A Light for Attracting Attention
by
A Light for Attracting Attention Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 60 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: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Clash Music
    May 13, 2022
    90
    Brilliant stuff is still very much spooling out of Thom Yorke. His voice is revelatory on these tracks, better than ever, a peerless instrument; buttery and mellifluous in falsetto, snide and viperish on the growly bits. His magpie instincts for a tart one-liner remain razor sharp.
  2. Pitchfork
    May 12, 2022
    86
    A Light for Attracting Attention sounds more like a proper Radiohead album than any of the numerous side projects the band’s members have done on their own. ... The Smile spotlights the creative relationship between Yorke and Greenwood like never before.
  3. Consequence
    May 13, 2022
    83
    A Light for Attracting Attention revels not in fiery protests, but in the layered, mid-tempo meditations Radiohead’s been crafting since OK Computer.
  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. musicOMH.com
    May 13, 2022
    80
    Unlike those other Radiohead solo and side projects, you can easily imagine The Smile appealing to more than those aforementioned obsessives. As a soundtrack to these unsettling, rather terrifying times, you won’t find many better composers than Yorke and Greenwood.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    May 16, 2022
    80
    Almost as good as a new Radiohead album.
  7. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 13, 2022
    80
    It’s not all perfect: every so often, the tracks swing from sounding like impossibly cool, experimental rock to, er, Coldplay. Overall, however, this is guitar music at its most thrilling.

See all 20 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. 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
  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. 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
  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

18
#18 Best Album of 2022
23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2022

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