 'ok computer' went into isolation and emerged at the beginning of a millennium with the end of radiohead as we knew them. Thom had recovered enough from the pressure a follow up presented. The experimentation demonstrated on this wasn't without precision. Everything fits together so well the album feels preordained and inevitable. In my mind it tells a story of a cold future where the beginning, period and end of an apocalypse happen in the 49+min. From the electronic sinister opener or the peace of 'how to dissapear completely ' and the panic of 'idioetique' we are exposed to the genius of Thom and the talent of his band. Not a single moment is wasted in this iconic record that is infamously snubbed at the 2000 grammy's AOTY . When this album was conceived Thom aimed to dismantle the preconceptions attached to the group and by doing so created something so divisive and unanimous the applause and boo's are equal in their praise settimg a standard for artists deciding to take a new route. Favourites:idioetique, kid a,how to dissapear completely, motion picture soundtrack, optimistic… Expand
  18. thedeparted06
    Jan 27, 2021
    10
    Masterpiece, its weird to see pepole from 2002 who couldn´t adapt and see the future, literally one of the most influential albums of all time
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. rextree
    Feb 19, 2019
    10
    This is Radiohead's "White Album". Very experimental but better than the rest.
  27. 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
  28. PauliAlexander
    Sep 23, 2018
    10
    Almost two decades later, this LP truly foreshadowed the upcoming struggles of the 21st century, along with its predecessor OK Computer. Although of course, Kid A is more electronic whilst OK Computer is more rock. But they are masterpieces, nonetheless. Don't want to get wordy here, so go listen for yourself.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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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