History Music / KidA

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The group had been dabbling in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence had grown more prominent by ''OK Computer''. ''Kid A'' however, saw the band dive headfirst into electronics, using them as the structure of their songs rather than purely for texture.

This change was motivated by the band's burnout following the extensive promotion of their previous album ''OK Computer'' and [[FollowTheLeader the growing number of bands following their example]], which -- combined with writer's block -- resulted in frontman Thom Yorke suffering a mental breakdown and becoming disillusioned with not only Radiohead's standard guitar-based music, but with the entire concept of rock as a whole.

Listening to acts like Music/{{Autechre}} and Music/AphexTwin drove Yorke to the [[EurekaMoment realization]] that instrumental electronics could evoke the same emotions from him as guitars. This set the ethos of creating ''Kid A'', which focused more on sonic textures than traditional songwriting and combined the abstract and artsy electronica of ''Music/{{Homogenic}}'' with the [[WordSaladHorror disjointedly surreal and anxious lyricism]] of ''Music/RemainInLight''. While the band found CreativeDifferences over the album's direction, over 20 songs were ultimately produced. One half is included on ''Kid A'', and the other is on ''Music/{{Amnesiac}}'', which came out six months later as a loose companion piece.

Upon release, the magnitude of ''Kid A''[='=]s [[BrokenBase divided response from fans and critics]] (a recurring complaint being that its new sound was overly pretentious, derivative, or intentionally obscure in meaning) was matched by its outstanding commercial success. Utilizing unorthodox promoting tactics -- eschewing singles and music videos[[note]]though promotional singles for "How to Disappear Completely", "Idioteque", "The National Anthem", and "Optimistic" ''were'' given out to radio stations[[/note]] for a series of short televised [[{{Blipvert}} "blips,"]] most of them animated -- the album debuted at #1 in the USA, going platinum in the UK during opening week, eventually getting Radiohead its second UsefulNotes/GrammyAward for Best Alternative Music Album and second Album of the Year nomination.

In retrospect, [[VindicatedByHistory time has shifted public opinions]], and ''Kid A'' is now regularly considered one of the best albums of the 2000s, if not of all time. It is ranked at #20 on UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020, being ranked at #67 and #428 in previous versions[[note]]Its #67 spot in [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime the 2012 update]] also gave it the distinction of being the 21st century's highest-ranked album[[/note]]. ''Magazine/TimeMagazine'' also included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of their Timeless and Essential Albums]]. It is also the 38th most-acclaimed album on Website/AcclaimedMusic's [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compilation of various critics' lists]], and currently holds the distinction of being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/customchart the fourth highest-rated album]] on the site Rate Your Music.

In retrospect, [[VindicatedByHistory time has shifted public opinions]], and ''Kid A'' is now regularly considered one of the best albums of the 2000s, if not of all time. It is ranked at #20 on UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020, being ranked at #67 and #428 in previous versions[[note]]Its #67 spot in [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime the 2012 update]] also gave it the distinction of being the 21st century's highest-ranked album[[/note]]. ''Magazine/TimeMagazine'' also included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of their Timeless and Essential Albums]]. This critical acclaim has made it the 38th-most-acclaimed album ever according to Website/AcclaimedMusic's [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compilation of various critics' lists]]. It also currently holds the distinction of being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/customchart the fourth-highest-rated album]] on music aggregator site ''Rate Your Music'', as well as being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/charts/top/album/2000 the highest-rated album of 2000]] on the same site.

!!!10" One
[[AC:Alpha]]

[[AC:Beta]]

!!!10" Two
[[AC:Gamma]]

[[AC:Delta]]

# "Motion Picture Soundtrack" (7:01)[[note]]Song ends at 3:17; includes an untitled hidden track from 4:17 until 5:12, followed by 1:44 of silence.[[/note]]

[-Note: CD releases are across a single disc; cassette releases are across a single tape (side 1 containing tracks 1-5 and side two containing tracks 5-10.-]

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The group had been dabbling in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence had grown more prominent by ''OK Computer''. However, it was with ''Kid A'' that the band dived headfirst into electronics, using them as the structure of their songs rather than purely texture.

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The group had been dabbled in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence on their sound had grown more prominent by ''OK Computer''. However, it was with ''Kid A'' that the band dived headfirst into electronics, using them as the basis of their songs rather than purely texture.

