A Moon Shaped Pool
by Radiohead
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: May 8, 2016
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1525 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,393 out of 1525
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 1525
  3. Negative: 91 out of 1525
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  1. JordanMaster
    May 12, 2016
    10
    Absolutely amazing album. It feels like they've revisited their old albums and incorporated those with their current style. Definitely a big improvement over The King of Limbs for me. This album deserves a spot right next to Kid A and OK Computer.
  2. Eggs
    May 11, 2016
    10
    There is only one band on the planet that could produce an album like this. I was a big fan of TKoL as it was an album to immerse yourself in with layers of artfully painted music based on strokes of Yorkeish electronica melded with percussive influences. In AMSP Johnny Greenwood is given a chance to demonstrate the evolution of his composing talents with lush orchestral soundscapesThere is only one band on the planet that could produce an album like this. I was a big fan of TKoL as it was an album to immerse yourself in with layers of artfully painted music based on strokes of Yorkeish electronica melded with percussive influences. In AMSP Johnny Greenwood is given a chance to demonstrate the evolution of his composing talents with lush orchestral soundscapes driving much of the album. They have always set them selves apart from other bands with their ability to unveil little revelations with each listen, and this album is no exception. They are a band for true audiophiles. In short, this album is an eerily, majestic unfurling of the inner contemplations of maturing artists.… Expand
  3. Footowls
    May 11, 2016
    10
    very strange album and a pleasant surprise to know that radio head never lost their edge and it still one of the best bands around. Advice if you want a weird trip this is the album to go to.
  4. movieman2001
    May 11, 2016
    10
    Wow, let me just say that the new album is very good !! I am a diehard fan and have been chomping at the bit for this album to be released. check out the videos on youtube for the first two tracks BURN THE WITCH is track #1 and DAYDREAMING is track #2. The album is so fluid and balanced, BURN THE WITCH is the most up tempo track followed by DAYDREAMING which is exactly as it sounds, veryWow, let me just say that the new album is very good !! I am a diehard fan and have been chomping at the bit for this album to be released. check out the videos on youtube for the first two tracks BURN THE WITCH is track #1 and DAYDREAMING is track #2. The album is so fluid and balanced, BURN THE WITCH is the most up tempo track followed by DAYDREAMING which is exactly as it sounds, very mellow and dream like and one of my favorite tracks on the album. FUL STOP and IDENTIKIT i saw them perform live in 1212 on tour in Miami and Tampa and they are great tracks also. Altogether the album has 11 tracks, two other tracks that are my favorites are THE NUMBERS and the last track, A new version of TRUE LOVE WAITS that you will absolutely love!!! My favorite RADIOHEAD album is KID, but after OK COMPUTER and IN RAINBOWS this is my forth favorite. Let me also say that this album has no filler tracks at all they are all very solid tracks.… Expand
  5. telomerase
    May 11, 2016
    10
    radiohead's most successful experiment of musical genre assimilation that it's been attempting since 2003's hail to the thief, with an added orchestral-folk direction . more thrilling, varied, and musically and emotionally complex than in rainbows. big win.
  6. jimmypowder
    May 11, 2016
    9
    The best album since Kid A and Ok Computer , Radiohead adds layers of sound but with a different take.

    Where OK computer was rock oriented, Kid A electronica oriented , Heart Shaped Pool focuses on classical and chill music with plenty od musical layers to make any Radiohead fan proud. This album is a masterpiece ,plain and simple. As an aside , I saw Radiohead with my wife in a    The best album since Kid A and Ok Computer , Radiohead adds layers of sound but with a different take.

    Where OK computer was rock oriented, Kid A electronica oriented , Heart Shaped Pool focuses on classical and chill music with plenty od musical layers to make any Radiohead fan proud.

    This album is a masterpiece ,plain and simple.

    As an aside , I saw Radiohead with my wife in a raging rainstorm on Mothers Day , the same day this album was released. The In Rainbows tour. One of the best concerts I ever saw , though I was very cold and wet.    … Expand
  7. DanielT
    May 11, 2016
    10
    I am completely surprised by this album. I knew they were going to come out with something that I have never heard before, but this just blew me away. I am a huge fan of the band, and have been for upwards of a 2 decades. I had high hopes, and they were exceeded. Definitely one of their most complete sounding albums.
  8. amandalf
    May 11, 2016
    9
    First listen: Ok, this album is pretty cool - not as good as "In Rainbows" but DEFINITELY better than "King of Limbs"
    Second listen: Wow, alright this album is actually really good...
    Third listen: OK I was wrong - this is on par with "In Rainbows" but in a totally different way Fourth listen: "Play it again" You will love this album more each time you listen to it. It evokes a    First listen: Ok, this album is pretty cool - not as good as "In Rainbows" but DEFINITELY better than "King of Limbs"
    Second listen: Wow, alright this album is actually really good...
    Third listen: OK I was wrong - this is on par with "In Rainbows" but in a totally different way
    Fourth listen: "Play it again"

    You will love this album more each time you listen to it. It evokes a beautiful, strange emotion within you with every play that you cannot escape or forget.    … Expand
  9. D3ad
    May 11, 2016
    8
    A moon shaped pool has a very refined, contemporary sound to it. The songs are very intricate, but easy to listen to. That being said, it's easily the furthest album from typical Radiohead. That's not a bad thing, it's unique in an appreciative fashion. The only flaw in this album, in my opinion, is the complete lack of variety. "Burn the Witch", the first song on the album, is mostA moon shaped pool has a very refined, contemporary sound to it. The songs are very intricate, but easy to listen to. That being said, it's easily the furthest album from typical Radiohead. That's not a bad thing, it's unique in an appreciative fashion. The only flaw in this album, in my opinion, is the complete lack of variety. "Burn the Witch", the first song on the album, is most diverse song on the album. After that point, it's constant melancholy. I love the sound, but without a few breaks of diversity, the album blurs into one sad sound.… Expand
  10. jesseurbancsik
    May 11, 2016
    10
    Everyone gets annoyed because of all the acclaim that Radiohead receives, but this album reinforces that they deserve it. Melancholy, beautiful, regret. This album is beautifully mastered with amazing sounds that will haunt you until you listen to it whole again. This album is a true fan album MADE for the FANS.

    Highlights:    Everyone gets annoyed because of all the acclaim that Radiohead receives, but this album reinforces that they deserve it. Melancholy, beautiful, regret. This album is beautifully mastered with amazing sounds that will haunt you until you listen to it whole again. This album is a true fan album MADE for the FANS.

    Highlights: Burn the Witch, Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief, and True Love Waits.    … Expand
  11. tyho451
    May 11, 2016
    10
    Echoing desperation and sleepily on edge, this is a paranoid android on a damn good tranquilizer. By the middle of my first listen I couldn't tell what was up or sideways. I was lost in the most accessible and arguably the most convincing of the near flawless 25 year spree this band is now on.
  12. Flashdump
    May 11, 2016
    8
    Really good album. Very heartfelt. Beautifully composed, arranged, written and produced. Identikit is a bit of an odd one for me (purely because I loved what I heard of the live version). Not a huge fan of Ful Stop
  13. tishyw98
    May 11, 2016
    10
    such a great record with great use of an orchestra to create a very chilling piece of sound. After multiple listens, this album really begins to grow on you and i could even consider it one of their best albums to date imo.
  14. FeralGoon210
    May 11, 2016
    7
    Is this album better than King of Limbs? Without a doubt. Is this the greatest Radiohead album of all time? Not at all.
    I sincerely believe all of these 10 ratings are just an overreaction by fellow Radiohead fans, excited for a somewhat 'normal' album.
    Some of the tracks here are great, Daydreaming migjt be one of their best songs written.
  15. TheDovahkiin101
    May 11, 2016
    10
    This album is much different from their others, it has so many amazing songs too. It's much sadder than all of their other albums and still manages to sound like Radiohead.
  16. maddreya77
    May 10, 2016
    5
    As a long time Radiohead fan, I must say I was very disappointed by this record. The mastering isn't right and the track listing doesn't flow properly. Also, I don't understand why they once again took a popular track that was great as it was (TLW) and distorted it into a sub par darker version. I get the context, but it overall it doesn't work for me.
  17. lubor108
    May 10, 2016
    10
    The more you hear the album, the better the music is. Profound layers of a perfect sound, no rush, slow and clear tones. This is a future of music even if it means the end of rock'n'roll.
  18. hugey
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Everything it promised and more. I was moved to tears by the singles and the full album, as usual, will take weeks or months to digest fully. This makes it even harder to rate their work by installation. Breathtaking, beautiful, orchestral. Sets the benchmark for a new era of Radiohead and music at large.
  19. AndresAlfonso
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Is a Darker in rainbows , Another masterpiece by Radiohead , awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome , awesome , awesome , awesome , awesome , awesome ,awesome
  20. CMongler
    May 10, 2016
    10
    A Moon Shaped Pool is phenomenal. It’s incredibly dark, harrowing, emotional, and at times, hard to listen to because of it. But it’s a classic Radiohead album through and through, so distinctly unique in sound and timbre as listeners have come to expect from a new Radiohead album, yet still familiar, and fitting, for the band that created favorites such as Kid A, OK Computer, or In Rainbows.
  21. isatxe
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Is a very great album, very contemporenean, and orchestrator, amazing arrengements!! But is not a perfect album in global, for me two songs (Identikit & Ful Stop) can be out of the album, this two songs are the most guitar songs, and is better getting and more acustic, clasical, minimal orchestrator album, this two songs remember more to Amnesiac/Hail to the Thief, and is not necessary forIs a very great album, very contemporenean, and orchestrator, amazing arrengements!! But is not a perfect album in global, for me two songs (Identikit & Ful Stop) can be out of the album, this two songs are the most guitar songs, and is better getting and more acustic, clasical, minimal orchestrator album, this two songs remember more to Amnesiac/Hail to the Thief, and is not necessary for make a more innovaion album....And adding Spectre, and making any changes in the tracklist, then we get an amazing contemporanean album!! This is not an band album, you don't will see any simil to From the Basement of this album.

