ANIMA
by Thom Yorke
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 189 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 174 out of 189
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 189
  3. Negative: 7 out of 189
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  1. Bertonibaloney
    Jun 27, 2019
    10
    Perfect. This feels like the most developed and full-sounding of Yorke’s albums. He’s done it again!
  2. iamcosmicism
    Jun 27, 2019
    10
    As a whole, Anima is parts electronic and parts so unapologetically human that I can't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. There are definitely certain elements within the album that I might be less than keen towards but the grander image created here is something entirely enticing, and it's all the more somber. Tracks like Twist, The Axe, and Dawn Chorus will leave you grounded toAs a whole, Anima is parts electronic and parts so unapologetically human that I can't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. There are definitely certain elements within the album that I might be less than keen towards but the grander image created here is something entirely enticing, and it's all the more somber. Tracks like Twist, The Axe, and Dawn Chorus will leave you grounded to your spot. Others like Traffic, I Am A Very Rude Person', and Not the News will beg you to groove to them. Anima doesn't shy away from swinging from one side of the melodic spectrum to the other and it's better for it. In relation to Thom's previous two installments, this by and far his most breathtaking solo effort to date.… Expand
  3. telomerase
    Jun 27, 2019
    10
    Outstanding work. Feels like his stuff is coming out organically and is getting more interesting to boot.
  4. sma391
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    Yorke has finally managed to create a fully developed sound and concept without his bandmates. Anxiety has rarely been more directly expressed through electronic music than here. With the help of Godrich, the whole album feels dream-like, with continuous, flowing sounds, beautiful melodies and looped samples. Yorke's voice is once again fully integrated into the music, making it feel likeYorke has finally managed to create a fully developed sound and concept without his bandmates. Anxiety has rarely been more directly expressed through electronic music than here. With the help of Godrich, the whole album feels dream-like, with continuous, flowing sounds, beautiful melodies and looped samples. Yorke's voice is once again fully integrated into the music, making it feel like an other instrument. Finally this record of his feels like completed, perfected and more ambitious than the previous ones. Without a doubt his best solo work yet, alongside the Suspiria soundtrack.… Expand
  5. lshelton
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    Thom Yorke- no further explanation needed! He never disappoints!!! Great album.
  6. The3rdNfnalrprt
    Jun 29, 2019
    9
    This is significant better than 'Tomorrow's modern boxes' and every bit as good as 'The Eraser.'
  7. AndresAlfonso
    Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Es una clara evolución del sonido que Thom y Nigel han estado buscando , mi disco favorito de Thom.
  8. gianamar
    Jun 29, 2019
    9
    Thom’s greatest solo effort by a long way. It doesn’t feel like Radiohead B-sides as Yorke’s other albums (except Suspiria) have tended to sound like.
  9. LionInFLL
    Jun 29, 2019
    10
    The mark of a great album is that it takes several spins to find its way into your psyche versus a one-and-done and in-the-bin. What a shame it would be to write off pieces of this work as unlistenable without staying with it to appreciate its long phrasing and subtext. Too downbeat to be IDM, too intelligent to be electronic subpop, ANIMA defies genre by accommodating space forThe mark of a great album is that it takes several spins to find its way into your psyche versus a one-and-done and in-the-bin. What a shame it would be to write off pieces of this work as unlistenable without staying with it to appreciate its long phrasing and subtext. Too downbeat to be IDM, too intelligent to be electronic subpop, ANIMA defies genre by accommodating space for impressionism, trip-hop, and free-form spoken word. I recommend watching the NetFlix short to understand the vision and raw emotion underneath the music. Thom Yorke continues to push the boundaries of how we define modern music, and the world is all the better for it.… Expand
  10. Rezameta
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    I can not get out of that ! I drowned in it ! A masterful electronic orchestra !
  11. Ricko
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    This is immense. A cross breed of and development upon his previous solo work and arguably his most removed work from Radiohead. Yorke was always most comfortable artisticly when focusing on impending doom and apocolyptic scenarios. The modern world and society must make writing pretty easy for him. "The Axe" repeats out "I thought we had a deal". I can only imagine Mother Earth telling usThis is immense. A cross breed of and development upon his previous solo work and arguably his most removed work from Radiohead. Yorke was always most comfortable artisticly when focusing on impending doom and apocolyptic scenarios. The modern world and society must make writing pretty easy for him. "The Axe" repeats out "I thought we had a deal". I can only imagine Mother Earth telling us humans this. This is a weighty album but fresh and incredibly engaging at the same time. At its heart is "Dawn Chorus", a song good enough to have graced any of Radiohead's album past or future. Thom Yorke is as far away from the basics as he's ever been. An incredible artist.… Expand
  12. CiphirSol
    Aug 1, 2019
    10
    This is a response to SuperMax's statement regarding fanboys. No, your taste is just different and that's okay. The general critical and user experience with this piece of media is overwhelmingly positive. You don't think it's that great and that's okay. You shouldn't feel obligated simply because "everyone" is agreeing. Keep your opinions, but respect that TY has created somethingThis is a response to SuperMax's statement regarding fanboys. No, your taste is just different and that's okay. The general critical and user experience with this piece of media is overwhelmingly positive. You don't think it's that great and that's okay. You shouldn't feel obligated simply because "everyone" is agreeing. Keep your opinions, but respect that TY has created something worthwhile that people seem to like.… Expand
  13. rockshredderwah
    Jul 6, 2019
    9
    Immersive, edgy, paranoid, funny, melancholic. Still manages to stay fresh.
