{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}} {{Use British English|date=August 2024}} {{Infobox album | name = Cutouts | type = studio | cover = TheSmileCutouts.jpg | alt = | artist = [[The Smile (band)|the Smile]] | released = {{start date|2024|10|04|df=y}} | recorded = | studio = [[Abbey Road Studios|Abbey Road]] | genre = * [[Experimental rock]] * [[art rock]] * [[math rock]] | length = {{Duration|m=43|s=54}} | label = [[XL Recordings|XL]] | producer = Sam Petts-Davies | prev_title = [[Wall of Eyes]] | prev_year = 2024 | next_title = | next_year = | misc = {{Singles | name = Cutouts | type = studio | single1 = Don't Get Me Started" / "The Slip | single1date = 2 August 2024 | single2 = Foreign Spies" / "Zero Sum | single2date = 28 August 2024 | single3 = Bodies Laughing | single3date = 2 October 2024 }} }}
'''''Cutouts''''' is the third studio album by the English rock band [[The Smile (band)|the Smile]], released on 4 October 2024 through [[XL Recordings]]. It was produced by Sam Petts-Davies and recorded in [[Oxfordshire]] and [[Abbey Road Studios]], London, in the same sessions as the previous Smile album, ''[[Wall of Eyes]]'' (2024).
The Smile promoted ''Cutouts'' with the singles "Don't Get Me Started", "The Slip", "Foreign Spies", "Zero Sum" and "Bodies Laughing", music videos by the digital artist Weirdcore, and a series of cryptic messages on social media. It received acclaim and reached number 7 on the [[UK Albums Chart]].
== Recording == The Smile comprise the [[Radiohead]] members [[Thom Yorke]] and [[Jonny Greenwood]] with the drummer [[Tom Skinner (drummer)|Tom Skinner]].<ref name="bbc-glastonbury">{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=2021-05-22 |title=The Smile: Radiohead stars to debut new band at Glastonbury live-stream |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57204594 |access-date=2021-05-23 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> They performed several future ''Cutouts'' songs in early live performances in 2021 and 2022.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=2021-05-23 |title=See Radiohead Side Project the Smile Perform New Song 'We Don't Know What Tomorrow Brings' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/radiohead-side-project-the-smile-perform-new-song-1173508/ |access-date=2024-08-29 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Tom |date=2022-05-26 |title=Watch Radiohead side-project the Smile debut new track 'Bodies Laughing' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/radiohead-side-project-the-smile-debut-new-song-bodies-laughing-footage-watch-3234348 |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-10 |title=The Smile Share 'Colours Fly' And Thom Yorke Says New Music Is Coming |url=https://uproxx.com/indie/the-smile-colours-fly-thome-yorke-new-music/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=[[Uproxx]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
''Cutouts'' was produced by Sam Petts-Davies and recorded in Greenwood's home studio in [[Oxfordshire]] and in [[Abbey Road Studios]], London, in the same sessions as the previous Smile album, ''[[Wall of Eyes]]'' (2024).<ref name="Vito-2024">{{Cite web |last=Vito |first=Jo |date=2024-08-28 |title=The Smile announce new album ''Cutouts'', release two songs |url=https://consequence.net/2024/08/the-smile-new-album-cutouts-zero-foreign-spies-zero-sumsum-stream/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Yorke said the Smile split the songs into two albums to do them justice and avoid burnout.<ref name="Newstead-2024">{{Cite news |last=Newstead |first=Al |date=2024-10-21 |title=Thom Yorke loves working with the Smile and doesn't care if you want Radiohead to reform |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-21/thom-yorke-the-smile-interview-cutouts-australian-solo-tour/104490320 |access-date=2024-10-21 |work= |publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> According to Greenwood, ''Cutouts'' was half-finished when ''Wall of Eyes'' was released, with additional parts recorded while the Smile were on tour.<ref name="BBC-2024">{{Cite web |date=4 October 2024 |title=BBC Radio 6 Music - New Music Fix, the Smile chat about new album ''Cutouts'' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00234kg |access-date=2024-10-04 |publisher=[[BBC]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> He stressed that ''Cutouts'' did not comprise "leftovers" and was instead "its own record".<ref name="Trendell-2024">{{Cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=2024-10-10 |title=Jonny Greenwood tells us about the Smile's ''Cutouts'' and the 'fun and natural' Radiohead reunion |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/jonny-greenwood-interview-the-smile-cutouts-radiohead-return-3801554 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Greenwood used a [[Delay (audio effect)|delay]] pedal extensively for his guitar parts.<ref name="Trendell-2024" /> "Zero Sum" was inspired by footage of [[Microsoft]] executives dancing at the [[Windows 95]] launch event.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Denekampf |first=John |date=10 October 2024 |title=An online meeting with the Smile |journal=[[Oor]]}}</ref> Yorke wrote "Bodies Laughing" more than 20 years previously, but was unable to finish it. After performing it live, the Smile turned it into a "paranoid [[Easy listening|easy-listening]] tune".