    Here you have, lisent this order an opin!!

    1. Burn the Witch
    2. Present Tense
    3. Glass Eyes
    4. Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief
    5. Spectre
    6. Daydreaming
    7. Decks Dark
    8. Desert Island Disk
    9. The Numbers
    10. true Love Waits    … Expand
  22. marcmyworks
    May 10, 2016
    9
    AMSP is probably the most accessible album Radiohead has released in years. The band is able to merge their old sound and still remain current and a force to contend with in the Alternative market. Download: Ful Stop, Burn The Witch, True Love Waits
  23. baian
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Give this album the necessary plays and it's beauty will eventually sucker punch you in the gut. This is up there with their best. How this band continues to evolve their sound and produce such amazing albums is beyond me.
  24. Slowave
    May 10, 2016
    8
    For true music fans, the anxiety leading up to a new Radiohead release can feel like the ninth inning of the World Series. All the hype, the questions, and the hope that Thom will get the band on board for the album YOU want. For some it's another Kid A, while for the vast majority its another OK Computer, but you sort of know it won't be any of those... and you dread another King ofFor true music fans, the anxiety leading up to a new Radiohead release can feel like the ninth inning of the World Series. All the hype, the questions, and the hope that Thom will get the band on board for the album YOU want. For some it's another Kid A, while for the vast majority its another OK Computer, but you sort of know it won't be any of those... and you dread another King of Limbs (that is - if you are a "normal" fan, and even if you aren't... do you really want more of that?). Confounding, challenging, and even antagonistic, Radhiohead, at times, seem like the ultimate trolls of "almost melodic." Almost satisfying. Almost a grower if you have the patience and - yes - Catholic school determination to love what you've been told to. I admit that I sort of threw in the towel after King Of Limbs, Modern Boxes, and Atoms for Peace. But Moon Shaped Pool has really restored my faith, and for fans that have been with the band since the beginning (you have to be at least late Generation X for that), this is a huge sigh of relief - for an album that is best described as a sigh. The melodies are back, the guitars (at least the acoustic) are mostly present, and they haven't jumped the shark. This even grabbed me more than In Rainbows on a first listen, and much more so than anything since OK Computer. And the best thing is that it's a grower that is immediately rewarding. With the release of the first two singles - and then seeing them listed at 1 and 2 on the album, there was a moment of panic, as Burn the Witch seemed OK Computer B-side level at first, while Dreamers seemed like another basic reverb soaked crooner. Boy was I wrong. A good pair of headphones and multiple listens proves they belong in a top 20 catologue. As for the rest of the album.... loving it all more and more, and anticipating some campfire memories to enrich them even more. So, while it wasn't another OK Computer, it is definitely a mature step that rewarded the most patient of fans. Already I'm wondering what's next, and when. In summary, thank you Thom. Thank you Johnny. You've may not have hit the ball out of the park like it was 1996, but this is at least a ground rule double when it was needed.… Expand
  25. hiddensynapse
    May 10, 2016
    10
    There's something remarkable about this album.

    Be it the elegantly elusive and haunting orchestral work by Jonny, or the stripped back melodic soundscapes and dreamy lyrics of Thom, there's always a new sound or note dragging you further into A Moon Shaped Pool. It's cohesive, consistent, melodic and experimental. Not only that, but Radiohead chose the perfect time to release it.    There's something remarkable about this album.

    Be it the elegantly elusive and haunting orchestral work by Jonny, or the stripped back melodic soundscapes and dreamy lyrics of Thom, there's always a new sound or note dragging you further into A Moon Shaped Pool.

    It's cohesive, consistent, melodic and experimental. Not only that, but Radiohead chose the perfect time to release it.

    Not only does A Moon Shaped Pool possess the haunted humanity so prevalent on In Rainbows, but it also pleas the modern world to reacquaint itself with nature. As opposed to OK Computer and Kid A, Pool doesn't necessarily condemn our increasingly technological world. Instead, it beckons us to peel our eyes away from our glossy-screened distractions so that we may embrace the present tense and see the Earth as she is, laid bare before us. "Distance is like a weapon," it warns.

    Thom likens the awakened populace, those who have seen the majesty of mother nature, to flower petals lost in the wind - momentarily fleeting and easy to dismiss, yet immortally primed to return and sprout anew.

    "The future is inside us," Thom advises. "It's not somewhere else".

    A Moon Shaped Pool's warnings are urgently relevant, and we'd do well to heed their advice.    … Expand
  26. dro
    May 10, 2016
    10
    As a longtime Radiohead fan, AMSP is exactly what I was hoping for, but was afraid the band could never accomplish at this point in their career. However, they exceeded expectations again. This album is their best work since Kid A and includes some of their best songs to date, including Ful Stop, Present Tense, Glass Eyes, and The Numbers.
  27. Jacob1998
    May 10, 2016
    10
    For me, In Rainbows is the Brainchild of Radiohead's unprecedented journey. However, listening to this (possibly final) Radiohead album finally put all the pieces together. It's clear that while this is not Radiohead's best album, it's certainly their most fluid and beautiful to date (maybe with the exception of Kid A). We start off with 'Burn the Witch', possibly the biggest punch of theFor me, In Rainbows is the Brainchild of Radiohead's unprecedented journey. However, listening to this (possibly final) Radiohead album finally put all the pieces together. It's clear that while this is not Radiohead's best album, it's certainly their most fluid and beautiful to date (maybe with the exception of Kid A). We start off with 'Burn the Witch', possibly the biggest punch of the album in terms of the 'rock-like' nature. This song maintains Radiohead's ability to continuously produce a kick-ass song opening. For me this is a 9 out of 10 song. We delve into the beauty and melancholy of 'Daydreaming', a personal favorite of mine. The song's hidden layers will keep you coming back for more and the growth/build of the song is like none other by Radiohead, Thom's vocals are heartbreaking. A 10/10 song for me. Next, we get the first new song 'Decks Dark', a fantasy (quite Dystopian-like) in which the piano carries the song (slower than the first but a build from 'Daydreaming') This song reminds me a bit of SHA from OK Computer (both of which are song#3 on respective albums). This song grew on me after multiple listens and I feel safe to give it a 9/10 at this point. "Desert Island Disk' is a song performed by Thom at the Paris Peace Concert along with 'Silent Spring/The Numbers". The guitar riff on this carries the song and eventually, grows into a jazz;-like groove. Overall an 8/10 for me and my least favorite on the album, but still a very pleasant song to listen to. 'Ful Stop' is next on the list. This song is slowly growing to become one of my favorites on the album; a bass and drum riff that grows until explosion with Thom murmuring 'You really messed up everything'. In the end, the product is an explosion of sound and rhythm (this may be Phil's highlight). 9.5/10 song. The intermission is 'Glass Eyes', another true beauty. This song is more of a ballad than anything, and a gorgeous one at that (likely formulated around Thom's breakup). This song may not be a 10/10, but it is perfect for the album and in the perfect place, over all 10/10. 'Identikit' is the last awakening of rock on the album and may be the most gripping song on the album. The song starts off with a very mild but funky bass and drum riff with Thom's vocals chiming in and out, and similarly to 'Ful Stop', builds into something exceptional with a well-needed guitar solo to close the song. 9.5/10. I could go on and on about this album and the remaining songs. 'The Numbers' is 'Silent Spring', a song played by Yorke at the Paris Peace Concert. Overall, a very 'chill' and accessible song with a build as the song nears its end. One I truly enjoyed as I was unsure what the song was until I heard the opening 'Silent Spring' chord and it brought me back to the concert. Well needed. Still debating what to rank this song. 'Present Tense' is possibly my third favorite on the album. This song is truly beautiful; the guitar, vocals, and smooth drumming compliment each other perfectly. I loved this song in concert and I love it now, 9.5/10 (on account of the slightly uneasy guitar opening which throws me off a bit) and a perfect fit for the album. The next song is one which truly grew on me after multiple listens and it is easily my second favorite on the album 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief'. This song title is long, but the song is perfect in length, well tailored. Another 'build' song which starts off slowly and builds as it goes on. The string section comes in so smoothly and elegantly to compliment Thom's stunning vocals. One of Radiohead's most notable modern melodies lies in this song. (10/10). The final song is one which I will not rate. I'm still deciding whether 'True Love Waits' was better on 'I Might Be Wrong' or on this album. Regardless, the lyrics are some of Radiohead's best. The melody...stunning...choice in instrumentation...debatable. I'll save this for some other day. Overall, this album is utterly stunning and beautiful, it's a true return to form for Radiohead and an exceptional fit to an exceptional legacy. Radiohead did not let me down and will forever be my all time favorite band with The Beatles. Enjoy everyone!… Expand
  28. dr_heartless
    May 10, 2016
    1
    This is a band on auto pilot. It's a mess of boring noise with nothing to offer unless your looking looking to impress other Radiohead fans with how much you can put up with this lack luster lump of junk. I've been with them from the start but after this and king of limbs I'm out!
  29. WaffleMaker
    May 10, 2016
    10
    This is yet another beautiful album by Radiohead. A Moon Shaped Pool is a bit more calm and ''weird'', so you might want to listen to it multiple times to get it under your skin as is expected from radiohead. The only let down was the last track on the album that is named ''True Love Waits'', while it isn't bad, I feel that the older live version is better than this one.
  30. ForAMinuteThere
    May 10, 2016
    9
    After listening to Radiohead's A Moon Shaped Pool almost exclusively since Sunday I have come to the conclusion that it is beautiful, haunting, ethereal, transportive, emotional, affecting, and any number of other pretentious adjectives that one fan can conjure. It is one of the most intricate and layered albums I have ever heard and I assume the more I listen and get closer to the musicAfter listening to Radiohead's A Moon Shaped Pool almost exclusively since Sunday I have come to the conclusion that it is beautiful, haunting, ethereal, transportive, emotional, affecting, and any number of other pretentious adjectives that one fan can conjure. It is one of the most intricate and layered albums I have ever heard and I assume the more I listen and get closer to the music with headphones I will hear even more depth.

