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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. StJimofSuburbia
    Feb 22, 2011
    10
    Upon first listen I can see why old school Radiohead fans won't like this album, I didn't either. After a few listens though the album grew on me. Radiohead took a leap of faith here by making an album totally opposite of their past masterpieces (The Bends & OK Computer). This transition kind of reminds me of Dylan going acoustic. His loyal folk fan base was horrified and didn't wantUpon first listen I can see why old school Radiohead fans won't like this album, I didn't either. After a few listens though the album grew on me. Radiohead took a leap of faith here by making an album totally opposite of their past masterpieces (The Bends & OK Computer). This transition kind of reminds me of Dylan going acoustic. His loyal folk fan base was horrified and didn't want anything to do with him after that. Thankfully artists make music for themselves and what that is and what the fans want may be two different things. If artists just stuck to their roots we they would never be able to grow intellectually and musically. Kid A is a fantastic album and is well worthy of all the praise it has and continues to receive and "Everything In It's Right Place" is one of the best songs of all time.… Expand
  2. StaticBunny
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    When I first listened to this album, I thought it was entirely a pile of garbage. How could the greatest rock band in the world make such a horrendous processed electronic earwreck? A month later, I gave it another chance. Then I thought, "huh, this is alright. Wonder why I thought it was so bad." Then I listened to it for a third time. That's when my mind was blown. Radiohead had struckWhen I first listened to this album, I thought it was entirely a pile of garbage. How could the greatest rock band in the world make such a horrendous processed electronic earwreck? A month later, I gave it another chance. Then I thought, "huh, this is alright. Wonder why I thought it was so bad." Then I listened to it for a third time. That's when my mind was blown. Radiohead had struck gold again. Only this time, they found diamond. This album is absolutely flawless, even if at first glance it's completely flawed. Just keep polishing the diamond, and only then will it sparkle.… Expand
  3. Kideoteque
    Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Everything truly is in its right place.
  4. 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
  5. shakersonic
    Sep 28, 2012
    10
    Rather than silly club synths, their use of electronica is proper. It feels artistic and sophisticated. It's an intelligent record. It's a masterpiece. Perhaps this is the best album of the last decade.
  6. gaussy
    Mar 2, 2012
    10
    When you ask people about the best 90's album, the most common answer is: "OK Computer". And they go beyond in asserting that also is the best Radiohead album. I'm not in agreement with the last affirmation. "Kid A" is a huge album that overcomes their previous recording. Since I first heard it, 6 years ago, I was impressed by it's peculiar sound, the experimentation, the quality, theWhen you ask people about the best 90's album, the most common answer is: "OK Computer". And they go beyond in asserting that also is the best Radiohead album. I'm not in agreement with the last affirmation. "Kid A" is a huge album that overcomes their previous recording. Since I first heard it, 6 years ago, I was impressed by it's peculiar sound, the experimentation, the quality, the elegance. It's a masterpiece! (for me, of course). Since these High School days it has becomes one of my favorites recordings of ever!!… Expand
  7. federicobenny
    Sep 20, 2012
    10
    The best Radiohead's album of the last twelve years. Nothing more, nothing less. It's absolutely worth listening to it, but if you never liked them this album is not gonna make you change your mind. Haters are warned!
  8. BartholomewCubs
    Oct 21, 2014
    10
    Kid A is indubitably one of the best albums of the past decade, and Radiohead's crowning achievement. Rarely have I listened to an album so cohesive and unified. Every song paints a beautiful picture and the songs flow from one to each other so naturally. Listening to this album, I experienced the sensation one has while watching a good plot twist in a movie. I felt my previous notions ofKid A is indubitably one of the best albums of the past decade, and Radiohead's crowning achievement. Rarely have I listened to an album so cohesive and unified. Every song paints a beautiful picture and the songs flow from one to each other so naturally. Listening to this album, I experienced the sensation one has while watching a good plot twist in a movie. I felt my previous notions of the world disassembled. It was an ethereal but otherworldly experience. It's like if "Everything in its Right Place" sets the stage for the events of the album, "Kid A" shows the unbridled innocence of the world we see, and then something really, really bad happens on "The National Anthem". The rest is survival. The lyrics, bizarre and arbitrary as they might seem on first glance, really have a distinct purpose serving the atmosphere of the song. Could you imagine "Everything in its Right Place" without the now iconic "I woke up sucking on lemon" line?

