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. Rafa
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Listening for the first time I liked it too, much more so than I imagined, because although good, the first two sounds not thrilled me so much. Overall has the identity of the band, especially after In Rainbows. I think Amok and Tomorrow's Modern Boxes were important to the Thom decide the path that would take this record. Thank you, Thom.
  2. lordofcattown
    May 8, 2016
    10
    After TKOL, Radiohead seems to have gone back to their old selves, with songs that resemble OK Computer, Kid A, and In Rainbows. Their use of orchestral instruments in most of their songs is amazing and leaves you wanting more. They have finally made studio versions to songs that have previously only been played live or referenced, such as Burn the Witch, Identikit, and True Love Waits. ItAfter TKOL, Radiohead seems to have gone back to their old selves, with songs that resemble OK Computer, Kid A, and In Rainbows. Their use of orchestral instruments in most of their songs is amazing and leaves you wanting more. They have finally made studio versions to songs that have previously only been played live or referenced, such as Burn the Witch, Identikit, and True Love Waits. It is probably my personal favorite album as a whole, besides In Rainbows.… Expand
  3. masonpatterson
    May 8, 2016
    10
    This is probably one of the most sophisticated albums they've made standing right next to Kid A and In Rainbows. It's consistent, explosive, still, and haunting. It subdues the body while it calms the mind. It's an album completely summed up in moments, very real moments, that take your breath away.
  4. torn8oz
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Very satisfying and relaxing album. The album is tied for best Radiohead album with OK Computer, Kid A, and In Rainbows in my opinion. It's definitely a different sound for Radiohead, which definitely isn't a bad thing. Every Radiohead album is different yet just as good which is what makes them one of the greatest bands I've ever heard. This album will definitely go down as one of theVery satisfying and relaxing album. The album is tied for best Radiohead album with OK Computer, Kid A, and In Rainbows in my opinion. It's definitely a different sound for Radiohead, which definitely isn't a bad thing. Every Radiohead album is different yet just as good which is what makes them one of the greatest bands I've ever heard. This album will definitely go down as one of the best of the year and possibly decade. Definitely worth the wait.… Expand
  5. Longrat
    May 8, 2016
    10
    A wonderful album, with beautiful melodies and haunting lyrics. An absolute MUST for any Radiohead, or even any alternative/alt rock fans in general. Magnificent.
  6. zuera
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Really nice album, relaxing melodies with amazing lyrics.
    I don't wanna write anymore but metacritic don't let me send the review unless there is more than 150 characters.....
  7. awruble
    May 8, 2016
    9
    It's good. It's really good. It's more than pretty good. That's why I said it was really good. If you ask me how good it is I would say really good. I'd say that since it is really good. And I do say that.
  8. Dioclends
    May 8, 2016
    9
    It's the natural evolution of the band sounds, even if they have abandoned the heavily distorted guitars they are still there somewhere in the mix adding more layers to the sometimes ethereal, sometimes weirdly groovy synthesizers, plus a prominent string section and Yorke's usual wail. This is a great album that hold his ground compared to others like Amnesiac or In Rainbows.
  9. Felipealonso
    May 8, 2016
    4
    A Jonny Greenwood solo album with Thom Yorke's voice, or a Thom Yorke solo work with Greenwood's arrangements. I think it has both of them, with the three other Radiohead members having very little to contribute to the album. The record is very atmospheric, subtle and does require a proper listening, fully concentrated in the music. But it's just that, layers of layers of sound added toA Jonny Greenwood solo album with Thom Yorke's voice, or a Thom Yorke solo work with Greenwood's arrangements. I think it has both of them, with the three other Radiohead members having very little to contribute to the album. The record is very atmospheric, subtle and does require a proper listening, fully concentrated in the music. But it's just that, layers of layers of sound added to songs that doesn't have a fully developped structure. It even sounds like a post rock album in many parts, with some songs have a little more than a demo development. It doesn't have the challenging quality we're used to when it comes to Radiohead. The most remarkable thing are the amazing orchestral arrangements. It has some good moments, like True Love Waits, Glass Eyes and The Numbers But overall it's boring and it seems to me that Radiohead, as a band, are splitted into a duet plus three other session/ live musicians. 4/10… Expand
  10. MEEEE
    May 8, 2016
    10
    All the years of wait and silence were worth it. Radiohead does it again by delivering a masterpiece. This weird, genre mixture album thing is certainly going to mark their name in yet another decade.
  11. tylerpurinton
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Strong melodies, catchy percussion, vibrant strings - an album Radiohead should be proud of. Great to hear some guitar again, and the way Thom uses his voice is fresh as ever.
  12. zeroDEMUS
    May 8, 2016
    10
    LP9 also known as A Moon Shaped Pool completely blew me away.

