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
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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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