    That being said, almost everyone who isn't already a fan is likely going to hate it. Which I almost expect, and kind of relish. That isn't a bad thing really - this release seems like a fan album. It almost seems like a farewell album. 8 of the 11 tracks are already known to us, and the 3 that aren't dip into different Radiohead eras very easily.

    So yeah, I dig it. Sorry, you probably won't.    … Expand
  31. Hendrix11
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Radiohead always makes us think they are not going to be able to surpass themselves, but they always do, this albums is easily one of the best works they have done in their artistic career, not exactly a breakthrough album but a beautiful mixture of orchestration by johnny greenwood, electronic experimentation, and majestic lyrics by thom yorke, that make up a sonic experience that isRadiohead always makes us think they are not going to be able to surpass themselves, but they always do, this albums is easily one of the best works they have done in their artistic career, not exactly a breakthrough album but a beautiful mixture of orchestration by johnny greenwood, electronic experimentation, and majestic lyrics by thom yorke, that make up a sonic experience that is accesible, extremely emotional, and a really cohesive collection of songs that sum up what radiohead has been its entire career: musical perfection.… Expand
  32. 8-bit-waffle
    May 10, 2016
    10
    This album gives a Radiohead fan everything he needs from complex lyrics to catchy choruses. I feel that this album is better than their last LP king of limbs by a long shot.
  33. delaseal
    May 10, 2016
    10
    This is actually, objectively better than Lemonade, by the way. On "A Moon Shaped Pool" Radiohead delivers a set of dreamy, lush chamber pop/art rock/electronic songs acting as a natural stepping stone from their past two full length works, "In Rainbows", and "The King of Limbs".

    Progressive, slowly unraveling song structures give way to subtle, detailed production, a seamless    This is actually, objectively better than Lemonade, by the way. On "A Moon Shaped Pool" Radiohead delivers a set of dreamy, lush chamber pop/art rock/electronic songs acting as a natural stepping stone from their past two full length works, "In Rainbows", and "The King of Limbs".

    Progressive, slowly unraveling song structures give way to subtle, detailed production, a seamless juxtaposition of organic, lavish strings and orchestration and calmly glitching electronic manipulations makes for one of the most genuine, heartfelt Radiohead albums to date, and certainly one of the most fulfilling listening experiences of the year so far.    … Expand
  34. CrowlyCrow
    May 10, 2016
    7
    They've never built a statue for a music critic, but many monuments will be built for Radiohead. That said, my first impression of this album is that I will tire of the album quickly playing on its own and none of the songs struck me as a defining or particularly important Radiohead song. If I were to introduce someone to Radiohead I would not pick anything from this album. The songs areThey've never built a statue for a music critic, but many monuments will be built for Radiohead. That said, my first impression of this album is that I will tire of the album quickly playing on its own and none of the songs struck me as a defining or particularly important Radiohead song. If I were to introduce someone to Radiohead I would not pick anything from this album. The songs are all wonderfully pleasant, but none are particularly striking. The accompaniment is at times pretty or driving, but overall too repetitive and unambitious. I see these songs as solid support songs for the rest of their body of work. You put some of their more popular songs like Paranoid Android or You And Whose Army in-between these songs and they are going to sound magnificent. They bring the emotional and spiritual release the songs on A Moon Shaped Pool never deliver.… Expand
  35. zjm555
    May 10, 2016
    4
    Full disclosure: OK Computer and The Bends are in my top-10 albums of all time, but I really feel Radiohead hit their creative peak nearly two decades ago and have been phoning it in ever since.

    With that said, this is probably their best work *since* OK Computer, though it seems to be retreading a lot of what they did on In Rainbows. Diehard fans will love it because it's Radiohead,    Full disclosure: OK Computer and The Bends are in my top-10 albums of all time, but I really feel Radiohead hit their creative peak nearly two decades ago and have been phoning it in ever since.

    With that said, this is probably their best work *since* OK Computer, though it seems to be retreading a lot of what they did on In Rainbows. Diehard fans will love it because it's Radiohead, but those looking for something truly ground-breaking will probably be disappointed, or, like me, actually bored before the end of the album.    … Expand
  36. threadcount
    May 10, 2016
    8
    Radiohead has arguably been the best band on the planet for the past 25 years - constantly pushing themselves to do better, exploring new sounds, and ultimately creating fantastic music at every step along the way. A Moon Shaped Pool is another collection of very good music, but it doesn't reach the heights of KidA, In Rainbows or OK Computer. While this album is a very enjoyable listen,Radiohead has arguably been the best band on the planet for the past 25 years - constantly pushing themselves to do better, exploring new sounds, and ultimately creating fantastic music at every step along the way. A Moon Shaped Pool is another collection of very good music, but it doesn't reach the heights of KidA, In Rainbows or OK Computer. While this album is a very enjoyable listen, I was never surprised, challenged or excited the way I was the first time I heard some of their previous work. I suppose this shouldn't be a surprise since many of the songs on this album have been kicking around for several years now, but I was hoping for more. That being said Radiohead releasing an album of good Radiohead songs is still going to blow most bands' best work out of the water. I just miss the days when this band released a new record and it redefined what it meant to be an "alternative rock band" and took their listeners to places they didn't know existed. It's a very good album, I just hope they have one more great one before they call it quits.… Expand
  37. Rijwan
    May 10, 2016
    10
    This album keeps getting better every time you listen. The less use of experimentation is clear but that doesn't count as 'lack of experimentation' .One the most down to earth and melodic Radiohead album.And the strings by LCO led by Johnny is Divine.From the energetic start with 'Burn the witch' followed by hauntingly beautiful 'Daydreaming' and the magnificent 'Full stop' with the bestThis album keeps getting better every time you listen. The less use of experimentation is clear but that doesn't count as 'lack of experimentation' .One the most down to earth and melodic Radiohead album.And the strings by LCO led by Johnny is Divine.From the energetic start with 'Burn the witch' followed by hauntingly beautiful 'Daydreaming' and the magnificent 'Full stop' with the best ever version of 'Identikit' and an ending by the love song we all heard before but still sounds new 'True love waits'...'.A Moon Shaped Pool' is definitely one of the Radiohead's best album… Expand
  38. maxrumbol
    May 10, 2016
    9
    Whilst some may feel like experimentally Radiohead have regressed, overall this album is great. Rather than trying to reinvent as they have done before, in AMSP they simply look to refine that ethereal, dreamy sound seen in previous work. The marriage of Greenwood's orchestral compositions, as well as Yorke's vocal ability & general songwriting is effective throughout. Although RadioheadWhilst some may feel like experimentally Radiohead have regressed, overall this album is great. Rather than trying to reinvent as they have done before, in AMSP they simply look to refine that ethereal, dreamy sound seen in previous work. The marriage of Greenwood's orchestral compositions, as well as Yorke's vocal ability & general songwriting is effective throughout. Although Radiohead chose not to throw away previous sounds or songs (8 of them previously being performed live); its not to say AMSP lacks a developed sound, as they still manage to move forward sonically. At the end of the day, this album is a great listen regardless of the artistic, boundary pushing element we've become so used to seeing with Radiohead.