    It's feels weird saying this since I am the person who reads all the possible information about Radiohead and I was well prepared for all the weirdness that comes along with the release of their new records. I was also fully aware that it will be something different, as always. This album is an emotional roller coaster    LP9 also known as A Moon Shaped Pool completely blew me away.

    It's feels weird saying this since I am the person who reads all the possible information about Radiohead and I was well prepared for all the weirdness that comes along with the release of their new records. I was also fully aware that it will be something different, as always.

    This album is an emotional roller coaster filled with a big variety of different instruments and some of the most beautiful and clever songwriting you could ever imagine. I feel like the songs here are very approachable for new listeners as well, unlike TKOL. It all just sounds so fresh and clean.

    I don't even feel like going further in to the details. It simply feels surreal to listen the best album of a decade for the first time. AMSP is everything that I wanted as a fan, and so much more!    … Expand
  13. seththewolf
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Far far more superior than The King of Limbs, this feels like In Rainbows and Kid A had a kid and the result is a beautiful and moody album that has just the right amount of everything that Radiohead is known for, this album exceeds expectations and you won't be disappointed
  14. alexferguson86
    May 8, 2016
    9
    Brilliant album. Identikit and Decks Dark instantly became two of my new favourite Radiohead songs, but honestly the entire album is virtually faultless.
  15. getwiththetimes
    May 8, 2016
    0
    Does Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood even know what they're doing anymore? This Album is degrading towards its fans and to those who'll accidentally have it shuffled and disjointed way deep into the full discography of Radiohead. Zero stars. Zero points. Two thumbs down. Rotten score. Rotten album.
  16. nitz_em
    May 8, 2016
    10
    When we finally thought that there could not be another record like Kid A/OK Computer, Radiohead proved us wrong. They did it again.
    This is by far their most melodic album. It sounds like Amnesiac, but is definitely better than even In Rainbows or maybe Kid A.
    Best tracks include Decks Dark, The Numbers, Identikit, Burn The Witch, True Love Waits, Daydreaming, Ful Stop. And there is no    When we finally thought that there could not be another record like Kid A/OK Computer, Radiohead proved us wrong. They did it again.
    This is by far their most melodic album. It sounds like Amnesiac, but is definitely better than even In Rainbows or maybe Kid A.
    Best tracks include Decks Dark, The Numbers, Identikit, Burn The Witch, True Love Waits, Daydreaming, Ful Stop.
    And there is no track you'll dislike.
    Easily, this album can be the best of 2010s, maybe this century till date.    … Expand
  17. TWOSOULS
    May 8, 2016
    10
    It feels like you are listening to the in rainbows V.2 . not that is bad or anything , it's elegant in a very great way . so I think if you like in rainbows and kid a , there is a good chance to love this too. I hope radiohead and paul thomas anderson team up again in near future .
  18. HJohnson1
    May 8, 2016
    10
    A Moon Shaped Pool is easily one of the best albums that Radiohead has released to date. The heavy use of string instrumentation elevates the piece while still keeping it accessible to newcomers. "Decks Dark" and "The Numbers" are particularly astonishing and the closing track plays a fitting homage to long time fans. Great album!
  19. BlackWizard
    May 8, 2016
    10
    a really, really detailed record. the production had me twisted up for so much of that album! in a four speaker set up, the mixing and isolation was really rad.
    my favourite rh tracks are often their most rocky/upbeat, but the composition and themes in this album create a seriously impressive piece of art.
    i would not have anticipated the orchestral arrangements two months ago, but now    a really, really detailed record. the production had me twisted up for so much of that album! in a four speaker set up, the mixing and isolation was really rad.
    my favourite rh tracks are often their most rocky/upbeat, but the composition and themes in this album create a seriously impressive piece of art.
    i would not have anticipated the orchestral arrangements two months ago, but now that its here, it feels like such a triumphant step towards a style of music unrelated to much of their past but so very much all those pieces put together.

