What is Kid A, and who is the artist behind it?

Kid A is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released on October 2, 2000, by Parlophone.

When was Kid A recorded, and where were the recording sessions primarily held?

Kid A was recorded between January 4, 1999, and April 18, 2000. The recording sessions took place in multiple locations, including Guillaume Tell Studios in Paris, Medley Studios in Copenhagen, and Radiohead's own studio in Oxfordshire, England.

How did Kid A differ musically from Radiohead's previous work, such as OK Computer?

Kid A marked a significant departure from Radiohead's earlier sound. The album incorporated influences from electronic music, krautrock, jazz, and 20th-century classical music, utilizing a wider array of instruments and effects than before.

What was Thom Yorke's lyrical approach for Kid A?

Thom Yorke adopted an impersonal and abstract lyrical style for Kid A, often employing a cut-up technique where phrases were cut and reassembled randomly. This resulted in lyrics that were less narrative and more fragmented, contributing to the album's overall experimental feel.

What unconventional promotional strategies did Radiohead employ for Kid A?

In a move against industry norms, Radiohead released no singles from Kid A and conducted minimal interviews or photoshoots. Instead, they promoted the album through short animations and utilized the internet extensively, including sharing early live performances and allowing the album to leak online before its official release.

How did Kid A perform commercially upon its release?

Kid A debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and became Radiohead's first number-one album on the US Billboard 200 chart. It achieved platinum certifications in several major markets, including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, France, and Japan.

What was the initial critical reception of Kid A?

The album's new sound divided listeners upon release, with some critics dismissing it as pretentious or derivative. However, its artistic merit was later widely recognized.

How did publications like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork rank Kid A retrospectively?

By the end of the 2000s decade, publications such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and The Times ranked Kid A as one of the greatest albums of the decade. Rolling Stone later placed it at number 20 on its updated list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

What awards did Kid A receive?

Kid A won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album and was also nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

What was the impact of the OK Computer success on the band members?

Following the critical and commercial success of OK Computer, the members of Radiohead, particularly Thom Yorke, experienced burnout and illness. Yorke described himself as being in a "complete fucking mess" and felt disillusioned with the music industry.

What musical influences led Thom Yorke to explore new sounds for Kid A?

Yorke became disillusioned with the perceived limitations of rock music and began listening extensively to electronic music artists on the Warp Records label, such as Aphex Twin and Autechre. He found this music emotionally resonant despite its structural focus and lack of vocals.

What was Thom Yorke's initial lyrical struggle during the Kid A sessions?

Yorke experienced writer's block and found it difficult to finish songs on the guitar. He felt that melody had become embarrassing and wanted to focus on rhythm, sounds, and textures instead of traditional songwriting structures.

How did the band members initially react to Yorke's new musical direction?

Some band members struggled with Yorke's shift towards electronic music. Nigel Godrich, the producer, initially questioned the change, while Jonny Greenwood feared "awful art-rock nonsense," and Colin Greenwood found the Warp influences "really cold." The uncertainty led to insecurity and discussions about disbanding.

What electronic instruments and software did Radiohead utilize during the recording of Kid A?

Radiohead experimented with various electronic instruments, including modular synthesizers and the ondes Martenot (an early electronic instrument similar to a theremin). They also used software like Pro Tools and Cubase for editing and manipulating recordings.

What was the significance of the song Everything in Its Right Place for the album?

Everything in Its Right Place was the first song Thom Yorke wrote for the album and was considered a turning point. Its successful transformation onto a Prophet-5 synthesizer and the processing of Yorke's vocals helped the band accept the new direction and confirmed it as the album's opening track.

How was the string arrangement for How to Disappear Completely created?

The string arrangement for How to Disappear Completely was composed by Jonny Greenwood, who was influenced by Krzysztof Penderecki. Greenwood multitracked his ondes Martenot to create the score, which was then performed by the Orchestra of St John's in Dorchester Abbey.

What was the inspiration behind the song Idioteque?

Idioteque was built around a drum machine pattern created by Jonny Greenwood and incorporated a sample from Paul Lansky's 1973 computer music composition 'Mild und Leise.' Yorke described the song as an attempt to capture the intense, overwhelming sound of a loud club PA system.

What was the inspiration for the album's title, Kid A?

The title Kid A originated from a filename on one of Thom Yorke's sequencers. Yorke appreciated its 'non-meaning,' believing that giving an album a specific title could unduly influence its interpretation.

Who collaborated with Thom Yorke on the Kid A artwork, and what was their approach?

Thom Yorke collaborated with Stanley Donwood on the Kid A artwork. For this album, they moved away from collage and digital manipulation, using paint for the first time. Donwood focused on painting textured surfaces, which Yorke then manipulated digitally using Photoshop.

What themes or concepts influenced the Kid A album artwork?

The artwork was influenced by the Worldwatch Institute website's statistics on environmental change, leading to the use of mountain imagery. Additionally, a photograph from the Kosovo War depicting war detritus in snow and an image from Alan Moore's graphic novel 'Brought to Light' (a swimming pool filled with blood) also inspired the visuals, symbolizing danger and shattered expectations.