    The musicianship here is impeccable. "Everything in its Right Place" is an almost hypnotic trance in 10/4 time that leaves you simultaneously disturbed and intrigued. "The National Anthem" features blistering horns and brass that slowly metamorphoses into hectic hysteria, which the bass line still serving as an undercurrent of survival and hustle and bustle beneath. Brilliant. "How to Disappear Completely" is an acoustic ballad, but not in the traditional sense, and feature's Greenwood's Penderecki-esque string arrangements. "Idioteque" sees the band exploring some bleak territory in its lyrics hidden beneath the veneer of a dance song, while songs like "Optimistic" and "In Limbo" defy genre classification.

    This is a really magnificent piece of work. The only drawback is that it's not very accessible for a casual listener. But for those willing to take on this accomplishment, you will be heavily rewarded. It's a fantastic album and work of art and I highly recommend you listen to it altogether.

    Must tracks – All of them. But since I restrict myself to three I'll say Idioteque, Everything in its Right Place, and How to Disappear Completely.    … Expand
  9. greekmatthew
    Apr 12, 2017
    10
    Arguably one of the best albums of the 21st century so far. Radiohead demonstrates their ability to blend electronic sounds with a deliverance of words that are heavy and moving beyond comprehension.
  10. Anarch
    Sep 19, 2017
    10
    Simply one of the greatest albums ever, there is nothing wrong with this album, and it feels amazing to listen of as a whole for a very emotional experience. It reminds of of The Dark Side of the Moon but with a more heavier, technical sound.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. Uhhuhhim
    May 30, 2005
    10
    Resonance - A magazine that might've been amazing if the writers had only bothered to write some actual reviews.
  15. JordanS
    Jun 29, 2009
    10
    Words fail me. A pioneering, post-genre masterpiece. Easily the best album of the 21st century. Period.
  16. ChrisH
    Jul 6, 2003
    10
    undeniably beautiful, and after 50 listens, it seems even better
  17. MHarris
    Oct 16, 2005
    10
    This album is more than just music. It is a visceral experience.
  18. LilianP
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    you'd have to like free jazz and modern classical music to like what radiohead did with rock music. it's music not for a commercial audience, but for real lovers of music.
  19. EkC
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    Everything radiohead does is unbelievable (besides pablo honey)... i think the band peaked at ok computer, but this album is still unbelievable.
  20. SteveO
    Aug 26, 2009
    10
    Quite simply one of the greatest albums ever recorded. Not to everyone's tastes, but certainly to mine.
  21. chris
    Jul 25, 2003
    10
    I would give this album an 11 if i could. If you do not understand kid A you might as well stop listening to music altogether. you lameoids who gave this album a bad rating sholuld perish in one of Dante's concentric circles of hell that Thome Yorke so emotionally transends to us in his flawless and dominating voice. Why don't you invalids go off on an island somewhere with your I would give this album an 11 if i could. If you do not understand kid A you might as well stop listening to music altogether. you lameoids who gave this album a bad rating sholuld perish in one of Dante's concentric circles of hell that Thome Yorke so emotionally transends to us in his flawless and dominating voice. Why don't you invalids go off on an island somewhere with your Ben Kweller and O.A.R. cd's and leave the rest of us alone. Be sure to bring a t.v. because i know you can't miss American Idol.… Expand
  22. Aaron
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    it's my favorite album ever
  23. DaveG
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    I hated this record when I first heard it. However, I now consider it to be the greatest record that I've ever heard.
  24. 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.
  25. GauravG
    Dec 24, 2002
    10
    A masterpiece. The only album I still listen to constantly 2 years later in 2002. Radiohead has taken the otherworldly sounds of Aphex Twin & Autechre and made it slightly more accessible. And what other major band has taken a risk like this? U2? The Beatles? That's good company if you ask me.