    realllyyyy going to have to get to know this one, i feel like there are so many little nooks and crannies to crawl into and get lost    … Expand
  20. frienderman
    May 8, 2016
    10
    It's been five years since their release of The King of Limbs, yet Radiohead continues to delve into darkly uncharted territory, and beautifully crafts a masterpiece of apocalyptic proportions.
  21. pluthra
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Instant gratification on first listen which is peculiar for a Radiohead record; it will only get better once it sinks in. It's astounding how they continue to produce works like this. Truly another masterpiece.
  22. chancellorpink
    May 8, 2016
    7
    Just finished listening to the whole thing, and it is elegant and beautiful. Not a lot of guitars. I think the direction of the album is totally a product of Jonny Greenwood's new career as the main composer for Paul Thomas Anderson's films, which is a good thing if you love evocative and lush music, as I do, but also a bit disappointing if you're missing some of that Radiohead guitarJust finished listening to the whole thing, and it is elegant and beautiful. Not a lot of guitars. I think the direction of the album is totally a product of Jonny Greenwood's new career as the main composer for Paul Thomas Anderson's films, which is a good thing if you love evocative and lush music, as I do, but also a bit disappointing if you're missing some of that Radiohead guitar sound from 12-15 years ago, as I also am. B+, but possible A after a few more listens. Although I will still be reaching first for my Sigur Ros bottle when I am in the mood for this kind of drink.… Expand
  23. Brunaum
    May 8, 2016
    10
    The fanboys will love it.

    When I first knew that radiohead was doing a new album, I couldn't lie that I was very very excited for this new work. King of limbs wasn't Radiohead's best effort, a fact that made me very worried, but this album just gets everything in it's right place, and I'm happy to say that this album may be one of the best alternative albums of the last years. The mix    The fanboys will love it.

    When I first knew that radiohead was doing a new album, I couldn't lie that I was very very excited for this new work. King of limbs wasn't Radiohead's best effort, a fact that made me very worried, but this album just gets everything in it's right place, and I'm happy to say that this album may be one of the best alternative albums of the last years. The mix of weirdo elements with art-rock aspects that only radiohead knows how to incorporate in their songs it's again the best part of the ep. Maybe the best surprise of the disco is the studio version of some live favourites like "True Love Waits" which received a contemporary and tech version. To end, Radiohead's A Moon Shaped Pool is worth listening for the fans of the band, and the fans of good music.    … Expand
  24. pabhead
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Absolute Middle Age Masterpiece with a naked soul kind of sound all along.....This is the album that all us (the fans) deserve from the Band that have just reinvented themselves one more time....Striped down to the the core of Thom Yorke's vision of Self, Society and the Human Mankind.....beautifully crafted over half acoustic and orchestral / half electronic instrumentations......this isAbsolute Middle Age Masterpiece with a naked soul kind of sound all along.....This is the album that all us (the fans) deserve from the Band that have just reinvented themselves one more time....Striped down to the the core of Thom Yorke's vision of Self, Society and the Human Mankind.....beautifully crafted over half acoustic and orchestral / half electronic instrumentations......this is the OK Computer for the Y Generation......Classic !… Expand
  25. maksym26
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Don´t know how to feel about this, lyrically it´s perfect, very well produced album, when I listen to it my anxiety erupts, I feel like i´m in another universe, such a weird feeling. Still prefer OK Computer album more than this one, but this album is better than In Rainbows and Kid A, so if Kid A and In Rainbow are solid 9, and Ok Computer is solid 10 then this is 9.5. Best album ofDon´t know how to feel about this, lyrically it´s perfect, very well produced album, when I listen to it my anxiety erupts, I feel like i´m in another universe, such a weird feeling. Still prefer OK Computer album more than this one, but this album is better than In Rainbows and Kid A, so if Kid A and In Rainbow are solid 9, and Ok Computer is solid 10 then this is 9.5. Best album of 2016, and I guess it will remain like that till the end of the year.… Expand
  26. paulgreen
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Estheticly perfect and emotionally deep by now it is one of the best albums this year (along with Blackstar by David Bowie). If you ask me if this thing can change music industry, I would say "hell, yeah, what a quiestion?"
  27. acjshapiro
    May 8, 2016
    10
    First impression is that this is their finest work since Kid A. Jonny's work with PTA shines through in incredibly tasteful, disturbing, and melodic orchestral flourishes. Each member is truly operating at peak powers on this album.
  28. Oceanlight
    May 8, 2016
    10
    A creative tour de force that far exceeds expectation! It is amazing – and dare I say it – a masterpiece. Radiohead have reached another pinnacle of highest achievement.
  29. RickTC
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Simply spectacular! Reserve ALL the Grammy's for Radiohead this year, folks, as "A Moon Shaped Pool" is a tour de force. Among the band's best work and will soon be listed among the greatest rock albums of all time. Wow!
  30. fmossa
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Atmospheric, inspired, heterogeneous, dense of sounds. Incredible after 9 albums in an already remarkable career. A somewhat strange mix of Kid A and In Rainbows, but still looking ahead.
  31. ungoodthinker
    May 8, 2016
    10
    At first listen, I am sure this is among their finest work. And Radiohead only gets better as you listen more. It was worth the wait.

