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. Azad78
    Aug 19, 2023
    10
    This album is their best recent one yet, instant classic.


    I always put off listening to it because i didn't want to be disappointed like i was with their "The King Of Limbs" album, however as i cautiously listened to this one my expectations were absolutely annihilated it's such a soft emotional listen please give it a try you won't regret it
  2. Saihodonttop
    Jun 12, 2023
    9
    Thok killed emebbrrbrhrhhegeeed,rjylphgur64ugugut7yitr5tdguftffyfugyohiguihiguyifdye5srse



    Hoh7yygu
  3. fuor22
    May 31, 2023
    10
    This album has everything it takes to be one of the best albums! The songs are beautiful, the stories are riveting, and the musicians behind them are also incredible
  4. frightopia
    Mar 6, 2023
    8
    Really loved the whole vibe of this project. Definitely one of the better albums of Radiohead!
  5. Gliphy
    Nov 17, 2022
    10
    If Kid A is the most depressive Radiohead's album, A Moon Shaped Pool is the most melancholic album. True Love Waits is one of my favourite songs. In my opinion, it's the final Radiohead's album. They moving forward and leave Radiohead backward.
  6. titanoneday
    Nov 7, 2022
    10
    I can't believe that it still feels fresh whenever I play one of the songs of this album, even after a couple of years since my first listen.
  7. Cyzzyx
    May 18, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A Moon Shaped Pool is a return to what makes Radiohead special. The sonic uniqueness and ambiance makes this project so empty yet so interesting. It reminds me of the emotions I felt during Kid A, but less of a dystopian way and more of a depressing way. The problems I have with this album are pacing issues, but other than that this is a fantastic listen from front to back. Thom Yorke's vocal performance in this album is one of his best in my opinion, and you can really feel and hear the emotions that the band is trying to convey. His lyricism also shines poetically all throughout, probably because it was so emotionally charged. One of the saddest albums of all time.

    Favorite Tracks: Burn The Witch, Daydreaming, Decks Dark, Ful Stop, Glass Eyes, Identikit, The Numbers, Present Tense

    Least Favorite Tracks: Desert Island Disk, Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief    … Expand
  8. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 6, 2021
    8
    most melodically accessible collection, almost meditative in its ethereal mid-tempo loveliness, yet shot through with the kind of edgy details that never quite let a listener relax. It is chill-out music to put your nerves on edge.
  9. EvanKilter
    Jul 26, 2021
    10
    A moon shaped pool is the equivalent to perfectly spreading diamond encrusted melted gold bar butter on your eardrums.

    Favorites: ALL
    Least Favorites: NONE
  10. nekyo
    May 26, 2021
    8
    The King Of Limbs wasn't their best, but this one came out on a whole new level. This record reflects a solidly mature Radiohead. They bring all their experience and create this gorgeous list of tracks, taking on a more depressive and heartening road, but making each one of them worth to listen to.
  11. Chris182
    Apr 26, 2021
    8
    This is the perfect mix of In Rainbows and The Bends. Easily their best album since 2007.
    Best Songs: True Love Waits, Decks Dark, Burn the Witch
  12. AlecTwenty
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    They put out lots of great stuff through the years but I personally like this project more than any other album of them.
  13. RPF
    Dec 17, 2020
    9
    This album, like nearly all Radiohead albums, is an incredible creation. It creates a very sonic/filmic landscape with the sounds and melodies. The songs have this calming and mesmerising quality. Personal favourites include ‘ Burn the Witch’, ‘Decks dark’ and ‘Present Tense’. I really enjoy how Radiohead have once again found a different sound to master. Great work.
  14. cwiz2
    Oct 22, 2020
    10
    Beautiful. They have proven themselves many times before and it is amazing how they continue to release albums of this quality
  15. Josuerl2808
    May 10, 2020
    9
    New classic of Radiohead. So sad, but extremely depth and beautiful.
    What a great album. This could be one of my favorites.
  16. Blackwoo4
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    Radiohead's quietest, most subtle, album to date is also their most rich and beautiful. Trading in trappy beats and and breakneck riffs, AMSP is pristine and glistening. Thom Yorke's personal songwriting helps the band pull off their most affecting collection of songs whilst Jonny Greenwood's symphonic arrangements angelically ebb and flow throughout.
  17. arunscript
    Oct 21, 2019
    7
    I really wanted this album to be great. It isn't. It's about average with a couple of good songs. But Radiohead is still my favorite band of all time. I don't know any other band that has consistently churned out amazing songs (like the really good Decks Dark on this one) over more than a decade and I don't know any other band that has a top-twenty (because top-10 isn't good enough) listI really wanted this album to be great. It isn't. It's about average with a couple of good songs. But Radiohead is still my favorite band of all time. I don't know any other band that has consistently churned out amazing songs (like the really good Decks Dark on this one) over more than a decade and I don't know any other band that has a top-twenty (because top-10 isn't good enough) list that varies wildly. If OKC is 10/10 and In Rainbows is 9/10, then this has to be not more than 7/10.… Expand
  18. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    8
    A chilling, beautiful and unforgettable album by Radiohead. The sombre mood of the album is executed just perfectly, and while I don't think this is the album I'd listen to on repeat for hours, I do really like it. The string sections are absolutely stunning, and I really wouldn't mind if every song had them. I do think that aside from some heavy stand-outs, the album can feel a bitA chilling, beautiful and unforgettable album by Radiohead. The sombre mood of the album is executed just perfectly, and while I don't think this is the album I'd listen to on repeat for hours, I do really like it. The string sections are absolutely stunning, and I really wouldn't mind if every song had them. I do think that aside from some heavy stand-outs, the album can feel a bit uninteresting at times, even though there are no bad tracks whatsoever (like most Radiohead albums). And those string sections are extraordinary.
    Favourites: Burn the Witch, Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief, Daydreaming
    Least Favourites: Glass Eyes (A really tough decision).    … Expand
  19. zJake
    Jul 13, 2019
    10
    Another incredible album by an incredible band. Hard to criticise this piece of art.
    Favourite songs: Daydreaming, Decks Dark, Glass Eyes, Identikit, Present Tense, True Love Waits
    To be honest I love them all but those are the top 6 in my opinion.
  20. Carburateur77
    Jul 2, 2019
    9
    All the songs seem infused with both hyper sensibility and grounded bass lines. Hope and distress. Even if it gets high in ethereal propositions, it never fails to stay connected emotionally. Can't get enough, it's addictive.
  21. Alinzpark
    Jun 7, 2019
    8
    A Moon Shaped Pool, despite being the band's most understated and acoustic releases of their career, is easily one of their most emotionally poignant as well. While peppered with acoustics, AMSP still contains plenty of the band's signature experimentation with unconventional rock instrumentations on songs like "Ful Stop" with it's pulsing base and the cacophonous orchestra on the openerA Moon Shaped Pool, despite being the band's most understated and acoustic releases of their career, is easily one of their most emotionally poignant as well. While peppered with acoustics, AMSP still contains plenty of the band's signature experimentation with unconventional rock instrumentations on songs like "Ful Stop" with it's pulsing base and the cacophonous orchestra on the opener "Burn the Witch". The album achieves a rare accomplishment by ending on it's highest note with the emotionally draining, yet decidedly understated rendition of "True Love Waits".
    While far from the band's greatest releases, AMSP demonstrates that Radiohead, despite being 30+ years into their career, are from washed up.    … Expand
  22. KELEO2000
    Dec 30, 2018
    10
    A different album to all, as each of them have a unique style, in this we can appreciate the background story of Yorke and his ex-wife Rachel that more than one will make us feel different emotions.
  23. Andremax
    Jul 12, 2018
    8
    Very weird album. Yes, it's a praise, considering that it is a Radiohead's characteristic. Electronic and at the same time orchestral sonority, with many textures of classical instruments, beats and electronic effects makes the album a bit dense but without put aside all the beauty that also marks band sound. Still worthwhile, as Radiohead fans as good music fans.
  24. vonhara
    Apr 16, 2018
    8
    This is good, but not so good, but really good tho. I love the orchestration, even tho I think there would have been places for better songs to fit the album. I mean, Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief is a solid 0/10
  25. EdenIsNotHere
    Feb 2, 2018
    10
    In 2018, this album crushes and destroys my soul every time I listen to it. Every song here it's naturally textured and detailed, unilaterally keeping this easy-listening and calm vibe to the record. Elegant, beautifully written and stripped-down but harmonius, Radiohead continues demostrating that are one of the most creative, mysterious and haunting bands of the history. All of the songIn 2018, this album crushes and destroys my soul every time I listen to it. Every song here it's naturally textured and detailed, unilaterally keeping this easy-listening and calm vibe to the record. Elegant, beautifully written and stripped-down but harmonius, Radiohead continues demostrating that are one of the most creative, mysterious and haunting bands of the history. All of the song here are simply just perfect, one of the best albums of this decade, period.

