The King of Limbs
by Radiohead
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Mar 29, 2011
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 795 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 659 out of 795
  2. Mixed: 91 out of 795
  3. Negative: 45 out of 795

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  1. jackegerton
    Feb 23, 2011
    10
    â
  2. altInterstate
    Feb 23, 2011
    7
    This one simply hasnâ
  3. Slapdash
    Feb 23, 2011
    10
    Another slow-burning masterpiece from Radiohead! It blend the introverted world of Amnesiac with the softness of In Rainbows, and wisely does not outstay its welcome. However, it takes a few listens to fully grasp the sleepy mood of the album, which is much groovier and more patient than its predecessor In Rainbows. I personally can't stop listening to it and I become more impressedAnother slow-burning masterpiece from Radiohead! It blend the introverted world of Amnesiac with the softness of In Rainbows, and wisely does not outstay its welcome. However, it takes a few listens to fully grasp the sleepy mood of the album, which is much groovier and more patient than its predecessor In Rainbows. I personally can't stop listening to it and I become more impressed each time! This album is more than worth the $9.00 I paid for it. :)… Expand
  4. bernlin2000
    May 2, 2011
    9
    A quirky album, to be sure, more in the vein of "Amnesiac" than "In Rainbows". This isn't "Eraser 2" as many has tried to compare it to: it has much more warmth and you can hear the group dynamic that was almost completely missing from Yorke's solo effort. I was a bit disappointed with the album's brief length, but there still a lot of good music here, particularly "Lotus Flower" "Codex"A quirky album, to be sure, more in the vein of "Amnesiac" than "In Rainbows". This isn't "Eraser 2" as many has tried to compare it to: it has much more warmth and you can hear the group dynamic that was almost completely missing from Yorke's solo effort. I was a bit disappointed with the album's brief length, but there still a lot of good music here, particularly "Lotus Flower" "Codex" and "Give Up The Ghost" for me. Those looking for another album like In Rainbows will certainly be disappointed, as we see a return to the more distant and electronic sound of "Hail To The Thief" here.… Expand
  5. oboehobo
    Jul 8, 2011
    10
    It took some time to get into this album, but wow, just wow. So much brilliance, so much uniqueness, so much Radiohead. It's experimental, it's strange, it's art. Pick this up immediately and you will not be disappointed.
  6. massivexplosive
    Mar 27, 2012
    10
    It's just ridiculous and pathetic to read comments comparing The King Of Limbs to Pablo Honey, The Bends or OK Computer and if you will not step out of your comfort zone to listen to the tracks then I expect any bad adjectives you will tag with to this album. The Kings Of Limbs is simply groundbreaking, unprecedented and brilliant! The end.
  7. Samar
    Nov 7, 2011
    10
    THIS IS MY FAVORITE AFTER 'OK COMPUTER' & IN 'RAINBOWS'. A very different album by Radiohead which can disappoint some and satisfy some. For me this album is another MASTERPIECE. I can listen to it hundred times and still not get bored of it. I can feel each & every second of this album. GREAT ONE !!!
  8. handsomeslug
    Feb 25, 2011
    8
    It seems to me that everyone expects every new Radiohead release to be the most groundbreaking album ever. That's the level the group are at. But every album that does fall short of 'a modern classic' status is still better than 95% of the average dross that is out there at the minute. It's a Radiohead album. Which means that once again it's different, challenging and thoroughly enjoyable.It seems to me that everyone expects every new Radiohead release to be the most groundbreaking album ever. That's the level the group are at. But every album that does fall short of 'a modern classic' status is still better than 95% of the average dross that is out there at the minute. It's a Radiohead album. Which means that once again it's different, challenging and thoroughly enjoyable. Especially to anyone who is sick of what passes for 'music' nowadays.… Expand
  9. Vampire25
    Jun 1, 2011
    7
    The King Of Limbs was a bit disappointing the first listen. But I gradually picked up on it a few listens later. I'm not saying this album is a masterpiece like most other Radiohead albums, because it Isn't, but it is nevertheless a good album. It has a few really great tracks and a few not so great. The opener "Bloom" is a not so great song but songs like "Lotus Flower" is a RadioheadThe King Of Limbs was a bit disappointing the first listen. But I gradually picked up on it a few listens later. I'm not saying this album is a masterpiece like most other Radiohead albums, because it Isn't, but it is nevertheless a good album. It has a few really great tracks and a few not so great. The opener "Bloom" is a not so great song but songs like "Lotus Flower" is a Radiohead masterpiece. It's an album you'll either love it or hate it. I personally think Radiohead could've done so much better. It's still a good album though. B… Expand
  10. JohnnyMercyside
    Aug 15, 2011
    7
    â
  11. DC19
    Feb 23, 2011
    7
    The problem that most 20 year old bands have is continuing to make new and interesting music. Radiohead does not have this problem. Though this album is not their best, it is still unique and beautiful. The King of Limbs is most importantly pointing them in a new direction.