    The album starts with the upbeat, crescendo that is Burn The Witch. The roaring chorus of this was a highlight for me. The rest of the album is actually not much like the opener at all; and for this reason I feel like this track would’ve been better placed somewhere in the middle.

    Daydreaming is probably one of the most experimental on the album; seemingly lacking much of a traditional song structure at all. I really enjoyed the slow build up of this song, as well as the marriage of electronic & orchestral elements. I actually felt like it could've gone on a bit longer as found the final minute or so to be one of the most stunning sections of the album. The production on this song is simply otherworldly; it takes you away to someplace else and for that reason I feel like a longer section at the end may have made it even more powerful. This song is Radiohead at their experimental best nonetheless.

    My initial reaction to Decks Dark was originally one of ‘meh’; a good song but nothing more. However, upon more listens I feel like this is one of those Radiohead songs that keeps giving. The melodic piano backing is gorgeous & makes this song truly special. I actually feel like this would've made a great opener for the album, and it reminds me of the OK Computer era Radiohead - something I was particularly happy about. I think this may end up being one of the highlights of the album.

    Desert Island Disk is also a nice track; having heard Thom play it solo before the album I presumed it would sound a lot different, so I wasn't too bothered that the "first listen" feeling was taken away from me. Listening to this version, I really like the way in which the band decided to build the song around Thom's guitar, rather than scrap it completely as I expected. The layers of this song are really only done justice on a great set of speakers or headphones; & I feel like the album as a whole gives a lot more in higher quality. Overall, it's nice to see Radiohead mix acoustic with synth/electronic elements to create a subtle, multifaceted tune. Oh, & that "You Know What I Mean" hook is so catchy.

    Ful Stop was one of my least favourite upon initial listens, although this may be down to the fact it is considerably more upbeat & drum dominated that previous tracks. Having said this, it is growing on me & once again the subtle layering in the song was effective, as well as the slow build up.

    Glass Eyes is for me one of the best tracks on the album. This song is centred around Yorke; it shows that even today he is still one of the best vocalists in the alternative genre. The intimate, dreamy nature of this track reminds me of Pyramid Song & Videotape. Once again, Greenwood's orchestral arrangements are exceptional & really add another dimension to the track. Yorke + Greenwood at their best.

    Identikit is an interesting track; probably most similar to Ful Stop. With the massive anticipation surrounding it given rumours before the release, I expected it to be more of a highlight of the album. This is not a negative however; more just a testament to the quality of the album as a whole. The choral element & the build up just before 2 mins is great.

    The Numbers is a good song, but I'm not in love with it yet. Maybe a few more listens will change this.

    The Present Tense was a song I was particularly hyped about; having seen Yorke perform it live many years ago at Latitude festival. I was not disappointed, once again the marriage of acoustic guitar & electronic elements works so well.

    Tinker Tailor was another track I was initially less fussed about. Also built around mixture of piano & strings, which is once again effective.

    When I saw True Love Waits on the album I was both excited, but also a bit disappointed given I was so familiar with the live version. However, when I heard the album closer for the first time it made me want to shed a tear. I would go as far as saying this is the most emotional Radiohead song ever; it still gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. I was blown away by the transformation. Whilst once again Yorke’s vocal ability stands out as the centre piece of this song, the layering of piano parts really adds to this song.    … Expand
  39. nonamecaro
    May 10, 2016
    10
    this album is not better than TKOL, it is not better then In Rainbows - it is just another music from Radiohead. I appreciate new versions of those old songs with their percussions and strings. I hope this album won't be their last achievement
  40. Mor0
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Most complete Radiohead album yet. Another portion of inspiration to any other artist. As outstanding as always, even after so many years in industry. Just listen and immerse - you will get blown away.
  41. RidingandSurfin
    May 10, 2016
    8
    Atmospheric, brooding, solid album
    1 weak track - Desert Island Track,
    Loads of stand out tracks so far Decks Dark and Glass eyes immediately struck me as a great tracks on first few listens. True Love Waits, isssssss sooooooo slooooooow I find it frustrating, its not working for me, get on with it! Would have been nice to see some tracks with a bit more intensity - put on something    Atmospheric, brooding, solid album
    1 weak track - Desert Island Track,
    Loads of stand out tracks so far Decks Dark and Glass eyes immediately struck me as a great tracks on first few listens.
    True Love Waits, isssssss sooooooo slooooooow I find it frustrating, its not working for me, get on with it!
    Would have been nice to see some tracks with a bit more intensity - put on something like 2+2 = 5 afterwards and you'll see what I mean    … Expand
  42. dunnyone
    May 10, 2016
    10
    How is Beyonce's new album higher rated then this? A Moon shaped pool is fantastic and if you're a Radiohead fan, you'll love every track. PROTIP: listen to it on repeat, it gets better on new game plus ;)
  43. reinbow
    May 10, 2016
    9
    Fine album.Stand out tracks are "Ful Stop" "Present Tense" "Day Dreaming" "True Love Waits" and "Identikit".
    Like most of the Radiohead albums it will grow on u after each listen.The best part of the album is the intro of "Ful stop" which completely changes the flow of the album.
  44. BrushedRed
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did since I wasn't that crazy about "Burn the Witch" when it was just first released but that song kinda grew on me a bit but thankfully it's the weakest track on here. The other tracks are absolutely stunning. "Daydreaming," "Glass Eyes," and "Ful Stop" might be my favorites on here, but "Daydreaming," in particular is one of the greatest songsWasn't expecting to like this as much as I did since I wasn't that crazy about "Burn the Witch" when it was just first released but that song kinda grew on me a bit but thankfully it's the weakest track on here. The other tracks are absolutely stunning. "Daydreaming," "Glass Eyes," and "Ful Stop" might be my favorites on here, but "Daydreaming," in particular is one of the greatest songs Radiohead has ever done. Absolutely compelling and exceptional track. I've listened to this on loop all day and I have to say I continue to crave it. I understand that there will be those who are like "this is meh because they didn't experiment," who are ironically the ones who were like "uhh.. This isn't MY Radiohead I love," when they experimented with TKoL.

    Experimental or not, just take this album for what it is: gorgeous, transportive, and organized songs that we should be rejoicing over. It has been so long since we had a Radiohead album, and this is a wonderful way to come back.    … Expand
  45. 15Step
    May 9, 2016
    9
    Así es, una crítica en español (Raro en metacritic)
    Como seguidor de esta banda hace tanto tiempo, realmente no me sorprende que hagan cada vez algo totalmente diferente al álbum pasado, es algo que sin lugar a dudas uno debe acostumbrarse si le gusta esta peculiar banda, A Moon Shaped Pool es sin duda una muestra de lo mencionado, no tiene todos los loops de The King Of Limbs ni la    Así es, una crítica en español (Raro en metacritic)
    Como seguidor de esta banda hace tanto tiempo, realmente no me sorprende que hagan cada vez algo totalmente diferente al álbum pasado, es algo que sin lugar a dudas uno debe acostumbrarse si le gusta esta peculiar banda, A Moon Shaped Pool es sin duda una muestra de lo mencionado, no tiene todos los loops de The King Of Limbs ni la elegancia y armonía de In Rainbows, suena y se siente como algo diferente pero de alguna forma uno sabe que este material esta hecho por Radiohead, aun se siente ahí.
    El equilibrio casi perfecto entre instrumentos, efectos, percusiones y la voz de Yorke hacen a este álbum quizás... solo quizás uno de los mejores del año (Lo mismo se me esta yendo de las manos y me emocione por que soy seguidor, las cosas como son) convirtiendolo de igual forma en uno de los mejores de la banda, ya veo a los fans gritando "Esto no suena a Radiohead" Lo que ellos no entienden es que... Radiohead jamás sonará igual de un EP a otro, es algo a lo que deben aferrarse si es que les gusta tanto esta banda. El cambio no es bueno ni malo, solo no es lo mismo. En general este álbum no llega al "Obra maestra" pero sin duda es un muy buen compilado, muy completo y bastante placentero de escuchar, y como es de esperarse de Radiohead, un material de calidad y una extraña forma de distribución.    … Expand
  46. turtleseyes
    May 9, 2016
    10
    This is Radiohead at their peak, again. Pursuing it since Kid A, they finally found the perfect balance between their sonic digital tapestry and the analog sound from their early years. Johnny's chord arrangements are simply amazing, groundbreaking work. So glad to hear a great Radiohead album yet again. This one is superb since first audition. I mean, you do not need to try to understandThis is Radiohead at their peak, again. Pursuing it since Kid A, they finally found the perfect balance between their sonic digital tapestry and the analog sound from their early years. Johnny's chord arrangements are simply amazing, groundbreaking work. So glad to hear a great Radiohead album yet again. This one is superb since first audition. I mean, you do not need to try to understand it to enjoy it. 10/10… Expand
  47. yoshimon3
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Radiohead has been trying to make this album for YEARS. It's the perfect combination of accessible, experimental, acoustic, electronic, atmospheric, organic, melodic and innovative. It's their most beautiful album to date. It's message? We're all screwed. Now, as an avid Radiohead fan, I think that this is the perfect culmination of all of their previous efforts that works perfectly. It'sRadiohead has been trying to make this album for YEARS. It's the perfect combination of accessible, experimental, acoustic, electronic, atmospheric, organic, melodic and innovative. It's their most beautiful album to date. It's message? We're all screwed. Now, as an avid Radiohead fan, I think that this is the perfect culmination of all of their previous efforts that works perfectly. It's haunting, mature, dark, brooding, but mostly beautiful. Their most melodic album to date. Not a single gripe from this album. You can tell they put their soul into this one. It's basically just one BIG eargasmic, dark and twisted lullaby.
    And i've listened to this album over 8 times in the last 24 hours. Not only is it their best work since Kid A (which everyone is saying), but it's their best album to date. And no other band has released as much consistent quality as them, not even the Beatles. They haven't reached a legitimate low point yet, as their 2011 "flop" is still better than everything else released that year. Overall, 11/10. This one will go down in history. And you know what? It ISN'T too early to say this. Best Radiohead album. Best album ever. It will be as monumental as Kid A. And that's saying something. Seriously, how are they still innovating this much after all this time? So this is it, guys. This is how high the bar has been set. The best album of all time. Do you think RHCP and Gorillaz can beat it this year? I doubt it, but we'll see. This is the album we've been waiting for. Best song on the album? ALL OF THEM. Also, you can't explain about the structure of the album, it's all the same atmosphere done in ways you never thought possible. It's also in alphabetical order. This is Radiohead's goth folk experimental rock album. And no one's complaining.    … Expand
  48. madnessssss
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Wow. I thought I was finally over Radiohead. I wasn't a big fan of King of Limbs, and hadn't been paying attention to what they were working on. I wasn't expecting a new album.