    FAV TRACKS: ALL OF THEM.

    WORST TRACKS: HAHA YOU THOUGHT    … Expand
  26. Clint_Eastwood1
    Nov 9, 2017
    9
    Непонятно как,но Radiohead с годами не теряют планку качества,даже не смотря на то,что альбомы часто получаются эксперементальными,но это не мешает группе выпускать отличные релизы с неплохой частотой.
  27. davidpirtle
    Oct 30, 2017
    8
    After their divisive last album, I guess a moon shaped pool is just what the fanbase ordered. While not, for my money anyway, a whole lot better than their previous effort, it is a whole lot more Radiohead. That isn't to say that it isn't trying anything new, and it's where the album pushes things that it really succeeds.
  28. kman5473
    Oct 12, 2017
    9
    Definitely the most omnipotent and spiritual of the Radiohead albums. As can always be expected from a Radiohead album, it's dark, it's experimental, and rich with flavor. Probably the easiest, yet the most depressing of their albums to get into.
  29. Anarch
    Sep 19, 2017
    10
    Every Radiohead album is good, but this is one of this is between the quality of Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows. Every song is good on the album, that's why I'm giving it a 10, though I know Radiohead still could do better.
  30. Ricko
    Aug 30, 2017
    9
    While 2011's "The King of Limbs" had plenty of really good moments, it now seems to be universally accepted as a general disappointment from Radiohead. Half a decade on Thom Yorke and co have released a work that brings together the loose ends from their career to make an album of specteral beauty. It's well known that many of the songs on "A Moon Shaped Pool" have popped up in live showsWhile 2011's "The King of Limbs" had plenty of really good moments, it now seems to be universally accepted as a general disappointment from Radiohead. Half a decade on Thom Yorke and co have released a work that brings together the loose ends from their career to make an album of specteral beauty. It's well known that many of the songs on "A Moon Shaped Pool" have popped up in live shows over the last 15 years. Here, the band finally focus on giving these problematic songs the appropriate recording arrangements. The new and older material fit seemlessly together, with both delivered in a present tense context, with Yorke channelling issues from his personal life to bring further emotional gravity to the atmosphere of the album. Of course anyone who listens to Radiohead will know their sound is very much more than the sum of their parts. This is not just the Thom Yorke or even the Thom and Johnny show. The various members have had solo projects but none of these hold a candle to the work done in the mothership. Ranging from the frantic opener "Burn the Witch" to the hopeless beauty of closer "True Love Waits" there is no point where "A Moon Shaped Pool" fails to deliver. An album that hits all the senses, is experimental yet organic and full of feeling. "Glass Eyes" is one of the all time great Radiohead songs. One of the albums of the year. Hopefully we don't have to wait another 5 years for the next record but the likelihood is that we will.… Expand
  31. poetsofswift
    Jun 26, 2017
    10
    Radiohead can do no wrong.

    Favourite Tracks: Present Tense, Burn The Witch, Identikit, Decks Dark, Glass Eyes, Ful Stop, Day-dreaming, True Love Waits
  32. TheRockBros
    Jun 21, 2017
    10
    There's an album who have an immaculately produced. It's a beautiful travel around the 11 tracks, begin with "Burn the Witch" which the message is clear, through "Daydreaming" with the feelings about Thom Yorke's relationship. Totally different sounds."True Love Waits" close the album with a different meaning from the "old" version. Absolutely amazing record, One of their many masterpieces
  33. greekmatthew
    Apr 11, 2017
    10
    Immaculately produced and somberly performed, this album will go down as an all-time classic in the discography of Radiohead. From the sharp orchestal strings in 'Burn the Witch' to the psychedelic and tender feelings of 'Daydreaming' and then to Thom Yorke's piercing words in 'True Love Waits', a Moon Shaped Pool never falls short.
  34. Moriran
    Feb 19, 2017
    10
    We all have no suitable words to describe this brilliant art of magic sound. As for me, the best ever album I have ever heard till this moment. If you searching for something restful, enjoyable in the world of music you have found this now, while your are reading our reviews for one of the greatest piece of art, to be honest.
  35. krazyyeti555
    Feb 1, 2017
    8
    Seen as a return to form by many after the controversial experiment of the "King of Limbs" in 2011, Radiohead is as dark, moody, and breathtaking as ever in their latest effort. True Love Waits is particularly meaningful to longtime fans of the band. Still not the album I would show to those not familiar with Radiohead, but another fine addition to their legacy.
  36. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    This is an absolute ingenious masterpiece of an album made by none-other than one of the best to ever sing his crazy falsetto into a microphone and mess with a synthesizer. This should be Album of the Year, but it probably won't.
  37. Bigaleous
    Jan 21, 2017
    9
    A moon shaped pool is a thing of sublime beauty; it represents maturity and progression and with a huge shift in sound, pulls you into a far closer, more personal narrative. Whilst delving into the minds of the band, you experience an album that flows perfectly through themes of depression, isolation, helplessness and the damage of past experiences. Its the most subtle, accessible and inA moon shaped pool is a thing of sublime beauty; it represents maturity and progression and with a huge shift in sound, pulls you into a far closer, more personal narrative. Whilst delving into the minds of the band, you experience an album that flows perfectly through themes of depression, isolation, helplessness and the damage of past experiences. Its the most subtle, accessible and in actual fact orchestral album of Radioheads career and with such a change this may turn some away, this however in no way retracts from the sheer beauty that develops from a group of people who are masters of their craft. There's no "Idioteque" or crazy jazz sequence as these are traded away for beauty through subtlety "indentkit" uses fairly simple arrangements but in a way that feels menacing and as powerful as anything else they've written. "Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Sailor, Rich man, Poor man, Begger, Theif" however brings this menacing tone before exploding into one of the most incredible pieces of music I've heard in a mainstream song, the way this song climaxes is just tremendous. This album doesn't break any rules but uses them in ways that are utterly beautiful. *9.2*… Expand
  38. Lomandal
    Jan 18, 2017
    10
    Another peak for RH which I doubted for quite a while. And it almost reached the level of OK Computer I would say. But you can not regard it as a compromise by reviewing all the way they've gone through. It's not that easy to judge this pioneer if you've been following them long enough. Burn The Witch reminds me of Paranoid Android while The Numbers did the job of Karma Police. Actually,Another peak for RH which I doubted for quite a while. And it almost reached the level of OK Computer I would say. But you can not regard it as a compromise by reviewing all the way they've gone through. It's not that easy to judge this pioneer if you've been following them long enough. Burn The Witch reminds me of Paranoid Android while The Numbers did the job of Karma Police. Actually, Burn The Witch is more exciting. Right at the moment I felt pity that I didn't get another Exit Music, They finally brought the life-time-waited True Love Waits. Especially guitar was replaced by piano.
    Everything is worthy of the waiting.
    My most important album of the year.    … Expand
  39. AnalyDewa
    Jan 5, 2017
    10
    A Moon Shaped Pool é um disco rico em detalhes intencionalmente colocados, possui composições com significados além dos imagináveis. O que antecedeu o lançamento do álbum, foi um sumiço da banda da internet, onde em um marketing muito inteligente, eles se apagaram da internet e logo depois mandaram por e-mail uma carta aos fãs. O tema do disco também se remete a isso, sobre estar emA Moon Shaped Pool é um disco rico em detalhes intencionalmente colocados, possui composições com significados além dos imagináveis. O que antecedeu o lançamento do álbum, foi um sumiço da banda da internet, onde em um marketing muito inteligente, eles se apagaram da internet e logo depois mandaram por e-mail uma carta aos fãs. O tema do disco também se remete a isso, sobre estar em lugares e sobre o sumiço digital de forma a se associar com os estados de exceção. O disco foi apresentado pelo carro chefe "Burn the Witch" que fala sobre perseguir todos aqueles não estão dentro da norma padrão. As faixas aqui, em maioria, já eram conhecidas dos fãs e já tinham sido apresentadas ao vivo em ocasiões passadas, mas o resgate vai além, com a banda voltando a sua sonoridade orgânica que os consagrou quase 2 décadas antes e deixando as experimentações eletrônicas do último trabalho de lado. O álbum ainda nos surpreende com canções orquestradas, desacelerações e inversões vocais. Mais que um resgate, a banda aqui tem a oportunidade de reviver o passado na sua memória (mais uma vez dentro do conceito do álbum), juntando peças que ficaram para trás e de se atualizar de forma inteligente. Sem dúvidas, um dos melhores trabalhos de 2016.… Expand
  40. YT_Guyyy
    Dec 30, 2016
    10
    Simply said this album is a somber masterpiece. It is hard to make a slower sadder album without doing it wrong. Hell, Coldplay have been doing that for years (just a bit of banter Coldplay are actually pretty OK). Some might argue that this album is a little weak, but to that I say that yes, at points it is rather lacking in sound, but that's always in the end or beginning of a song whereSimply said this album is a somber masterpiece. It is hard to make a slower sadder album without doing it wrong. Hell, Coldplay have been doing that for years (just a bit of banter Coldplay are actually pretty OK). Some might argue that this album is a little weak, but to that I say that yes, at points it is rather lacking in sound, but that's always in the end or beginning of a song where you just soak up the sadness and wait for more.