How did Radiohead approach the promotion of Kid A, given their minimal involvement in traditional media?

Radiohead minimized traditional promotion, releasing no singles and conducting few interviews. They instead focused on the internet, releasing short animations ('blips') featuring their artwork and utilizing online platforms for promotion, which was a novel approach for major acts at the time.

What was the 'iBlip' and how was it used in Kid A's promotion?

The 'iBlip' was a Java applet created by Capitol Records that could be embedded in fan websites. It allowed users to stream the album, view artwork and photos, and included links to purchase Kid A, significantly contributing to its online promotion.

What was Radiohead's stance on the album leaking online before its release?

Radiohead generally had a positive or neutral view on leaks, with Thom Yorke suggesting that services like Napster encouraged enthusiasm for music. While the leak of Kid A occurred, the band's president at Capitol Records noted that focusing on sales was more important than worrying about the impact of leaks.

How did Radiohead adapt the Kid A songs for live performances?

Radiohead rearranged the songs from Kid A for their live shows, aiming to reintroduce a 'human element' and spontaneity. They felt that performing the electronic-heavy material live allowed them to explore the tension between human performance and machine-generated sounds.

What was notable about Radiohead's 2000 European tour in relation to the album's promotion?

During their 2000 European tour, Radiohead performed in a custom-built tent that deliberately lacked corporate logos. This decision aligned with their desire to distance themselves from commercialism and focus on the music itself.

How did the band's performance on Saturday Night Live reflect the new direction of Kid A?

Radiohead's performance on Saturday Night Live shocked viewers who expected their earlier rock sound. Jonny Greenwood utilized electronic instruments, the house brass band improvised chaotically during 'The National Anthem,' and Thom Yorke's erratic dancing during 'Idioteque' highlighted the album's experimental and unconventional nature.

What was the initial reaction from some critics regarding the album's departure from guitar-driven rock?

Some critics were taken aback by the reduced prominence of guitars and the obscured vocals on Kid A, with some labeling it a 'commercial suicide note.' Others found the electronic elements and unconventional song structures confusing or pretentious.

How did the album's sound and lyrical content contribute to its retrospective critical acclaim?

Despite initial mixed reactions, Kid A's experimental sound, abstract lyrics, and innovative production were later recognized as groundbreaking. Its themes and sonic palette were seen as prescient, capturing a sense of unease and technological detachment that resonated with the early 21st century.

What is the significance of the 'Modified Bear' logo introduced during the Kid A campaign?

The 'Modified Bear' logo, created by Stanley Donwood, was introduced during the Kid A promotional campaign. This distinctive bear character became associated with the album and was later used for subsequent Radiohead marketing and merchandise.

How did Radiohead's use of the internet for promotion influence the music industry?

Radiohead's pioneering use of the internet for streaming and promotion with Kid A demonstrated its potential beyond traditional channels like MTV and radio. This approach is credited with influencing modern music culture and marketing strategies, showing that commercial success was possible without relying solely on conventional media.

What was the overall length of the Kid A album?

The total duration of the Kid A album is 49 minutes and 56 seconds.

Which record labels released Kid A?

Kid A was released by Parlophone and Capitol Records.

Kid A was produced by Nigel Godrich and Radiohead.

What specific jazz influences were incorporated into Kid A, particularly in 'The National Anthem'?

The brass section on 'The National Anthem' was influenced by the jazz musician Charles Mingus, specifically his work 'Town Hall Concert.' The band instructed the musicians to create a sound described as 'organized chaos' and a 'traffic jam.'

What was the role of Dorchester Abbey in the recording process for Kid A?

The strings for the song 'How to Disappear Completely' were recorded in Dorchester Abbey, a historic church located near Radiohead's Oxfordshire studio. This choice of location added a unique acoustic quality to the track.

How did Radiohead's approach to releasing Kid A differ from standard industry practices at the time?

Radiohead deliberately broke industry norms by releasing no singles from Kid A and conducting minimal promotional activities like interviews and photoshoots. Their strategy focused on presenting the album as a cohesive work, utilizing the internet for promotion, and avoiding the typical marketing cycle.

What was the significance of the album's title, Kid A, in relation to Thom Yorke's lyrical approach?

The title Kid A, derived from a sequencer filename, resonated with Thom Yorke's desire for impersonal and abstract lyrics. He felt the title's lack of specific meaning allowed the fragmented lyrical content to stand on its own, contributing to the album's overall thematic ambiguity.

How did the band's decision to not include lyrics in the liner notes impact the reception of Kid A?

Radiohead chose not to include the lyrics in the liner notes because they felt the words could not be fully understood independently of the music. This decision encouraged listeners to focus on the overall sonic experience rather than specific lyrical interpretations.

What specific influence did David Byrne have on the lyrical approach for Kid A?