  12. IronLung330
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    With all the anticipation surrounding the fallow up album to Radiohead's In Rainbows, the question was, will Radiohead deliver another amazing album to the masses. The answere is yes. King of limbs starts off by casting a trance like spell over its listeners. This last until about the halfway point of the album, until the haze of confusion, and frustration dissipates and a love storyWith all the anticipation surrounding the fallow up album to Radiohead's In Rainbows, the question was, will Radiohead deliver another amazing album to the masses. The answere is yes. King of limbs starts off by casting a trance like spell over its listeners. This last until about the halfway point of the album, until the haze of confusion, and frustration dissipates and a love story evolves. This is not an album that you can throw on at a party and have every one like it. In my opinion this album is one that must be enjoyed in the company of wine, headphones, and a spliff, to get the full body experience needed to truly enjoy a masterpiece. As for all the critics that say KOL is nothing compared to their older work, they need to understand that, like everything else, bands evolve. The sound of Radiohead's The Bends is almost a complete 180 compared to KOL, but you can trace their sound evolving through the years from ok computer to kid A and Amnesiac, to hail to the thief, etc. do we really want our rock bands to all sound exactly the same like these club songs being blasted over the radio waves? we need to embrace innovation and change in music, if we didn't every band would sound exactly the same. i haven't met anyone to say "Rubber Soul is the greatest Beatles album ever, the white album had to many noises that i didn't like, and the Magical Mystery Tour made my ears hurt. why cant the beatles make real music like before and copy rubber soul 10 times?" - it is called the progression of music and without the Beatles acting as a catalyst between instruments and experimentation in the Rock industry maybe Radiohead wouldn't even be here. My point is don't bash on a great band for putting out an album that does not sound like anything else they put out, this should be embraced and celebrated.… Expand
  13. Okbendsakid
    Feb 24, 2011
    10
    Another classic by Radiohead. Simply the best band ever. Nobody has or ever will come close to their creative genius. From Bloom to Separator, every track on this album is a classic. Too bad the whole thing is so short.
  14. wjw
    Feb 25, 2011
    9
    Kraftwerk meets Fleet Foxes. Seriously, though the album is short in duration (It's why I scored it a 9 and not a10--I WANT MORE!), this is a sublime work of sonic modern art. Unlike many great albums that seem, at first listen, similarly unapproachable (Trout Mask Replica), this album is just plain beautiful in every aspect of its layered and impressionistic soundscape. And, as a value,Kraftwerk meets Fleet Foxes. Seriously, though the album is short in duration (It's why I scored it a 9 and not a10--I WANT MORE!), this is a sublime work of sonic modern art. Unlike many great albums that seem, at first listen, similarly unapproachable (Trout Mask Replica), this album is just plain beautiful in every aspect of its layered and impressionistic soundscape. And, as a value, a few hundred albums of lower scores versus this gem, I'll take this gem. One more thing to note might be that its brevity might be its saving grace (justifying a 10), since it would be that much more addictive a listen were it to contain a number of other gracefuly and thoughtfully crafted compositions, but then again, I'm already addicted, and can't shake off this sonic crack. Well, anyway, though this album may not seem so melodic in such an immediate way, I can't take certain songs out of my mind. For those who might be adamantly, and in some cases, hysterically, opposed to any favorable assessment--aesthetic or otherwise--of this album, I can't help, you. I'll I can say to you is, "don't hurt me," as I am already haunted by this album.… Expand
  15. anotheropinion
    Feb 26, 2011
    10
    To me this album represents Radiohead's courage and strength through all of their music. I think it is simply, strangely and utterly beautiful, sounds like a mix of In Rainbows, Kid A, and Yorke's solo stuff. Really loving codex, it brings you into the moment. 2nd half of the album is better than the 1st.