    I would say that this is in my opinion album of the year. Though I don't listen to much new music so my opinion's a little invalid in that particular matter.    … Expand
  41. sratomasfer
    Dec 27, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Radiohead isn't back at their most experimental and avant-garde. But they're back at their most thoughtful and emotional. Anyone who keeps up to date with Radiohead would know that Thom split from his long time wife in 2015. This is not to say that this is a breakup album like a Taylor Swift record might end up being. However, this takes a much more thoughtful look at "where am I now". These intimate lyrics from Thom are accompanied by sweet strings from Jonny and tight accompaniment from the rest of the gang. Phil even gets replaced on some tracks again by a Roland CR-78 drum machine so they haven't abandoned their electronic drive. In fact, the album has bits of Max MSP programming and the track Ful Stop has a bit of Kid A/ Amnesiac influence with influence with it's somewhat IDM style. Still, even on that track, we still get some beautiful ambient music. We're even graced with long-time fan favorite, True Love Waits and even though the wait for it to get a studio recording was arduous, it seems as though it was made for this album. Fans who were expecting Radiohead to go back for another TKOL or In Rainbows needs to brush up on their Radiohead and notice how they change drastically from album to album. Don't expect Radiohead to be predictable.… Expand
  42. Reagan0
    Dec 16, 2016
    9
    It took Radiohead a real delay for them to start experiment with modern electronic sounds. Arguably, they pulled it off long ago with the technology of the times of OK Computer and Kid A. However, their latest experiment is much more finely-mixed, and supplements Thom Yorke's voice in a way never really illustrated before. Radiohead proves to be the gift that keeps on giving this year. IIt took Radiohead a real delay for them to start experiment with modern electronic sounds. Arguably, they pulled it off long ago with the technology of the times of OK Computer and Kid A. However, their latest experiment is much more finely-mixed, and supplements Thom Yorke's voice in a way never really illustrated before. Radiohead proves to be the gift that keeps on giving this year. I seriously hope that they are not in jeopardy as an ensemble; one can only hope.… Expand
  43. BillyB95
    Dec 1, 2016
    9
    Some say Radiohead's last albums sound similar and repetitive, but if you listen carefully you will discover a band which is able to create beautiful harmonies and mysterious sound effects. In A Moon Shaped Pool, the band brings us a wonderful collage of sounds, mixing electronic music (Burn the witch), avant-rock (Fulstop), ambient (Daydreaming) and folk (Desert island disk). It's greatSome say Radiohead's last albums sound similar and repetitive, but if you listen carefully you will discover a band which is able to create beautiful harmonies and mysterious sound effects. In A Moon Shaped Pool, the band brings us a wonderful collage of sounds, mixing electronic music (Burn the witch), avant-rock (Fulstop), ambient (Daydreaming) and folk (Desert island disk). It's great to have the band back!… Expand
  44. danielsons
    Nov 15, 2016
    10
    Esse álbum é extremamente profundo e cercado por um clima de depressão e tristeza enorme, não sei explicar mas colocar ele inteiro pra tocar relaxa qualquer dia mais tenso que seja meu.
    O melhor álbum do Radiohead na minha opinião, junto com In Rainbows.
    Melhores músicas: Daydreaming, Identikit e Full Stop.
  45. AndrewLambert
    Nov 14, 2016
    9
    A glorious return from the definitive band of the 21st century, A Moon Shaped Pool finds Radiohead relatively comfortable, even content territory, exploring their past by blending genres together in a whirlpool of masterful songwriting, subtle experimentation and always flawless execution. The result is yet another masterpiece.
  46. psma
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    There are true masterpieces on this album and not a single weak track. My instant favorite was Decks Dark, which is now matched by absolutely splendid The Numbers! Im also in the camp with those who consider the "new" TLW as the perfect one.
  47. SomeoneYouKnow
    Oct 15, 2016
    10
    If there is any period in which Radiohead is fully happy about everything they released so far, this is now. It just seems like they reached the limit. I can't imagine how something better than A Moon Shaped Pool would sound like, mostly because I don't think it exists or even will someday. This would be the perfect record for wind up Radiohead's career.
  48. jorge89
    Sep 20, 2016
    10
    Top 3 AOTY in no order: 1.Radiohead: A moon shaped pool 2. Frank Ocean: Blonde 3. Nick Cave: Skeleton Tree. For me this three albums are masterpieces!
  49. milanisse
    Sep 19, 2016
    10
    Creo que se convirtió en mi segundo álbum favorito de Radiohead. Escuchar, entender y deleitarse con los instrumentales de este álbum se siente como una experiencia introspectiva que vale la pena. Como si de traernos la oscuridad que nos persigue frente a nosotros se tratase, y no para inquietarnos sino para comprenderlas mejor y a nosotros mismos.
  50. TheArchetypes
    Sep 9, 2016
    9
    A Moon Shaped pool is the sum of what the band have been building up towards with their past few Albums,
    In the form of what sounds like a relaxed, Well recorded jam session inside a Tornado, It blends edgy and romantic very well and creates a cohesive atmosphere to this beautifully written and sung songs.
  51. JotaBrasil
    Aug 27, 2016
    9
    Não seria correto começar essa resenha sobre o novo álbum da banda Radiohead com a mesma estrutura que normalmente faço para essas postagens: revisitar os antecedentes do artista para dar uma visão geral sobre como o álbum se encaixa na trajetória do mesmo. Apesar de toda a sua importância para a música, especialmente para o rock moderno, eu não tenho nenhum conhecimento de verdade sobre aNão seria correto começar essa resenha sobre o novo álbum da banda Radiohead com a mesma estrutura que normalmente faço para essas postagens: revisitar os antecedentes do artista para dar uma visão geral sobre como o álbum se encaixa na trajetória do mesmo. Apesar de toda a sua importância para a música, especialmente para o rock moderno, eu não tenho nenhum conhecimento de verdade sobre a sonoridade e a carreira da banda. O máximo que conheço de fato é de ter ouvido Creep e Fake Plastic Trees, em especial o clipe devido a sua popularidade nos áureos tempos da MTV Brasil. E, infelizmente, nada mais conheço sobre o Radiohead. Então, como devo fazer a resenha de A Moon Shaped Pool, álbum que está sendo considerado um dos melhores deles e, segundo algumas fontes, pode ser o último deles?