Thom Yorke cited David Byrne's method for 'Remain in Light' as an influence, where lyrics were assembled from various sources and incorporated spontaneously. Yorke applied a similar collage-like approach to the lyrics on Kid A, cutting up phrases and assembling them randomly.

What was the band's reaction to the album's success in the US, particularly reaching number one on the Billboard 200?

Reaching number one on the US Billboard 200 was a significant achievement for Radiohead, marking their first number-one album in the US. Thom Yorke expressed that the band felt 'incredibly vindicated and happy' by this success, especially given the album's unconventional nature.

What role did the 'Modified Bear' character play in the album's visual identity and promotion?

The 'Modified Bear' character, created by Stanley Donwood, became a key visual element in the Kid A promotional campaign. Originating from Donwood's stories for his children, the bear's unsettling imagery, often depicted with sharp teeth, added to the album's mysterious and slightly menacing aesthetic.

How did the near-disbandment during the recording process ultimately affect the album?

The band's agreement to disband if they couldn't agree on an album worth releasing created a high-stakes environment. This pressure, combined with the experimental nature of the music, ultimately pushed them to finalize the album, ensuring its cohesive artistic vision.

What was the critical consensus on the album's perceived difficulty or obscurity?

While some critics initially found Kid A difficult, pretentious, or obscure, many later recognized its artistic depth and innovation. Retrospective reviews often highlighted its challenging yet rewarding nature, with publications like Pitchfork eventually praising its prescience and impact.

How did Radiohead's approach to Kid A challenge the prevailing music industry practices of the time?

Radiohead challenged industry norms by releasing no singles, minimizing traditional promotion, and embracing the internet for distribution and marketing. This unconventional strategy demonstrated that artistic integrity and commercial success could coexist, paving the way for future artists to experiment with their release strategies.

What specific musical elements from the album were highlighted in retrospective reviews as particularly influential?

Retrospective reviews often point to the album's pioneering use of electronic textures, abstract lyrical themes, and innovative production techniques as key influential elements. Tracks like 'Everything in Its Right Place' and 'Idioteque' are frequently cited for their groundbreaking soundscapes and experimental approaches.

What is the significance of the album's inclusion in 'Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time' list?

Kid A's consistent presence and rising rank on Rolling Stone's '500 Greatest Albums of All Time' list signifies its enduring critical acclaim and cultural impact. Its placement reflects its recognition as a landmark album that pushed artistic boundaries and influenced subsequent music.

Kid A Wiki: Kid A: Sonic Exploration and Digital Frontiers

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Album Overview

A Paradigm Shift

Kid A, released on October 2, 2000, represents a significant departure from Radiohead's previous work. Moving away from the guitar-centric rock of OK Computer, the album delves into electronic music, krautrock, jazz, and 20th-century classical influences. This sonic transformation was accompanied by abstract, impersonal lyrics and a deliberate avoidance of traditional promotional methods.

Innovative Release Strategy

In a move that defied industry norms, Radiohead released no singles from Kid A, conducted minimal interviews, and eschewed conventional photoshoots. Instead, they leveraged the internet for promotion, releasing short animations and embracing the circulation of early recordings online, marking a pioneering approach to music distribution and fan engagement.

Critical Acclaim and Influence

Despite initial division among listeners, Kid A achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim. It topped charts worldwide and garnered prestigious awards, including a Grammy for Best Alternative Album. Its experimental sound and forward-thinking promotion have cemented its status as a landmark album, influencing subsequent generations of artists and shaping the discourse around music in the digital age.

Context: Post-OK Computer

Creative Exhaustion and Disillusionment

Following the immense success and touring demands of OK Computer, the band members experienced significant burnout. Thom Yorke, in particular, felt unwell and disillusioned with the music media and the perceived imitation of Radiohead's sound by other artists. He expressed a sense of alienation from his own music, feeling it had become a commodity detached from its original purpose.

Embracing Electronic Influences

Yorke's creative block with guitar-based songwriting led him to explore electronic music, particularly artists from the Warp Records label like Aphex Twin and Autechre. This shift influenced his desire to use his voice as an instrument and focus on textures and rhythms over traditional melodic structures. The band considered this a necessary evolution to avoid stagnation.

Redefining Rock Music

Radiohead sought to move beyond the established tropes of rock music. Yorke's dissatisfaction with melody and a desire for rhythmic focus, coupled with the band's exploration of new instruments like the Ondes Martenot and synthesizers, signaled a deliberate attempt to forge a new sonic identity. This transition was challenging, leading to internal discussions and even considerations of disbandment.

The Recording Process

Diverse Studios, Unconventional Methods

Recording sessions spanned multiple locations, including Paris, Copenhagen, and Radiohead's own newly established studio in Oxfordshire. The process was characterized by a lack of deadlines and a focus on experimentation, utilizing technologies like Pro Tools and Cubase. The band embraced a more collaborative, yet fragmented, approach, often working in isolation before integrating ideas.