<ref name="Newstead-2024" /> "Tiptoe" was played at global promotional listening parties for ''Wall of Eyes.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=2024-01-19 |title=The Smile dismiss the Beatles' influence and share advice for struggling creatives |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-smile-interview-the-beatles-abbey-road-advice-creative-thom-yorke-jonny-greenwood-3573942 |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Greenwood first performed the riff from "Eyes & Mouth" on Radiohead's 2016 tour during performances of their song "Talk Show Host".<ref name="Walton-2024">{{Cite web |last=Walton |first=Sam |date=2 October 2024 |title=The Smile — ''Cutouts'' |url=https://www.loudandquiet.com/reviews/the-smile-cutouts/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=[[Loud and Quiet]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
The album title refers to [[Cutout (espionage)|cutouts]], an espionage term that Yorke discovered while reading about [[Russian interference in British politics|Russian interference in western politics]]: "Cutouts are like two-dimensional characters placed to facilitate backdoor connections with an asset ... I think it was the two-dimensional nature of the description I got stuck on. A new [[Cold War]] world of two-dimensional proxy characters."<ref name="Newstead-2024" /> He connected this to the "atomisation and isolation from world events" caused by [[social media]], and asked: "Why the fuck would we be online with two-dimensional avatars of each other as if they are really us, and try to engage with complex issues using two or three sentences?"<ref name="Newstead-2024" />
== Music == Critics described ''Cutouts'' as [[experimental rock]],<ref name="NME review"/> [[art rock]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/the-smile-cutouts-album-review/|title= The Smile, 'Cutouts': Album Review|first=Michael|last=Gallucci|date=October 1, 2024|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref> and [[math rock]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.treblezine.com/the-smile-cutouts-review/|title= The Smile : Cutouts (Album Review)|first=Langdon|last=Hickman|date=October 7, 2024|website=Treble|access-date=October 8, 2024}}</ref> ''[[Slant Magazine|Slant]]'' called it "more challenging" than ''Wall of Eyes'', prioritising atmosphere over conventional songwriting,<ref name="Parkinson-Jones-2024">{{Cite web |last=Parkinson-Jones |first=Lewie |date=2024-09-30 |title=The Smile ''Cutouts'' review: atmosphere and ambition |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/the-smile-cutouts-album-review/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=[[Slant Magazine]] |language=en-US}}</ref> while ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' said it was "looser" and "funkier".<ref name="Schonfeld-2024">{{Cite web |last=Schonfeld |first=Zach |date=10 October 2024 |title=The Smile: ''Cutouts'' |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/the-smile-cutouts/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The lyrics address capitalism, [[climate change denial]] and sociopolitical dread.<ref name="Schonfeld-2024" />
The first track, "Foreign Spies", features "pillowy" synthesisers and reuses elements of Greenwood's classical composition "Horror Vacui".<ref name="Schonfeld-2024" /> ''[[Uproxx]]'' described "Don't Get Me Started" as "synth-heavy" and "propulsive".<ref name="Williams-2024">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Aaron |date=2024-08-08 |title=The Smile's 'Don't Get Me Started' video is a trippy digital chase |url=https://uproxx.com/indie/the-smile-dont-get-me-started-video/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=[[Uproxx]] |language=en-US}}</ref> "Zero Sum" is high-tempo and rhythmically busy, with "hyperactive" lead guitar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deville |first=Chris |date=2024-08-28 |title=The Smile announce new album ''Cutouts'': hear 'Zero Sum' and 'Foreign Spies' |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2277865/the-smile-announce-new-album-cutouts-hear-foreign-spies-zero-sum/music/ |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=[[Stereogum]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=2024-03-11 |title=The Smile live in London: a jazz-punk adventure in an entirely new world to Radiohead |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/the-smile-london-hammersmith-apollo-radiohead-review-setlist-photos-3599692 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> "Eyes & Mouth" combines "spiralling" riffs with a "rolling" drumbeat and jazzy piano chords.<ref name="Deville-2024">{{Cite web |last=DeVille |first=Chris |date=2024-09-26 |title=Premature evaluation: the Smile ''Cutouts'' |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2279890/the-smile-cutouts-album-review-thom-yorke/reviews/premature-evaluation/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=[[Stereogum]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Stereogum]]'' described "Colours Fly" as a combination of the Radiohead songs "[[Pyramid Song]]" and "[[The National Anthem (Radiohead song)|The National Anthem]]", with an [[Egyptian scale]] and "clouds of noise".<ref name="Deville-2024" /> "Instant Psalm" features strings, an "earthy" melody and an acoustic guitar playing a [[Pedal point|pedal note]], which ''[[Loud and Quiet]]'' likened to Radiohead's 1995 album ''[[The Bends (album)|The Bends]]''.<ref name="Walton-2024" /> "Tiptoe" is a piano ballad with orchestral strings.<ref name="Schonfeld-2024" />