    All songs are great, but I especially love Burn the Witch, Daydreaming, Identikit, The Numbers, and Present Tense. With the marvelous chorus in the background, Present Tense has become an amazingly beautiful.

    This is Radiohead at their best.
  32. MrTibster
    May 8, 2016
    10
    A stunning album, 5 years after The King of Limbs and honestly worth the wait. A dreamy, highly unusual album in the best way possible, and the song 'True Love Waits' was truly the icing on the cake.
    Album is up there with OK Computer and In Rainbows.
  33. juancvl96
    May 8, 2016
    10
    The best album Radiohead has made since KID A. The best tracks are Ful Stop which has a little appearance as Everything in Its Right Place , Identikit and Burn the Witch. Just simply amazing.
  34. therebelcloud
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Still the most creative band in music today, unbelievable album.

    Such a warm feeling from these songs, Yorke's voice is better than ever, while doing less......just enough even
  35. Zatharel
    May 8, 2016
    10
    It feels so stripped down compared to TKOL and it feels so...different and that's what is so amazing about it. Easily one of their best albums so far.
  36. Prosmooth
    May 8, 2016
    10
    It's easily their best album since Amnesiac--and dare I go ahead and say it? Yeah--it might be their finest record to date. This is the first Radiohead album since OK Computer that actually exceeded my expectations. It's a game changer--hopefully the game's not over. True Love Waits being the last song on the album--makes me wonder if this is the end.
  37. andreydelorenzo
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Best album since OK Computer. (Review in portuguese)

    Radiohead se reinventa a cada álbum. Isso é fato. Desde Pablo Honey, seus álbuns posteriores costumam sempre ser uma espécie de borboleta libertada do casulo do álbum anterior. Se com "The Bends" tivemos a evolução da guitarra nervosa de Jonny Greenwood em relação ao seu álbum de estreia, em "OK Computer" tivemos a quintessência do    Best album since OK Computer. (Review in portuguese)

    Radiohead se reinventa a cada álbum. Isso é fato. Desde Pablo Honey, seus álbuns posteriores costumam sempre ser uma espécie de borboleta libertada do casulo do álbum anterior. Se com "The Bends" tivemos a evolução da guitarra nervosa de Jonny Greenwood em relação ao seu álbum de estreia, em "OK Computer" tivemos a quintessência do grupo, um álbum tão impactante para os anos 90, como Dark Side of the Moon foi nos anos 70. Porém, ao término da "trinca" inicial de álbuns, em que o falsete de Thom Yorke se aventurava dentre as guitarras poderosas do grupo e por um belo casamento da "cozinha" da banda (baixo e bateria), temos a releitura mais radical do grupo com "Kid A", álbum que foi um divisor de águas no cenário musical, algo que se seguiu até "In Rainbows". Claro, tivemos flertes com o antigo e bom rock "sujo" presente no Radiohead dos anos 90. Porém, nunca tão efervescente como nesse registro aqui. Se em "The King of Limbs" tivemos uma predominância quase que total de elementos eletrônicos experimentais, (algo que enjoava em certas partes), aqui em "A Moon Shaped Pool" temos uma bela mescla de todos os gêneros que já se tiveram presentes ao longo da jornada da banda. É provavelmente o álbum mais eficiente em sua proposta, mais ainda que "Hail to the Thief". E o mais consistente desde OK Computer. Pra muitos vai ser o "bom e velho" Radiohead flertando com o "Radiohead do século 21", mas não existe "Radiohead daqui" ou "Radiohead dali", essa é a mesma banda que iniciou sua jornada em 1993, e que a cada novo registro se reinventa de forma satisfatória, e que hoje revela seu disco mais revolucionário desde OK Computer, e que provavelmente se tornará um marco para a música.
    Continue assim Radiohead, sendo um dos últimos fornecedores de frescor musical, em meio a esse circo de horrores que se tornou a indústria.    … Expand
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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]
See all critic reviews »