Technological Integration

The album saw extensive use of electronic instruments, including modular synthesizers and the Ondes Martenot. Techniques such as audio scrubbing, ring modulation, and sampling were employed to manipulate sounds and vocals. This integration of technology allowed for the creation of unique textures and soundscapes, pushing the boundaries of the band's established sound.

Orchestral and Jazz Influences

Notable sessions included recording string arrangements with the Orchestra of St John's in Dorchester Abbey, inspired by composers like Penderecki. The track "The National Anthem" featured a brass section instructed to create an atmosphere of "organised chaos," drawing inspiration from jazz musicians like Charles Mingus. These elements added layers of complexity and unconventional instrumentation.

Musical Characteristics

Genre Synthesis

Kid A is a complex tapestry of genres, including electronica, experimental rock, post-rock, ambient, and jazz. While guitars remain present, they are often processed or used texturally, distinct from their prominent role in earlier works. The album's sound is characterized by its atmospheric depth, rhythmic complexity, and electronic experimentation.

Featured Track: "Kid A"

This track exemplifies the album's electronic focus and vocal processing.

Influences and Textures

Key influences include electronic artists like Aphex Twin, Krautrock bands such as Can, the jazz of Charles Mingus and Miles Davis, and Talking Heads' Remain in Light. Björk's Homogenic and the Beta Band also served as inspirations. The band aimed to blend electronic manipulations with live improvisation, creating a unique sonic palette.

Sound Design and Manipulation

Tracks like "Everything in Its Right Place" showcase the transformation of musical ideas through synthesizers and vocal processing. "Idioteque" utilizes drum machine patterns and samples from Paul Lansky's electronic compositions. The album's sound design prioritizes atmosphere, texture, and the innovative use of technology to shape the overall listening experience.

Featured Track: "The National Anthem"

This track highlights the jazz-influenced brass section and repetitive bassline.

Lyrical Abstraction

Fragmented Narratives

Yorke's lyrics on Kid A moved away from personal introspection towards abstract, surreal, and fragmented themes. Employing a cut-up technique, he assembled phrases randomly, creating juxtapositions of cliches and mundane observations. This approach intentionally obscured direct meaning, inviting listeners to interpret the sonic and lyrical collages.

Voice as Instrument

Influenced by artists like David Byrne, Yorke treated lyrics as elements within a larger sonic composition rather than focal points. The vocals themselves were often heavily processed and manipulated, further abstracting their meaning and integrating them into the album's electronic textures. This deliberate choice aimed to create an immersive, rather than narrative, experience.

Intentional Obscurity

The decision not to include lyrics in the liner notes underscored the band's intention for the music and words to be perceived as an inseparable whole. Yorke expressed a desire to avoid listeners focusing solely on the lyrics, preferring them to engage with the overall sonic landscape. The album title itself, derived from a sequencer filename, reflects this embrace of ambiguity.

Visual Identity

Collaboration with Stanley Donwood

The album's distinctive artwork and packaging were a collaboration between Thom Yorke (credited as "Tchock") and Stanley Donwood. Utilizing paint and Artex on large canvases, they created textured, abstract visuals that reflected the album's mood. These were then digitally manipulated using Photoshop, blending organic and digital aesthetics.

Inspirations and Symbolism

The cover art, featuring a mountain range, was inspired by the Worldwatch Institute website and its data on environmental change, symbolizing a sense of looming danger. Other visual elements, like the red swimming pool, drew from graphic novels and themes of state terrorism, adding layers of symbolic meaning related to societal anxieties.

The "Modified Bear"

The promotional campaign introduced the "Modified Bear" logo, a character created by Donwood based on stories for his children. This mascot, along with abstract "blips" featuring album artwork, became integral to the album's mysterious and slightly unsettling visual identity, appearing on merchandise and digital content.

Promotional Innovation

Pioneering Internet Strategy

Radiohead strategically bypassed traditional media, opting for online promotion. They utilized a Java applet called "iBlip" allowing fans to stream the album, embedding it on numerous fan sites. This approach facilitated widespread digital distribution and engagement, reaching hundreds of thousands of listeners before the official release.

Rejection of Singles

The decision to release no official singles was a conscious effort to present Kid A as a cohesive artistic statement rather than a collection of individual tracks. While this challenged conventional marketing, it allowed the album's experimental nature to be experienced holistically, influencing listener perception and critical reception.

Navigating Leaks and Digital Culture

Despite efforts to control distribution, Kid A was leaked online via peer-to-peer services like Napster. The band and their label acknowledged this phenomenon, with Yorke suggesting it fostered musical enthusiasm. The album's subsequent commercial success despite the leak challenged assumptions about the negative impact of digital file-sharing on sales.

Live Performance

Adapting for the Stage

Radiohead reinterpreted the album's complex electronic arrangements for live performance, emphasizing the "human element" and the tension between electronic and organic sounds. This adaptation allowed the songs to evolve, finding new life in a live context, as noted by band members like Phil Selway and Ed O'Brien.