== Release == [[File:The Smile Brighton March 2024.png|thumb|The Smile performing live in March 2024]] In March 2024, the Smile began a European tour, including a performance at [[6 Music Festival]] in Manchester with the [[London Contemporary Orchestra]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geraghty |first=Hollie |date=2024-01-23 |title=The Smile add extra London show to March 2024 UK tour due to phenomenal demand |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-smile-add-extra-london-show-to-march-2024-uk-tour-due-to-phenomenal-demand-buy-tickets-3575559 |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Scoop |date=2024-03-10 |title=The Smile Perform with London Contemporary Orchestra: Setlist + Video |url=https://consequence.net/2024/03/the-smile-perform-concert-with-london-contemporary-orchestra-setlist-video/ |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The shows included performances of some ''Cutouts'' songs.<ref name="Vito-2024" /> An August tour was canceled after Greenwood was temporarily hospitalised with a serious infection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Youngs |first=Ian |date=2024-07-12 |title=Jonny Greenwood: Radiohead guitarist treated in intensive care |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1dmp5x758xo |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
On 2 August, the Smile released "Don't Get Me Started" and "The Slip" as a double single on vinyl. It was released without promotion and only in stores.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chelosky |first=Danielle |date=2024-08-03 |title=The Smile surprise release new songs 'Don't Get Me Started' and 'The Slip' on vinyl only |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2274535/the-smile-surprise-release-new-songs-dont-get-me-started-the-slip-on-vinyl-only/news/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Stereogum]] |language=en}}</ref> "Don't Get Me Started" was added to digital services on 8 August, accompanied by a video directed by the audiovisual artist Weirdcore, with "glitchy" computer graphics reminiscent of [[generative artificial intelligence]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunworth |first=Liberty |date=2024-08-08 |title=Listen to the Smile's trippy new single 'Don't Get Me Started' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-the-smiles-trippy-new-single-dont-get-me-started-3782074 |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="Williams-2024" />
Later in August, the Smile released the track list in a series of [[cipher]]ed messages on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rigotti |first=Alex |date=2024-08-25 |title=The Smile appear to be teasing a new album |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-smile-appear-to-be-teasing-a-new-album-3787028 |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Abby |date=2024-08-25 |title=The Smile appear to tease LP3 in social media ciphers |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2277643/the-smile-appear-to-tease-lp3-in-social-media-ciphers/news/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=[[Stereogum]] |language=en}}</ref> They announced ''Cutouts'' on 28 August, alongside the release of "Foreign Spies" and "Zero Sum" on streaming services, accompanied by more videos by Weirdcore.<ref name="Vito-2024" /> On October 1, the Smile announced a pair of art installations, ''Through the Glass'', in London and New York City, with new songs and Weirdcore visuals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=England |first=Adam |date=2024-10-01 |title=The Smile announce 'electronic art installations' for new album ''Cutouts'' in London and NYC |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-smile-announce-electronic-art-installations-new-album-cutouts-london-nyc-3798737 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> "Bodies Laughing" was released on 2 October.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hatfield |first=Amanda |date=2 October 2024 |title=The Smile share 'Bodies Laughing', announce NYC & London pop-ups |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/the-smile-share-bodies-laughing-announce-nyc-london-pop-ups/ |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=[[BrooklynVegan]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-02 |title=The Smile Share New Single "Bodies Laughing": Listen |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2282785/the-smile-bodies-laughing/music/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Stereogum |language=en}}</ref> ''Cutouts'' was released on 4 October, in digital, CD, cassette and vinyl formats.<ref name="Vito-2024" />