  16. iaint
    Feb 26, 2011
    9
    A slow burner but ultimately satisfying. "Separator" and "Codex" sublime. This is supposed to be 150 characters long .....blah..... blah...... blah....... blah.........
  17. Coldar
    Mar 1, 2011
    10
    Insanely delicious album. Loved "Little by Little." Everything is so eerily good. It does sound a bit more electronic then their other albums, but nevertheless, Radiohead makes it work.
  18. REMslave
    Mar 3, 2011
    8
    Any one who gives this below a 3 is simply doing so because they hate the idea of radiohead, and anyone giving it above a 8 or 9 or so is doing it because they love the idea of radiohead. a solid, short, sweet radiohead gem. on the scale of all albums ever released, yeah it's no star, but "lotus flower", "seperator", and "little by little" are just genuinly good songs. they are groovy,Any one who gives this below a 3 is simply doing so because they hate the idea of radiohead, and anyone giving it above a 8 or 9 or so is doing it because they love the idea of radiohead. a solid, short, sweet radiohead gem. on the scale of all albums ever released, yeah it's no star, but "lotus flower", "seperator", and "little by little" are just genuinly good songs. they are groovy, among radioheads more melodic works, and have that otherworldness you come to expect from radiohead. toss aside your previous biases about radiohead (and we ALL have them, whether good or bad) and just listen. it's a pleasurable piece of work =)… Expand
  19. Heaf
    Mar 9, 2011
    9
    As a fan of Radiohead, I think this album sits between Amnesiac and Thom York's solo album The Eraser. I think it will be hard for new fans to embrace this as much as they could other albums, including In Rainbows. But still, they never disappoint. I hope through their download ventures we continue to get a steady flow of production from them.
  20. afrhrhcpts
    Mar 12, 2011
    9
    When you can say the biggest problem with an album is that it is too short you know you have a keeper. TKOL represents Radiohead at their most adventurous with fantastic drum beats throughout. Personally the first half is my favorite when they didn't sprinkle much melody in the music but still there is no denying the power of Codex or Give Up the Ghost.
  21. WeAreOne
    Mar 23, 2011
    10
    This is one of Radiohead's most masterfully realized albums. Along with Kid A, OK Computer, and In Rainbows - The King of Limbs creates a beautiful cohesive world to get lost in over and over again. In terms of both song craft and production, the album sizzles and awards the careful listener greatly. Highly recommended.
  22. GroundedInSound
    Mar 14, 2011
    8
    Radiohead are putting out music on their terms these days. 8 songs and 37 minutes is a bit short, but each song's content makes up for it. Its pretty hard to find any band willing to take so many genre shifting leaps within an album and do them all at a high level. Nothing is new or groundbreakingly amazing, but it all soothes my palate for solid music worth listening to. Song-by-songRadiohead are putting out music on their terms these days. 8 songs and 37 minutes is a bit short, but each song's content makes up for it. Its pretty hard to find any band willing to take so many genre shifting leaps within an album and do them all at a high level. Nothing is new or groundbreakingly amazing, but it all soothes my palate for solid music worth listening to. Song-by-song breakdown @ http://groundedinsound.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/radiohead-the-king-of-limbs-early-review/… Expand
  23. AnthonyN
    Mar 17, 2011
    9
    The thing with Radiohead is that their albums differ so much that some fans only like select albums. But, what we all should realize is that ALL of their albums are musically and technically fantastic, no matter if we like them or not. I prefer The Bends acoustic sound, while some like Kid A for its glithcy-electronic sound. This is a Kid A type of album.