The Tent Tour and Visuals

The 2000 European tour featured a custom-built tent, eschewing corporate branding to maintain artistic integrity. Performances often focused heavily on new material, creating an immersive experience for audiences. The band's appearance on Saturday Night Live further showcased their experimental direction, with unconventional performances of "Idioteque" and "The National Anthem."

Fan Engagement and Bootlegs

Fans actively participated in the album's dissemination by sharing live bootlegs online. This grassroots engagement highlighted the growing influence of the internet in music culture. The band acknowledged this fan enthusiasm, recognizing its role in building anticipation and connection around the new material.

Commercial Performance

Chart Dominance

Kid A debuted at number one in numerous countries, including the UK and the US Billboard 200 chart. Its success in the US marked Radiohead's first number-one album there, selling over 207,000 copies in its first week and significantly boosting the band's international profile.

Platinum Certifications

The album achieved platinum status in major markets such as the UK, US, Australia, Canada, France, and Japan, underscoring its widespread commercial appeal. These certifications reflect substantial sales figures, validating the band's artistic risks.

Sales Data Overview

Detailed sales figures and certifications across various regions are available in the charts section. The album's performance demonstrated that challenging, experimental music could achieve mainstream success, particularly when coupled with innovative promotional strategies.

Critical Reception

Initial Division

Upon release, Kid A polarized critics. Some found its electronic focus, obscured vocals, and lack of conventional songs to be pretentious or deliberately obscure, labeling it a "commercial suicide note." Critics like Adam Sweeting and Mark Beaumont expressed disappointment, finding the album self-consciously awkward and lacking in accessible song structures.

Emerging Acclaim

Despite initial reservations, many critics recognized the album's artistic merit. Publications like Pitchfork awarded it a perfect score, praising its unique blend of experimentalism and emotional depth. Retrospective analyses often highlight the album's prescience and its role in redefining rock music for the 21st century.

Contemporary Reviews
Aggregate Scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	80/100
Review Scores
Source	Rating
Chicago Sun-Times	3.5/4
Entertainment Weekly	B+
The Guardian	2/5
Melody Maker	1.5/5
NME	7/10
Pitchfork	10/10
Q	3/5
Rolling Stone	4/5
Spin	9/10
The Village Voice	A-

Enduring Significance

Over time, Kid A has been recognized as a highly influential album, often cited as the greatest of the 2000s. Its perceived prescience regarding themes of alienation, technology, and societal anxiety has led to reappraisals, with many critics now viewing its initial reception through the lens of "rockism" – a bias favoring traditional rock over electronic or experimental genres.

Cultural Impact

Foreshadowing the Digital Age

Kid A is often interpreted as a sonic premonition of the 21st century's anxieties, reflecting themes of isolation, technological overload, and political unease. Its experimental sound and unconventional release strategy are seen as anticipating the evolving landscape of music consumption and promotion in the digital era.

Influencing Artists and Industry

The album's success demonstrated that artistic risk-taking and unconventional approaches could resonate with a wide audience, challenging the music industry's reliance on traditional models. It inspired countless artists to explore electronic music and experiment with album promotion, proving that challenging art could achieve mainstream recognition.

Canonical Status

Kid A consistently ranks highly on lists of the greatest albums of all time, often cited as Radiohead's most significant work. Its legacy lies not only in its musical innovation but also in its cultural commentary and its pioneering role in navigating the relationship between music, technology, and the audience.

Accolades and Rankings

Critical Recognition

Kid A has received numerous accolades from music publications and critics worldwide. It frequently appears on lists of the best albums of the 2000s and all time, recognized for its artistic ambition and cultural significance.

Notable Rankings and Accolades
Publication	Country	Accolade	Year	Rank
Pitchfork	US	Top 200 Albums of the 2000s	2009	1
The Guardian	UK	Albums of the decade	2009	2
Rolling Stone	US	The 100 Best Albums of the Decade	2009	1
PopMatters	UK/US	The 100 Best Albums of the 2000s	2014	1
Rolling Stone	US	The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time	2020	20
The Times	UK	The 100 Best Pop Albums of the Noughties	2009	1
Time	US	The All-Time 100 Albums	2006	*

Grammy Awards

At the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001, Kid A received significant recognition, winning the award for Best Alternative Music Album and earning a nomination for the prestigious Album of the Year award.

Song Recognition

Individual tracks have also been recognized. "Everything in Its Right Place" was named one of the best songs of the 2000s by Rolling Stone. "Idioteque" received similar acclaim from both Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, highlighting its impact as a standout track.

Chart Performance

Global Reach

Kid A achieved widespread chart success globally, debuting at number one in the UK, US, Canada, France, Ireland, New Zealand, and other territories. This demonstrates the album's significant international appeal and commercial impact.

Weekly Chart Performance
Chart	Peak Position
Australian Albums (ARIA)	2
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)	5
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)	3
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)	4
Canadian Albums (Billboard)	1
Danish Albums (Hitlisten)	2
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)	4
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)	2
French Albums (SNEP)	1
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)	4
Irish Albums (IRMA)	1
Italian Albums (FIMI)	3
Japanese Albums Chart	3
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)	1
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)	2
Scottish Albums (OCC)	1
Spanish Albums (AFYVE)	22
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)	3
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)	8
UK Albums (OCC)	1
US Billboard 200	1

Year-End Performance

The album also charted on year-end lists, reflecting its sustained popularity throughout 2000. Detailed positions on year-end charts for Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, UK, and the US are available for review.