    This is one of their best albums, period. Present Tense is already one of my favorite Radiohead songs. Ful Stop is incredible. Theres really a ton of top notch Radiohead songs here. Great melodies, beautiful,    Wow. I thought I was finally over Radiohead. I wasn't a big fan of King of Limbs, and hadn't been paying attention to what they were working on. I wasn't expecting a new album.

    This is one of their best albums, period. Present Tense is already one of my favorite Radiohead songs. Ful Stop is incredible. Theres really a ton of top notch Radiohead songs here. Great melodies, beautiful, dense, imaginative and unique layers/arrangements. Its just a beautiful album.

    You either love Radiohead or hate them. Ive never understood the latter group. I'd like to think this album could win some of then over, but the reality is Radiohead just doesn't "click" with a lot of people. I've never understood why.

    But if you've ever been a Radiohead fan, I have no doubt youll find a lot to love here.

    Cant wait to see em at ACL.    … Expand
  49. GerardoRoR
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Excelente disco, excelentes canciones, excelente Radiohead, ha llenado todo el espacio que había dejado el tiempo, es una combinación de todo lo mejor de ellos
  50. raul7legend
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Radiohead always seems to do it right. Their new effort - A Moon Shaped Pool, doesn't break grounds like their previous albums (e.g Kid A), instead it takes a more accessible and orchestral direction - and it’s wonderful.
  51. Doll9
    May 9, 2016
    10
    This record is better than i dared hope, filled with beautiful string arrangements, moving vocal melodies and wonderful textures. There is no filler on this album at all. Style wise it's more ballads/orchestral/folk/electro mash up than rock but that doesn't mean theres no urgency, see Identikit, Burn the Witch and Ful Stop. All the new tracks totally stand up to the fan favourites. InThis record is better than i dared hope, filled with beautiful string arrangements, moving vocal melodies and wonderful textures. There is no filler on this album at all. Style wise it's more ballads/orchestral/folk/electro mash up than rock but that doesn't mean theres no urgency, see Identikit, Burn the Witch and Ful Stop. All the new tracks totally stand up to the fan favourites. In fact Present Tense is the song i enjoyed least because i was attached to an acoustic solo version i'd heard years ago, but it's still a good song. I thought their last album was solid but never warmed to it the way i have to this one in just 24hrs. I am very impressed.… Expand
  52. Radiohead2000
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Absolutely amazed by this album, one of Radiohead's best, definitely in my top 5, the songs are beautiful and they put some of my favorite unreleased radiohead songs on it, like "True Love Waits", "Identikit", and "The Present Tense". The production is stellar, shoutout to Johnny Greenwood for that amazing orchestration, Thom's vocals are awesome as as aways, and the album is just perfect.Absolutely amazed by this album, one of Radiohead's best, definitely in my top 5, the songs are beautiful and they put some of my favorite unreleased radiohead songs on it, like "True Love Waits", "Identikit", and "The Present Tense". The production is stellar, shoutout to Johnny Greenwood for that amazing orchestration, Thom's vocals are awesome as as aways, and the album is just perfect. I don't know what else to say, I just love it. Radiohead, one of the few immortals.… Expand
  53. sbernhoft
    May 9, 2016
    10
    This record is pretty close to perfect. On par with Radiohead's best work, this record seems more personal than anything they've released. Daydreaming, Glass Eyes, and True Love waits are stand-out tracks.
  54. boulez
    May 9, 2016
    0
    It seems there's a time in every white, male, middle class, suburban millennial's life where we, usually around the age of 13, fall in love with Radiohead. It's a perfectly natural reaction. Their melodramatic, angst-ridden screeds against vague ideas of corporate evil and heads of state fit perfectly into our newly minted interests in things we can hardly begin to understand. But youIt seems there's a time in every white, male, middle class, suburban millennial's life where we, usually around the age of 13, fall in love with Radiohead. It's a perfectly natural reaction. Their melodramatic, angst-ridden screeds against vague ideas of corporate evil and heads of state fit perfectly into our newly minted interests in things we can hardly begin to understand. But you don't need to understand much to fully appreciate being holed up in your bedroom listening to Let Down on blast on our iPod alarm clock radio while thinking about your crush in Algebra who looked at you for a full 2 seconds that day. For their part, Radiohead has done well in transitioning these 13 y/os with burgeoning interests in music to transition to less juvenile acts. They've aped Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, Can, etc and thusly led their teenage fans down that road. Fast forward to their latest, 'A Moon Shaped Pool'. Radiohead seem to have given up on appropriating genuinely interesting music in favor of rehashing what sounds like a mishmash of Coldplay's greatest hits. For any well-learned, well-listened educated person the fact that the album is bad is not surprising. Radiohead have never produced a genuinely good album in their careers. But, still, they served a valuable purpose in the lives of music fans by leading them to greener pastures. With their ninth record instead they give them the finger and point to A.M.-radio-Superbowl-halftime-life-insurance-commercial ""rock"" music. Rock in scare quotes because as much as they still retain their love for guitars and drums and bass this is the most flaccid sound ever produced from an ostensibly uproarious art form. I mean, Steely Dan managed to make tepid rock music sound nice by combining it with white-people-jazz and a supreme ear for melody but I can't say anything as redeeming for this heap Radiohead has put out. It's mid-tempo background music for 50 minutes. I almost don't want to call this music. 'Music' has the import of art. This sounds like computer-generated sound for playing in department stores meant to keep young shoplifters out of the store by boring them to tears.… Expand
  55. aakjaer
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Possible the best album Radiohead ever made and far better than 'King of Limbs'. In a way it draws from all their previous albums like a calm, clarified and mature synthesis of everything they have accomplished so far. It's like Radiohead's 'Abbey Road'. What beautiful way to end it all if this should be their last album.
  56. buginthegrass
    May 9, 2016
    10
    First time being a fan of Radiohead before an album release and A Moon Shaped Pool definitely lived up to the hype. One of the most beautiful albums I have heard and I still need to give it more time to completely sink in.
  57. purplecolored
    May 9, 2016
    10
    This album may not be for people with no prior knowledge or appreciation of Radioheads work, but there are certainly songs that can still appeal to the casual listener. It's their most solid and consistent album since In Rainbows and I can safely say it's up there with their better albums.
  58. RadioHead_
    May 9, 2016
    10
    This album is absolutely incredible on the very first listen. Having now gone through it a half dozen times, I don't know which adjective to use now. The sheer emotion is sometimes hard to handle. The dreamscapes build and take you on a trippy journey. The use of synths and strings are remarkable. To think that this group is the same that produced Creep is really hard to comprehend....andThis album is absolutely incredible on the very first listen. Having now gone through it a half dozen times, I don't know which adjective to use now. The sheer emotion is sometimes hard to handle. The dreamscapes build and take you on a trippy journey. The use of synths and strings are remarkable. To think that this group is the same that produced Creep is really hard to comprehend....and I was blown away the first time I heard that track. This album will slowly creep into the listener's psyche with each listen. Some of the critic's scores will need to be re-considered I believe...a rare collection of songs that take on new meaning. It's an album for the headphones with your eyes closed. If you are able to shut off your logical brain, and forget the chaos and stress of your day, and actually just listen....you will surely be transported. The best album I have heard in a long, long time. Just an incredible band who dare to go to new places. Incredible !!… Expand
  59. R1TC
    May 9, 2016
    9
    This is a good album, for sure. This collection of songs unveils layer upon layer of beautiful instrumental intricacy on each successive playthrough, and it really is a rewarding listen on a proper sound system, but it is not quite as perfect as everyone would have you believe. In light of its nature of being perpetually slow and directionless, it misses that magic element that makesThis is a good album, for sure. This collection of songs unveils layer upon layer of beautiful instrumental intricacy on each successive playthrough, and it really is a rewarding listen on a proper sound system, but it is not quite as perfect as everyone would have you believe. In light of its nature of being perpetually slow and directionless, it misses that magic element that makes albums like "Agaetis Byrjun" so flawlessly amazing, despite their constant slow and brooding demeanour.