On 19 February 2025, the Smile released a single comprising remixes of "Don't Get Me Started" and "Instant Psalm" on digital services and on 12" vinyl.<ref name="clashrmx">{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=2025-02-19 |title=James Holden, Robert Stillman remix the Smile |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/james-holden-robert-stillman-remix-the-smile/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="pfrmx">{{cite news |last1=Monroe |first1=Jazz |date=19 February 2025 |title=The Smile share new remixes by James Holden and Robert Stillman |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-smile-share-new-remixes-by-james-holden-and-robert-stillman-listen/ |access-date=19 February 2025 |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]}}</ref> The remixes were created by [[James Holden (producer)|James Holden]], who supported the Smile on their 2024 tour, and Robert Stillman, who accompanied them during live performances.<ref name="clashrmx" /> Weirdcore created new videos for the single.<ref name="pfrmx" />
== Reception == {{Music ratings | ADM = 7.8/10<ref name="ADM">{{Cite web |title=''Wall of Eyes'' by The Smile (reviews) |url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/14110/The-Smile-Cutouts.aspx |access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=AnyDecentMusic?}}</ref> | MC = 82/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |title=''Cutouts'' by The Smile Reviews and Tracks |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/cutouts/the-smile |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 October 2024}}</ref> | rev1 = [[AllMusic]] | rev1score = {{rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Simpson |first=Paul |title=The Smile – ''Cutouts'' Album Review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/cutouts-mw0004364171 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> | rev2 = ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]'' | rev2score = 9/10<ref name="Clash"/> | rev3 = ''[[Evening Standard]]'' | rev3score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="Robinson">{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|title=The Smile - Cutouts album review: who needs Radiohead anyway?|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/the-smile-cutouts-album-review-b1185284.html|date=October 4, 2024|access-date=November 3, 2024|work=[[Evening Standard]]}}</ref> | rev4 = ''[[Exclaim!]]'' | rev4score = 6/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Boissonneault |first=Stephan |date=3 October 2024 |title=The Smile Could Have Cut Out Some of ''Cutouts''|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/the-smile-cutouts-album-review|magazine=[[Exclaim!]] |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> | rev5 = ''[[The Guardian]]'' | rev5score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="The Guardian"/> | rev6 = ''[[The Independent]]'' | rev6score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Roison |date=4 October 2024 |title=The Smile: ''Cutouts'' album review |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/the-smile-cutouts-thom-yorke-radiohead-b2623264.html|website=[[The Independent]] |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> | rev7 = ''[[MusicOMH]]'' | rev7score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="OMH">{{cite web|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/the-smile-cutouts|title=The Smile – ''Cutouts'' {{!}} Album Reviews|website=[[MusicOMH]]|last=Horton|first=Ross|date=4 October 2024|access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> | rev8 = ''[[NME]]'' | rev8score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="NME review"/> | rev9 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' | rev9score = 8.0/10<ref name="Schonfeld-2024"/> | rev10 = ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' | rev10score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Parkinson-Jones-2024"/> }} On [[Metacritic]], ''Cutouts'' has a score of 82 out of 100 based on 14 reviews from critics, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref name="Metacritic" /> In ''[[Stereogum]]'', Chris DeVille praised the "incendiary" uptempo tracks and Greenwood's guitar work, but felt the slower tracks were less effective.<ref name="Deville-2024" /> He suggested that Radiohead's producer, [[Nigel Godrich]], who produced the first Smile album, was a better match for slower tracks than Petts-Davies' "rawer and drier" production style.<ref name="Deville-2024" /> He concluded: "It's possible that the Smile could have built one masterpiece out of their pair of 2024 albums, but the two they've given are fascinating and rewarding enough to justify existing as distinct releases."<ref name="Deville-2024" /> The ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]'' critic Andy Hill praised the "ecstatic" atmosphere and Petts-Davies' "gleaming" production.<ref name="Clash">{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Andy |date=2024-10-03 |title=The Smile — ''Cutouts'' |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/the-smile-cutouts/ |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> In ''[[The Guardian]]'', Phil Mongredien wrote that the songs were not immediate but that "repeated listening allows each to reveal its charms".<ref name="The Guardian">{{Cite news |last=Mongredien |first=Phil |date=2024-10-04 |title=The Smile: ''Cutouts'' review – as intricately crafted as Radiohead but with added groove |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/04/the-smile-cutouts-review-radiohead-thom-yorke-jonny-greenwood-tom-skinner-sons-of-kemet |access-date=2024-10-04 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref>