  26. RG
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    tired of everyone saying you have to listen to it more than once to get it. The first feeling that you get after the first listen ... cannot put my words together. every listen something new rises up. every listen some part of your brain or heart gives out. i will stop now, but it is one of the best records ever made, still dont know how it reached #1 when it came out, myabe because of ok tired of everyone saying you have to listen to it more than once to get it. The first feeling that you get after the first listen ... cannot put my words together. every listen something new rises up. every listen some part of your brain or heart gives out. i will stop now, but it is one of the best records ever made, still dont know how it reached #1 when it came out, myabe because of ok computer buzz.… Expand
  27. j30
    Feb 1, 2012
    10
    Radiohead's Kid A sucker punches you with it's marvelous production, intense lyrics, sweeping (even distorted) melodies, and beautiful artwork. Three years after the great OK Computer I don't think anyone could have seen this coming. For better or worse this album changed the way people look at alternative music.
  28. kiddroy
    Feb 20, 2014
    10
    An album that both alienates listeners yet draws them back in for more. Kid A is quite possibly the most unique sounding albums and constructed ideas of the last several decades. The stripped down sound of the "new era" Radiohead of the 21st century does more than cement their place as one of the most influential bands of all time and without question, one the best bands of all time.
  29. yoshimon3
    Dec 6, 2015
    10
    Bloody Perfect. Everything in its right place is the song. I can't think of any album that comes close to this. The 80 on metacritic proves how stupid some people are when it comes to art.
  30. sratomasfer
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Albums like these that push musical boundaries so far that you can't even see where it started are hard to come by that do it so beautifully and precisely. This is a record that is a MUST LISTEN to anyone. EXPERIENCE THIS MASTERPIECE.
  31. 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.
  32. nicrax96
    Jul 15, 2012
    10
    it's like a punch to the face of rock at the time and it experiments with the best of the band techniques. from electronic to jazz sounds is one of the most strong albums of the decade
  33. WXYZ
    Oct 24, 2015
    10
    How did this album not get an 81? Who the hell are Resonance why did they give it only a 30? Wait a minute, I know. It's a review that might've been amazing if only the critic bothered to write it.
  34. ChrisR.
    Oct 6, 2007
    0
    Ha ha! Just kidding! 10/10 If you don't get Radiohead you don't get music.
  35. Scraper
    Apr 5, 2011
    5
    I don't doubt the time and effort put into this album, wonderful technique, and ability. From an objective stand point though, if you're not shuffling through the gray streets of london, you need to put on something else. This album is to Radiohead as Something in the Way was to Nirvana. Not terrible, but I'd rather hear Dive. Get me?
  36. SmithV
    Apr 27, 2006
    4
    Experimental? Not really... The breakthrough sound that many publications have communicated to the public is hardly breakthrough at all. What we have is a recording joke....seriously! Radiohead has pulled the hoodwink of the 21st. century. They have put almost no thought into writing the music, they have written lyrics comparable to a seventh grader's english, and, they have somehow Experimental? Not really... The breakthrough sound that many publications have communicated to the public is hardly breakthrough at all. What we have is a recording joke....seriously! Radiohead has pulled the hoodwink of the 21st. century. They have put almost no thought into writing the music, they have written lyrics comparable to a seventh grader's english, and, they have somehow convinced the so-called experts that this is a masterful accomplishment! It is more of reflection on those emotionally disturbed listener individuals that are drawn 'in' to this music than it is on any musical accomplishment. "OK Computer" was magnificent, a work of art, full of melody, capable of taking the listener to places rarely reached previously - this, however, is the 'sting' of the century.… Expand
  37. J.Shak
    Jul 28, 2006
    0
    This is the worst album I've ever heard. Saying that it was play school music would be an insult to play school.