    Analisar A Moon Shaped Pool se tornou uma para mim uma experiência nova e inesquecível assim como deve ser ver uma pintura surreal pela primeira vez. Pensando dessa maneira, avaliar o álbum segue as mesmas sensações de observar a pintura Guernica do pintor Pablo Picasso que mostra os horrores da Primeira Guerra Mundial: a sensação de grandiosidade e perplexidade é completamente avassaladora, mesmo não conseguindo compreender toda a sua complexidade. Começa pela monstruosa sensação de amplidão e solidão que a sonoridade de A Moon Shaped Pool expressa em apenas onze faixas através da sua grandiosa sonoridade e instrumentalização. Entretanto, essa sensação tão poderosa não é conseguida ao utilizar previsíveis construções cheias de pompa e circunstância, mas, na verdade, criando uma atmosfera que transita na tênue entre o minimalista e o complexo. É tão intrigado explicar a sonoridade de A Moon Shaped Pool que é mais fácil explicar que ao ouvir é como sentir todo o peso do silêncio que nos cerca e, ao mesmo tempo, tocar todos os sons do mundo. É extremamente intricado, multifacetado, dinâmico, rico, avassalador, ousado, genial e, principalmente, transcendente de qualquer álbum de rock dos últimos tempos. Definir o gênero aqui como art rock com elementos de eletrônico é limitar magnitude e nobreza do trabalho do Radiohead. Um ótimo exemplo disso é a faixa Daydreaming: uma viagem quase espacial em um caleidoscópio de sons inigualável. A canção também tem uma composição de quebrar qualquer coração sobre aqueles que ainda acreditam no amor sem precisar de muitas palavras para tal feito. Sempre contido em suas letras, o Radiohead entrega uma coleção de faixas sobre amor, perdão e remorso de uma sinceridade crua e nua, mas com um senso estético tão estranho como único. O seu único problema é que as composições parecem funcionar com toda a sua carga em pelo vapor da metade para frente quando surge a trinca genial de Glass Eyes, Identikit e The Numbers. Com a sua voz completamente distinta e performances que apenas ele poderia render, Thom Yorke continua sendo a alma da banda e, por consequência, o que dá a vida para A Moon Shaped Pool. A Moon Shaped Pool é como obra de arte de alguma das vanguardas modernas: não é raro não conseguir compreender plenamente, mas o que mais importa é o turbilhão de sentimentos que a mesma causa em nosso interior.    … Expand
  52. heisenbergsfan
    Aug 24, 2016
    10
    Radiohead aces it yet again. This album deserves to be up there with their other masterpieces, OK Computer, Kid A and In Rainbows. The album isn't flashy. It's very subdued and nuanced. Radiohead aren't angry teenagers anymore, they are older and wiser. They treat the troubles of the world with calm and acceptance. The dense but lightweight soundscapes paired with Thom Yorke's mostRadiohead aces it yet again. This album deserves to be up there with their other masterpieces, OK Computer, Kid A and In Rainbows. The album isn't flashy. It's very subdued and nuanced. Radiohead aren't angry teenagers anymore, they are older and wiser. They treat the troubles of the world with calm and acceptance. The dense but lightweight soundscapes paired with Thom Yorke's most personal lyrics make this an album that's easy on the ears but heavy on the heart. Definitely check this album out.… Expand
  53. edd_gosbender
    Aug 22, 2016
    9
    After the disappointing King of Limbs, it looked like Radiohead was in a creative bump and their music was losing the gleam of genius that made them so celebrated. Fortunately we were wrong and they proved again why they're the best band currently active.

    They take the best of their previous efforts (especially Kid A and In Rainbows) and deliver a superbly balanced work that doesn't    After the disappointing King of Limbs, it looked like Radiohead was in a creative bump and their music was losing the gleam of genius that made them so celebrated. Fortunately we were wrong and they proved again why they're the best band currently active.

    They take the best of their previous efforts (especially Kid A and In Rainbows) and deliver a superbly balanced work that doesn't overuse the experimental electronic sound (just like they did on TKOL) and it's a strong complement to Thom's stunning lyrics instead. But they also venture to try other sounds like in Present Tense with great results.

    It's great to say Radiohead is back and sounds better than ever.    … Expand
  54. MovieLover123
    Jul 30, 2016
    7
    Loved the first 5 tracks, but after those tracks the album fell apart for me. It seems like Radiohead wants its listeners to fall into a deep, incurable depression after listening to their albums back to back. The highlight of this album is without a doubt the tracks "Burn The Witch" and "Decks Dark". I know people love this band passionately and would defend incomprehensible lyrics byLoved the first 5 tracks, but after those tracks the album fell apart for me. It seems like Radiohead wants its listeners to fall into a deep, incurable depression after listening to their albums back to back. The highlight of this album is without a doubt the tracks "Burn The Witch" and "Decks Dark". I know people love this band passionately and would defend incomprehensible lyrics by claiming they need to be "deciphered", but as a causal fan Yorke's voice and lyrics make my ear bleed sometimes. Overall, everything is in its right place… Expand
  55. raminmonsefi
    Jul 24, 2016
    8
    Completely different album in the new age of rock music. The great thing in this album that impressed me is the perfect art of mixing & amazing working with digital effects specifically in track 2 `Daydreaming` that shows the great job of Johnny Greenwood who has been well known for his great composition and editing music during his career in Radiohead. also, an amazing concept behind theCompletely different album in the new age of rock music. The great thing in this album that impressed me is the perfect art of mixing & amazing working with digital effects specifically in track 2 `Daydreaming` that shows the great job of Johnny Greenwood who has been well known for his great composition and editing music during his career in Radiohead. also, an amazing concept behind the album and wonderful lyrics are still the sign of Thom Yorke. After all this album amazingly full scored in the daily telegraph magazine and that was number 1 in the chart of UK albums, US alternative rock albums and US rock albums. A moon shaped pool is an amazing intelligent work of music.… Expand
  56. drippel
    Jul 18, 2016
    7
    Better than King of Limbs. Not as groundbreaking as Amnesiac and Kid A. If you like the more song oriented albums like Hail to the Thief or In Rainbows, you'll be disappointed.
  57. frankrog29
    Jul 7, 2016
    10
    Dark, melancholy, bitter, anxious, existential, urgent...these words have been used to describe Radiohead's music in the past. Yet on A Moon Shaped Pool, these qualities are conspicuously absent. If you take these characteristics away from Radiohead's music, what do you have left? The answer is: beauty. A Moon Shaped Pool is a gorgeous symphonic album. To enjoy it, the listener only needsDark, melancholy, bitter, anxious, existential, urgent...these words have been used to describe Radiohead's music in the past. Yet on A Moon Shaped Pool, these qualities are conspicuously absent. If you take these characteristics away from Radiohead's music, what do you have left? The answer is: beauty. A Moon Shaped Pool is a gorgeous symphonic album. To enjoy it, the listener only needs to erase his expectations about Radiohead, surrender himself to the music, and allow the band to take him on a euphoric journey. The only things that are consistent across all of the band's albums are top-of-the-line songwriting, masterful instrumentation, and emotionally compelling and profound music. If you want bitterness from Radiohead, you have eight previous albums from which to choose. I'm proud of the band because they have made a masterpiece on which their trademark bitterness and urgency are largely absent, something that I wasn't sure they could do. The songs on A Moon Shaped Pool are intricate and nuanced, yet, for the most part, warm and organic. For perhaps the first time, Radiohead have made an album that is emotionally warm and comforting. As a result, they have once again proven that they can shed their old skin, put on a new one, and still be the best band alive.… Expand
  58. answers2no1
    Jun 24, 2016
    4
    I'm a massive radiohead fan, and I always have been. I gotta be honest, though: this album does nothing for me... and it's not because I lack the sophistication to appreciate the ambiance, layering, subtlety, and textural aspects. Those elements are there, and I dig it…but there is precious little else to applaud. It's a wandering piece, with no statement, emphasis, drama, or any of theI'm a massive radiohead fan, and I always have been. I gotta be honest, though: this album does nothing for me... and it's not because I lack the sophistication to appreciate the ambiance, layering, subtlety, and textural aspects. Those elements are there, and I dig it…but there is precious little else to applaud. It's a wandering piece, with no statement, emphasis, drama, or any of the brilliance that made us fall in love with Radiohead years ago. The band has given us lots of indirect music, and other wandering albums before, but this one lacks passion. It sounds like previously discarded tracks were re-worked out of pity.,,and then a huge knob twisting studio session gave them just enough of an artsy feel so the non-critical fans would eat it up. It comes off too formulaic, but it seems to have worked. I guess if I'm convinced, or desperate enough, I could fall in love with a railroad tie- and I think that's what some (not all) of the fans are doing. They're gonna pile on and praise anything the band does as high art- even a trip to the loo. Look at the Atoms for Peace tour. Yorke was having a blast, and the music was great. Where did all that energy go? I was expecting something more. Those who are loving this one would be better served listening to their neighbor's TV with the tone backed off. Subtlety and mood music is ubiquitous. This sounds like the Johnny Greenwood exit music band.… Expand
  59. knowlesy56
    Jun 23, 2016
    10
    Somehow, since the release of my iron lung, everything Radiohead released has been brilliant. This surpasses most of that as well, perhaps only tying with kid a. This is one of those records where you have to close your eyes and let the music take you somewhere. Every track is a masterpiece down to each tiny detail. As well as being a true fan service due to tracks like identikit, fulSomehow, since the release of my iron lung, everything Radiohead released has been brilliant. This surpasses most of that as well, perhaps only tying with kid a. This is one of those records where you have to close your eyes and let the music take you somewhere. Every track is a masterpiece down to each tiny detail. As well as being a true fan service due to tracks like identikit, ful stop (don't get me started on ful stop) and true love waits, the production is perfect, being Nigel Godrich's best work since kid a and OK Computer. The whole team is at the top of their game here, especially thoms fragile vocals, colins bass work which actually grooves really hard, Jonny's perfect string arrangements, Phil providing something superbly subtle for a drummer, Stanley's brilliant artwork and whatever Ed does here(as per). Seriously, Radiohead are back… Expand
  60. DraxD
    Jun 19, 2016
    10
    Such a class album, probably my favourite next to the bends and OK computer. Really outdone themselves. It is Beautiful, Elegant and Haunting. Especially Decks Dark!
  61. Bolkie
    Jun 8, 2016
    10
    I waited quite a while before posting my review so I could listen again,again and again. Happens often that I really like an album but after a month it started to bore me. This album gets better and better the more you listen to it. While not as experimental as other Radiohead albums, it is very special, very Radiohead. It's differs and brilliant. At the Monet Decks Dark is my favouriteI waited quite a while before posting my review so I could listen again,again and again. Happens often that I really like an album but after a month it started to bore me. This album gets better and better the more you listen to it. While not as experimental as other Radiohead albums, it is very special, very Radiohead. It's differs and brilliant. At the Monet Decks Dark is my favourite song on the album, but that might change. I love it! Lots of melody, but oh so special. One of the best Radiohead albums as far as I'm concerned. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.… Expand
  62. jpmanistan
    Jun 6, 2016
    8
    As with every Radiohead album after Kid A, this one has taken me about 4 listens to really appreciate. When I first listened to it, I thought, What a long, depressing slog. But on the fourth listen, I really began to love it. Great instrumentation and arrangement. It takes you to all sorts of places.