2000 Year-End Chart Performance
Chart	Position
Australian Albums (ARIA)	70
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)	71
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)	82
Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)	59
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)	84
French Albums (SNEP)	64
UK Albums (OCC)	50
US Billboard 200	190

Certifications

Kid A has earned numerous certifications worldwide, including Platinum status in the US, UK, Canada, France, Japan, and Australia, signifying substantial sales and market penetration.

Certifications and Sales
Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)	Platinum	70,000^{^}
Canada (Music Canada)	2× Platinum	200,000^‡
France (SNEP)	Platinum	200,000^*
Italy (FIMI)	Gold	25,000^‡
Japan (RIAJ)	Platinum	200,000^{^}
New Zealand (RMNZ)	Gold	7,500^{^}
Norway (IFPI Norway)	Gold	25,000^*
United Kingdom (BPI)	Platinum	479,000
United States (RIAA)	Platinum	1,480,000
Europe (IFPI)	Platinum	1,000,000^*

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from the Wikipedia article detailing Radiohead's album Kid A. The content has been synthesized and contextualized for an academic audience.

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^ Donwood, Stanley (2000). \"Artwork Inspirations\".
^ Donwood, Stanley (2000). \"Kosovo War Influence\".
^ Hockney, David Exhibition (2000).
^ Donwood, Stanley (2019). \"Kid A Artwork Revisited\".
^ Christie's Auction House (2021). \"Kid A Art Exhibition\".
^ Independent Newspaper (2000). \"Radiohead's Bear Logo\".
^ Radiohead Official Fan Site.
^ Diffuser.fm (2012). \"Radiohead Logos Explained\".
^ NME (2000). \"Radiohead's New Image\".
^ Archive Sorelle Saidman (2000). \"Radiohead's Minimalist Promotion\".
^ Debut Album Promotion (2000).
^ Grantland Article (2015). \"Kid A and the Internet\".
^ Cohen, Jonathan (2000). \"Radiohead's Kid A: A Marketing Challenge\". Billboard.
^ Heavy.com (2000).
^ Music Week (2000). \"Kid A Leaked\".
^ Critics Listen to Kid A (2000).
^ IMAX Screening (2000).
^ XFM Radio Broadcast (2000).
^ MTV2 Coverage (2000).
^ Billboard Magazine (2000). \"Radiohead's Video Strategy\".
^ Pitchfork Media (2000). \"Kid A Blips\".
^ Pitchfork Media (2000). \"Kid A Blips Analysis\".
^ Music Industry Today (2000).
^ Wikipedia (2000). \"Internet Music Promotion\".
^ Yorke, Thom (2000). \"Napster Enthusiasm\".
^ Music Business Journal (2000). \"Kid A Leak Impact\".
^ Rolling Stone (2001). \"Kid A Tour Review\".
^ Concert Archives (2000).
^ BBC News (2000). \"Fan Reactions\".
^ Letts, Dan (2010). Radiohead: The Biography.
^ Saturday Night Live Archives (2000).
^ Billboard Magazine (2000). \"Kid A US Chart Performance\".
^ Music Sales Data (2000).
^ Petridis, Alexis (2001). \"Radiohead: Amnesiac\". The Guardian.
^ Metacritic Score (2000).
^ Chicago Sun-Times Review (2000).
^ Entertainment Weekly Review (2000).
^ The Guardian Review (2000).
^ Melody Maker Review (2000).
^ NME Review (2000).
^ Pitchfork Review (2000).
^ Q Magazine Review (2000).
^ Rolling Stone Review (2000).
^ Christgau, Robert (2000). \"Consumer Guide\". The Village Voice.
^ The Village Voice Review (2000).
^ The Irish Times Review (2000).
^ Spin Magazine (2000). \"Most Anticipated Album\".
^ Hornby, Nick (2000). \"Radiohead's Anonymity\". The New Yorker.
^ Beaumont, Mark (2000). \"Kid A's Flaws\". Melody Maker.
^ Sheffield, Rob (2015). \"Radiohead's Evolution\". Rolling Stone.
^ Rolling Stone Magazine (2000). \"Kid A Mockery\".
^ Hampton, Howard (2000). \"Radiohead's Recycling\". The New York Times.
^ The New York Times Review (2000).
^ Oldham, James (2000). \"Kid A Mistake?\". NME.
^ Mitchell, Rob (2000). \"Warp Records on Kid A\".
^ Billboard Magazine (2000). \"Groundbreaking Album\".
^ The Village Voice Review (2000). \"Oblique and Beautiful\".
^ Leonard, Michael (2017). \"Pitchfork's Influence\".
^ Enis, Eli (2020). \"Pitchfork's Kid A Review\".
^ Crack Magazine (2000). \"Radiohead's Confidence\".
^ The Wire Magazine (2000). \"Best Albums\".
^ Record Collector (2000). \"Year's Best\".
^ Spin Magazine (2000). \"Best Albums\".
^ NME (2000). \"Best Albums\".
^ The Village Voice (2000). \"Best Albums\".