    In any case, this is still probably my second favourite album of the year so far, behind Blackstar,

    Best: Burn the Witch, True Love Waits, Identikit
    Worst: Desert Island Disk    … Expand
  60. RunAmok
    May 9, 2016
    10
    I really enjoyed The King Of Limbs, but I thought that the quality of the songs on that album suffers from a bizarre cut and paste production. AMSP's production luckily goes back to the layered tidy perfection of In Rainbows, and I think that this is the reason why it might be an easier listen even for newcomers.
    The songs on the album are subtle, melancholic, full and often orchestrated    I really enjoyed The King Of Limbs, but I thought that the quality of the songs on that album suffers from a bizarre cut and paste production. AMSP's production luckily goes back to the layered tidy perfection of In Rainbows, and I think that this is the reason why it might be an easier listen even for newcomers.
    The songs on the album are subtle, melancholic, full and often orchestrated (thanks Jonny) and generally up there with Radiohead's best work.
    The tone is more pastoral and as dreamy as some moments of TKOL, but overall it feels more cohesive.
    It's also a pleasure to finally have an edited official version of songs we've been listening to for years, such as True Love Waits, Present Tense, and they've all delivered.
    It's just what fans wanted to have, so much so that at moments it almost feels like fanservice, and of the best kind.    … Expand
  61. cwongx
    May 9, 2016
    10
    It's so beautifully subtle. I love the pizzicatos at the beginning giving that strange sense of foreboding. The chord progressions and the ambience are so uniquely Radiohead's, yet it is obvious they've got a new sound. It's an elegantly-composed album, so full of small details that add greatly to the entire listening experience. Thom's voice sounds just like it was 15 years ago. It's goodIt's so beautifully subtle. I love the pizzicatos at the beginning giving that strange sense of foreboding. The chord progressions and the ambience are so uniquely Radiohead's, yet it is obvious they've got a new sound. It's an elegantly-composed album, so full of small details that add greatly to the entire listening experience. Thom's voice sounds just like it was 15 years ago. It's good to have you back, Radiohead.… Expand
  62. perli
    May 9, 2016
    10
    After three listens of A Moon Shaped Pool on the loop, I must say that I like it, I like it a lot, and I am not an avid fan of Radiohead. It's on par with their best work, with Bends, OK Computer, Kid A. It's a sign, a symptom of our dark times (the powerful elites stoking wars to sell arms to stir the growth of economies, endless river of destitute refuges, terrorism, corruption,After three listens of A Moon Shaped Pool on the loop, I must say that I like it, I like it a lot, and I am not an avid fan of Radiohead. It's on par with their best work, with Bends, OK Computer, Kid A. It's a sign, a symptom of our dark times (the powerful elites stoking wars to sell arms to stir the growth of economies, endless river of destitute refuges, terrorism, corruption, pollution, tax cuts and tax avoidance for the rich and austerity and welfare cuts for the poor etc.). A Moon Shaped Pool is beautiful, hounting mix of Thom's falsetto, restrained indy guitars, electronic drones and strings in imaginative film music style with dash of chaos a la Ligeti. A masterpiece!… Expand
  63. kylo_zen
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Not only is this the best Radiohead album, I can say without hyperbole that this may be the greatest album of all time. The boys have outdone themselves.
  64. Finalxz
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Is a Radiohead Album for Radiohead Lovers, if the band doesn't get your taste before, this is no gonna make you like them. thath been say Radiohead music works in another level.
  65. CharlieGray
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Actually, I was pretty surprised by this record, I didn't expect to like it so much as I do, I am not a Radiohead fan, I don't even like male singers/bands, so this was so amazingly shocking.
  66. chidime
    May 9, 2016
    9
    A good album. Very atmospheric and melodic. This is my first Radiohead album listen so I love that it sounds exactly like what I'd imagined Radiohead sounded like, but at the same time sounds different from snippets and single songs I've heard previously from Radiohead, whilst still sounding modern and fresh. Big ups Radiohead, and good job! This is why you guys are legends even in thisA good album. Very atmospheric and melodic. This is my first Radiohead album listen so I love that it sounds exactly like what I'd imagined Radiohead sounded like, but at the same time sounds different from snippets and single songs I've heard previously from Radiohead, whilst still sounding modern and fresh. Big ups Radiohead, and good job! This is why you guys are legends even in this day and age.

    Fave track is of course: Burn The Witch. Love the video as well.    … Expand
  67. Ceccon
    May 9, 2016
    10
    O album está incrível! Mudou um pouco do "habitual", porém continua fantástico. Para fãs (assim como eu) a primeira escuta você já se encanta logo de cara, pois as primeiras músicas são incrivelmente "gostosas" de serem ouvidas. Já para quem ainda não conhece o trabalho deles, procurem entender que a banda tem trabalhos e fases diferentes, não é sempre a mesma coisa, por tanto, se foremO album está incrível! Mudou um pouco do "habitual", porém continua fantástico. Para fãs (assim como eu) a primeira escuta você já se encanta logo de cara, pois as primeiras músicas são incrivelmente "gostosas" de serem ouvidas. Já para quem ainda não conhece o trabalho deles, procurem entender que a banda tem trabalhos e fases diferentes, não é sempre a mesma coisa, por tanto, se forem ouvir esse album e depois ouvirem outros mais antigos, não se assustem. THOM YORKE para presidente NOW!… Expand
  68. AlexWaterwalk
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Too soon to tell if it's their best. Yet, I already know that it was worth the wait.
    A Moon Shaped Pool is lightyears ahead of The King Of Limbs, and Radiohead find again there the level they had achieved at their peak (1997-2007).
    Burn The Witch, Daydreaming, Decks Dark and The Present Tense are the album's most beautiful song, while True Love Waits might simply become the band's    Too soon to tell if it's their best. Yet, I already know that it was worth the wait.
    A Moon Shaped Pool is lightyears ahead of The King Of Limbs, and Radiohead find again there the level they had achieved at their peak (1997-2007).

    Burn The Witch, Daydreaming, Decks Dark and The Present Tense are the album's most beautiful song, while True Love Waits might simply become the band's greatest track. Radiohead have managed to surprise everyone again, in a good way, which I started doubting they could do after their last effort in 2011.