  14. hiddensynapse
    Aug 27, 2019
    10
    Thom’s best, definitely. It’s got the melody of The Eraser, the electronic textures of TMB, and the danceable grooves of AMOK. Must be listened to as a full album - it flows beautifully, reminding me of The Dark Side Of The Moon. It may even flow better than any Radiohead album.
  15. lulabymusic
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    ____ "ANIMA" is certainly not an album for everyone. He is too deep to run over it superficially and understand. He is too intimate to listen to him in a binding environment and to share with someone. It is difficult for perception and will merge only with that gut that experiences similar feelings and has the same direction of thoughts. Devastation, anxiety, dystopia ... This is a dark____ "ANIMA" is certainly not an album for everyone. He is too deep to run over it superficially and understand. He is too intimate to listen to him in a binding environment and to share with someone. It is difficult for perception and will merge only with that gut that experiences similar feelings and has the same direction of thoughts. Devastation, anxiety, dystopia ... This is a dark world of electronic sounds flowing from each other, guitar fuzzy and disassembled noise ...But in this non-seeing of the light - there is more of the same light than in many positive music.
    :
    ____ Most fans of Tom York know what to expect from him and will not be disappointed. And who wants to discover his world for the first time - try it - maybe this is your world, only expressed with the help of sounds ...
    :
    ____ Personally, I plunged into the Ocean, you can’t say less ...    … Expand
  16. afirmacja
    Jul 27, 2019
    9
    i think it's gonna be my favourite album of 2019. In my opinion his best work. Left me speechless with goosebumps.
  17. folklandskies
    Jul 11, 2019
    10
    This album ambushes emotions and trauma you either forgot about or tried to bury.
  18. AUlisses
    Jul 29, 2019
    9
    I had a good time listening to the new album. It is worth to listen people!
  19. bmcdonald1413
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    This album is a 10.0. I’d say it occupies 25% of my music listening. The other 75% by Kid A, In Rainbows, and Doolittle lol.
  20. Mt-kafka
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    moody....like the album cover ,,,,fulling in the space and watch the word from above
  21. sammyanthony
    Jul 7, 2019
    8
    ANIMA is minimal. Mellifluousness is in the club, possessing. No need to rush.
  22. ahmedaiman1999
    Jun 27, 2019
    8
    PTA + Thom Yorke = An Audiovisual Feast!

    Although its exploration of the dystopian societies is nothing new, ANIMA is a fairly entertaining, and occasionally disturbing, hypnotic treat for the senses.

    (8/10)
  23. brockcheese
    Jul 6, 2019
    8
    Thom Yorke's best album yet. Commenting on the ongoing dystopia and failure of technology to connect us.
  24. Viddy
    Jun 28, 2019
    8
    No filler at all, just pure unabashed Thom Yorke at his most epic and confident sounding. This is his first album where it sounds like he's truly defined what his solo career is supposed to be. The sounds are out of this world, the track flow is smooth as hell, and the world he presents is as palpable and immersive as ever. The only complaint I have is that some of the songs still don'tNo filler at all, just pure unabashed Thom Yorke at his most epic and confident sounding. This is his first album where it sounds like he's truly defined what his solo career is supposed to be. The sounds are out of this world, the track flow is smooth as hell, and the world he presents is as palpable and immersive as ever. The only complaint I have is that some of the songs still don't totally feel complete on their own, like maybe with a hint more inspiration cuts like Dawn Chorus and Not the News could've been absolutely essential pieces of music and really stand out as crucial points on the album, and Runwayaway is a very interesting and fitting ending, but tends to simply meander through a bunch of Rag and Bone sketches. Put altogether though, it makes for quite an experience that he only hinted at being capable of providing on albums like Tomorrow's Modern Boxes and Amok, and those who're craving his quirky style of electronic music will be left much more satisfied.… Expand
  25. Alex7113
    Jun 28, 2019
    7
    ANIMA is an ethereal experience. Yes, as much as In Rainbows or even the glorious Kid A. So much that, at some point, it becomes almost disturbing to find yourself lost into all the ambience it is filled with. A bunch of melodies and atmospheres that blend quite well together (thanks to an excellent production) but that lack a concrete and original idea. It's an uninspired Yorke that hidesANIMA is an ethereal experience. Yes, as much as In Rainbows or even the glorious Kid A. So much that, at some point, it becomes almost disturbing to find yourself lost into all the ambience it is filled with. A bunch of melodies and atmospheres that blend quite well together (thanks to an excellent production) but that lack a concrete and original idea. It's an uninspired Yorke that hides behind the long tracks of his third solo album, at this point very distant from the sonorities of The Eraser and more akin to the electronic mess of Tomorrow's Modern Boxes. A Yorke that still knows how to make high quality music, but that, in my opinion, doesn't leave his mark.… Expand
  26. SuperMax156
    Jul 3, 2019
    0
    Wow the fan boys are out in force huh? Sorry, but this is terrible. This is just a guy fiddling around with a laptop making dull noises. You lost me Thom. Get back to radiohead you cock eyed psychopath
  27. Shrish
    Jun 27, 2019
    0
    Very bad album. Couldn't bear hearing it completely. Maybe this is just not my cup of tea.