    And also as with every Radiohead album after Kid A, your experience with this album    As with every Radiohead album after Kid A, this one has taken me about 4 listens to really appreciate. When I first listened to it, I thought, What a long, depressing slog. But on the fourth listen, I really began to love it. Great instrumentation and arrangement. It takes you to all sorts of places.

    And also as with every Radiohead album after Kid A, your experience with this album will benefit greatly from sitting down and LISTENING to it while doing very little or nothing else. This is not great background music. But if you sit and just listen to it on really good headphones or speakers, you can hear such detail in the music, such care in the arrangements, that you will really appreciate. And taking the time to just listen and think makes it that much better.    … Expand
  63. leehead
    Jun 5, 2016
    10
    It's Radiohead best album since OK Computer with Rainbows. it perfect at all like sound, lyrics, vocal.
    Radiohead means Current generation's Art rock.
  64. adpirtle
    Jun 1, 2016
    8
    Though this is really only their seventh-best of nine albums, that's more of a testament to the quality of their output as a band over the last 25 years, rather than a criticism of this work. This complex listen is an intricately constructed break-up album. Break-up albums really aren't my thing, but I can't deny the skill with which these songs were assembled. The single, "Daydreaming",Though this is really only their seventh-best of nine albums, that's more of a testament to the quality of their output as a band over the last 25 years, rather than a criticism of this work. This complex listen is an intricately constructed break-up album. Break-up albums really aren't my thing, but I can't deny the skill with which these songs were assembled. The single, "Daydreaming", is the standout track, and the new, official studio version of the fan favorite, "True Love Waits," manages to be much more haunting, if slightly less moving, than the live recording we're all used to hearing… Expand
  65. Marklaw543
    May 28, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Radiohead continue to impress me with album after album of fresh ideas and great lyrics which paint clear themes on each one. This one was a bit more depressing, but I enjoyed it.… Expand
  66. sepiaclouds
    May 28, 2016
    10
    The King of Limbs was one word; different. But not a good different. 'Codex', I'll admit, I loved, but the rest of the album was mostly forgettable. Sorry, Radiohead. Luckily enough, both 'Burn the Witch' and 'Daydreaming' seemed a return to form in just two songs. And the rest of the album blew me away completely, melancholy as it is, it was still brilliant.

    1. Burn the Witch: The song    The King of Limbs was one word; different. But not a good different. 'Codex', I'll admit, I loved, but the rest of the album was mostly forgettable. Sorry, Radiohead. Luckily enough, both 'Burn the Witch' and 'Daydreaming' seemed a return to form in just two songs. And the rest of the album blew me away completely, melancholy as it is, it was still brilliant.

    1. Burn the Witch: The song that got everyone hyped: the bizarre video and chilling string work from Johnny, combined with Thom's vocals makes this a song to be remembered. (9/10)
    2. Daydreaming: I like ambient music, so this appealed to me straight away. Soothing piano and a slightly sinister foreground on the vocals, this track was very good. (8.5/10)
    3. Decks Dark: My personal favourite from the album, though not as good as 'Idioteque' (My favourite Radiohead song), it is still brilliant. The piano riff especially. With the distorted chords in the background and some strange vocals matching that of 'Subterreanean Homesick Alien', this track is just amazing. (10/10)
    4. Desert Island Disk: The guitar style on this song I don't think we've ever seen from Radiohead; I liked the direction it took, i just wasn't a big fan of it (7/10)
    5. Ful Stop: I'm gonna be straight-forward, I didn't like this song. It sounded too TKOL-ish and is at parts even hard to listen to. (4.5/10)
    6. Glass Eyes: This is a sad song, in all of it's Radiohead-like glory, but is still very good. What hooked me was Thom's vocals in this one. (9/10)
    7. Identikit: This was a weird song, extremely inconsistent with it's wierd instrument arrangements and estranged vocals, but it stuck to me more and more the more I listened to it. (8.5/10)
    8. The Numbers: If a nostalgic trip to 'OK Computer' was needed, this song done it perfectly. Some brilliant instrumentation and classic Thom vocals made this a very good song. (9/10)
    9. Present Tense: A fairly weak song, I wouldn't say padding, but it wasn't exactly 'Burn the Witch' quality. (7/10)
    10. Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief: To be honest, I only listened to this song because of it's title. And it's now my second favourite. While not surpassing 'Decks Dark', it's aura of mystery and, of course, it's title, creates an amazing penultimate song. (9.9/10)
    11. True Love Waits: Many people prefer 2001's 'I Might Be Wrong' version of this. I disagree. (9.5/10)

    Despite me giving out two 7s and a 4.5, this album still deserves a 10 in my opinion. It is a true return to form from Radiohead and I look forward to what they have to release in the future.

    Side-note: Spotify, get your act together.

    Side-side-note: SPECTRE. Oh my god is that song good. If it was on this album, a 10/10 would be extremely relevant.    … Expand
  67. exodus9237
    May 26, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I waited almost three weeks to write this. It is always a slow process to enjoy a Radiohead album. I remember clearly how I was being impressed song by song by albums like Kid A and Ok Computer, even In Rainbows is not a love-it-in-the-first-listen kind of deal, but after a while, they sink in, and they are rewarding.

    However A Moon Shaped Pool is different for me. Is the first time I live the complete process of a new Radiohead album. I did it a little with The King of Limbs, but I started listening Radiohead in a serious way only a year before that album arrived, so is not the same. The anticipation, the rumors, the announcements, the new songs, the singles, the videos, etc.. By the time the live streaming in BBC radio, I was exactly in the place the whole thing wanted me to be in. And I enjoyed it.

    I can't explain exactly what I felt when I heard Burn The Witch. I was amazed. First because I build up ideas of the sound of the new album in my head and the song had nothing to do with them and also because it was fresh without being exactly new. And Daydreaming, well, this song was another matter completely. This time it sounded more like what I was imagining but it still had a uniqueness that only Radiohead can give it.

    Now, in the context of the album these two songs are part of a much bigger thing, and is curious that they are the openers, of course is more curious that the songs in the album are in alphabetic order. That is only part of the mysticism that surrounds the album. Things like the fact that many of these songs have been played live before, and Thom Yorke's relationship status only contribute to this matter, and make A Moon Shaped Pool more interesting.

    In the following songs, Decks Dark and Desert Island Disk, something is present that was somewhat unexpected: acoustic guitar. It becomes an important element throughout the album as the orchestral arrangements made by Jonny Greenwood, but of course not as amazing as those are. The reason why I mention this is to remark that Radiohead do changes things a little bit here, but not with new things, both elements, acoustic guitars and orchestral arrangements, have been present in almost every album in the band's history, and that is what makes them special in this album, they are familiar. We are used to Radiohead changing the formula and trying new and exciting things, and although in many ways they do so here, this album does not bring something completely new to the table.

    Is curious how the songs that most resemble the last album are separated by one that does not. Ful Stop is a kind of upbeat song, with an amazing rhythm section that only gets better as the song progresses. Then a sudden break. Glass Eyes is a beautiful ballad that rips through your heart discussing anxiety in a usual Radiohead way. And then comes Identikit. The first time I heard that song was in 2012, a year after The King of Limbs, live in Mexico City. It was, of course, unexpected but exciting and at the moment I was like: Ok, let's enjoy this, whatever this is. How could I now that a studio version was going to be released four years later? And let me tell you, is great. One of the bests in the album, I don't really remember the live version, but I know it is the same song. That Jonny Greenwood solo is perfect and for me, one of the best moments in the album.