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The band had dabbled in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence had grown more prominent by ''OK Computer''. However, it was with ''Kid A'' that saw the band dived headfirst into electronics, using them as the basis of their songs rather than purely texture.

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The band had dabbled in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence had grown more prominent by ''OK Computer'', but it was with ''Kid A'' that saw the band dive headfirst into electronics, using them as the basis of their songs rather than as sonic texture.

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The band had dabbled in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence had grown more prominent on ''OK Computer'', but it was with ''Kid A'' that saw the band use electronics as the basis of their songs rather than as sonic texture.

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The band had dabbled in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence had grown more prominent on ''OK Computer'', but it was with ''Kid A'' that saw the band dive headfirst into electronics.

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The band had began dabbling in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence had grown more prominent on ''OK Computer'', but it was with ''Kid A'' that saw the band dive headfirst into electronics.

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The band had previously dabbled in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence had grown more prominent on ''OK Computer'', but it was with ''Kid A'' that saw the band dive headfirst into electronic styles.

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation. The band had previously dabbled in ElectronicMusic as early as "Planet Telex", the opening track from ''Music/TheBends'', and its influence had grown more prominent on ''OK Computer'', but it was with ''Kid A'' that ventured headfirst into electronic styles for the first time.

''Kid A'' is the fourth album by English AlternativeRock band Music/{{Radiohead}}. Released in October 2000, it notably marked a [[NewSoundAlbum new stage]] of the band's sonic experimentation as they ventured into styles of ElectronicMusic for the first time.

In retrospect, [[VindicatedByHistory time has shifted public opinions]], and ''Kid A'' is now regularly considered one of the best albums of the 2000s, if not of all time. It is ranked at #20 on UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020, being ranked at #67 and #428 in previous versions[[note]]Its #67 spot in [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime the 2012 update]] also gave it the distinction of being the 21st century's highest-ranked album[[/note]]. ''Magazine/TimeMagazine'' also included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of their Timeless and Essential Albums]]. This critical acclaim has made it the 38th-most-acclaimed album ever according to Website/AcclaimedMusic's [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compilation of various critics' lists]]. It also currently holds the distinction of being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/customchart the second-highest-rated album]] on music aggregator site ''Rate Your Music'', beaten out only by its direct predecessor, as well as being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/charts/top/album/2000 the highest-rated album of 2000]] on the same site.

In retrospect, [[VindicatedByHistory time has shifted public opinions]], and ''Kid A'' is now regularly considered one of the best albums of the 2000s, if not of all time. It is currently ranked at #20 on UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020, being ranked at #67 and #428 in previous versions[[note]]Its #67 spot in [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime the 2012 update]] also gave it the distinction of being the 21st century's highest-ranked album[[/note]]. ''Magazine/TimeMagazine'' also included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of their Timeless and Essential Albums]]. This critical acclaim has made it the 38th-most-acclaimed album ever according to Website/AcclaimedMusic's [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compilation of various critics' lists]]. It also currently holds the distinction of being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/customchart the second-highest-rated album]] on music aggregator site ''Rate Your Music'', beaten out only by its direct predecessor, as well as being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/charts/top/album/2000 the highest-rated album of 2000]] on the same site.

In retrospect, [[VindicatedByHistory time has shifted public opinions]], and ''Kid A'' is now regularly considered one of the best albums of the 2000s, if not of all time. It is currently ranked at #20 on UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime, being ranked at #67 and #428 in previous versions[[note]]Its #67 spot in the 2012 update also gave it the distinction of being the 21st century's highest-ranked album[[/note]]. Magazine/TimeMagazine also included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of their Timeless and Essential Albums]]. This critical acclaim has made it the 38th-most-acclaimed album ever according to Website/AcclaimedMusic's [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compilation of various critics' lists]]. It also currently holds the distinction of being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/customchart the second-highest-rated album]] on music aggregator site ''Rate Your Music'', beaten out only by its direct predecessor, as well as being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/charts/top/album/2000 the highest-rated album of 2000]] on the same site.

If ''Music/OKComputer'' is frequently called the new ''Music/TheDarkSideOfTheMoon'', then this would be the new ''Music/WishYouWereHere''.

