Kid A Review: A Bold Break With Guitar Rock
9.5/10 — Radiohead - Kid A (2000)
Pros
- Bold, fresh direction
- Haunting atmosphere
- 'Everything in Its Right Place'
Cons
- Cold and abstract
- Takes time to appreciate
Kid A deliberately avoided the guitar sound of its predecessor, using synths, ondes Martenot and jazz-inflected arrangements. It reached number one in the US with no singles.
What works
‘Everything in Its Right Place’ is hypnotic, ‘The National Anthem’ is a jazzy fury, and ‘How to Disappear Completely’ is gorgeous. Thom Yorke’s voice is manipulated and spectral, and the album feels like an entire world.
Where it falters
The cold, abstract mood is not an easy listen, and it takes time to open up.
Verdict
A daring, immersive reinvention.