    Later, with The Numbers, Radiohead returns to the kind of folk-rock that appeared in tracks 3 and 4. But let me tell you, The Numbers is also one of my favourites. I, as many people, watch the video where Thom Yorke debuted this song in Paris, then called Silent Spring, it was just beautiful and the fact that he said halfway through the song: 'This is Jonny's bit..." could only meant that it was going to appear in this LP. It's perfect, the string arrangements (obviously), the voice and the lyrics, they are obvious but general, not in a vague way so you can give them the meaning you want and they remain powerful.

    Then, Present Tense and (yeah, I know) Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Thief, are, not bad, but weak. They are only like a reminder of the great idea that is this album. I still like them though.

    Finally, True Love Waits. I know this song exists since I know Radiohead, and the acoustic live version we all know, was not that special to me until last year, that I dived deeply into their b-sides. There it was, a beautiful ballad without a studio version that sounded great just like it was. Until now. This studio version can sound like another piano love ballad, (yes piano!) But is not. It's still heart-breaking, and haunting, and Thom's voice sounds painful and sad. That is, after all, how the album sounds in general. I heard somewhere that this is not an album to party or to listen with friends, of course not, A Moon Shaped Pool is an album to be with, to pay attention to, and that way you will get the most of it, as only a Radiohead album can give you.    … Expand
  68. BKM
    May 26, 2016
    5
    The most disappointing quality of Radiohead's latest album is how boring the whole thing is. This band has had many superlatives applied to them over their career, but dull has never been one. The opening track, Burn the Witch, sets the bar high for what is to follow. But after that song ends, the rest of the material is slow and lifeless. Radiohead have reached the point where theyThe most disappointing quality of Radiohead's latest album is how boring the whole thing is. This band has had many superlatives applied to them over their career, but dull has never been one. The opening track, Burn the Witch, sets the bar high for what is to follow. But after that song ends, the rest of the material is slow and lifeless. Radiohead have reached the point where they can no longer get by on their name alone. They need a jolt of creative infusion.… Expand
  69. SuperMax156
    May 23, 2016
    1
    Geez, what has happened to radiohead? This album is dull and lifeless. Its the most boring recording they have ever made. I guess we have just seen them jump the shark. Cannot believe the good reviews this is getting. King of Limbs was head and shoulders above this. I will be generous and give it a 1 because burn the witch is ok, it raised my hopes, but I have been listening to this sinceGeez, what has happened to radiohead? This album is dull and lifeless. Its the most boring recording they have ever made. I guess we have just seen them jump the shark. Cannot believe the good reviews this is getting. King of Limbs was head and shoulders above this. I will be generous and give it a 1 because burn the witch is ok, it raised my hopes, but I have been listening to this since it came out thinking it will start to sound better but no, its just a terrible and boring album.… Expand
  70. revolver92
    May 23, 2016
    10
    A Moon Shaped Pool is an amazing album.It sends you to another dimension,the lyrics,the music(especially the strings arrengments) are beautiful.Every song in this album is great...it's an absolute masterpiece.Once again Radiohead didn't dissapoint,i hope that they will never stop making beautiful music....!!!
    10/10
    Highlights:Burn The WitchDaydreaming,Decks Dark,Identikit,The    A Moon Shaped Pool is an amazing album.It sends you to another dimension,the lyrics,the music(especially the strings arrengments) are beautiful.Every song in this album is great...it's an absolute masterpiece.Once again Radiohead didn't dissapoint,i hope that they will never stop making beautiful music....!!!
    10/10
    Highlights:Burn The WitchDaydreaming,Decks Dark,Identikit,The Numbers,Present Tense....(well...all songs are awesome)    … Expand
  71. SumitSumbria
    May 21, 2016
    3
    The album is a masterpiece but musically incorrect. It takes you to a different world that is peaceful. But the meaningless notes disturb the whole atmosphere of relaxation. I don't understand why artists go against the rules of music and do such weired things which have no meaning. I cannot accept incorrect music from a music album.
  72. leakedsoup
    May 20, 2016
    10
    It´s almost impossible to rate Radiohead because they are like an art installation that keeps beeing interesting for over 20 years. I´m still waiting for an album where I can say, "ok, they lost touch or they don´t have it anymore" but they keep delivering. Just listening to Identikit and what a beast that song is!
  73. itsover
    May 19, 2016
    0
    Those waiting since In Rainbows for another good Radiohead/Thom Yorke record will have to keep waiting.

    Or if you want it bad enough you can say this is as good as Kid A. Wait a year to see if you still think that or are brave enough to say so in public. When the first single dropped I thought ‘yes they’re back.’ I had that song on repeat for hours on end. Then when the    Those waiting since In Rainbows for another good Radiohead/Thom Yorke record will have to keep waiting.

    Or if you want it bad enough you can say this is as good as Kid A. Wait a year to see if you still think that or are brave enough to say so in public.

    When the first single dropped I thought ‘yes they’re back.’ I had that song on repeat for hours on end.

    Then when the ‘Daydreaming’ vid was released I was worried. Not only is the video some of PTA’s lamest work, it featured an especially greasy Yorke wandered though a multitude of doors without finding whatever it is that he has long lost.

    Do a search for A Moon Shaped Pool and the adjective ‘lush’ and your browser might crash. Apparently you must listen to this record with headphones to appreciate the ‘lush’ production.

    Ultimately the best production techniques cannot deliver the best tunes. And this record is a collection of formally rejected songs given the full film score treatment. A one-note, often out of tune Yorke doesn’t help. Nor do his nauseatingly bad 60’s protest song lyrics: We are of the Earth / To her we do return / The future is inside us.

    And what about the choirs on the record - was Guy Garvey credited for those?

    Then there’s the closer in ‘True Love Waits’. We are supposed to feel the poignancy of Yorke’s divorce. I think the greater tragedy is that the truer version of this track is found where it belongs, when Radiohead were at their peak, on 2001’s I Might Be Wrong.    … Expand
  74. riaan_radiohead
    May 18, 2016
    10
    A Moon Shaped Pool really sounds like the future of music and as usual Radiohead have completely obliterated the competition. Nu-minimalism, neo classical, Neil Young psych-folk meets the film scores of Thomas Newman, Bernard Herrmann and Penderecki....oh its just Radiohead changing music and art forever.
  75. revillo
    May 17, 2016
    5
    New Radiohead is languishing and sentimental. I still dig the drummer in this band, but man the orchestrations are so moody you'd think they were ripped from the soundtrack to some new age Donnie Darko ripoff. Thom Yorke's voice continues it's descent into wispy exhalations even as he attempts to make some "normal" sounding music stealing AM radio hooks on tracks like Decks Dark.New Radiohead is languishing and sentimental. I still dig the drummer in this band, but man the orchestrations are so moody you'd think they were ripped from the soundtrack to some new age Donnie Darko ripoff. Thom Yorke's voice continues it's descent into wispy exhalations even as he attempts to make some "normal" sounding music stealing AM radio hooks on tracks like Decks Dark.

    Overall, it's the sound of a band showing up to work, delivering some fan service, showing no particularly enthusiasm for the process, and calling it a night with half baked ideas. Little orchestral touches here and there add some emotion, but Ful Stop is the only track worth listening to in its entirety.

    In Rainbows was the band's best, largely because it came from a band in a good place, happy to share their art, and not on the precipice of wrist-slitting disaffection / numbness.    … Expand
  76. greenspace
    May 17, 2016
    8
    It's a fine album, especially through headphones. It won't become my personal soundtrack, but it's a fine album nonetheless to chill out with on occasion. Btw, Spectre plays nicely after Ful Stop :-)
  77. vincentsimeon
    May 17, 2016
    10
    Hum, well, where may I start this review ? It will be short, simply because I'm voiceless. Only RH can touch me like that and I'm a huge music listener in a lot of different music styles ! Their best work yet IMO. I'm listening it right now and let you here to appreciate it with closed eyes.
  78. not_mueller
    May 16, 2016
    10
    If you are expecting a Radiohead album like the ones past, stop. This album is less of a flowing, almost storylike album you've come to expect and nothing more than a collection of songs that were written at the same time. You can tell by the track order: the tracks are in alphabetical order. However, this is not to say the album doesn't flow. The album connects each track to the nextIf you are expecting a Radiohead album like the ones past, stop. This album is less of a flowing, almost storylike album you've come to expect and nothing more than a collection of songs that were written at the same time. You can tell by the track order: the tracks are in alphabetical order. However, this is not to say the album doesn't flow. The album connects each track to the next through their similar, hauntingly beautiful sounds and the omnipresent strings. Beautifully worked. Radiohead never fails to be consistently original.… Expand
  79. Blooky
    May 15, 2016
    9
    This album is Radiohead exploring some different branches and styles of their oeuvre. But still there's a distinct Radiohead feel to this album and it's as good and impressive as we can possibly get from a 30-years old band with already flawless history.
  80. cfc38
    May 15, 2016
    8
    A classical album made for pop culture! This album stands still not inviting anyone in, with those who want to explore it have to dive deep into its murky waters only to find, after a couple of listens, a pot of gold at the bottom..
  81. BenjaminStone
    May 15, 2016
    10
    Color me shocked. Then pleasantly surprised. And ultimately overwhelmingly joyful.