    Thanks Radiohead for still being there and at your best !    … Expand
  69. Rob1986
    May 9, 2016
    6
    It's slow, it lacks the rushes of emotion that are present on the great radiohead albums. There is some subtlety that might allow it to grow on you, but this album and TKOL make me think that the run of great Radiohead albums is over. People change over time which means a bands chemistry also has to change. I'm still hoping for another great album sometime in the future, but it didn'tIt's slow, it lacks the rushes of emotion that are present on the great radiohead albums. There is some subtlety that might allow it to grow on you, but this album and TKOL make me think that the run of great Radiohead albums is over. People change over time which means a bands chemistry also has to change. I'm still hoping for another great album sometime in the future, but it didn't happen this time.… Expand
  70. TheReviewGuyx
    May 9, 2016
    3
    It's okay, I guess. They've created better albums. Obviously, you should check it out, but subjectively speaking, I couldn't help feeling a little underwhelmed after just listening to the masterpiece that is 'Lemonade'.
  71. JPV328
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Radiohead have delivered the greatest album in the history of rock music. A Moon Shaped Pool is deeply satisfying and will shake you to the core. Gorgeous. Thank you, Radiohead.
  72. CoreyGaze
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Incredible, haunting, devastating, sublime. Everything I hoped for and goes straight to my top 3 radiohead albums. As a songwriter I find this collection of songs both incredibly inspiring and also intimidating. Well done Radiohead, you have done it again.
  73. Braunski
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Everything i wanted from a new Radiohead record, and even more.
    Mesmerizing instrumentation, heartbreaking vocals and beautiful melodies.
    A moon shaped pool is one of Radioheads best.
  74. dare
    May 9, 2016
    10
    beautiful, wonderfully, charmingly, magnificent, stunning, ravishing, amazing, dreamy,
    touching, indescribable, powerful, delightfully, thoroughly, elegantly......
  75. diegokobe
    May 9, 2016
    10
    A Moon Shaped Pool is a celebration of subtlety. In it, Radiohead have not only mastered songgwriting, production and arrengement, they have reached maturity. It is the sound of a band that constantly reinvent themselves, but this time they take a strong step towards beauty. A haunting beauty which shows itself through the calm responses of broad strokes in a clean canvas. An inspirationalA Moon Shaped Pool is a celebration of subtlety. In it, Radiohead have not only mastered songgwriting, production and arrengement, they have reached maturity. It is the sound of a band that constantly reinvent themselves, but this time they take a strong step towards beauty. A haunting beauty which shows itself through the calm responses of broad strokes in a clean canvas. An inspirational journey that breathes emotion and suspense and reaches that through unseen resources. This band knows what they are doing, they have understood the complexity of "less is more" and used it together to craft something wonderful. This is no Yorke or Greenwood album, it is a collectively done masterpiece that will live through the ages.… Collapse
  76. MillStoner
    May 9, 2016
    10
    I just don't want this album to end. After every listen, something new creeps into my ear. The Numbers may be one of my favourite Radiohead songs at the minute. The Atmosphere this album creates is melancholic but beautiful in it's own right.
  77. tomiowa
    May 9, 2016
    10
    The first song, Burn the Witch kicks off the album well, it’s a good opener, although I wish it started off with birds chirping like it did in the music video. But it’s an intense song, has some slow build up, with electronics pulsing in the background as Thom Yorke soars with a haunting vocal performance. The ending is great, so intense, kind of ends abruptly, but I think was wasThe first song, Burn the Witch kicks off the album well, it’s a good opener, although I wish it started off with birds chirping like it did in the music video. But it’s an intense song, has some slow build up, with electronics pulsing in the background as Thom Yorke soars with a haunting vocal performance. The ending is great, so intense, kind of ends abruptly, but I think was was intentional. The next song Daydreaming is so peaceful, it’s the longest song on the album, doesn’t exactly seem like it though. This song has a slow build up, it doesn’t explode though however like most songs do off this album, it makes you feel very lonely, and I think that’s what this song is about. The next song is Decks Dark, weird title. But it’s a great song, kind of sounds sexual in a way…, the production is so great here, Thom’s voice is so good to listen to, so soothing. The choir bit in the song adds to it perfectly, and makes it more dense, more complicated than your average track. The next song is Desert Island Disk, quite a warm sounding song with acoustic guitar, a previously unreleased song in Radiohead’s discography, like many other songs off this album. According to Thom Yorke it’s about a CD you’ll listen to stuck on a desert island, can sort of see where he’s coming from, a great song, but possibly the weakest on the album, and it kills me to say that. But now i’m excited, I get to talk about track 5, Ful Stop. Absolute masterpiece. The build up and the momentum in this song is incredible, makes you want to bob your head, makes you want to dance, it **** your brain up. Thom’s vocals are actually irresistible here, so catchy it’s unreal. He couldn’t have sung this in a better way, being honest. It’s a 6 minute track epic, which is a foundation for this album that sits about half way through the track listing here, will be a fan favourite. The next song is so lovely, Glass Eyes. The shortest song on the album sitting at 2:53. Kind of has the same feel as Faust Arp from In Rainbows, but it’s a sad song, like most off this album. The next song is a weird one, probably the weirdest here, but that has to be expected on a Radiohead album, another fan favourite from a live capacity, Identikit. Starts off with electronic beats, and slowly kicks off into this really catchy tune. The part where Ed O’Brien sings is haunting and kind of uplifting in a way. The ending to this song is great, but so bizarre and unlike Radiohead, finishes off with a guitar solo. Another thing I have to give them credit for this the use of instruments and how every member shines on this without making it too over the top. The next song is The Numbers. This song used to be called Silent Spring, used to be just an acoustic song, and they’ve given this song a huge make over. Not only added to it’s length but made it so beautiful sounding. It’s clearly about nature and the problem with global warming. The orchestral sounds are great here, makes it sound so organic and rich. And it fits in perfectly. The next song, Present Tense. Another acoustic guitar driven song, one of my favourites on this song, for sure. It has other beats swirling in the background to add to it, it isn’t done to make you become distracted from the main focus of this song. I’m not sure of the true meaning behind this song, but I feel as if it would make a good song to sing at the end of the world. The also made this song much better after putting it onto this album, and it was great to begin with anyway. The next song (the penultimate track) definitely wins the award for the weirdest and longest title, Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief, try says that 5 times in a row really fast, I can’t even do it once. It’s an interesting track that starts off electronic driven, sound like something taken from Thom Yorke’s Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes, it has great lyrics, not many though I might add, it’s kind of driven by instrumentals, and Radiohead really flex their instrumental muscles here, towards the latter half of the track and especially the ending, dramatic and powerful finish. The last song here needs no introduction, True Love Waits. Radiohead first performed this live around 24 years ago, so it’s been kicking around for a while, and fans have always loved it, and I’ve loved it too, it was sitting in my top 10. This album couldn’t have ended any better, this song is PERFECT. Not only did they take a great song and just make it so much better, but they made it slower, piano driven, the acoustic guitar is gone, it’s so much more powerful, and Thom Yorke’s painful vocals are so … there are no words.., it’s painfully sad and upsetting. I believe this song is significant because Thom broke up with his wife last year and this song was first recorded/ released when they first got back together, and that adds even more to this masterpiece, hands down the best song on the album. My character limit is going to exceed. It's a masterpiece 10/10. Their best album.… Expand
  78. claytongg
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. From start to finish Radiohead deliver an absolutely splendid 11 track lineup featuring past and familiar sounds. Featuring tracks like "Identikit" and "True Love Waits" that have been in the making for years are an absolute joy for Radiohead fans to see on this album.
  79. jedsworld100
    May 9, 2016
    9
    A great experiment of an album. Radiohead keeps on surprising me with creative songs that the fans will adore. The album is a stunning and breath taking album, definitely check this album out!
  80. leiflacroix
    May 9, 2016
    10
    It is a quintessential Radiohead record. Affirmative that strings are more present than ever, the songs are more reliant on the overall texture, rather than on single-worthy moments and there are songs in the album, who date back to pre-Big Bang. However, one who has ever listened to a shred of Radiohead would recognize the band from the album even galaxies-away. It is that unmistakable,It is a quintessential Radiohead record. Affirmative that strings are more present than ever, the songs are more reliant on the overall texture, rather than on single-worthy moments and there are songs in the album, who date back to pre-Big Bang. However, one who has ever listened to a shred of Radiohead would recognize the band from the album even galaxies-away. It is that unmistakable, signature feeling Radiohead has constructed over the course of 20 years, exuding every second of the album. From the first bow-slide to the last beat, it feels so packed and suffused with emotion, sound-gimmickry (remember “Climbing up the Ladder”s extremely disconcerting strings which have been ingeniously arranged to make you feel like you wither away) and Yorke’s other-worldly voice. The combination of these elements is so endemic to Radiohead now that you cannot get even dumbfounded by the shuddering beauty of them. The album feels empowering and placating, unified and disjoint, dreadful and infinite at the same time. All these feelings coalesce around a single message: if you embrace your sadness, dread, deeply embedded and ingrained melancholia, then there is nothing you cannot tackle along the way. That is Radiohead’s unique message for us mortals.… Expand
  81. aforeashore
    May 9, 2016
    10
    after years of waiting. Your review must be at least 150 characters long.Your review must be at least 150 characters long.Your review must be at least 150 characters long.Your review must be at least 150 characters long.Your review must be at least 150 characters long.Your review must be at least 150 characters long.Your review must be at least 150 characters long.
  82. spaceface
    May 8, 2016
    10
    This is simply perfect. An almost audio-visual trip to core of sadness, but not in a tragic way, but in an accepting mature way. Each and every track is so detailed and master-crafted it almost doesn't make any sense. This is the true successor to "In Rainbows". This one is a true classic.
  83. GenXY
    May 8, 2016
    10
    User named "getwiththetimes" is on crack and has no ears. I don't believe he even has the ability to process cognitive brain patterns. It's likely that he was dropped on his head as a baby, but perhaps he ate paint chips as a child. He is awarded no points, and may God have mercy on his soul. Though I truly believe that he is soulless husk.
  84. Achoo
    May 8, 2016
    10
    I think this is the album most Radiohead fans would have wanted. The band seem totally content with where they are going on this album, and it is a confident, assured, accepting chapter in their history to boot. Hopefully not the final act in the epic journey that the most interesting band in the world have taken over the last 25 or so years, but one that would be fitting if it is.
    They    I think this is the album most Radiohead fans would have wanted. The band seem totally content with where they are going on this album, and it is a confident, assured, accepting chapter in their history to boot. Hopefully not the final act in the epic journey that the most interesting band in the world have taken over the last 25 or so years, but one that would be fitting if it is.
    They have come almost full circle with this album, incorporating many of the things they have mastered over the years and using them reassuredly    … Expand
  85. Omniculex
    May 8, 2016
    10
    This album sounds like constantly waking up in and out of many, many dreams. Mostly sad ones, but no matter what, utterly beautiful. This is Radiohead at their most cinematic, plaintive, lush, and, by the time you realize you're listening to such a distilled version of True Love Waits, heartbreaking.
  86. diehardperu
    May 8, 2016
    10
    This album can easily get a 10, it will be remembered as one of the best albums of this decade, and, why not, of the XXI century. Some songs take me to an unknown atmosphere.
  87. Aladdynsane
    May 8, 2016
    9
    Amazing album. I loved the video and song Burn the Witch, but the rest of the album is more in line with Daydreaming (interesting video by the way). Definitely a bit on the mellow side but incredibly catchy, it's one of those rare albums that can be listened to front to back without hitting the skip button. A must have for any Radiohead fan.
  88. connorswords
    May 8, 2016
    10
    This is their most beautiful, haunting piece to date. For me, this album is strikingly similar to Kid A. Although maybe less sonically innovative than Kid A, the coherence, in terms of both theme and sound, of AMSP rivals that of any Radiohead album
  89. rudsat
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Breathtaking, beautiful, sad, joyful, there is everything in this record. It is just perfect. The songs The Numbers and Identikit are standouts and there is no weak track. 10!
  90. BeeboBaggins
    May 8, 2016
    10
    I don't want to jump to any conclusions first listen... that said, this is the first Radiohead release I've been apart of, and I've been blindsided. It's better than OK Computer, Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows. Only album I might like more than it is Kid A, and that's some high praise.