In retrospect, [[VindicatedByHistory time has shifted public opinions]], and ''Kid A'' is now regularly considered one of the best albums of the 2000s, if not of all time. It is both the highest-ranked Radiohead album and the highest-ranked 21st century album on UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime at #67[[note]] Made even more awesome since its ranking before the 2012 update was at ''number 428'', which indicates a jump of '''361 spots'''.[[/note]] Magazine/TimeMagazine also included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of their Timeless and Essential Albums]]. This critical acclaim has made it the 38th-most-acclaimed album ever according to Website/AcclaimedMusic's [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compilation of various critics' lists]]. It also currently holds the distinction of being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/customchart the second-highest-rated album]] on music aggregator site ''Rate Your Music'', beaten out only by its direct predecessor, as well as being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/charts/top/album/2000 the highest-rated album of 2000]] on the same site.

* BittersweetEnding: "Motion Picture Soundtrack", which is one of the most simultaneously [[TearJerker heartbreaking]] and [[SugarWiki/SweetDreamsFuel uplifting]] songs of all time.

* ConceptAlbum: Alongside companion piece ''Music/{{Amnesiac}}'', from common can interpretation. The theorizing stems mostly from Thom's suggestion that the former could be about the first human clone, but he denies any intentional meaning. The two albums are clearly counterparts with similar themes (they were recorded at the same time) and it doesn't hurt the concept album theory that the genetically modified bear characters recurred throughout the "blips" of ''Kid A'' and ''Amnesiac,'' and a track on ''Amnesiac'' was named after them ("Hunting Bears").

** With many of the 3D models it's a mix of this and SpecialEffectFailure, which is likely why they seldom showed the 3D bears clearly in the blips and redesigned them when they revisited the "blip" concept for ''Music/{{Amnesiac}}''.

* DrivenToSuicide:
** "Motion Picture Soundtrack" (maybe).
** [[BookEnds The first and last lines sort of intertwine;]] the first line ("red wine and sleeping pills") could mean that the narrator is trying to kill themselves [[note]] the combination of these drugs can be lethal when enough is consumed [[/note]]. The last line ("I will see you in the next life") could mean that the narrator is dying and will finally find his lover in the afterlife.

* UntitledTitle: The HiddenTrack that closes the album is usually referred to as "Untitled", most significantly as it's separated from "Motion Picture Soundtrack" on Spotify, against the band's wishes of keeping them together.

In retrospect, [[VindicatedByHistory time has shifted public opinions]], and ''Kid A'' is now regularly considered one of the best albums of the 2000s, if not of all time. It is both the highest-ranked Radiohead album and the highest-ranked 21st century album on UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime at #67[[note]] Made even more awesome since its ranking before the 2012 update was at ''number 428'', which indicates a jump of '''361 spots'''.[[/note]] Magazine/TimeMagazine also included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of their Timeless and Essential Albums]]. This critical acclaim has made it the 38th-most-acclaimed album ever according to Website/AcclaimedMusic's [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compilation of various critics' lists]]. It also currently holds the distinction of being [[https://rateyourmusic.com/customchart the second-highest-rated album]] on music aggregator site ''Rate Your Music'', beaten out only by its direct predecessor.

* SpiritualAntithesis: To ''Music/MerriweatherPostPavilion'' by Music/AnimalCollective. Both albums came out within the same decade, are considered among the greatest albums of that decade, and sport an experimental, electronic-infused sound that emphasizes texture and timbre over traditional melody and lyricism. However, the two are polar opposites beyond those similarities, with ''Kid A'' coming out in the first year of the decade and featuring a haunting, minimalist sound with lyrics of apocalypse and personal crisis, and ''Merriweather Post Pavilion'' coming out at the end of the decade and featuring a lushly dense and layered sound with more wistfully abstract lyrics covering broadly romantic themes.

In retrospect, [[VindicatedByHistory time has shifted public opinions]], and ''Kid A'' is now regularly considered one of the best albums of the 2000s, if not of all time. It is both the highest-ranked Radiohead album and the highest-ranked 21st century album on UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime at #67[[note]] Made even more awesome since its ranking before the 2012 update was at ''number 428'', which indicates a jump of '''361 spots'''.[[/note]] Magazine/TimeMagazine also included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of their Timeless and Essential Albums]]. This critical acclaim has made it the 38th-most-acclaimed album ever according to Website/AcclaimedMusic's [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compilation of various critics' lists]].

* DerangedAnimation: Any of the album's short "blips" could qualify for this. They're either [[NightmareFuel downright horrifying/disturbing]] or [[SurrealHorror simply weird]].