  38. Melíza
    May 3, 2003
    6
    I feel guilty about giving this album the score that I did, but I think a 6 seems fair. I will continue to maintain the opinion that Thom Yorke has one of the worst voices in popular music today, and in addition I sometimes feel as though the ambient lyrics reflect an equally ambient style. I can see how some listeners got the impression that in an attempt to sound original, Radiohead I feel guilty about giving this album the score that I did, but I think a 6 seems fair. I will continue to maintain the opinion that Thom Yorke has one of the worst voices in popular music today, and in addition I sometimes feel as though the ambient lyrics reflect an equally ambient style. I can see how some listeners got the impression that in an attempt to sound original, Radiohead went off the deep end and into the "weird" catagory. With that said and out of the way, I love most of the tracks on this cd; each song gives off a distinct feel which I think is much more defined by the song-writing than by the somewhat etherreal sound of keyboards, drum kits, effects, and other electronic equipment. I said "guilty" in the first line of this review because to this day, Idioteque is still my favorite song of all time. The song-writing has always been there. I think once they settle on a style that suits them, Radiohead will truly shine.… Expand
  39. adols
    Feb 5, 2006
    2
    horrible shit
  40. lewist
    May 12, 2006
    0
    this album is fucking awful.
  41. AdamVV
    Jul 11, 2001
    4
    I think this album would have been amazing if the band had spent 2 seconds writing meaningful lyrics.
  42. Dan
    Aug 31, 2002
    3
    among the most overrated albums of all time, kid a is rife with some interesting songs sabotaged by thom yorke's distored, incomprehensible vocals and the bands' new "keyboard wizardry" (my ass) if this is the direction brit pop is heading, i think i'd much rather stay on my side of the atlantic. radiohead's recent outpouring are FAR outclassed by their American among the most overrated albums of all time, kid a is rife with some interesting songs sabotaged by thom yorke's distored, incomprehensible vocals and the bands' new "keyboard wizardry" (my ass) if this is the direction brit pop is heading, i think i'd much rather stay on my side of the atlantic. radiohead's recent outpouring are FAR outclassed by their American semi-counterparts Modest Mouse, Sparklehorse, and Mercury Rev, all three of which have put out consistently great albums in a similar vein, three of which (modest mouse's the moon and antarctica, sparklehorse's good morning spider, and mercury rev's deserter's songs) are destined for the future fame and influence that so many critics were so quick to attribute to this half half-rate bucket of pretentious slop. thumbs down. saved from the very bottom of the scale by the tracks idioteque and how to disappear completely.… Expand
  43. HamishI
    Nov 4, 2003
    1
    This album bites! I really liked Radiohead until they released this utter piece of crap which should be cast way to the compost heap from whence it came. I chucked the CD into the bin after listening to it. They are trying to be somewhat experimental but come off sounding like a bunch of no-talent, tone deaf fools. The sad thing is, I KNOW they can do better, much, much better.
  44. KiwiJ
    Jan 21, 2004
    3
    Oh dear! The sound of a band which has received far more critical adulation that was necessary. Attempting to stretch the boundaries of rock is one thing but at the end of the day, we all prefer melodies and meaningful lyrics, things which are sadly absent on Kid A. This is the sort of album that everybody raves about in order to appear cool and relevant, but honestly, when was the last Oh dear! The sound of a band which has received far more critical adulation that was necessary. Attempting to stretch the boundaries of rock is one thing but at the end of the day, we all prefer melodies and meaningful lyrics, things which are sadly absent on Kid A. This is the sort of album that everybody raves about in order to appear cool and relevant, but honestly, when was the last time anyone actually sat down and listened to it. The case for the prosecution rests.… Expand
  45. [Anonymous]
    Oct 9, 2005
    2
    this is some bullshit. radiohead is a pretentious, overrated band, and thom yorke is a class A douche.