  24. Telex73
    Mar 22, 2011
    8
    I have found over the years that the best approach to any new Radiohead album is to preclude any expectations whatsoever from your thoughts when donning the headphones for that first listen. I stuck with that approach for "The King of Limbs". For those who have rated this album as less than 7, all I can assume is that your sound system is lacking or that you need better headphones. PartI have found over the years that the best approach to any new Radiohead album is to preclude any expectations whatsoever from your thoughts when donning the headphones for that first listen. I stuck with that approach for "The King of Limbs". For those who have rated this album as less than 7, all I can assume is that your sound system is lacking or that you need better headphones. Part of the appeal of the music created by this genius band is that they send you sauntering around acoustic vistas which they have seamlessly painted, which are spotted by the occasional bizarre and beautiful creature. Layers of juxtapose, incongruous sounds melt into clouds of melody, lifting one higher into sonic bliss, assisted by intelligent yet sensuous beats. The only thing keeping this album from being a 9 or 10 in my mind is a certain lack of sheer emotion tasted in other Radiohead albums. Or maybe I just haven't listened enough yet. Either way, I'm completely satisfied with this album and am anxiously awaiting my 10" vinyl. :)… Expand
  25. existentialfree
    Mar 30, 2011
    9
    Mellow, murky, introspective, beautiful; can another singer/songwriter slide with such ease in and out of his falsetto? Yorke's voice is just hauntingly superb on this album, and that's my favorite aspect of "The King of Limbs." Although there is not a song I dislike, my immediate favorites are "Give up the Ghost" and "Separator"
  26. Robclose123
    Apr 2, 2011
    8
    Being relatively new to Radiohead, but still a massive fan, this was the first Radiohead album that I purchased on the release date. For the most part I had great expectations, especially after the apparent return to form that the band boasted on "In Rainbows."
    The release of this album was shrouded in the sort of mystery and hype that only Radiohead can create, with their legions of    Being relatively new to Radiohead, but still a massive fan, this was the first Radiohead album that I purchased on the release date. For the most part I had great expectations, especially after the apparent return to form that the band boasted on "In Rainbows."
    The release of this album was shrouded in the sort of mystery and hype that only Radiohead can create, with their legions of dedicated fans crouched expectantly over Mac's all over the world. The cynic in me says that releasing "The King Of Limbs" a day early was merely a clever publicity stunt, albeit one that appeared to work.
    Initial impressions of TKOL were of dissapointment. Where were the guitars? Where was the energy? Where the hell were the rest of the band? "Bloom" appears to merely be a continuity of Thom Yorke's solo career. Whilst this is not neccesarily a bad thing, this is a Radiohead album, and therefore more surely must have been expected from the opening track. "Morning Mr Magpie" is much of the same, and things don't really get going until "Little By Little", which sees Radiohead become more of a band, if not a fully fledged. This is built on in "Lotus Flower", which is really the new Radiohead material that many have been waiting for. Whilst many have written of "Codex" as a "Pyramid Song mk II", it is undeniably the standout track. It creates a mood that many songwriters would (excuse the pun) sever one of their linbs to be able to recreate. To summarize, this record sounds like two different bands. One of them is Radiohead, and one of them is trying too hard.    … Expand
  27. funkysethsky
    Apr 2, 2011
    9
    The King of Limbs mustn't be judged yet. It is too soon to say this album doesn't live up to Radiohead's standards. I have foolishly done this too many times with their albums (kid a, hail to the thief, and amnesiac), to realize that Radiohead just know a little bit more about music than I do and that I need to have faith in such intelligent folk. Radiohead are the type of band to onlyThe King of Limbs mustn't be judged yet. It is too soon to say this album doesn't live up to Radiohead's standards. I have foolishly done this too many times with their albums (kid a, hail to the thief, and amnesiac), to realize that Radiohead just know a little bit more about music than I do and that I need to have faith in such intelligent folk. Radiohead are the type of band to only release material they love, which is enough for me. So far I would say the album is only great. However, I'm pretty certain that one day I will appreciate it as only brilliant. Zippychimp, please don't write Radiohead reviews. You're obviously against the notion of bands ever evolving, so just stay in your comfort zone with creep and fake plastic trees, at least it's no Beiber.… Expand
