A Light for Attracting Attention
by
A Light for Attracting Attention Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 66 Ratings

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  • Summary: The debut full-length release for Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Tom Skinner as The Smile was produced by Nigel Godrich.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Uncut
    May 20, 2022
    90
    Feels more like a refreshment, refinement or even fulfilment of Radiohead core principals, rather than an extracurricular dalliance. [Jul 2022, p.24]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Sputnikmusic
    May 13, 2022
    86
    A delicately-crafted work fusing experimentalism and sheer sonic beauty, A Light For Attracting Attention stands proudly on its own merits as a top-tier piece of art rock, connections to a certain critically and publicly acclaimed band aside.
  3. Under The Radar
    May 13, 2022
    85
    The Smile’s looser creative approach offers a new light and welcoming side to Yorke and Greenwood, all while showcasing the enduring creative chemistry behind two of their generation’s most celebrated musicians.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 12, 2022
    80
    In cutting some new shapes, this supergroup have been set loose to make some of the most arresting and satisfying music of their careers.
  5. Spin
    May 13, 2022
    80
    It’s rare when two creative forces like Yorke and Greenwood step away from their still-active primary band and create something this worthwhile on its own merits, and who knows how, if at all, the experience will influence Radiohead’s canon moving forward. No matter what happens, A Light for Attracting Attention is a most welcome vibe flip.
  6. PopMatters
    May 17, 2022
    80
    By allowing this minor disappointment [sounding like Radiohead] to cloud your perception of the Smile, you’ll be missing out on an album of great musical depth and shading. True, it would have been nice if Yorke and Greenwood would have allowed themselves to be influenced by London’s fearlessly contemporary jazz scene. But if A Light for Attracting Attention is the tradeoff, then we all made out enormously well.
  7. AllMusic
    May 13, 2022
    80
    A Light for Attracting Attention bests The Eraser as Yorke's finest non-Radiohead effort and falls somewhere amongst A Moon Shaped Pool and King of Limbs in terms of scope and daring. As such, diehards should be quite pleased with this release: an utterly satisfying set of songs that stands tall on its own, yet could easily climb the ranks against any of Radiohead's late-era efforts.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Prosmooth
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Listened to it all day yesterday. No mid tracks. Best Radiohead side project since Thom's first solo album. Being honest, and with noListened to it all day yesterday. No mid tracks. Best Radiohead side project since Thom's first solo album. Being honest, and with no disrespect intended to the other band members not involved in this, it sounds like a Radiohead album.… Expand
  2. Sonnyperla
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Long time Radiohead fan and I must say this is on par with most of their catalogue. Highlights are definitely the smoke, speech bubbles, thinLong time Radiohead fan and I must say this is on par with most of their catalogue. Highlights are definitely the smoke, speech bubbles, thin thing, open the floodgates and skrting on the surface, but best song goes to free in the knowledge. Thom and Johnny are two of the best musicians of all time and their creativity is timeless. Skinner’s drumming brings another dimension to their creativity. One of the best releases in a while.… Expand
  4. Patribateman
    May 13, 2022
    10
    When they started to release material and did a live concert I wasn't completely surprised, my expectations were that it was going to be anWhen they started to release material and did a live concert I wasn't completely surprised, my expectations were that it was going to be an "AMOK" or "THE KING OF LIMBS", but when I heard it I was speechless, it exceeded my expectations.… Expand
  5. arcticspill
    May 18, 2022
    9
    The best Radiohead-adjacent project thus far. Of course it sort of sounds like Radiohead, but that's really not an issue considering they'reThe best Radiohead-adjacent project thus far. Of course it sort of sounds like Radiohead, but that's really not an issue considering they're not making music currently. This album is fantastic. The two older songs here (Open the Floodgates and Skrting) are special and highlights here. Free in the Knowledge is a gorgeous song, and the production is beautiful. Speech Bubbles may be my favourite Thom song since Reckoner. I think the album is slightly bloated, and I won't ever understand the omission of Just Eyes & Mouth, but the album as a whole makes up for it.… Expand
  6. matty_banton
    May 13, 2022
    9
    Can confidently say this is on par with AMSP and The Bends in terms of quality in my opinion. Beautiful record and a must listen for anyCan confidently say this is on par with AMSP and The Bends in terms of quality in my opinion. Beautiful record and a must listen for any Radiohead fan.… Expand
  7. Eggs
    May 16, 2022
    9
    After hearing the live versions of these songs I was just grateful that Jonny and Thom were able to come together and have fun collaboratingAfter hearing the live versions of these songs I was just grateful that Jonny and Thom were able to come together and have fun collaborating again with so much passion, creativity and energy. Now, listening to the recorded version, I’m reminded that Nigel Godrich is that extra element that always ties the genius’ together. Tom Skinner also holds his own amongst the highly esteemed company he keeps. There is haunting beauty, political cynicisms, electronic and percussive tinkering, and garage rocking, making it a very eclectic mix. Does it make it a less than cohesive album? Maybe, if you’re picky. This and the fact that 6 songs were drip-fed to us prior to release make it have the feel of a compilation album in some respects. I’ve always preferred an album have one single prior to release, as a taster, before immersing yourself into the full experience of fresh songs and letting that album experience grow on you with repeated listens. This doesn’t detract, however, from the fact that there is a collection of songs here that are all absolute crackers and will keep Radiohead fans content for a while longer until that deeply desired next LP comes around.… Expand
  8. russianvoodoo
    May 15, 2022
    3
    It's just bad and annoying. It's the same patterns, same guitars, same chords. But it doesn't have a core.

See all 15 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Album of 2022
24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2022

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