^ Grammy Awards (2001).
^ Grammy Awards Official Website.
^ The A.V. Club Review (2000).
^ Drowned in Sound Review (2000).
^ The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (2000).
^ Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography.
^ Pitchfork Review (2020). \"Kid A Revisited\".
^ Q Magazine Review (2000).
^ Record Collector Review (2000).
^ The Rolling Stone Album Guide (2004).
^ Under the Radar Review (2000).
^ Billboard Magazine (2016). \"Kid A's Forward Momentum\".
^ The Quietus (2021). \"Kid A's Rockism Debate\".
^ PopMatters Article (2014).
^ The Guardian (2016). \"Kid A's Flaws\".
^ The Guardian (2020). \"Kid A's 20th Anniversary\".
^ Byrne, David (2019). Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Speech.
^ Rolling Stone (2020). \"Greatest Albums of the Century\".
^ Rolling Stone Archives (2012).
^ rockonthenet.com Archives (2003).
^ Time Magazine (2006). \"100 Best Albums\".
^ Rolling Stone (2009). \"100 Best Albums of the Decade\".
^ Pitchfork Media (2009). \"Top Albums of the 2000s\".
^ The Times (2009). \"Best Pop Albums of the Noughties\".
^ The Guardian (2009). \"Second Best Album of the Decade\".
^ The Guardian (2016). \"Kid A's Flaws\".
^ Pitchfork Readers Poll (2021).
^ Rolling Stone (2025). \"Greatest Albums of the Century So Far\".
^ Rolling Stone (2011). \"Best Songs of the 2000s\".
^ Pitchfork Media (2000s). \"Best Songs\".
^ Rolling Stone (2000s). \"Best Songs\".
^ Rolling Stone (2018). \"Greatest Songs of the Century\".
^ Consequence of Sound (2010). \"Top 100 Albums Ever\".
^ Fact Magazine (2010). \"Best Albums of the 2000s\".
^ The Guardian (2019). \"Best Albums of the 21st Century\".
^ Mojo Magazine (2006). \"Greatest Albums\".
^ NME (2006). \"Greatest British Albums\".
^ NME (2009). \"Top 100 Albums of the Decade\".
^ Paste Magazine (2010). \"Best Albums of the Decade\".
^ Platendraaier (2015). \"Top Albums of the 2000s\".
^ PopMatters (2014). \"Best Albums of the 2000s\".
^ Porcys Magazine (2010). \"Best Albums 2000-2009\".
^ Spin Magazine (2005). \"Top 100 Albums Last 20 Years\".
^ Stylus Magazine (2005). \"Best Albums 2000-2004\".
^ Time Magazine (2006). \"All-Time 100 Albums\".
^ 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die (2010).
^ Musikexpress (2015). \"Best Albums New Millennium\".
^ La Vanguardia (2010). \"Best Albums Decade\".
^ The A.V. Club (2009). \"Best Music Decade\".
^ The Guardian (2003). \"Radiohead Leaves EMI\".
^ MusicTAP (2008). \"Kid A Vinyl Reissue\".
^ McCarthy, K. (2009). \"EMI Reissues\".
^ XL Recordings Announcement (2016).
^ Rough Trade Records (2016). \"Back Catalogue Reissue\".
^ Radiohead Official Website (2020). \"Treefingers Extended\".
^ Pitchfork Media (2021). \"Kid A Mnesia Announced\".
^ NME (2021). \"Kid A Mnesia Singles\".
^ PlayStation Blog (2021). \"Kid A Mnesia Exhibition\".
^ UK Cinema Listings (2025). \"Nosferatu with Kid A\".
^ AllMusic (2000).
^ ARIA Charts Archive.
^ Ö3 Austria Top 40 Archive.
^ Ultratop Flanders Archive.
^ Ultratop Wallonia Archive.
^ Billboard Canada Archive.
^ Hitlisten Archive.
^ Dutch Album Top 100 Archive.
^ Suomen virallinen lista Archive.
^ SNEP French Albums Archive.
^ GfK Entertainment Charts Archive.
^ IRMA Irish Albums Archive.
^ FIMI Italian Albums Archive.
^ Oricon Albums Chart Archive.
^ RMNZ New Zealand Albums Archive.
^ VG-lista Norway Archive.
^ Official Charts Company Scotland Archive.
^ AFYVE Spanish Albums Archive.
^ Sverigetopplistan Archive.
^ Schweizer Hitparade Archive.
^ Official Charts Company UK Archive.
^ Billboard 200 Archive.
^ ARIA Year-End Charts Archive.
^ Ultratop Flanders Year-End Archive.
^ Ultratop Wallonia Year-End Archive.
^ Nielsen SoundScan Canada Archive.
^ Album Top 100 Netherlands Year-End Archive.
^ SNEP France Year-End Archive.
^ OCC UK Year-End Archive.
^ Billboard 200 Year-End Archive.
^ ARIA Album Certifications.
^ Music Canada Certifications.
^ Chilean Music Sales Data.
^ SNEP French Certifications.
^ FIMI Italian Certifications.
^ RIAJ Japanese Certifications.
^ RMNZ New Zealand Certifications.
^ IFPI Norway Certifications.
^ BPI UK Certifications.
^ RIAA US Certifications.
^ IFPI Europe Certifications.