  28. xyzygy
    Apr 9, 2011
    10
    The King of Limbs, after over a month of listening, continues to grow on me. I'm a fan of Radiohead's new direction and with each release I am liking their style more and more. The satisfaction in King of Limbs comes from it's dissection - the more I listen to it and hear things I haven't heard before, or hear things in a new way, the more I realize just how amazing this album is.The King of Limbs, after over a month of listening, continues to grow on me. I'm a fan of Radiohead's new direction and with each release I am liking their style more and more. The satisfaction in King of Limbs comes from it's dissection - the more I listen to it and hear things I haven't heard before, or hear things in a new way, the more I realize just how amazing this album is. Containing only 8 songs, The King of Limbs is short - but it's so, so sweet.… Expand
  29. SexxLaws
    Apr 25, 2011
    9
    This ones a grower. Let it happen people; don't judge it immediately based off reviews and what your friends told you. Don't let the hipster **** grow through your ears, and keep you from developing your own idea. I feel sonic walls of sound and a transy, melodic vibe. I feel good rhythms, good ideas, twisting lyrics. Thom hasn't gotten any older; any greyer in my ears. It just feelsThis ones a grower. Let it happen people; don't judge it immediately based off reviews and what your friends told you. Don't let the hipster **** grow through your ears, and keep you from developing your own idea. I feel sonic walls of sound and a transy, melodic vibe. I feel good rhythms, good ideas, twisting lyrics. Thom hasn't gotten any older; any greyer in my ears. It just feels softer. sandy. a little opaque. But then again, this album wasn't meant to please a human being. This album was released to please Radiohead. I'm proud to be able to find the vibe coming off of this album- once again, it's something that you find yourself. But once you catch it, it frees you from being one of the miserable suckers slagging this album because of all it lacks, rather than what it has given off in order to find that perfect balance of lack. And if you question my choice of description, just know that I am talking with the feel of the words, rather than the words themselves.… Expand
  30. arov59
    May 6, 2011
    8
    Bloom, Lotus Flower, Codex, Separator, all good songs. The others, not just as good.
    I see The King of Limbs as a fine tuning of what Radiohead began with Kid A and Amnesiac, and although it has some of the most interesting chords and melodies, it just seems to be lacking something.
    Bloom's opening minute is the best by far, with amazing lyrics Morning Mr Magpie is okay, but nothing    Bloom, Lotus Flower, Codex, Separator, all good songs. The others, not just as good.
    I see The King of Limbs as a fine tuning of what Radiohead began with Kid A and Amnesiac, and although it has some of the most interesting chords and melodies, it just seems to be lacking something.
    Bloom's opening minute is the best by far, with amazing lyrics
    Morning Mr Magpie is okay, but nothing particularly significant
    Little By Little contains a great piece of music at 2:21, but apart from that, average
    Feral can get boring, I would prefer it much more if I could actually hear lyrics from Thom Yorke
    Lotus Flower is a very well written song, but maybe just off single material
    Codex is one of the best songs from this album, with an almost restrained feel to it
    Give Up The Ghost is quite good, but not Radiohead's best from this album
    Separator is a completely different story. The first half is good, but it is the second half which really defines this song. An amazing ending to the album.
    On another note, if you enjoy The King of Limbs, I recommend their B-sides Supercollider and The Butcher.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2011
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Alternative Press
    Dec 14, 2011
    80
    There's just incredible depth to The King Of Limbs, and if you're impatient, you'll miss it.
    Read full review
  2. Hartford Courant
    May 24, 2011
    80
    It's been a long time since Radiohead made records with an eye toward anything more than satisfying the band's own creative impulses, if it ever did. Those who are prepared to stick it out, though, may well find The King of Limbs worth the wait.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    May 16, 2011
    60
    They've delivered their biggest surprise to date. A record that falls short for its constituent parts. [May 2011, p.100]
See all critic reviews »