    After The King of Limbs I was wondering where this band was going. That was a very flat record, to be frank. However I saw them live the following year and they played some of those songs and...the passion, the vitality that was missing on the album was restored on stage. This one though. They left no    Color me shocked. Then pleasantly surprised. And ultimately overwhelmingly joyful.

    After The King of Limbs I was wondering where this band was going. That was a very flat record, to be frank. However I saw them live the following year and they played some of those songs and...the passion, the vitality that was missing on the album was restored on stage.

    This one though. They left no doubt. From the opening plucks to the last gasp.

    The thing I love about Radiohead is how they turn the familiar alien. I know I've heard that chord progression in many other places -- but not like this.

    This is different.

    This band is different.

    They're like f*cking Voltron, powerful on their own but when they come together they're unstoppable.

    A+    … Expand
  82. dustinthewind2
    May 15, 2016
    10
    A Moon Shaped Pool is much better than the experimental and tragically short album King of Limbs (thankfully), as though Radiohead's 2011 'gamble' did ultimately work-- on their next album, 5 years later, mixing what they've learned over 30 years and triumphing finally yet again in the same vein as... well, most everything besides King of Limbs and some of their mainstream rock in theA Moon Shaped Pool is much better than the experimental and tragically short album King of Limbs (thankfully), as though Radiohead's 2011 'gamble' did ultimately work-- on their next album, 5 years later, mixing what they've learned over 30 years and triumphing finally yet again in the same vein as... well, most everything besides King of Limbs and some of their mainstream rock in the earlier era.

    I think where KoL went wrong is that it all sounded very much the same. Did I hate every track? Of course not. But I didn't love nearly all of them, either. This album is what we've been waiting for since In Rainbows, even if it is half previously-performed music. An ultimate fan-service album with hopefully more content to come in, you know, less than 10 years.    … Expand
  83. mynameisjonas
    May 15, 2016
    10
    They know how to make a record that will stand the test of time. Repeat upon repeat, it just gets better. Exquisite, magnificent, **** just go listen to it!
  84. LustWonder
    May 14, 2016
    10
    After being a bit disappointed with TKOL, I thought maybe Radiohead were starting to lose their spark. Boy, was I wrong. This album hit me like a ton of bricks. I loved the single at first listen. Burn the Witch is captivating as is its music video. Daydreaming is even better! And the music video for that one is directed by none other than Paul Thomas Anderson. The entire album is aAfter being a bit disappointed with TKOL, I thought maybe Radiohead were starting to lose their spark. Boy, was I wrong. This album hit me like a ton of bricks. I loved the single at first listen. Burn the Witch is captivating as is its music video. Daydreaming is even better! And the music video for that one is directed by none other than Paul Thomas Anderson. The entire album is a highlight and it's a cohesive and beautifully constructed. I would be devastated to learn if this was indeed their last album as a group, but if it is then they ended on a high note.… Expand
  85. StophJS
    May 14, 2016
    3
    Burn the Witch sits at the front of this album like a siren luring you into another 50ish minutes of complete and utter boredom. I cannot believe the rave reviews this is getting from fans. Strong, energetic tracks that were abundant as recently as In Rainbows are nowhere to be found. This is not a rock album - the only exception being the opening track. Apart from a few moments, thisBurn the Witch sits at the front of this album like a siren luring you into another 50ish minutes of complete and utter boredom. I cannot believe the rave reviews this is getting from fans. Strong, energetic tracks that were abundant as recently as In Rainbows are nowhere to be found. This is not a rock album - the only exception being the opening track. Apart from a few moments, this album drifts by in a manner that offers nothing to keep your attention, eventually coming to an abrupt end with yet another song that was not even written in the past few years, only to leave you shrugging your shoulders. Massively disappointed to find out that the band didn't seem to come to terms with the issues that made The King of Limbs such a let down.… Expand
  86. olinobnizov
    May 14, 2016
    10
    There's a timelessness to this album. It sounds like it could have been recorded anytime in the past ten decades. It's also the most Godrich influenced album they've ever made. You can hear the similarities between this and Beck's Sea Change and Here We Go Magic's Different Ship, both of which Godrich produced.

    Godrich tweeted right after the album came "It's out! Making this album was    There's a timelessness to this album. It sounds like it could have been recorded anytime in the past ten decades. It's also the most Godrich influenced album they've ever made. You can hear the similarities between this and Beck's Sea Change and Here We Go Magic's Different Ship, both of which Godrich produced.

    Godrich tweeted right after the album came "It's out! Making this album was a very intense experience for me. I lost my dad in the process...Hence a large piece of my soul lives here.." You can feel that on this album. Also Thom's divorce.

    But it's not sad. Overall its a peaceful, gentle album. It makes me feel like I'm a little kid sticking my hand out of the car window to make my hand fly.    … Expand
  87. blundercat
    May 14, 2016
    8
    Is this album great? Hmmm, not so sure it is. It certainly is far above average but for my ear it is not a Radiohead classic. If you remove the mystery hyper of the cloak and dagger release process and think of this as being a release by a new or not recognised megaband would this release receive such plaudits? I think it would not but that iis not to say this album is band its just simplyIs this album great? Hmmm, not so sure it is. It certainly is far above average but for my ear it is not a Radiohead classic. If you remove the mystery hyper of the cloak and dagger release process and think of this as being a release by a new or not recognised megaband would this release receive such plaudits? I think it would not but that iis not to say this album is band its just simply not a big step forward for a band of Radiohead's ilk.

    There are tracks with instrumental depth and variety which caress the ears like waves to a beach. Lyrically though with a couple of exceptions the album did not meet my expectations. Then again maybe i expected too much from such an accomplished artists.

    Overall i feel 8 out of 10 is a fair overall score. This is an album you have to own but might not return to over and over again as you did with some of their earlier stuff such as Kid A or OK Computer.    … Expand
  88. proterospongia
    May 13, 2016
    7
    Although inferior when compared with previous records, Radiohead's highly anticipated ninth album still is a solid piece in their catalogue. More cohesive and rich than its predecessor, A Moon Shaped Pool stings deep in certain moments, but sounds too disperse in others. Overall, there's nothing new here, it's just Radiohead playing Radiohead songs.

    Best Tracks: Burn The Witch,    Although inferior when compared with previous records, Radiohead's highly anticipated ninth album still is a solid piece in their catalogue. More cohesive and rich than its predecessor, A Moon Shaped Pool stings deep in certain moments, but sounds too disperse in others. Overall, there's nothing new here, it's just Radiohead playing Radiohead songs.