  28. frankrog29
    Jul 14, 2019
    8
    The first few times I listened to Anima, I didn’t like it that much. The album is quite inscrutable at first. Mr. Yorke’s beats sound more dance-oriented than they ever have before, and it can be pretty hard to discern the melodies at first. However, I started to connect with it on a more emotional level after giving it a few close listens. Once you figure these songs out and identify theThe first few times I listened to Anima, I didn’t like it that much. The album is quite inscrutable at first. Mr. Yorke’s beats sound more dance-oriented than they ever have before, and it can be pretty hard to discern the melodies at first. However, I started to connect with it on a more emotional level after giving it a few close listens. Once you figure these songs out and identify the melody and tension contained within them, they start to make more sense in a Thom Yorke and Radiohead context. Anima reminds me a lot of Mr. Yorke’s first solo album, The Eraser. Anima boasts sleeker production and is more cohesive than The Eraser overall. However, I think I like The Eraser slightly more, probably because the melodies are just catchier on it. Nevertheless, Anima is a challenging marvel that rewards the listener if he or she perseveres through the first few disorienting listens.… Expand
  29. BlackSwan
    Jul 16, 2019
    7
    Well done Thom, you did it again. Second best solo album after The Eraser. Way more intriguing than Tomorrow's Modern Boxes. Best songs Not the News, Dawn Chorus, Impossible Knots, The Axe.
  30. vojtamarek
    Sep 18, 2020
    6
    Thom’s best solo project till date, obviously. And even though it’s totally different project, I’m still not sure if Thom’s able to put out something really great and memorable without the band behind his back. It seems like he’s slowly getting there on this one. ANIMA is a solid electronic record. 6-7p.
  31. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 22, 2021
    7
    This feels so sacred. The record is a return to form for the veteran experimentalist. Peak production and vague songwriting add to the apbums harms. He creates another worod that feeos cold and isolated. Forever going to be a favourite. Favorites:Dawn Chorus, Twist,Around the drain.
  32. Xrayz
    Jul 1, 2019
    6
    An average album overall, following his previous attempts. Thom can't rival Radiohead's magic alone, though you can feel the genius at times, 'Twist' for example is an excellent song, 'The Axe' is incredible too. I personally don't like the pop-like atmosphere of Anima, which you can hear the most in 'I Am a Very Rude Person' and 'Impossible knots'. 'Dawn Chorus' is incredibly overrated.An average album overall, following his previous attempts. Thom can't rival Radiohead's magic alone, though you can feel the genius at times, 'Twist' for example is an excellent song, 'The Axe' is incredible too. I personally don't like the pop-like atmosphere of Anima, which you can hear the most in 'I Am a Very Rude Person' and 'Impossible knots'. 'Dawn Chorus' is incredibly overrated.
    The experience is very scattered (no idea how to phrase that), with some good melodies hidden a bit everywhere in an overly complicated electronic filling.
    So yeah, pretty poor but still interesting and worth a try.    … Expand
  33. kermie_the_frog
    Dec 28, 2019
    8
    Great glitch electronic record. Fantastic use of repetition. Excited to see the future of this man's music.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best Album of 2019
44
#44 Most Discussed Album of 2019
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. DIY Magazine
    Aug 8, 2019
    70
    Sans-visual accompaniment the album can feel meandering and unfocused. Fortunately, the experimental production and dark atmosphere are compelling in their own right, and ‘Anima’ is ultimately a trip down the rabbit hole worth taking.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Aug 5, 2019
    80
    Anima seems by some distance to be Yorke's strongest solo work, and its musical content is oddly and paradoxically invigorating, in contrast to its persistently anomic lyrics. This dynamic is a key component of what makes the album succeed.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    Jul 23, 2019
    80
    Anima is his third solo album, outside of soundtracks, and it's his richest. [Sep 2019, p.87]
See all critic reviews »