  46. BrianMcC
    Mar 5, 2006
    1
    They are lucky to get a '1' here....and I like Radiohead! "OK Computer" was a classic, the "Bends" is somewhat mainstream but full of melody and audio addiction. What can anyone with a mind and some kind of objectivity say positively about "Kid A"? I've tried....I can't find anything! This is the biggest bunch of trash on CD since Rick Springfield became a rock star! They are lucky to get a '1' here....and I like Radiohead! "OK Computer" was a classic, the "Bends" is somewhat mainstream but full of melody and audio addiction. What can anyone with a mind and some kind of objectivity say positively about "Kid A"? I've tried....I can't find anything! This is the biggest bunch of trash on CD since Rick Springfield became a rock star! It is full of noises that I could reproduce with a couple of college guys on a roadtrip to Las Vegas. Don't let any Radio fans seduce one into thinking otherwise, this is pure junk!… Expand
  47. ARC
    Jul 16, 2003
    4
    Okay. Radiohead has admitted that this album was influenced by Faust, Can, and other gonzo `70s German bands but unfortunately they don't really bring anything new to this sound--even their noodling with the synthesizers could have been recorded thirty years ago. Radiohead is too serious for this kind of music, and as a result come off sounding pretentious and unspontaneous. They Okay. Radiohead has admitted that this album was influenced by Faust, Can, and other gonzo `70s German bands but unfortunately they don't really bring anything new to this sound--even their noodling with the synthesizers could have been recorded thirty years ago. Radiohead is too serious for this kind of music, and as a result come off sounding pretentious and unspontaneous. They sound more like they're trying to deliberately confuse everyone than experiment for the sake of experimenting. The results don't really break apart from what othes have done--several sections of this album even directly lift little tricks from old Faust songs. If you're looking for something strange and unnerving, skip this album and buy Tago Mago by Can, any of Faust's `70s albums, D.o.A. by Throbbing Gristle (a fellow British band), or a good Pere Ubu album instead.… Expand
  48. billbob
    Mar 29, 2006
    3
    i lost all faith in radiohead after ok computer. the bends was ok, and pablo honey was great. how this mess happend is wut i demand 2 no!
  49. kieferh
    Jun 22, 2006
    1
    sorry savage toast(queer name...where did you get it?) i have to disagree with you, because this album is like a bake potatoe with no butter or sour creem....lacking spice and orginality
  50. MetalMovieNerd
    Nov 6, 2012
    2
    There was commenter who said that "If you don't get Radiohead you don't get music". No, I get Radiohead... I just don't like this album in general. Now don't get me wrong, The Bends and OK Computer are some of the best alternative rock albums of the 90's. However people proclaimed this as the 2000's equivalent of Nevermind (by Nirvana) and that's just not accurate. There is nothing artfulThere was commenter who said that "If you don't get Radiohead you don't get music". No, I get Radiohead... I just don't like this album in general. Now don't get me wrong, The Bends and OK Computer are some of the best alternative rock albums of the 90's. However people proclaimed this as the 2000's equivalent of Nevermind (by Nirvana) and that's just not accurate. There is nothing artful about unstructured noise and lyrics that have no meaning. And the worse thing is that this album is more successful commercially than White Pony by Deftones. If this album has more success, critically and commercially, than an album that has structure, character, and has some kind of musical/lyrical progression in it then there is something wrong with musical listeners. Now, if you'd excuse me I'm going to go and listen to some progressive metal, a genre of music that has actual structure and requires playing instruments.… Expand
  51. AlexN
    Jan 19, 2006
    10
    Best. Album. Ever.
  52. BillK.
    Jun 20, 2005
    10
    I feel sorry for you if your brain isn't able to comprehend the beauty of this record.
  53. JamesM
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    Radiohead's best, surpassing OK Computer and The Bends by miles.
  54. 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.
  55. IgorC.
    Sep 2, 2002
    10
    one of the best alternative album. very experimental.
  56. Kid
    Sep 15, 2003
    8
    Kid A is not a msterpiece, for it is far too many flaws and several poor songs. But it is extremely innovative; I never had heard anything like it when I picked it up and haven't heard anyting similar since. Impatient listeners beware: you need to listen to this at least twice befote you start enjoying it. An album that seems to get better with each play.
  57. pierram
    Jun 14, 2004
    10
    One of the most intricately beutiful and shocking albums your ever likely to hear. Its better then just music, it makes music seem silly and childish, the masterpeice of the best band who have ever recorded a sound
  58. RameezA
    Jul 29, 2004
    10
    Very nice album, one of the reviews summed it up perfectly: you have to listen to it all the way through, and you will find something beautiful. For those of you complaining about no actual songs, what would you call number 1, 6, 8, 4, 9, and 10. All have melodies (although ten almost has no beat, but still is my favorite song). As for the remark Kiwi made about no one listening to the Very nice album, one of the reviews summed it up perfectly: you have to listen to it all the way through, and you will find something beautiful. For those of you complaining about no actual songs, what would you call number 1, 6, 8, 4, 9, and 10. All have melodies (although ten almost has no beat, but still is my favorite song). As for the remark Kiwi made about no one listening to the album I'm sure is very accurate, since I'm sure she's talked to all of the millions of Radiohead fans. … Expand
  59. KellyW
    Apr 30, 2005
    10
    Radiohead's best album to date and my favorite album ever.