The ''[[Slant Magazine|Slant]]'' critic Lewie Parkinson-Jones said ''Cutouts'' struck a good balance of styles and better resembled "the work of a proper band" than Yorke's previous side project, [[Atoms for Peace (band)|Atoms for Peace]]. He praised "Bodies Laughing" as "strikingly beautiful", with "well-placed [[key change]]s and the subtle introductions of new instrumentation".<ref name="Parkinson-Jones-2024" /> In ''[[The Arts Desk]]'', Graham Fuller wrote that ''Cutouts'' was "not without beauty and technical brilliance", praising Yorke's "intimate" singing and Greenwood's "dextrous" guitar work. However, he felt it lacked melody and atmosphere, with a "random" track sequencing and abstruse lyrics, and found it less consequential than ''Wall of Eyes''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fuller |first=Graham |date=2024-10-01 |title=Album: the Smile — ''Cutouts'' |url=https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/album-smile-cutouts |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=[[The Arts Desk]] |language=en}}</ref>
The ''[[Loud and Quiet]]'' critic Sam Walton said that while ''Cutouts'' was less cohesive, its songs were "uniformly enthralling, captivating, thrilling and memorable", and suggested it was Yorke and Greenwood's best work since the 2007 Radiohead album ''[[In Rainbows]]''.<ref name="Walton-2024" /> In ''[[NME]]'', Jordan Bassett said the Smile "seem to be having more fun than ever" and sounded comfortable with their style.<ref name="NME review">{{Cite web |last=Bassett |first=Jordan |date=2024-10-03 |title=The Smile – ''Cutouts'' review: Radiohead side project settles into a groove |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/the-smile-cutouts-review-3799173 |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> In ''[[The A.V. Club|The AV Club]]'', Ryan Reed described ''Cutouts'' as "chaos over continuity ... ''a lot of fucking fun'', an adjective few would use to describe the also-brilliant ''Wall Of Eyes''".<ref name="AVClub">{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Ryan |date=5 October 2024 |title=The Smile's ''Cutouts'' might be Thom Yorke's most fun record to date |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-smile-cutouts-review-album |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=[[The AV Club]] |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Pitchfork'' described it as a "a thrilling testament to the near-telepathic chemistry these three musicians have honed across two years of touring", and felt the tracks where Skinner is least present, "Foreign Spies" and "Don't Get Me Started", were the only weak points.<ref name="Schonfeld-2024" />
===Year-end lists=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ Select year-end rankings for ''Cutouts'' ! scope="col"| Publication/critic ! scope="col"| Accolade ! scope="col"| Rank ! scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- ! scope="row" |[[Rough Trade (shops)|Rough Trade UK]] | Albums of the Year 2024 | style="text-align: center;" |4 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2024 |title=Albums of the Year 2024 |url=https://blog.roughtrade.com/gb/uk-albums-of-the-year-2024/ |access-date=November 20, 2024 |website=roughtrade.com}}</ref> |}
==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = ''Cutouts'' track listing | all_lyrics = [[Thom Yorke]] | all_music = the Smile. | title1 = Foreign Spies | length1 = 4:48 | title2 = Instant Psalm | length2 = 4:18 | title3 = Zero Sum | length3 = 2:47 | title4 = Colours Fly | length4 = 4:55 | title5 = Eyes & Mouth | length5 = 3:59 | title6 = Don't Get Me Started | length6 = 5:55 | title7 = Tiptoe | length7 = 3:30 | title8 = The Slip | length8 = 4:29 | title9 = No Words | length9 = 4:16 | title10 = Bodies Laughing | length10 = 4:57 | total_length = 43:54 }}
== Personnel == <!-- Per liner notes; no citation is needed per [[WP:PERSONNEL]] --> '''The Smile''' * [[Jonny Greenwood]] – guitars, bass, piano, synthesisers, orchestral [[arrangement]]s, [[cello]], [[MaxMSP]] * [[Tom Skinner (drummer)|Tom Skinner]] – drums, synthesisers, percussion, vocals * [[Thom Yorke]] – voice, guitars, bass, piano, synthesisers, artwork, design
'''Additional contributors''' * Sam Petts-Davies – [[Record producer|production]], [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]], [[Audio engineer|engineering]] * Oli Middleton – engineering * [[Greg Calbi]] – [[Mastering (audio)|mastering]] * Tom Ashpitel – orchestral engineering, engineering assistance * Pete Clements – studio technician * Joe Wyatt – recording, engineering assistance * [[London Contemporary Orchestra]] – [[String instrument|strings]] on "Instant Psalm" and "Tiptoe" ** [[Hugh Brunt]] – conductor ** Eloisa-Fleur Thom – [[Concertmaster|leader]] * Robert Stillman – [[tenor saxophone]] on "Zero Sum", [[bass clarinet]] on "Colours Fly" * [[Pete Wareham]] – [[baritone saxophone]] on "Zero Sum" * [[Stanley Donwood]] – artwork, design