    Best Tracks: Burn The Witch, Daydreaming, Decks Dark, Identikit.    … Expand
  89. thenarrowland
    May 13, 2016
    10
    C'è la solita, magnificente produzione di Nigel Godrich, stratificata e profonda, che riesce a rendere il passaggio più semplice un pozzo di luce. C'è il talento avantgarde in continua espansione di Jonny Greenwood, che qui crea alcuni degli arazzi orchestrali più belli che si siano mai ascoltati in un disco pop/rock. C'è il lato cantautorale di Yorke, che con poche pennellate dipingeC'è la solita, magnificente produzione di Nigel Godrich, stratificata e profonda, che riesce a rendere il passaggio più semplice un pozzo di luce. C'è il talento avantgarde in continua espansione di Jonny Greenwood, che qui crea alcuni degli arazzi orchestrali più belli che si siano mai ascoltati in un disco pop/rock. C'è il lato cantautorale di Yorke, che con poche pennellate dipinge canzoni cristalline e intense, mai complesse e mai banali, con testi sempre aperti alle più disparate intrepretazioni; il comparto ritmico, sullo sfondo rispetto al passato, non è mai comunque banale o trascurato. Quindi: è un disco dei Radiohead. Quello che a questo giro è diverso, è la tipologia di emozioni espresse. Sembra che, costantemente come sono alla ricerca di qualcosa di grande, i Radiohead si siano finalmente lasciati alle spalle l'angoscia esistenziale che finora ha caratterizzato, in modalità espressive di volta in volta rinnovate, tutta la loro produzione. Per la prima volta, ciò che rimane è una nuda, struggente malinconia, un senso di calma accettazione, un'attenzione più per le sfumature, le piccole cose che la catarsi dirompente di canzoni come Karma Police, How to Disappear Completely, All I Need, Separator. Ma non assomiglia affatto a un punto di arrivo. Per Thom Yorke e compagnia, il cammino prosegue. E il bello sta proprio nel non avere la più pallida idea di quali lande toccheranno la prossima volta.… Expand
  90. EladFleeb
    May 13, 2016
    10
    A Moon Shaped pool is the sum of what Radiohead have been building up towards with their past few Albums,
    In the form of what sounds like a relaxed, Well recorded jam session inside a Tornado, It blends edgy and romantic very well and creates a cohesive atmosphere to this beautifully written and sung songs.
  91. finfrosk
    May 13, 2016
    2
    Oh my god what a fantastically boring album. Every song sounds the same. Alright, so I'm no Radiohead fan per se, but just thought I'd give it a go. Doubt I will ever listen to another one of these songs ever again. I probably don't get it or something, but hey. Reviews are subjective, yeah?
  92. Identity1051
    May 13, 2016
    10
    This is a perfect album which flows like a dream with every song deserving it's place. As with Radiohead's other masterpieces, they set clear boundaries around sound and texture and then let the songs and creativity flourish within those boundaries. The sound here is breathtaking; using electronics sparsely and more relying on melody, subtlety in song writing and a magnificent orchestralThis is a perfect album which flows like a dream with every song deserving it's place. As with Radiohead's other masterpieces, they set clear boundaries around sound and texture and then let the songs and creativity flourish within those boundaries. The sound here is breathtaking; using electronics sparsely and more relying on melody, subtlety in song writing and a magnificent orchestral score to back the whole thing and sweep through a world of emotional range.

    Lyrically each song hits deeply and personally - Whether its the impending doom and darkness of Decks Dark, the loss of love in Glass Eyes, Daydreaming, Present Tense, True love Waits or the call to arms for environmentalists in desert island disk and the numbers the album moves you and in a way that is always interesting and perhaps challenging for some who are first listening to radiohead. Identikit masters the subtlety of Thom Yorke's songwriting with "Broken Hearts Make it Rain" being exploited to the maximum as both a catchy hook and an almost self mocking take on the rest of the album. And to finish with a song over 20 years in the making delivered in such an understated way shows the genius of this band,

    Musically Jonny Greenwood's compositions move each song to maximise its full meaning, providing moments of darkness, drama, shading, colour and light at the right moments: from the chomping intro of burn the witch, through to the sweeping outro of daydreaming, the choir in Decks Dark, and so on until roaring into the second verse of The Numbers, being played to perfection in Present Tense and going for a Bondesque finale in Tinker Tailor. But the subtle swirling piano in Glass Eyes and True Love Waits stands out for me in this album of absolute defeat in the face of heartache.

    I would love to write forever about it and my thoughts long exceed this impromptu review, but I had to give this the 10/10 it richly deserves.

    Masterpiece.    … Expand
  93. jamboree
    May 12, 2016
    10
    Beautiful, subtle, dark and haunting are all apt adjectives to describe this album. I am left speechless by how powerful the overall production is. The songs are heavily layered with guitars, pianos, and various orchestral elements. Nigel Godrich, informally known as the "sixth member", deserves major props for his work here. The pace/tempo of the whole album may seem a little slow atBeautiful, subtle, dark and haunting are all apt adjectives to describe this album. I am left speechless by how powerful the overall production is. The songs are heavily layered with guitars, pianos, and various orchestral elements. Nigel Godrich, informally known as the "sixth member", deserves major props for his work here. The pace/tempo of the whole album may seem a little slow at first, but it will surely grow on you with repeated listens. It takes a while to fully digest but it is well worth the reward. "Decks Dark", "identikit", "The Numbers", and "Present Tense" are my personal highlights. It is best listened to on quality headphones relaxing in a quiet space (I am using Sennheiser HD 595's)… Expand
  94. dherrerap
    May 12, 2016
    10
    A masterpiece, the instrumentations and the orquestation is pretty amazing, it complements with the voice of thom in a incredible way. Daydreaming, Idiotik, The numbers are incredible tracks.
  95. le_chiffre
    May 12, 2016
    9
    I'll be honest - I wasn't too impressed the first time I heard the album. But like so many other radiohead albums, once the tracks start to 'click' - you get completely absorbed by the atmosphere. Thom sounds as great as usual, but Ed's brilliance really shines through in this album.
  96. brettrosey
    May 12, 2016
    3
    I love Radiohead, but I'm not going to blindly fall in line like so many others for an album that is underwhelming, at best. They completely botched what was a great song in True Love Waits, and the rest of the record makes it clear that the majority of these tracks were just previously demoed songs that they decided to throw together into an album. If you actually think there is any kindI love Radiohead, but I'm not going to blindly fall in line like so many others for an album that is underwhelming, at best. They completely botched what was a great song in True Love Waits, and the rest of the record makes it clear that the majority of these tracks were just previously demoed songs that they decided to throw together into an album. If you actually think there is any kind of concept behind this record, you're fooling yourself. But regardless of that, I'm strictly looking at this record from a melodic perspective -- and the bottom line is it's lacking. It doesn't grip you like (some) of the tracks on King of Limbs, and is nowhere close to reaching masterpiece status like In Rainbows ultimately achieved. I would have rather waited another 5 years than be given this half effort record full of b-sides. And in regards to the reviews, Radiohead could have put out a record of 10 white noise tracks, and Radiohead fans would be calling it a revolutionary record. So take them with a strong grain of salt.… Expand
  97. Spillyd
    May 12, 2016
    10
    Masterpiece! It's absolutely insane that a band that has been around so long and reinvented themselves so many times could do it again. They have proven they are not only the most important band of our generation but of any generation. The Beatles, Zeppelin were productive for what 10 years each at best? And each album they produce just adds to their mastery, never redundant orMasterpiece! It's absolutely insane that a band that has been around so long and reinvented themselves so many times could do it again. They have proven they are not only the most important band of our generation but of any generation. The Beatles, Zeppelin were productive for what 10 years each at best? And each album they produce just adds to their mastery, never redundant or uninspired. This album draws on every preceding album and then adds beautiful strings and arrangements along with choirs. This is not an album of songs to be listened to separately. Although the videos for the first two songs are interesting on their own it's when you listen to the entire album as a single work of art that it melts the brain. Please do yourself the service of getting decent headphones to listen to this one. If ever there was an album that deserved to be listened to with headphones and in private this is it. Not just because of how insanely detailed it is but because it feels so personal. Pablo Honey came out when I was a senior in HS and every album since has felt like it fit perfectly for where I was in my life. Now at 40 the accumulated heartbreak, the underlying sense of dread and hopelessness feels so familiar. But you also learn that to keep from cracking up you need to find the beauty and value in these things, you need to embrace that darkness some times. This album should make you cry for both reasons and that's beautiful.… Expand
  98. carrsean
    May 12, 2016
    8
    This album was released during a flood of great music being released around the same time period. Drake with VIEWS (which is debatably decent), Death Grips with Bottomless Pit, and James Blake with "The Colour in Everything, all being released within a close time frame. Then came Radiohead with the 2 singles (Burn the Witch, and Daydreaming) and announcing their album for Sunday. Out ofThis album was released during a flood of great music being released around the same time period. Drake with VIEWS (which is debatably decent), Death Grips with Bottomless Pit, and James Blake with "The Colour in Everything, all being released within a close time frame. Then came Radiohead with the 2 singles (Burn the Witch, and Daydreaming) and announcing their album for Sunday. Out of all the records released, A Moon Shaped Pool is the one I keep coming back to. It has everything a great Radiohead record should have: Thom Yorke's soul shaking singing style, and lush instrumentation. AMSP has a similar charm to In Rainbows. It's the longest record Radiohead have released since splitting with EMI, but the quantity does not lessen the quality. With an emphasis on strings as well as some other tricks up their sleeves, Radiohead puts together one of their most beautifully sad records in a number of years. It's a record you just need to listen to yourself.
    Even though it's a record made for midnight listens and rainy days, "A Moon Shaped Pool" is hard to put down. It's a grower, but once you feel it, it's hard to let go.    … Expand
  99. nikiwoodz
    May 12, 2016
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "I do not hate them. I do not wish them harm. I just think that their fans - boring, disgusting, and not look like a good time "(Liam Gallagher of Radiohead).
    And it's not an album just awful music is not text.
    Simply music to sit at home and complain.    … Expand
  100. personpitch85
    May 12, 2016
    10
    Great album! Radiohead know how to really push out their vision through their albums. From start to finish one of the cohesive albums. Very somber feel but amazing.
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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

All reviews »
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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