  60. PaulW
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    Great Album from a truly great band
  61. TimS
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    It's 2am and you're laying in bed alone. You surrounded by complete darkness: no street lights, no moonlight. You press play on your CD player and the first notes of 'Everything In The Right Place' begins. It's ethereal; it's beguiling; it's frightening. An album of contradictions: it perfectly captures the mood of the turn of the century. You can not do It's 2am and you're laying in bed alone. You surrounded by complete darkness: no street lights, no moonlight. You press play on your CD player and the first notes of 'Everything In The Right Place' begins. It's ethereal; it's beguiling; it's frightening. An album of contradictions: it perfectly captures the mood of the turn of the century. You can not do without it.… Expand
  62. DylanP
    Jul 8, 2005
    10
    Like many people have mentioned, it takes multiple listens to fully appreciate the brilliance of this album. In my opinion it's Radioheads best and most daring album to date.
  63. BrianL
    Jan 9, 2006
    10
    Extroardinary. Impossibly beautiful and immensely moving. Reminds me less of rock music then the world's greatest composers: J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven--oh yea--Miles Davis and Charles Mingus as well. One of the greatest albums ever made.
  64. RonG
    Jun 6, 2006
    9
    Wonderful in places (Optimistic, In Limbo, Idioteque), occasionally shocking (Treefingers - was someone leaning on a keyboard?) but very pleasantly surprising - I never thought I'd have an album with the line "Yesterday I woke up sucking a lemon" in it, let alone to have it repeated a few times . Generally excellent
  65. EricM
    Jan 3, 2007
    9
    The famous lyricist Yip Harburg once said, "Words make you thing, music makes you feel, songs make you feel thoughts." This is exactly what I get from Radiohead's Kid A. To say that this album or any abum for that matter is pretentious just doesn't make sense to me. How can anyone advocate for change without those against that very change saying they're pretentious. The famous lyricist Yip Harburg once said, "Words make you thing, music makes you feel, songs make you feel thoughts." This is exactly what I get from Radiohead's Kid A. To say that this album or any abum for that matter is pretentious just doesn't make sense to me. How can anyone advocate for change without those against that very change saying they're pretentious. Radiohead clearly makes music for the sake of making music. They refuse to sell their albums on iTunes because they don't want to sell their songs by themselves for they feel each album is its own entity and the songs only make sense in the context of the album. This band pushes the boundaries of music. They are the only widely known band to do so not necessarily the best at it but still they are doing it. This album requires an open mind when it comes to music. While I believe that there is an abundance of melody on this album I stand by the fact that nowhere is it set in stone that melody needs to be in music. Sure we all like a melody but why create a cheap melody for the masses if its not in the songwriters mind? Songwriting is an expression of what someone is feeling and this is what Radiohead wanted to make at this time. Personally I think Hail to the Thief is their greatest triumph but Kid A must be respected as part of the miraculous journey of Radiohead.… Expand
  66. CB
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    No album is more important to me than this one. 7 years in and 100s if not 1000s of listens to later, it still blows me away. A true masterpiece.
  67. HC
    Feb 23, 2008
    10
    It's just so intense.
  68. Elliott
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    A masterpiece among masterpieces. This one is for the time capsule. Truly one of the best albums every crafted. The Pitchfork review is beautiful, and dead-on.
  69. boboJ
    Jul 7, 2004
    9
    i dont like the album as much as my review implies. when it comes to my enjoyment its a 7, but kid a is so impressive its a 9 and as time passes will probly end up as a 10. that being said, its much easier to repspect than love. much.
  70. KeilS
    Dec 7, 2005
    9
    As beautiful, jarring, ultimately comforting experience. Subdued revolution at its finest.