    Burn the Witch - The moment I listened to this I felt opening track vibes. It's like an    I don't want to jump to any conclusions first listen... that said, this is the first Radiohead release I've been apart of, and I've been blindsided. It's better than OK Computer, Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows. Only album I might like more than it is Kid A, and that's some high praise.

    Burn the Witch - The moment I listened to this I felt opening track vibes. It's like an orchestrated 2 + 2 = 5. It's gonna get you hyped for sure.

    Daydreaming - When I first heard this track, I thought it was one of the best things they've ever done. The way the synths and orchestration mix is beauty.

    Decks Dark - So when this song comes along and is just as good, if not better? Yeah, I was blown away. The build-up of this track, along with the choir and vocals is amazing. It feels like a perfected Drunken Punch Up. Just an unbelievable track.

    Desert Island Disk - My favorite of the two Thom played live with the acoustic. I'm happy that they didn't take out the acoustic and replace it with something else. Instead the rest of the track builds a soundscape around it that elevates it to a whole other level. Then the drums kick in and, yes Thom, I know what you mean.

    Ful Stop - Radiohead turns it up here. The opening part of the song where the instruments and synths slowly tune in gets me so hyped it's unbelievable. Another soundscape is made by this song, but here it feels like I'm running as fast as I can. Why? Who knows. Yorke's lyrics kick in and the whole piece comes together. Then the instruments take center stage, and it gives me a Jigsaws sense of euphoria. I could spend hours describing this track. Unbelievable.

    Glass Eyes - Feels like a Faust Arp, since it's the only track under 3 minutes and divides two epics (Ful Stop and Identikit.) That said, I love Faust Arp and that same love is found here with Glass Eyes. The piano starts it off with the instruments coming in with his lyrics makes me feel as if I'm looking into his head. It's worth saying, this track would be impossible without Jonny Greenwood. Thanks our lucky stars for his orchestration.

    Identikit - One if the most anticipated tracks of the album makes an appearance. I spent years avoiding this one just because I wanted to hear the studio release first. This track, more than the rest, is built off rhythm. That said, it is still an excellent methodical piece. When the song makes that sudden change around 2 minutes in, it explodes in the best way possible. Once it comes back to Earth, you just have to appreciate what they've done with it. One of the best tracks on the album to this point.

    The Numbers - Silent Spring, I didn't like as much. So maybe Yorke somehow read my mind and changed it from Silent Spring to The Numbers. The acoustic guitar is still there, but hearing it along with the Climbing Up the Walls esque orchestration and chorus changes it from a good acoustic track into one of the greatest tracks this band has ever put out. An epic that blows the rest out of the water.

    Present Tense - This is a track I struggled to describe. I love the opening bit, reminiscent of Nude. A lot of build up on this one. The choir is great here, and the instruments back them up so perfectly. Jonny Greenwood does an amazing job with this track. He and Yorke drive this track as a prelude to...

    Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief - What a mouth full. Broken up synths remind me a bit of The Gloaming. Yorke's vocals seem to fly through the song. The instruments give an Amnesiac vibe. You and Whose Army? more so than others. The orchestration is once again done perfectly. Radiohead always does an amazing job with the penultimate track and this one is no exception.

    True Love Waits - We've waited, alright. I'd only heard this track a couple times so I wouldn't dilute it if I heard it on an album. What we get is a Videotape esque edition. I like his vocals so much more here. He sing it like a dream. The piano is just melancholic enough for this song, which has gone from a nice love song into one of the saddest songs this band has ever released. The orchestration is still there, but mostly steps aside to give Thom his song filled with a beauty and emptiness that I haven't felt since Kid A. One of the only songs to ever make me cry and an amazing closer to the album.

    Overall - Radiohead is playing like a band in their prime 31 years in. Through this time they've gone from the rock ballad of OK Computer and has released its equivalent here. I don't see them ending here, Thom and Jonny are working together more than ever. If they do, however, then this is a perfect album to leave us with.

    Initial Impression - 10/10. This album takes me on an unbelievable journey from its hard pressed opener to its desolate conclusion. Radiohead faithful will love this album to death.    … Expand
  91. HurDurImADragon
    May 8, 2016
    10
    The tone this album took was quite unexpected. After the stressed out, urgent strings of Burn The Witch, I expected a album that was much more in your face than what we got. The Radiohead of A Moon Shaped Pool take a more subdued tone. It didn't matter. Like all other Radiohead albums, the rest of the after the album after the aforementioned opener carved out its own sonic space.The tone this album took was quite unexpected. After the stressed out, urgent strings of Burn The Witch, I expected a album that was much more in your face than what we got. The Radiohead of A Moon Shaped Pool take a more subdued tone. It didn't matter. Like all other Radiohead albums, the rest of the after the album after the aforementioned opener carved out its own sonic space. Radiohead take the weightless, somewhat minimalist Daydreaming and run with it throughout a really, really good album. It might just fall short of In Rainbows, at least after the first 4 or 5 listens, but it's a big deal that this Radiohead album has topped it's predecessor in A King of Limbs.… Expand
  92. falconer24
    May 8, 2016
    10
    After 3 listens here's where it stands for me:
    1) Kid A
    2) OK Computer
    3) In Rainbows
    4) A Moon Shaped Pool
    5) The Bends
    6) Amnesiac
    7) Hail to the Thief
    8) Pablo Honey
    9) TKOL
  93. khashayarghkh
    May 8, 2016
    10
    The most interesting thing about Radiohead, is that they evolve, they change! and they always manage to surprise you, in the most strangest ways.
    I listened to this album, with no intentions ,and that's why i loved it.
  94. FrostAtronach
    May 8, 2016
    10
    This album is awesome. I read something saying that this is the Kid A of the 2010s, and I agree completely. It evokes the same feeling and is hauntingly beautiful, kind of making me feel like I'm on a space journey. There is one flaw however, I'm not completely in love with Desert Island Disk, but it doesn't keep this from getting a 10 in my books.
  95. exogenesis98
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Brilliant.. this album is masterfully constructed. Not only that, but its beauty is nearly unrivaled..
    To me, it is a vast improvement from "The King of Limbs" as this album seems to have more heart (Which Radiohead desperately needed).
  96. T-Racks
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Simply fantastic......................................................................................................................................
  97. Mega-Sackman
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Probable the most impressive album in a long time, much better than King of Limbs in mi opinion and really high on Radiohead's pantheon, just not sure where yet but might be on top. There's no bad song here or one which I wouldn't listen a couple of times. Ful Stop, The Numbers, Decks Dark, Identikit and Present Tense are the best one at firs impressions but the whole album is full ofProbable the most impressive album in a long time, much better than King of Limbs in mi opinion and really high on Radiohead's pantheon, just not sure where yet but might be on top. There's no bad song here or one which I wouldn't listen a couple of times. Ful Stop, The Numbers, Decks Dark, Identikit and Present Tense are the best one at firs impressions but the whole album is full of beautiful songs. I'm in awe.… Expand
  98. badalbum
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Fantastic album that was well worth the wait. Not a bad track on this thing. Was hoping for Lift to be on this but I'll settle for the other 11 fantastic tracks.
  99. scotspikey
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Wow. Unusually for a radiohead album, first listen is enough. Its beautiful. Worth the wait. now, will you please do a proper tour so we can all get to see you?
  100. DiscoNesi
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Melodic, elegant, dreamy like. This is radiohead hitting on all points. The string arrangements done by I'm assuming Johnny add a whole new element to their sound. I can't stop listening. On par with their best work. Clearly AOY.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Album of 2016
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2016
11
#11 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Aug 11, 2016
    89
    Gone are any remnants of yesteryear's "rock music" ideology, thrusting Radiohead into a mature state of potentially their best work still to come.
    Read full review
  2. Magnet
    Aug 9, 2016
    90
    This is Radiohead's deepest, darkest pool of devotion and doubt in a career marked by almost nothing but. [No. 133, p.51]
  3. Uncut
    Jun 21, 2016
    90
    There's a lighter, more hopeful bent to the musical settings, which perfectly balance the more dissonant leanings of The King Of Limbs with a sumptuousness and gentleness they've rarely sought since OK Computer. [Aug 2016, p.81]
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