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References

"Australiancharts.com â Radiohead â Kid A". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

"Austriancharts.at â Radiohead â Kid A" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

"Ultratop.be â Radiohead â Kid A" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

"Ultratop.be â Radiohead â Kid A" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

"Dutchcharts.nl â Radiohead â Kid A" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

"Lescharts.com â Radiohead â Kid A". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

"Italiancharts.com â Radiohead â Kid A". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

"Charts.nz â Radiohead â Kid A". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

"Norwegiancharts.com â Radiohead â Kid A". Hung Medien. Retrieved 24 November 2021.

"Swedishcharts.com â Radiohead â Kid A". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

"Swisscharts.com â Radiohead â Kid A". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 June 2017.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Kid A Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Analytical Context

This document provides an analytical overview of Radiohead's album Kid A, synthesized from publicly available information. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and depth, this content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement or critique from an official capacity, nor does it replace direct engagement with the music or official sources.

Note on Interpretation: The analysis of artistic works, including music, can be subjective. This content reflects interpretations based on critical reception and historical context as presented in the source material.

Kid A: Sonic Exploration and Digital Frontiers

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Album Overview ℹ️

🎶 A Paradigm Shift

🚀 Innovative Release Strategy

🏆 Critical Acclaim and Influence

Context: Post-OK Computer 📜

🤯 Creative Exhaustion and Disillusionment

💡 Embracing Electronic Influences

🔄 Redefining Rock Music

The Recording Process 🎙️

🏛️ Diverse Studios, Unconventional Methods

⚙️ Technological Integration

🎻 Orchestral and Jazz Influences

Musical Characteristics 🔊

🌐 Genre Synthesis

🎛️ Influences and Textures

🔊 Sound Design and Manipulation

Lyrical Abstraction 📝

🧩 Fragmented Narratives

🗣️ Voice as Instrument

❓ Intentional Obscurity

Visual Identity 🎨

🖌️ Collaboration with Stanley Donwood

🏔️ Inspirations and Symbolism

🐻 The "Modified Bear"

Promotional Innovation 📣

🌐 Pioneering Internet Strategy

🚫 Rejection of Singles

🌊 Navigating Leaks and Digital Culture

Live Performance 🏟️

🔄 Adapting for the Stage

🎪 The Tent Tour and Visuals

🎧 Fan Engagement and Bootlegs

Commercial Performance 💰

📈 Chart Dominance

🏆 Platinum Certifications

📊 Sales Data Overview

Critical Reception ⭐

🤔 Initial Division

👍 Emerging Acclaim

⏳ Enduring Significance

Cultural Impact ⏳

🔮 Foreshadowing the Digital Age

🤝 Influencing Artists and Industry

🏆 Canonical Status

Accolades and Rankings 🏅

⭐ Critical Recognition

🏆 Grammy Awards

🎵 Song Recognition

Chart Performance 💹

🌍 Global Reach

📅 Year-End Performance

⭐ Certifications

References 📚

📖 Source Material

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Analytical Context

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Album Overview

A Paradigm Shift

Innovative Release Strategy

Critical Acclaim and Influence

Context: Post-OK Computer

Creative Exhaustion and Disillusionment

Embracing Electronic Influences

Redefining Rock Music

The Recording Process

Diverse Studios, Unconventional Methods

Technological Integration

Orchestral and Jazz Influences

Musical Characteristics

Genre Synthesis

Influences and Textures

Sound Design and Manipulation

Lyrical Abstraction

Fragmented Narratives

Voice as Instrument

Intentional Obscurity

Visual Identity

Collaboration with Stanley Donwood

Inspirations and Symbolism

The "Modified Bear"

Promotional Innovation

Pioneering Internet Strategy

Rejection of Singles

Navigating Leaks and Digital Culture

Live Performance

Adapting for the Stage

The Tent Tour and Visuals

Fan Engagement and Bootlegs

Commercial Performance

Chart Dominance

Platinum Certifications

Sales Data Overview

Critical Reception

Initial Division

Emerging Acclaim

Enduring Significance

Cultural Impact

Foreshadowing the Digital Age

Influencing Artists and Industry

Canonical Status

Accolades and Rankings

Critical Recognition

Grammy Awards

Song Recognition

Chart Performance

Global Reach

Year-End Performance

Certifications

References

Source Material

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Analytical Context