  71. MattJ
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    Some people didn't get this album simply because they weren't ready for it. This album is absolutely timeless; it did the same thing for music as stravinsky did with the rite of spring, or miles davis with bitches brew. This album is THAT significant. It's a great headphones album while lying in bed, check it out in a very comfortable, alone, place. =D
  72. jamesc
    Mar 15, 2005
    7
    this album is symptomatic of post 'ok computer' radiohead. the stuff thats good is fantastic (everything in its right place, optomistic) and whats bad is rubbish (kid a, treefingers). overall i would say its one half genius, one half muck but the genius half alone makes it worth the effort.
  73. RobertK
    Apr 23, 2005
    10
    great, non-commercial album
  74. SpeedyD
    Jul 20, 2005
    10
    Kid A is one of the best albums of year 2000. My friend MCZ says: "This is best album of history." - I don´t think so, but it´s very good... magic.
  75. byrond
    Jan 28, 2006
    10
    Uhm. Do I even have to say anything at this point? If you don't like this record, you either A) Don't like music. B) Don't understand artists or C) Loved the last Puddle of Mudd Cd. Buy it. Love it. Have sex to it. Drive to it. Show it to everyone you know. And if they don't like it? Stop talking to them. Even if they are your father. He's just not cool enough.
  76. Broken
    Oct 28, 2006
    10
    Kid A is an absolute masterpiece of infinite depth and complexity. There are some really quite incredible albums out there, but i would have to say that this is probably the best. I know people who have written hundreds of pages of A4 on the analysis of this album and still failed to break the ice. Of course, to enjoy and appreciate it's beauty you have to remain open-minded. It is Kid A is an absolute masterpiece of infinite depth and complexity. There are some really quite incredible albums out there, but i would have to say that this is probably the best. I know people who have written hundreds of pages of A4 on the analysis of this album and still failed to break the ice. Of course, to enjoy and appreciate it's beauty you have to remain open-minded. It is not something you are bound to like upon the first hearing. As with all rewarding experiences, it takes time - but patience is a virtue.… Expand
  77. ChrisF-T
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    If these ratings were done again today, Kid A would be in the metacritic all time top 10, guarantee it. The most vital album of our generation :D
  78. PatN
    Feb 7, 2006
    10
    I had no choice but to like this album ; It took me on a ride. I couldnt form my feelings about it into words if I wanted to it just feels perfect from beginning to end. Its bewitching. With this album and Amnesiac, we were treated to a rare thing - something completely true and a real work of art that came out of popular music.
  79. RickP
    Mar 18, 2006
    10
    Excellent tracks throughout. As ever with Radiohead albums, a CD you can put on and listen to over and over and over again and love it every time. Idioteque is one of their best ever.
  80. MattS
    Apr 7, 2006
    10
    As a whole, "Kid A" is the best electronic rock album I've ever heard. However, "Packt like sardines in a crushd tin box," the opening track from "Amnisiac," is Radiohead's best song.
  81. MitchellF
    Sep 27, 2006
    10
    Intricate, Beautiful, divine and perfect. The sound grows on you over time, leaving you breathless and sobbing with joy.
  82. DavidB
    Dec 24, 2007
    10
    I'm drunk right now, but at the moment I feel like crucifying all of the critcswho gave this a bad rating. I wonder if they've ever experienced a wonderful day or a totally euphoric moment of any kind. The only conclusion I can draw from these negative reviews is that the people writing them are not human. It's true, androids--its the only answer. I'm drunk. Fuck this I'm drunk right now, but at the moment I feel like crucifying all of the critcswho gave this a bad rating. I wonder if they've ever experienced a wonderful day or a totally euphoric moment of any kind. The only conclusion I can draw from these negative reviews is that the people writing them are not human. It's true, androids--its the only answer. I'm drunk. Fuck this album with your pants off and live forever.… Expand
  83. theduff
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    its genius. q magazine gave this 3 out of 5 and then it got vited the 10th best album ever last year in their own magazine, oh the irony. this album is a work of art, it leaves coldplay, snow patrol and keane other heart on sleeve bands trailing in their dust. absolute brilliance. then they follow it up with the unbelievable ammnesiac and the very underrated hail to the thief, i for one its genius. q magazine gave this 3 out of 5 and then it got vited the 10th best album ever last year in their own magazine, oh the irony. this album is a work of art, it leaves coldplay, snow patrol and keane other heart on sleeve bands trailing in their dust. absolute brilliance. then they follow it up with the unbelievable ammnesiac and the very underrated hail to the thief, i for one cannot wait for this years new album, which contains perhaps their greatest ever song nude.… Expand
  84. RadioHead
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    Could this band ever possible do any wrong? Theyre completely different... and no one could argue that. I can see if they dont quite understand why they are so brilliant... but you cant deny that this band isnt exactly that! This band truely has no comparisions.