==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}
===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Chart performance for ''Cutouts'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2024) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- {{album chart|Australia|29|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=27 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Austria|7|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=16 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Flanders|7|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=13 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Wallonia|10|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=13 October 2024}} |- ! scope="row"| Croatian International Albums ([[Top of the Shops|HDU]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.top-lista.hr/www/lista-prodaje-strano-42-tjedan-2024/|title=Lista prodaje 42. tjedan 2024.|date=7 October 2024|publisher=[[Top of the Shops|HDU]] |language=hr|access-date=23 October 2024|archive-date=23 October 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241023153624/https://www.top-lista.hr/www/lista-prodaje-strano-42-tjedan-2024/|url-status=live}}</ref> | 1 |- {{album chart|Denmark|14|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=16 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Netherlands|5|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=12 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Germany|14|id=540330|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=11 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Ireland3|27|date=20241011|rowheader=true|access-date=11 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Italy|36|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=27 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Oricon|29|date=2024<!-- keep YYYY-MM-DD -->-10-14/p/3|rowheader=true|access-date=9 October 2024}} |- ! scope="row"| Japanese Digital Albums ([[Oricon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dia/w/2024-10-14/p/3/|title=Oricon Top 50 Digital Albums: October 14, 2024|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=9 October 2024}}</ref> | 28 |- ! scope="row"| Japanese Hot Albums (''[[Billboard Japan]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2024&month=10&day=14|title=Billboard Japan Hot Albums – Week of October 9, 2024|website=[[Billboard Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=9 October 2024}}</ref> | 29 |- {{album chart|New Zealand|26|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=27 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Poland2|67|date=04.10.2024–10.10.2024|rowheader=true|access-date=17 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Portugal|7|artist=Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=27 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Scotland|4|date=20241011|rowheader=true|access-date=12 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|Spain|23|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=27 October 2024}} |- ! scope="row"| Swedish Physical Albums ([[Sverigetopplistan]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/234?dspy=2024&dspp=41|title=Veckolista Album Fysiskt, vecka 41|publisher=[[Sverigetopplistan]]|access-date=12 October 2024}}</ref> | 4 |- {{album chart|Switzerland|5|artist=The Smile|album=Cutouts|rowheader=true|access-date=13 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|UK2|7|date=20241011|rowheader=true|access-date=11 October 2024}} |- {{album chart|UKIndependent|2|date=20241011|rowheader=true|access-date=12 October 2024}} |- ! scope="row"| US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2024-10-19/|title=''Billboard'' 200: Week of October 19, 2024|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=16 October 2024}}</ref> | 52 |} {{col-2}}
===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ 2024 year-end chart performance for ''Cutouts'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2024) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| Croatian International Albums (HDU)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top-lista.hr/www/download/strana-izdanja-polugodisnja-lista-2024/?wpdmdl=75818|title=Inozemna izdanja – Godišnja lista 2024|date=2 January 2025 |publisher=HDU|language=hr|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref> | 6 |}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ 2025 year-end chart performance for ''Cutouts'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2025) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| Croatian International Albums (HDU)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top-lista.hr/www/download/top-lista-prodaje-strano-godisnja-lista-2025/?wpdmdl=84107|title=Inozemna izdanja – Godišnja lista 2025|publisher=[[Top lista]]|access-date=3 February 2026|language=hr}}</ref> | 26 |} {{col-end}}
==References== {{reflist}}
{{The Smile}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:2024 albums]] [[Category:The Smile albums]] [[Category:XL Recordings albums]] [[Category:Experimental rock albums by English artists]] [[Category:Art rock albums by English artists]] [[Category:Math rock albums by English artists]]