  85. mikeh
    Apr 26, 2007
    10
    Still an amazing record. It kind of feels that some of those that criticize the album do on the basis theres no 'creep,' or that because they've heard autechre and aphex twin they have license to completely trash the record. big fucking deal. regardless of total originality, the songwriting and structure is incredible.
  86. LK
    Apr 29, 2007
    10
    Brave and Brilliant. Kid A is as good as The Bends and OK Computer and sounds like a band that is capable of anything. Radiohead are truly the geniuses of our generation.
  87. EricC
    Apr 9, 2007
    10
    I don't know, Brian. The Moon and Antartica is an amazing cd. But Radiohead really can't be compared to anything. They're our generation's perfect band. Every cd they release is just about perfect. Nothing can match OK Computer, though.
  88. Oligami
    May 20, 2007
    8
    Feverish, ardent music that seems to be the antithesis of their previous masterpiece. As confusing as a subway map of Tokyo.
  89. markl
    May 27, 2007
    10
    A brillant and thought-provoking album. This is a radical departure from Radioheads past work but Kid A is actually a logical progression from OK Computer because of the increasing computer uses in OK Computer. What comesa out of Kid A is a beautiful and innovative album. Tracks such as Everything In Its Right Place and NAtional Anhthem simmer with genius.
  90. NickD
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    Perfect.
  91. StjepanP.
    Jan 14, 2008
    10
    I registered only to say that "Kid A" is not only best album ever but the best parallel universe dimension. I listened to it stoned and I traveled everywhere. Thanks Radiohead! And all these shitty critic are only closed minded people. This record changed my life. And did anyone catch how great is on repeat? Because "main character" dies in last song, but when you put record in "repeat" I registered only to say that "Kid A" is not only best album ever but the best parallel universe dimension. I listened to it stoned and I traveled everywhere. Thanks Radiohead! And all these shitty critic are only closed minded people. This record changed my life. And did anyone catch how great is on repeat? Because "main character" dies in last song, but when you put record in "repeat" mode it doesn't he wakes up semi drunk from pills and red wine in last song sucking a lemon. Greatest album ever, and what to say about landscapes. OMG. I saw Rainbows, my head was on stick I was in bunker with lots of children and womans. Thank you Radiohead again. Sorry about bad English. Kiss to all fans from Croatia.… Expand
  92. BobR
    Jan 16, 2008
    10
    An album that will help you get into other great artists. Highly recommended
  93. RickB
    Jan 16, 2008
    10
    The album of our generation.
  94. 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.
  95. RobertW.
    Aug 30, 2008
    9
    Although, this album may appear challenging, cold and at times distant, it is the intricate and lively percussion effects and generous use of the ondes martenot, that combine radiohead's avant garde electronica, with their more popular alternative rock.
  96. MoritzH
    Oct 13, 2009
    10
    Morning Bell, Everything In It´s Right Place, Idioteque three of the best radiohead tracks ever.
  97. 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.
  98. 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.
  99. JasonB.
    Oct 22, 2001
    10
    This, is in my opinion, one of the greatest cds of all time. The group gos through unconvential methods to create mood. Some say a lack of obvious lyrical intentions hurt the music but when is music just about lyrics. 95% of bands out there today have nothing new to say and if put in persective really dont make to much sense either
  100. RyanT.
    Jul 18, 2002
    9
    Though not as good as the masterpiece OK Computer. This album is innovative and very experimental. Most of the songs are mindblowing besides a few filler songs such as Treefingers. Listen to this album with a open mind.
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »