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. humblefolks
    Feb 22, 2011
    5
    this album is what being old probably feels like. it's so void of any signs of vitality, that it literally drained all energy out of me. endless loops with little to no variation, Yorke's dispassionate singing, lack of melody, harmony, and lyrics that develop and tell a story. that's not to say that the album doesn't have any positive sides to it. there are some beautiful moments withthis album is what being old probably feels like. it's so void of any signs of vitality, that it literally drained all energy out of me. endless loops with little to no variation, Yorke's dispassionate singing, lack of melody, harmony, and lyrics that develop and tell a story. that's not to say that the album doesn't have any positive sides to it. there are some beautiful moments with horns and strings and what not, but again, it's such cold dispassionate beauty void of any powerful human emotion. plus, it only takes one listen to anything from OK Computer to Hail to the Thief to demonstrate why the King of Limbs doesn't stand a chance in comparison. but it's not a bad album. it's just a disappointing radiohead album.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. StrawberryField
    Feb 19, 2011
    8
    Trippy. It's no 'In Rainbows', but it's still really good. I don't understand why people are saying this is their worst album, though: I feel like 'Pablo Honey' is their worst.
  4. flip
    Feb 22, 2011
    7
    This is a very enjoyable album. They take a lot of elements from other bands and genre and create their own quite successfully. I assume the Wire Magazine and its ilk would have a plethora of music that would be better, but it is as it is.
  5. Woodyche
    Feb 20, 2011
    9
    Is this a long intro to something epic? Even if it isn't, the 8 tracks are all pretty sweet. I get the feeling I'm listening to the future of music. Some of it very complicated and unique. I'm particularly fond of "Codex," "Lotus Flower," and "Separator." In ways similar to PJ Harvey's newest release (Let England Shake), I get an eerie feeling listening to Radiohead's latest work thatIs this a long intro to something epic? Even if it isn't, the 8 tracks are all pretty sweet. I get the feeling I'm listening to the future of music. Some of it very complicated and unique. I'm particularly fond of "Codex," "Lotus Flower," and "Separator." In ways similar to PJ Harvey's newest release (Let England Shake), I get an eerie feeling listening to Radiohead's latest work that we could sit around a campfire as the apocalypse unfolds. At the same time, I do not believe this is all they intended to release. There is some mystery/surprise typical of Radiohead. Why do they have 2 10" vinyls being released with the first-ever "newspaper album" in late March? What is on those discs? Only 8 tracks? Perhaps, but I think we have not heard the last from Radiohead on this particular release.… Expand
  6. BathtubTom
    Apr 5, 2011
    4
    Radiohead keeps moving farther and farther away from mainstream music, but in my opinion they went a little too far this time. Its hard to find a chorus never mind something you can hum along to. In fact its hard to determine when they are even mumbling about because the instruments are too loud. As a causul fan The King of Limbs is a disappointment.
  7. mantle52ball
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    Great Album, grows on you the more you listen to it. I liked Lotus Flower, Give up the Ghost the most. Has a nice haunting flow about it. Thom Yorke as one of the most distinct voices in rock music
  8. leakedsoup
    Feb 20, 2011
    10
    Really like the new album. Been listening to it for the last two days. It opens up little secrets every time you listen to it. For a band continuing with this quality i hope they´ll never stop!
  9. twisted_words
    Oct 12, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For most bands, an album like TKOL would be a career high. For Radiohead, it was a friday. It's not an accessible album, like it's predecessor In Rainbows, and is sonically dense. Layers upon layers are carefully peeled back each time you listen through to slowly reveal the true heart of the songs, more of their mystery is unravelled in the accompanying remix album, and even then, months later, some tiny detail that skipped your attention will suddenly become a vital part of the song. I don't expect it to become a general favourite, but for those who are into this kind of thing it is a stunning odyssey through a forest of sonic experimentation, produced carefully enough to hear the individual leaves. Taking that metaphor even further, the album is as varied as the forest itself can be. "Bloom" emerges into a lost world of intricate rhythms and trills of melody, the strange creatures of the woods looking on as you stumble through their world. "Morning Mr Magpie" is a frantic chase through the undergrowth, antagonistic and acussatory. "Little by Little" is far out of sight of civilization, almost leaving behind those "routines and shedules, a drug that kills you" in exchange for the freedom to roam through the ancient trunks and twisted branches of its domain. "Feral" is what trees do at night when you're not looking. As the small hours of the night approach, "Lotus Flower" cavorts in secret glades under moonlight, promising all of nature's secrets. If there is indeed an "empty space inside [your] heart where the weeds take root" then this has the power to "set you free". As the moon sets, the forest lies still and there's "no one around". "Codex" is a slow introspective walk through the trees, reflecting on these secrets. Dawn approaches, and birds in the branches above flit back and forth between branches, oblivious to your presence. Here is where you "Give up the Ghost" and become part of this forest. "Separator" finally burst out from the trunks into full daylight, like waking up from a "long and vivid dream". Retreat into nature is the heart of The King of Limbs and is an interesting counterpoint to earlier albums which dealt with the isolation of life in a high speed urban world. Over the course of their career, they have left this urban paranoia, journeyed through endless suburbia, and finally emerged, free, into the forest. Radiohead sound happy on this album, specifically in closing track "Separator" where Yorke sings "If you think this is over then you're wrong" with guileless joy.… Expand
  10. chowderhead1962
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    Radiohead is hands down my favorite band of all time, and what I love about them is that the music never presents itself right away. It always unfolds over repeat listening and this cd is no exception. Something that can seem non-melodic can at times present little snippets that join together to form a melody and over time that's what takes over in your ears. They are never predictable,Radiohead is hands down my favorite band of all time, and what I love about them is that the music never presents itself right away. It always unfolds over repeat listening and this cd is no exception. Something that can seem non-melodic can at times present little snippets that join together to form a melody and over time that's what takes over in your ears. They are never predictable, and they are always challenging...as great music should be. I don't like this cd as much as OK Computer or In Rainbows, but I still like it better than pretty much anything else I've heard this year. And knowing how this music unfolds it very well may become a favorite 20 listens down the road. Codex is just an amazingly beautiful song, and worth the price of admission alone.… Expand
  11. denimchicken
    Feb 23, 2011
    9
    Perhaps the most percussive album, Phil Selway has his coming out party as one of the most inventive drummers in modern rock. Beginning chaotic and frantic, the album draws on it's more peaceful latter half to really blow you away. Some may ask, "where are the guitars?" but this is no The Bends. We are listening to a more mature and relaxed Radiohead that does not "want to go into thatPerhaps the most percussive album, Phil Selway has his coming out party as one of the most inventive drummers in modern rock. Beginning chaotic and frantic, the album draws on it's more peaceful latter half to really blow you away. Some may ask, "where are the guitars?" but this is no The Bends. We are listening to a more mature and relaxed Radiohead that does not "want to go into that creative hoo-ha of a long-play record again" as Yorke has said. I can see why this record may not pander to some fans but it is definitely beautiful music that should be put on repeat and enjoyed over and over.… Expand
  12. SoozE
    Feb 24, 2011
    8
    Slightly melancholy and insightful with interesting hooks (yes, I think there are hooks). If you aren't into melancholy/interesting, you will be disappointed. You'll also be disappointed if you expect Radiohead to make your favorite Radiohead album again. Their albums each have a distinct personality, and this is no exception; in this case, the personality might rub you the wrong way,Slightly melancholy and insightful with interesting hooks (yes, I think there are hooks). If you aren't into melancholy/interesting, you will be disappointed. You'll also be disappointed if you expect Radiohead to make your favorite Radiohead album again. Their albums each have a distinct personality, and this is no exception; in this case, the personality might rub you the wrong way, and that's okay. The more I listen carefully to the tracks the more I appreciate this album's personality.… Expand
  13. pica19
    Feb 26, 2011
    0
    If there was ever an album that was created to cure insomnia, this would be it. A soulless effort from a band that has so many talents, too bad it was wasted on incessant beats. A great disappointment.
  14. Jagerskins
    Mar 10, 2011
    1
    Ok, Look, This record sucks and I love Radiohead, I loved In Rainbows, Kid A, Ok Comp and even Amnesiac & Hail to the thief had it's moments. I didn't care for Pablo Honey but's that's the only one until now. This sounds like a delux edition Amnesiac with 8 bonus never released tracks. I promise & I mean promise 97% of you will NOT be listening to this say 2 or more months from and not aOk, Look, This record sucks and I love Radiohead, I loved In Rainbows, Kid A, Ok Comp and even Amnesiac & Hail to the thief had it's moments. I didn't care for Pablo Honey but's that's the only one until now. This sounds like a delux edition Amnesiac with 8 bonus never released tracks. I promise & I mean promise 97% of you will NOT be listening to this say 2 or more months from and not a damn one of are going to put this even near the top of your Favorite RH records. This seems like a Thom only record with a few helping hands from the rest of the band. What a shame.… Expand
  15. 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.
  16. WileEDingo
    Mar 31, 2011
    6
    A little disappointing. Short - only 37 minutes. The "skipping record" drum track is wearing a little thin. This album does not rock. Hoping it grows on me like most of the other albums did.
  17. 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
  18. Gafacaode
    Apr 10, 2011
    6
    I expected more from Radiohead after the brilliant In Rainbows. This new album is a return to the sheer weirdness of Kid A and Amnesiac. It has interesting moments and their wish to experiment is laudable but the album sounds too cold and distant.
  19. Gloone
    Feb 24, 2013
    9
    I honestly don't understand the people despairing of a lack of musical hooks in this album... it's chock full of rhythm and melody. If you are after the climactic kind of noise they pulled off in earlier work, then maybe I'd understand your disappointment that is, I'd understand it if this wasn't the same band that released Kid A back in 2000. Radiohead have been a much mellower and moreI honestly don't understand the people despairing of a lack of musical hooks in this album... it's chock full of rhythm and melody. If you are after the climactic kind of noise they pulled off in earlier work, then maybe I'd understand your disappointment that is, I'd understand it if this wasn't the same band that released Kid A back in 2000. Radiohead have been a much mellower and more experimental band for more than a decade now, and they continue down the same avenue of sonic exploration here and it's awesome. The subtle guitars, the electronic wizardry, the bass, and the layers of vocals all contain a wealth of strong, beautiful intertwining melodies; the rhythm section is frequently wonderfully creative and energetic; and the whole album is brought together with a bunch of weird, schizophrenic sonic oddities which are brilliantly encapsulated by the spectral album art. The album does not feel to short; I'd much rather have an album densely packed with great tracks than something sprawling with filler like Hail to the Thief. "Good Morning Mr. Magpie", "Little By Little", "Lotus Flower", and "Give Up The Ghost" are top notch Radiohead tracks; and "Codex" may be among their very best work. I have honestly never been so moved by a song before. As long as you're not allergic to anything which isn't a rock anthem, you'll love this.… Expand
  20. michael_b
    Oct 9, 2012
    8
    a nice sound but definitely a huge change for the band and fans of radiohead's earlier work (pablo honey, the bends) may not respond to it as positively.
  21. Ghostofsound
    Feb 19, 2013
    10
    Eerie, dark, and mysterious. This album, as a concept, is fantastic. Picture yourself in a forest, full moon seeping through the tree cover with shadows playing tricks in the corner of your eye. They are still using Pixies influenced loud/quiet dynamics as good as ever, adding layers that you can't hear through a poor quality speaker. You definately need to turn up the volume to understandEerie, dark, and mysterious. This album, as a concept, is fantastic. Picture yourself in a forest, full moon seeping through the tree cover with shadows playing tricks in the corner of your eye. They are still using Pixies influenced loud/quiet dynamics as good as ever, adding layers that you can't hear through a poor quality speaker. You definately need to turn up the volume to understand what they are trying to do with the subtle stabs of jolted sounds and echoed feedback, which accounts for a stunning leveled soundscape. Simply amazing.… Expand
  22. cjam
    Feb 18, 2016
    8
    A lukewarm first half of the album with four solid songs nonetheless. However, the second half is a dramatic improvement with Lotus Flower, Codex, Give Up the Ghost and Separator containing some of Radiohead's finest moments, particularly with the closing track. Probably one of Radiohead's weakest albums, partly due to the short length, but still a strong record.
  23. CredibleOpinion
    Aug 20, 2016
    10
    Moreso than any other Radiohead album, this one requires some time. I found it very rewarding and packed with replay value. Little By Little is rhythmically brilliant. Bloom and Magpie are also great brooding storm trips. Codex and Give Up The Ghost are unspeakably beautiful. Overall a great little slice of music from an ever-evolving band. If you want more OK Computer, I'd suggestMoreso than any other Radiohead album, this one requires some time. I found it very rewarding and packed with replay value. Little By Little is rhythmically brilliant. Bloom and Magpie are also great brooding storm trips. Codex and Give Up The Ghost are unspeakably beautiful. Overall a great little slice of music from an ever-evolving band. If you want more OK Computer, I'd suggest giving OK Computer a listen instead.… Expand
  24. KELEO2000
    Dec 30, 2018
    10
    an album very out of the ordinary, has all the originality that we already know from thom Yorke, for a fan of years like me this album is an excellent way of renewal for the band
  25. vonhara
    Apr 16, 2018
    7
    - Bloom : good 8/10
    - MoRnINg mR MagpIE : ???????
    - Little by Little : solid
    - Feral : bleep/20
    - Lotus Flower : such flower, very japan, good bassline
    - Codex : Kid Amnesiac feeling
    - GUTG : Wow birdy song good good
    - Separator : nice drums
  26. froggychair
    Oct 16, 2022
    10
    A criminally underrated album for sure! The From the Basement sessions are simply next level
  27. Reis
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    Took 7 listens for me to truly appreciate what Radiohead has done here. At the moments I'm loving it but it took a little while to get their. Standouts for me are Codex, Lotus Flower, Little by Little and Separator. Give it a while, it's still the Radiohead we all know and love.
  28. dreamfar
    Feb 24, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The King Of Limbs is one of the best albums of radiohead. Better than In Rainbows, and more expermiental than ever, they come back for give us a excellent albums. I can say it without any problems: RADIOHEAD IS BETTER THAN EVER.… Expand
  29. Vaille
    Feb 18, 2011
    8
    Thereâ
  30. Floydian42
    Feb 26, 2011
    9
    The King of Limbs is an album in which Radiohead depends on you, the listener, to have followed them down the rabbit hole of sonic experimentation, where they have taken residence ever since the release of Kid A. If you have not kept up with them, or haven't listened to anything other than Ok Computer or The Bends, do not listen to this album. It will not make sense to you. In many ways,The King of Limbs is an album in which Radiohead depends on you, the listener, to have followed them down the rabbit hole of sonic experimentation, where they have taken residence ever since the release of Kid A. If you have not kept up with them, or haven't listened to anything other than Ok Computer or The Bends, do not listen to this album. It will not make sense to you. In many ways, this album picks up exactly where they left off. Very similar effect and guitar tones, odd rhythms and nearly impossible to understand lyrics sung from a falsetto Yorke. It is very easy to think that this album, for the first time, is more of the same from Radiohead. But well I don't think it's a complete reinvention of themselves, it certainly is the other side of the sound they created during the In Rainbows sessions.
    Think of it like this: if music is an army, and you, the listener, are a fortress, In Rainbows and The King of Limbs are two different strategies for the same army to take you down. In Rainbows saw the front gates, organized, and charged you down. The King of Limbs, however, surrounds you, cuts off your food supply, and waits for you to go out and attack it.
    Let me explain: In Rainbows was catchy, it had a driving beat, you could hear the guitars front and center doing interesting things. Without trying too hard, even if you just have the CD playing in the background, something will catch your ear, and you will like it. With the King of Limbs, this is not the case at all. If you don't actively engage the music as you're listening to it, you won't like it.
    Radiohead has the spotlight, they are one of the largest and most discussed bands on the planet. They do not need to demand your attention anymore, they have it. They know that no matter what they put out, you will buy it, and listen to it over and over until you've had enough. One way or another, you will get this CD, and you will listen to it, over, and over, and over.

    Before you think it's cold, and heartless music by name only, listen closely. There's beauty there. Find it.    … Expand
  31. 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.
  32. Soupstorm
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    My first listen; "Wow, that might be their worst album since Pablo Honey. 'Feral' sucks!"
    My eighth listen; "Wow, that might be their best album since Kid A. 'Feral' is my favourite!"

    It's quiet, dark, and mossy, but it will eventually shine a light back on you.
  33. 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 !!!
  34. BurgundyVelvet
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    The King of Limbs...The King indeed. I was hesitant to listen after waiting for so long, and having my expectations climb. But amazingly, my expectations were met, and then some. "Bloom" set the mood, being a great continuation of In Rainbows. It isn't my favorite song on the album, but I feel that it is the best pick for the opener. "Morning Mr Magpie" was a nice change from Bloom. It isThe King of Limbs...The King indeed. I was hesitant to listen after waiting for so long, and having my expectations climb. But amazingly, my expectations were met, and then some. "Bloom" set the mood, being a great continuation of In Rainbows. It isn't my favorite song on the album, but I feel that it is the best pick for the opener. "Morning Mr Magpie" was a nice change from Bloom. It is more upbeat, and impossible not to nod your head to. "Feral", the instrumental piece, is my least favorite. It's fine, and I think that it plays an important role in the album, but I won't be listening to it as often as the others. "Lotus Flower" is one of my favorites, with its basic chillness about it. "Codex" is by far the best, in my opinion. Despite the rather depressing lyrics, it's the only song that really captured me out of the whole album. "Give Up The Ghost" is very chill, and gives the listener another break from the usual Radiohead "craziness" per say. "Separator" is a track that easily ends the album, but can also leave the listener ready for more. Eight tracks are not enough for me, but I hope that sooner than not, another album will be released. Radiohead lived up to everything we were hoping for yet again. It is reminiscent of In Rainbows, but a darker version, more of a continuation than another album altogether. This album was worth the wait, completely. I highly recommend it to any Radiohead fan.… Expand
  35. crosby87
    Feb 21, 2011
    7
    When you first hear a new Radiohead album, you should expect by now to be thrown for a loop, and this one is no exception. This one hearkens back to the skittish Kid-A/Amnesiac sound, but probably even more closely resembles Thom Yorke's solo album. As with all of the above, this album takes a few listens to digest. But like Amnesiac and The Eraser, the ultimate reward fallsWhen you first hear a new Radiohead album, you should expect by now to be thrown for a loop, and this one is no exception. This one hearkens back to the skittish Kid-A/Amnesiac sound, but probably even more closely resembles Thom Yorke's solo album. As with all of the above, this album takes a few listens to digest. But like Amnesiac and The Eraser, the ultimate reward falls significantly short of Radiohead's best. Many of the songs tend to loop ad nauseum over Yorke's mumbled crooning - namely 'Feral' and 'Give Up The Ghost', while others sound like weaker rewrites of past material - 'Codex', while definitely pretty, feels like another 'Pyramid Song', this time without the wonder and majesty. Considering the album is only 8 tracks long, this tends to leave a slightly empty feeling for fans who have heard everything Radiohead has to offer. But even at that, it's a quality product that fans will not want to avoid, and an enjoyable listen.… Expand
  36. Trabis
    Feb 19, 2011
    8
    If only I could afford it, I'd buy hundreds of copies of The KoL.

    It would be the least I could do for what they have gotten me through over the years.
  37. Click
    Feb 24, 2011
    8
    It was difficult to see how Radiohead could improve on In Rainbows and they have done the sensible thing and moved in a different direction. Parts feel more experimental and more sparse than previous efforts. Bloom and Feral are for biggest change in the sound and for me the weakest part - layered electronica, looped, tinny, slightly harsh sounding ...this is no doubt the sound they wereIt was difficult to see how Radiohead could improve on In Rainbows and they have done the sensible thing and moved in a different direction. Parts feel more experimental and more sparse than previous efforts. Bloom and Feral are for biggest change in the sound and for me the weakest part - layered electronica, looped, tinny, slightly harsh sounding ...this is no doubt the sound they were going for - I don't care for it, the later half of the album is mellower and has more organic sound which I prefer. I hope the later half is the way they move forward with their next offering, I recall Thom once saying OK Computer was their attempt at Endtroducing by DJ SHADOW, this again feels again like an attempt at that. To a Radiohead fan I would recommend this, to a newbie I would recommend the back catalogue.… Expand
  38. JonnyTheGreat
    Oct 6, 2011
    6
    After countless sessions of listening to The King of Limbs in the past few months, I came to the conclusion of this being one of Radiohead's weakest albums.

    In order of brilliance:

    1. Kid A / Amnesiac
    2. Hail to the Thief
    3. OK Computer
    4. In Rainbows
    5. The Bends
    6. The King of Limbs
    7. Pablo Honey
  39. stoner839
    Feb 20, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Although it feels more like an experiment than an album, it's still Radiohead. Which means it is still made by one of the best bands around. This album just makes me more excited for the next one while being an interesting experiment and a great album all at the same some. In short, Thom Yorke, Johnny Greenwood, and the rest have knocked it out of the park again.… Expand
  40. Isbyn
    Feb 22, 2011
    8
    I wasn't really expecting anything, or expecting this to even be, but I am glad it exists... I just wish there was more of it. There is something unique about its tone, it's subdued, sort of molten production, it's almost forgetableness that allows forces repeated listens. Bits and pieces come back to you when you aren't listening but where they actually are on the album can be hard toI wasn't really expecting anything, or expecting this to even be, but I am glad it exists... I just wish there was more of it. There is something unique about its tone, it's subdued, sort of molten production, it's almost forgetableness that allows forces repeated listens. Bits and pieces come back to you when you aren't listening but where they actually are on the album can be hard to place. Nothing about this album is immediate but it doesn't seem that much is permanent either, after 15+ listens I'm still left wanting more. It's also hard for me to forget Thom's dominance on this record; it certainly does, as many have pointed out, feel like a Thom Yorke solo album. Which isn't a bad thing but it isn't a great thing either. I have hopes for a part 2 because being a fan for so long I can sense that something is missing but will that happen? I doubt it. All I can really say is I'm glad to have it and also glad I didn't pay 48$ for it.… Expand
  41. byronicgyro
    Feb 18, 2011
    8
    While this album did not wow me after a long break the way Kid A did, it had brilliant moments. Codex took my breath away and the rhythmic structure of Lotus is just fun. This album feels like a less melodic continuation of In Rainbows in the same way Amnesiac felt like (and in many senses actually was) a continuation of Kid A. It felt to me, also sort of like Amnesiac, like aWhile this album did not wow me after a long break the way Kid A did, it had brilliant moments. Codex took my breath away and the rhythmic structure of Lotus is just fun. This album feels like a less melodic continuation of In Rainbows in the same way Amnesiac felt like (and in many senses actually was) a continuation of Kid A. It felt to me, also sort of like Amnesiac, like a transitional album. Here, we are moving from the narcotized dreamscapes of In Rainbows to something with a little more bite and muscle. If we can use the history of the band as a guide, these sorts of transitional albums lead to brilliant synthesis albums like Hail to the Thief. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a new album in the next two years that, like Hail to the Thief, smoothly blended the plethora of sounds. I'm betting that that will be the album that changes music in a substantial way. I'm only sorry it wasn't this one.… Expand
  42. alejandrug
    Feb 18, 2011
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It doesn't sound like a Radiohead album it sounds more like Thom Yorke as soloist, the result is boring, predictable, their weakest album since Pablo Honey… Expand
  43. careerpending
    Feb 18, 2011
    9
    Radioheads latest album, "The King of Limbs", is similar to their previous ones, in that it takes several listens to fully appreciate. The first listen reveals that the album, while still quite experimental, isn't the genre redefining "The Bends", "OK Computer", or "Kid A". They instead continue to explore their own musical niche, as they had on their previous two albums, "Hail to theRadioheads latest album, "The King of Limbs", is similar to their previous ones, in that it takes several listens to fully appreciate. The first listen reveals that the album, while still quite experimental, isn't the genre redefining "The Bends", "OK Computer", or "Kid A". They instead continue to explore their own musical niche, as they had on their previous two albums, "Hail to the Thief" and "In Rainbows". The album only contains eight tracks, far less music than fans were hoping for after a four year drought. Yet all of the songs are superbly written, and while some don't strike as all that great at first, they each sound better with each additional listen. In the end, "The King of Limbs" is an excellent addition to the Radiohead canon, but eight tracks doesn't quite quench the thirst of their devoted fans.… Expand
  44. j_logis
    Feb 18, 2011
    9
    Its definitely a grower, like all Radioheads album. I found it to be disappointing at first listen, but maybe i was isnt expecting something else. I kept on listening time and time again, and i found that it had a different feel to it. And to be honest, now i will keep on playing it...I just loved it, Lotus flowers and Thom Yorke's dance was futuristic and loveable
  45. Griffs28
    Feb 18, 2011
    10
    While it is easy compare Radiohead's recent album with OK Computer (which like trying to make a sequel to the Shawshank Redemption), The King of Limbs is still superbly well done and much better than the majority of released music. It isn't a revelation but a reassurance that Radiohead's still got the touch to create unique songs and mesh sounds into beautiful rhythm. Every Radiohead albumWhile it is easy compare Radiohead's recent album with OK Computer (which like trying to make a sequel to the Shawshank Redemption), The King of Limbs is still superbly well done and much better than the majority of released music. It isn't a revelation but a reassurance that Radiohead's still got the touch to create unique songs and mesh sounds into beautiful rhythm. Every Radiohead album has given that one song to say 'wow' to and "Lotus Flower" is that song. It strikes a chord the first time you listen to it and grows into the ranks of distinguished songs that capture you after every listen. I love albums that have beautiful transitions between songs and Radiohead has always been amazing at committing themselves to the flow of their music. The King of Limbs showcases Radiohead's best use of transitions yet (depending on how you interpret the theme of the album). While OK Computer was an album about isolationism and one's place in society, The King of Limbs carries a modern tone to it. It uses an abstract perspective to showcase prevalent issues, or even just feelings about everything concurrent. The King of Limbs is very interpretive and it isn't spelled out so easily. It's Radiohead's most interpretive album since Kid A. All in all, comparing Radiohead to Radiohead is very difficult, as if comparing two languages, but Radiohead has released another masterpiece. It just might take some time for it to sink in.… Expand
  46. JackDaniels
    Feb 19, 2011
    5
    This album can be summarised very simply: Thom Yorke decides he's Kieran Hebden, turns the cutoff up to full on every instrument so that its impossible to hear anything except a vague harmony, and spits angry, half-baked lyrics into the left channel of your earphones. I can barely even hear where the rest of the band come in; this seems essentially to be The Eraser part 2, so if youThis album can be summarised very simply: Thom Yorke decides he's Kieran Hebden, turns the cutoff up to full on every instrument so that its impossible to hear anything except a vague harmony, and spits angry, half-baked lyrics into the left channel of your earphones. I can barely even hear where the rest of the band come in; this seems essentially to be The Eraser part 2, so if you enjoyed that, then maybe you'll be delighted with this. Bloom is a good song, as is Give Up the Ghost, but unfortunately the texture of the album as a whole is repetitive and suffocating, and one gets the impression that it has not been as carefully produced as their other albums. Considering meticulous production and careful texturing has always been a key strength to the radiohead sound, this is a problem. This sounds almost like a bootleg of a radiohead album stolen from the studio months before the actual release date. If only that were the case.… Expand
  47. Freud_Slips
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    When the dust finally settles after the metaphorical whirlwind of its release, the 'King of Limbs' will retroactively rearrange the coordinates by which one will come to judge Radiohead's previous work! Many people are trying to make sense of this quite unique record by comparing it with what has gone before. Some have drawn an analogy with 'Amnesiac' (quite reasonably) or Kid AWhen the dust finally settles after the metaphorical whirlwind of its release, the 'King of Limbs' will retroactively rearrange the coordinates by which one will come to judge Radiohead's previous work! Many people are trying to make sense of this quite unique record by comparing it with what has gone before. Some have drawn an analogy with 'Amnesiac' (quite reasonably) or Kid A (understandably), others have seen it as a logical continuation of 'In Rainbows' (a little less understandable) and some others still ( quite inexplicably) have drawn a comparison with 'Hail to the Thief'--quite why, I do not know. This general strategy is an obvious reaction, for it is only through comparing and contrasting what is new against the backdrop of what already circulates that we begin to understand and form opinions. But ultimately, any such endeavour will do violence to what is a quite singular record, with its own peculiar cadence and texture. I advise anyone approaching this record to erase all memory of what has passed and encounter 'The King of Limbs' on its own terms, in the hic et nunc. Once one has allowed each syncopated beat, every pulsating bass note to permeate deep in the consciousness, perhaps then one might, a little more judiciously, be able to evaluate how this record relates to its predecessors. For what it's worth (and I am only on my 7th listen), I think that in the cases of 'Lotus Flower', 'Codex', 'Feral' and 'Separator', we have four songs, for which others exist already within the band's existing corpus, but none of which are as beautifully rendered as on this record. To give two examples. Personally, 'Codex' supplants 'Pyramid Song', 'Sail to the Moon', 'How to Disappear Completely', 'Nude', 'Exit Music (From a Film) as the most achingly gorgeous composition the band has ever put to Stanza. In the example of 'Feral' we have a song which, musically, is far more poised and, existentially, more neurotically charged than say 'Climbing up the Walls', 'The Gloaming' or 'Idioteque'.

    All things considered, 'The King of Limbs', in a subtle and understated way, is a work of refinement, and in this lies its revolutionary appeal. Extraordinary stuff.    … Expand
  48. coneloc
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    This is Radiohead at its best: pushing forward while challenging themselves and listeners. It's groovy yet robotic; personal yet disconnected at times; and it is--at moments--terribly beautiful. They even threw in their first ever 80's-style rock ballad with Codex! One of the most engaging things about Radiohead is their polarizing effect. Only the truly great musicians inspire suchThis is Radiohead at its best: pushing forward while challenging themselves and listeners. It's groovy yet robotic; personal yet disconnected at times; and it is--at moments--terribly beautiful. They even threw in their first ever 80's-style rock ballad with Codex! One of the most engaging things about Radiohead is their polarizing effect. Only the truly great musicians inspire such conflicting thoughts and discussions about their music.… Expand
  49. blueberrykush10
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    Upon my first listen, i was strangely disappointed. I've stayed up all night listening to it over and over again, and i can now say that it is one of my favorite albums I have heard in a few years. Crooning, emotional and utterly brilliant. As always, their soundscape is as large as the solar system, and it is gorgeous. It is short, sweet and satisfying. worth a few dozen listens. itsUpon my first listen, i was strangely disappointed. I've stayed up all night listening to it over and over again, and i can now say that it is one of my favorite albums I have heard in a few years. Crooning, emotional and utterly brilliant. As always, their soundscape is as large as the solar system, and it is gorgeous. It is short, sweet and satisfying. worth a few dozen listens. its weird, in some ways like kid a, but just like kid a in that its f***ing awesome.… Expand
  50. incept94
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    After yet another four year wait between albums Radiohead have released their eighth record, The King of Limbs and it does not disappoint. As with any album by the Oxford group it takes time to come to terms with and at first I thought TKOL was mediocre but after listening to the whole album about six times through i can safely say that this is another fantastic Radiohead release. I wouldAfter yet another four year wait between albums Radiohead have released their eighth record, The King of Limbs and it does not disappoint. As with any album by the Oxford group it takes time to come to terms with and at first I thought TKOL was mediocre but after listening to the whole album about six times through i can safely say that this is another fantastic Radiohead release. I would say that it is not as immediate as In Rainbows is but some of the tracks here are among their best such as the groovy Lotus Flower. Overall this is a fantastic record and one any fan should buy.… Expand
  51. Skeezie
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    Haunting. Beautiful. Psychedelic. Organic. Soulful. Simple. Intense. Heartbreaking. Triumphant. Wonderful. Fresh. Exotic. Familiar. Focused. Poignant. Thrilling. Fantastic.
  52. Aron1
    Feb 20, 2011
    9
    Top album. It's not their upfront classic, but they really pushed themselves for this record. All those different feelings and styles, it's truly unbelievable. Radiohead, the most significant band of the last 2 decades, and maybe even for this decade.
  53. BlackBlueBird
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    One review I read said it'd be interesting to see how many people would care if The King of Limbs were Radiohead's second or third album, but that kind of speculation is kind of pointless (in my mind) as glitch and electronica were barely on Pop's radar in the mid-nineties. With that in mind, if this HAD come after the Bends, it probably would've shocked people in 1997 even more than OKOne review I read said it'd be interesting to see how many people would care if The King of Limbs were Radiohead's second or third album, but that kind of speculation is kind of pointless (in my mind) as glitch and electronica were barely on Pop's radar in the mid-nineties. With that in mind, if this HAD come after the Bends, it probably would've shocked people in 1997 even more than OK Computer (put down your weapons, Pitchfork drones -- I'm not saying that makes TKOL better -- it's not). But I digress.

    This album was challenging. I kept looking for the "easy" songs -- the ones that get you from the start: the "Idioteque", the "Paranoid Android", the "Bodysnatchers", or "Street Spirit" -- and whether there are any songs in TKOL that can match these in immediacy is debatable. There are moments for sure -- the opening of "Bloom" is gorgeous. The snappy driving beat and synth/bass at the end of "Feral" is thrilling. And the surprising left turn and gentle release of the last three songs -- a sharp contrast to the first five -- beautiful in itself. Someone below compared the sounds of TKOL to Four Tet, but to me the opening moments in "Bloom" and "Little by Little" sound like Flying Lotus more than anything else. I read another comparison to Thom's The Eraser, and while the glitch elements make that an easy comparison, the difference in textures and complexity between TKOL and The Eraser is astronomical -- TKOL has horns, acoustic guitars, polyrhythmic layers, and yes, I believe Johnny's odnes martinet makes some subtle appearances. The big non-surprise is that Radiohead have once again done something different from their previous albums -- there is more glitch and pace in these songs than Kid A, and the textures are warmer and more inviting than most of Amnesiac. I have trouble determining at some points when the beats come from Selway or if they're fantastic samples -- (or perhaps both, a la the drums in "Airbag"). The clean, precise, and prominent guitar work found in "In Rainbows" and earlier albums is few and far between here -- but I have no doubt most of these songs will make for amazing live versions. The album is two or three songs shorter than any of their others, clocking in at a dangerous 37+ minutes... but it matches the tight feel of the album. I just looked and found out that "Amnesiac" is 43 minutes, which seems impossible to me -- I love a lot of that album, but it seems to go on forever! Another surprising stat is that TKOL is also almost twenty minutes shorter than the wandering Hail To The Thief. Radiohead has always been interested in creating albums as a whole entity... clearly they thought adding more songs (which I'm sure are out there, but are tucked away for now) might've detracted from the overall work. From a strictly financial point of view, the common perception is generally more music = better value for your money, but I think Radiohead is just on the cusp of too short. And my mp3 version was only 9 bucks -- and hell, they give you a choice -- try finding that price for any best-selling album at Barnes & Noble. I almost gave this an 8, but I realized that was in comparison to Radiohead's other work. I remembered that Metacritic is comparing this music to the work of all the bands out there -- and Radiohead always have so many expectations heaped upon their work, it's easy to sometimes forget to compare them to everyone else, as opposed to just themselves. TKOL still proves they are among the best artists in any medium. Just like every Beatles album couldn't be Rubber Soul or Sgt. Pepper (in terms of musical innovation and impact) not every Radiohead album will be another OK Computer or Kid A. But this still an awesome, exciting work. A lot of people think the internet is shortening our attention spans, and studies are proving that to be true (I bet half the people who started reading my review didn't finish it ;-). It's the good, consciously designed art out there that makes us slow down, take a breath and dig a little deeper. Radiohead have given us that yet again.    … Expand
  54. flashpapr
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    Anybody complaining about the sound quality must be listening to the mp3s on crummy headphones. Above all else these songs are richly produced, although maybe a little too doused in reverb. Wish there were some catchier moments, but that totally doesn't hurt the feel of the album as a whole. Do agree that the first part feels a little less structured, but totally sets up well for theAnybody complaining about the sound quality must be listening to the mp3s on crummy headphones. Above all else these songs are richly produced, although maybe a little too doused in reverb. Wish there were some catchier moments, but that totally doesn't hurt the feel of the album as a whole. Do agree that the first part feels a little less structured, but totally sets up well for the mellowness of the second half, which is arguably more like the Radiohead we've come to know. I don't know about these songs being better than anything they've done before... but that's not even the point. Very haunting and beautiful and perfectly constructed, even if it's not the best collection of songs they've ever released. Come on, people. It's Radiohead. They CAN do wrong. And when they do, I can guarantee you people won't just eat it up. This is NOT them doing wrong: more like them testing the waters.… Expand
  55. zippychimp
    Feb 19, 2011
    3
    How far can a great band fall? I must have listened to The Bends hundreds of times and OK Computer, thousands. Since those two strokes of brilliance, Radiohead has slowly descended into a melody-free, experimental, electronic haze that not only fails to rock but fails to amuse. I just looked at how many songs I've kept (did not delete) from their last five albums: 6,5,5,4,3,0). Most ofHow far can a great band fall? I must have listened to The Bends hundreds of times and OK Computer, thousands. Since those two strokes of brilliance, Radiohead has slowly descended into a melody-free, experimental, electronic haze that not only fails to rock but fails to amuse. I just looked at how many songs I've kept (did not delete) from their last five albums: 6,5,5,4,3,0). Most of those are tracks I rarely listen to. Well, Thom and company have just notched another zero. This album, like the last few is a lazy, soulless, electronic mess. Buzzes, clicks, digital bass lines and sparse clicks that don't amount to music. If you loved the band I once did, don't listen to this. Save your memories of better times. If you want to hear the mood Radiohead is going for done musically, Listen to PJ Harvey's new album, Let England Shake. I miss you, Radiohead. RIP.… Expand
  56. soxfan81
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    I downloaded "The King of Limbs" trying to speculate as to what era of Radiohead's career it would most resemble. Would it be a return to Kid A? Was Thom Yorke no longer "bored of melody"? Perhaps it would be an innovative mesh of all Radiohead's previous styles! Upon my first few listens, however, I felt generally underwhelmed. Why, this sounded like none of my predictions! How rude ofI downloaded "The King of Limbs" trying to speculate as to what era of Radiohead's career it would most resemble. Would it be a return to Kid A? Was Thom Yorke no longer "bored of melody"? Perhaps it would be an innovative mesh of all Radiohead's previous styles! Upon my first few listens, however, I felt generally underwhelmed. Why, this sounded like none of my predictions! How rude of Thom and the gang to put out something I couldn't immediately contextualize! Despite my initial disappointment, I continued listening as any diligent Radiohead fan would. Upon writing this review, I am on roughly my eighth tour through the album, and (of course) it has improved markedly with each new iteration. Is it because this album's electronic subtleties are more complex than Kid A, its melodic sensibilities, at times, surpass In Rainbows, or that the album forms a more accessible ambience than Amnesiac? Well, yes, but there's more to the story. While all of the above questions are going to invariably be asked, they're all ultimately irrelevant. This is RADIOHEAD, guys. Comparing their newest release to a previous work is exactly the antithesis of what we should be doing for one of the world's most innovative, dynamic bands. The Flying Lotus/glitch-beat influence is evident on songs like "Bloom" and "Feral"; Yorke's unfailing ability to melt one's heart with his OKC-era melodies manifests itself in songs like "Lotus Flower" and "Separator"; the piano balladry reminiscent of "Pyramid Song" and "Videotape" is well-represented on TKOL by songs like "Codex." However, despite all the external context of Radiohead's contemporary influences and their previous work, this album is very much its own, singularly functioning unit. To me, the strength of this album (like all of Radiohead's work) is its ability to create an overall aesthetic whose whole is great than the sum of its parts. Every song, on the surface, is pleasing to the ear and interesting to listen to, but the real magic is the subtle intricacy that each song offers to a diligent listener. The cool bass on "Lotus Flower," the fragile harmonic backdrop to "Separator," and the gradually devolving piano on "Bloom" are all examples of the lower-level intricacies that truly make this album a heady, thought-provoking listening experience that any fan of Radiohead, or music in general, should be able to at least appreciate. Upon writing, I am giving this album a 9, but I can already see myself regretting that low score in a few days' time. This album is a unique, complex, and downright pretty grower. Buy it.… Expand
  57. fish128812
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    At a short run time and only 8 tracks, Radiohead has found itself on the middle of a tightrope. They're coming off the heels of the remarkably successful "In Rainbows," cryptically revealing new material that hearkens back to albums prior, and having fans just in reach of having any new material at all. Does that mean that by reaching the end of the tightrope they'll be able to achieve theAt a short run time and only 8 tracks, Radiohead has found itself on the middle of a tightrope. They're coming off the heels of the remarkably successful "In Rainbows," cryptically revealing new material that hearkens back to albums prior, and having fans just in reach of having any new material at all. Does that mean that by reaching the end of the tightrope they'll be able to achieve the fan base they've created? Absolutely not.

    I seem to recall a similar album that had the challenging job to overcome the hugely successful "OK Computer," and wound up in a place of personal reflection and exploration. It was not an album that achieved notoriety upon release and took a good amount of time to realize the intimacy that was "Kid A." Readers, "The King of Limbs" is in the same vein - more experience than normal listening.

    Like the song titles imply, beginning with the magnificently clouded "Bloom," the album tinkers the idea of growth, as I'm sure the album will likely grow upon the listener. With a first half textured with electronic drum beats and soundscapes that sound oftentimes lonely and lost, Radiohead seems to have aimed in a direction of truly finding oneself within the sounds, that is until reaching "Lotus Flower," which is by far the most accessible song on the album. The groove is representative to efforts on "Hail to the Thief," presenting the last half of the album with a greater sense of being found. I wouldn't necessarily call this a concept album, but if there was any way to discover what it is that Radiohead is driving, they've certainly made me want to spend the time searching.

    Radiohead's latest is one that will most certainly be challenging, considering it has to live up to the remarkably successful "In Rainbows." Yet "The King of Limbs" excels in pursuing intimacy in the vein of "Kid A," another album trying to find its voice amidst the huge success of "OK Computer." I'm certainly "The King of Limbs" will find the limbs it needs to grow and become one of Radiohead's considerably better efforts.    … Expand
  58. moose6969
    Feb 19, 2011
    7
    Definitely a great album, but not one of Radiohead's best albums (refer to OK Computer,, Amnesiac, or even In Rainbows), but this album gives us the much needed fix of a new, quality Radiohead album. My biggest issue is with the length of the album, it almost feels almost like there is going to be a second disc released much like Radiohead did with In Rainbows. That is still to be seen though!
  59. rollingorphan
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Who the F**** is Arcade Fire?!!??!… Expand
  60. willabur
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    This is a really beautiful album. It ebbs and flows with beautiful melodies and intricate counter rhythms. I've listened to the album twice and as a veteran Radiohead fan, it will take me at least 20 more listens to fully grasp this short, but very interested album. I love their use of horns, which I haven't heard so prevalent since Kid A. I guarantee that 8 tracks isn't the end, I'm sureThis is a really beautiful album. It ebbs and flows with beautiful melodies and intricate counter rhythms. I've listened to the album twice and as a veteran Radiohead fan, it will take me at least 20 more listens to fully grasp this short, but very interested album. I love their use of horns, which I haven't heard so prevalent since Kid A. I guarantee that 8 tracks isn't the end, I'm sure we will hear another 6 to 8 tracks to book-end this well crafted album. To all the quick to judge haters...yes, we know The Bends and OK Computer were AMAZING albums, but they are 17 and 14 years old. Bands change and have to evolve their sounds. Just listen, don't judge. This isn't the **** Rolling Stones, they can't just keep kicking out guitar jams for 40+ years.… Expand
  61. Radiomind30
    Feb 19, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let's get one thing out of the way first, this review will be partial. I am a humongous Radiohead fan. They are musical geniuses. No other band has so repeatedly and consistently released so many perfectly nuanced and constructed songs since Beethoven. I want Thom Yorke's bug-eyed children. However, I am a professional. I will do my best to keep things equitable and remain detached. Review: Radiohead - The King of Limbs WWW.GAMESOFDAN.COM

    8.5 out of 10
    -1 for its short length
    7.5 out of 10

    In 2011 a lot of things will happen. California will open the worlds largest solar plant. The united states is set to withdraw from iraq. Also Radiohead will release a new album. That day is today.

    WWW.GAMESOFDAN.COM

    The Follow up to the 2007 award winning postmodern rock inomarata "In Rainbows"; Radioheadâ    … Expand
  62. JayLuv
    Feb 19, 2011
    5
    It's like Radiohead, but with none of the catchy parts.
  63. Schu
    Feb 19, 2011
    2
    Codex and Lotus are average at best, the rest of the album sounds like filler for a solo album. Musically its a side step for a band capable of offering so much more. This album leaves most fans thirsty and hungry for more. Whilst disappointing to have only 8 tracks Radiohead maybe holding a trick up its sleeve (Part 2???), however, as we are learning Radiohead are wanting to be different.Codex and Lotus are average at best, the rest of the album sounds like filler for a solo album. Musically its a side step for a band capable of offering so much more. This album leaves most fans thirsty and hungry for more. Whilst disappointing to have only 8 tracks Radiohead maybe holding a trick up its sleeve (Part 2???), however, as we are learning Radiohead are wanting to be different. Only for die hard fans who'd think the sound of Thom Yorke blowing his nose would class this offering as a masterpiece.… Expand
  64. GoodTaste00
    Feb 19, 2011
    7
    Wish I could have downloaded just, "Little by Little", "lotus flower", and "separator". I figure it paid $3/song. I give the album a 7, cause it's still better than most of the trash that gets released every year. But for a radiohead album, I am highly disappointed. Actually, I'm pissed. First listen, I thought "This blows!" After 5 listens, I like some songs, but its definitely theirWish I could have downloaded just, "Little by Little", "lotus flower", and "separator". I figure it paid $3/song. I give the album a 7, cause it's still better than most of the trash that gets released every year. But for a radiohead album, I am highly disappointed. Actually, I'm pissed. First listen, I thought "This blows!" After 5 listens, I like some songs, but its definitely their worst album. I've been a fan since 'The Bends'. That album, ok computer, and In rainbows are some of my favorite albums of any artist. Love Kid A, and Hail to The Thief as well. Cmon people, this album is nowhere even near the quality of these albums. Go back and listen to any of these and then listen to this new album. Not even close.
    Songs on new album:
    1. Bloom :(( Happy to never listen to it again
    2. Morning Mr Magpie :( A little catchy at first. Gets tedious.
    3. Little By Little :)) okay. this sounds nice. Do I hear a guitar? Love this song.
    4. Feral: :(( Maybe if I was on E, I would like this.
    5. Lotus Flower :)) Love it. Interesting. Lovely vocals
    6. Codex :( I want to like this. Just too slow or boring or repetitious.
    7. Give up the ghost :( Repeat of Codex. Too repetitious. Just boring to me.
    8. Separator :] Like it. Would be better if it started at 2 minutes in.    … Expand
  65. Lethem
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    Radiohead mercilessly melt faces again! Each song- Diamonds of the purest quality. Yorke's blistering falsetto glows- tender like great soul singers of past (Sam Cooke, Redding, Brown). Foremost contributer Colin greenwood, Tares silence with chainsaw bass-lines of delicious groove. Selway creates amazing energy and dissonance, stapling each song with jazz blasts and light concussions thatRadiohead mercilessly melt faces again! Each song- Diamonds of the purest quality. Yorke's blistering falsetto glows- tender like great soul singers of past (Sam Cooke, Redding, Brown). Foremost contributer Colin greenwood, Tares silence with chainsaw bass-lines of delicious groove. Selway creates amazing energy and dissonance, stapling each song with jazz blasts and light concussions that would find themselves right at home on some early Brian Eno ( which brings to heart a strong resemlance to the late talking Head masterpiece "Remain In Light") Radiohead strips away the need to create new found territory and relishes in great works from the past; subtly perfecting a formula of creative brilliance! With a sleak runtime of 38 minutes radiohead taps into the psyche of the modern man - a record built for the morning jog, drive to work, late night **** Radiohead repeats on the mysteriously titled SEPARATOR- "If you think this is over, then your wrong". Should they flood us with another release soon-> This listener wouldn't be surprised. Every previous Radiohead release has yielded vast amounts of wonderful material. Lets cross our fingers! ---Music this good doesn't come 'round very often- Go to bed with your unworthy compliments. Radiohead more than any other have earned the right to be completely devoid of **** Let freedom ring. The King of Limbs yearns for a world rid of toxicity- Save the flowers as this record will have it. 10/10… Expand
  66. dmbtimmyb21
    Feb 20, 2011
    9
    Brilliance never ceases to exist from this band. Anyone who pidgins them into the "irrelevant electronic" genre doesn't listen to their music. They have evolved like no other in terms of studio album growth. Period. I have the highest standards when it comes to tunes, and if for some reason you cannot appreciate Radiohead's genius in the studio, please move on and listen to somethingBrilliance never ceases to exist from this band. Anyone who pidgins them into the "irrelevant electronic" genre doesn't listen to their music. They have evolved like no other in terms of studio album growth. Period. I have the highest standards when it comes to tunes, and if for some reason you cannot appreciate Radiohead's genius in the studio, please move on and listen to something catchier...These artists are the BEST that music has to offer, and so much more. This may not supplant "In Rainbows" in its entirety but those expectations are ridiculously high. I love this band and always will, they give me hope of what music can/should be: Creative.… Expand
  67. retbutler
    Feb 20, 2011
    10
    The King Of Limbs contains moments of real beauty, it just needs to be given the time and space to really sink in. the last four tracks in particular show a band evolving in a very gentle, natural way, and they're some of the finest songs they've ever produced. the first four tracks are more frantic, but no less brilliant, particularly the busy 'morning mr magpie' and ethereal 'bloom'.The King Of Limbs contains moments of real beauty, it just needs to be given the time and space to really sink in. the last four tracks in particular show a band evolving in a very gentle, natural way, and they're some of the finest songs they've ever produced. the first four tracks are more frantic, but no less brilliant, particularly the busy 'morning mr magpie' and ethereal 'bloom'. seriously, if you're unsure, just give it more time. this is a fantastic radiohead album. this is what a new radiohead album sounds like, and if that's what you want, then you'll adore this record.… Expand
  68. Parsh
    Feb 20, 2011
    9
    Remember when Kid A was released? Remember how lots of fans were so miffed because Radiohead actually decided to expand their sound? 10 years later those former haters praise Kid A so highly you'd think they had a hand in its production. The way Kid A was an experiment in a distinguished rock band trying its hand at electronic music, The King of Limbs is an experiment in Dubstep,Remember when Kid A was released? Remember how lots of fans were so miffed because Radiohead actually decided to expand their sound? 10 years later those former haters praise Kid A so highly you'd think they had a hand in its production. The way Kid A was an experiment in a distinguished rock band trying its hand at electronic music, The King of Limbs is an experiment in Dubstep, Ambience, and Trance. Dubstep is on the rise the way electronica was on the rise at the time of Kid A. Radiohead adepts to make art and fresh grooves with each new wave of music. That is what they do; that is why they are still relevant. This IS a subtle album. It's soft, lulling, jazzy. If it bores you it's because you're too addicted to formulaic songwriting. Just because radiohead isn't repeating a previous album or blowing you away with an in your face chorus doesn't mean the album is bad. You need to expand your music palate now or pretend you've always loved it ten years from now.… Expand
  69. Swamptastic
    Feb 20, 2011
    9
    Radiohead's most consistent effort since OK Computer, The King of Limbs manages to sound manic and mature simultaneously. The grooves rush, layers build only to drop suddenly, melodies anticipate each other. But this time the songs and sounds seem to issue from the same place. The King of Limbs confirms our suspicions: experiments begun on Kid A have taken us somewhere worth going.
  70. fuzzmath
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    Like the namesake tree, The King of Limbs slowly reveals its majesty through the twilit fog of layered ambience and funky brambles of rhythmic complexity. This may be their most classically taut collection, less experimental than Kid A and Amnesiac, more layered and subtle than Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows. A deep sense of mystery and even mysticism reigns throughout, a feeling ofLike the namesake tree, The King of Limbs slowly reveals its majesty through the twilit fog of layered ambience and funky brambles of rhythmic complexity. This may be their most classically taut collection, less experimental than Kid A and Amnesiac, more layered and subtle than Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows. A deep sense of mystery and even mysticism reigns throughout, a feeling of ancient things struggling to speak. And although dominated more than ever by electronics, Radiohead's sound here feels remarkably organic, earthy, even pagan. The result is the most sonically cohesive collection of songs since Kid A, reaching out of alienation to a sense of connectedness with the world that is nonetheless disorienting for all its prettiness.… Expand
  71. abernstein
    Feb 20, 2011
    10
    Amazing. I love the return to experimentation and beautiful atmospherics. This album tops In Rainbows for me. A multilayered listen which requires the attention of the listener, it is not as immediately accessible as In Rainbows was. But neither was Kid A, an album which has proven over time to be one of Radiohead's, and modern music's, most beloved. Radiohead have clearly, true to form,Amazing. I love the return to experimentation and beautiful atmospherics. This album tops In Rainbows for me. A multilayered listen which requires the attention of the listener, it is not as immediately accessible as In Rainbows was. But neither was Kid A, an album which has proven over time to be one of Radiohead's, and modern music's, most beloved. Radiohead have clearly, true to form, expanded their influences greatly, with elements of Burial and dubstep in "Feral," further exploration of IDM in most songs, and most strikingly, gorgeous ambient sounds reminiscent of Boards of Canada in album closer "Separator," one of the most beautiful pieces of music of the last few years. This album is Radiohead at their unconventional best; never predictable and ever-changing. Any fan of music must give this a fair listen, and any fan of Radiohead's music will find "The King of Limbs" to be another brilliant foray into new sonic exploration. Highly recommended.… Expand
  72. nw63
    Feb 20, 2011
    10
    Amazing album, Radiohead continue to do what they do best: innovate and pave the way for the rest of the music business. Possibly one of their top three albums
  73. Brycew747
    Feb 20, 2011
    5
    This album may require a few listens to appreciate, but the fact that it may be an acquired taste does not excuse the lack of effort put into this album. It is beautiful at times but it lacks emotion, rhythm, lyrical significance, and is almost completely devoid of any hooks or medley whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, I love alternative rock and I love Kid A and all other Radiohead albums. IThis album may require a few listens to appreciate, but the fact that it may be an acquired taste does not excuse the lack of effort put into this album. It is beautiful at times but it lacks emotion, rhythm, lyrical significance, and is almost completely devoid of any hooks or medley whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, I love alternative rock and I love Kid A and all other Radiohead albums. I also understand that Radiohead isn't a band that focuses on medley, pop, and hooks. However, there is not a song on here that compels me to listen to it more than a few times.
    I think that rabid Radiohead fans will accept any thing that Yorke comes up with no matter what it sounds like. Being weird for the sake of being weird does not make a good album. It sounds like a fat recluse could have created the majority of this album on his PC in his mom's basement.
    Now that every rabid Radiohead fan hates me I will say this...there are good parts to this album and it is by no means a bad or terrible album. It just needs a little more effort and some more guitar.    … Expand
  74. tybaron23
    Feb 21, 2011
    8
    "King of Limbs" was so burdened by all of our expectations and preconcieved, hopeful notions for what it could be that it could not possibly live up. KOL is not a masterpiece in the way albums such as Ok Computer and In Rainbows proved to be. The album is however, after multiple listens, very good. Despite it's shortcomings in the way musical complexity that the band is known for, the"King of Limbs" was so burdened by all of our expectations and preconcieved, hopeful notions for what it could be that it could not possibly live up. KOL is not a masterpiece in the way albums such as Ok Computer and In Rainbows proved to be. The album is however, after multiple listens, very good. Despite it's shortcomings in the way musical complexity that the band is known for, the vocal melodies and overall song writing remain strong. The album feels like a more bleak and far more electronic rendition of In Rainbows. Also,(fingers crossed)the album's beautiful closing track is titled "Separator." Separator of what? A double album? "If you think this is over then you're wrong."-Separator.… Expand
  75. jacobtroutt
    Feb 21, 2011
    10
    Radiohead continues to put forth some of the most interesting, multidimensional music out there. This album might take a few listens - but it's definitely worth every minute.
  76. 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
  77. elvecxz
    Feb 21, 2011
    6
    Radiohead lost themselves somewhere back around OK Computer. What we've had in their last 4 albums or so is a completely different and lesser band. I really enjoyed a lot their work on Kid A, Amnesiac, etc. In Rainbows took some listening to get used to and eventually I enjoyed it as I'm sure will be the case here. The problem for me is that they keep getting better and better at a styleRadiohead lost themselves somewhere back around OK Computer. What we've had in their last 4 albums or so is a completely different and lesser band. I really enjoyed a lot their work on Kid A, Amnesiac, etc. In Rainbows took some listening to get used to and eventually I enjoyed it as I'm sure will be the case here. The problem for me is that they keep getting better and better at a style of music I don't much care for. It's too slow, quiet, navel-gazing and minimal. Do they even still have guitars? I like the album as it is, Little by Little is quite good, Bloom has its fun parts, but overall this isn't what I want from them. I rate this a 6 because they've done this album very well (for the style), but it isn't higher because while it is well put together, it is not what I actually want from them. I want some guts, some oomph, some power. What they continue to give us is anemic and tired.… Expand
  78. Skeptickler
    Feb 21, 2011
    3
    If this were a Thom Yorke project, I'd say it's his most accomplished work to date. As a Radiohead album, however, it ranks just above "Pablo Honey." Flabby, indulgent stuff.
  79. Erbo4200
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    I knew after listening to TKOL for the first time that I had just witnessed a masterpiece. TKOL shows signs of progression as well as a return to Radioheadâ
  80. DSSR
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    A new album, a new sound. "King of Limbs" has your trademark layered and perfected studio sound which leaves a whole lot to discover over repeated listens but gone from 2007's "In Rainbows" are the guitars, some of those familiar song structures, and gone is the built up tension. KOL's floats, with almost dream like soundscapes. Its a new sound but fresh as ever, if this is their newA new album, a new sound. "King of Limbs" has your trademark layered and perfected studio sound which leaves a whole lot to discover over repeated listens but gone from 2007's "In Rainbows" are the guitars, some of those familiar song structures, and gone is the built up tension. KOL's floats, with almost dream like soundscapes. Its a new sound but fresh as ever, if this is their new direction, I love it. They play with drum loops, hookless formats, and heavy bass...its exciting. Repeat listens are needed, RH know this and accept the discovery phase..once it comes to, your rewarded heavily for your time :) Stand outs are Bloom, Lotus Flower, Feral, and the beautiful Codex. Lotus Flower could be up there with their best. The only thing I can complain about is fact that there is only 8 tracks, but I have a feeling that we will see more from these sessions sooner than later. Radiohead never ceases to amaze me! 9/10… Expand
  81. shan4114
    Feb 21, 2011
    10
    The King Of Limbs is a perfect album to follow In Rainbows. While the latter sparked an immediate obsession, TKOL took a little more time and was slightly more refined. Radiohead proves that the moment before the climax can be more beautiful than the climax itself and it takes an incredibly talented group of musicians to achieve something like this.
  82. PanicOffice
    Feb 21, 2011
    5
    I honestly can't believe what I'm hearing here. This album is so strange! How far can you take minimalism before you're listening to empty space. Radiohead are know for bombastic and complicated cerebral climactic music. In Rainbows was toned down, and had quite a few "slow" songs, but they were at least interesting. It wasn't my favorite, but I was willing to accept that this is just aI honestly can't believe what I'm hearing here. This album is so strange! How far can you take minimalism before you're listening to empty space. Radiohead are know for bombastic and complicated cerebral climactic music. In Rainbows was toned down, and had quite a few "slow" songs, but they were at least interesting. It wasn't my favorite, but I was willing to accept that this is just a direction the band wanted to explore. With this album, I fear they've gotten completely lost on their exploration. This feels like a soundtrack to a video montage. What the hell is this album? I'm a DIE HARD fan, as my username would suggest. I've listened to this album over an over looking for the brilliance that I've come to expect. It's not there guys. At least not as far as I'm concerned.… Expand
  83. Maccorf
    Feb 21, 2011
    7
    After giving a few full listens and discussing this album with a number of friends, all huge Radiohead fans, I am willing to say that this is the World Debut of the Second Mediocre Radiohead Album (Pablo Honey being the first, of course). Of course, a seven would be good for another band, but its sub-par for this band, and this album is just that for me. There are a few good songs, but IAfter giving a few full listens and discussing this album with a number of friends, all huge Radiohead fans, I am willing to say that this is the World Debut of the Second Mediocre Radiohead Album (Pablo Honey being the first, of course). Of course, a seven would be good for another band, but its sub-par for this band, and this album is just that for me. There are a few good songs, but I don't get a cohesive flow from their selection and placement, and the short tracklist makes literally half the album consist of B-side grade songs. I almost feel like this is a Disc 2 to a full album, a la the In Rainbows extra disc. Or maybe an extension of The Eraser, the style of which this album bears striking resemblance for me. And just like The Eraser, it has some gems but ultimately comes off as far less dynamic than previous Radiohead releases, and almost lifeless by comparison. Something's missing in these songs; some passion hasn't made it to the recording studio, not like the emotion you hear through the middle of Hail, the beginning of In Rainbows, or any of Ok Computer. Even the sometimes-sanitized feel of Amnesiac makes for brilliant (and some of my favorite) moments of emotional outburst. This just feels stale to me.… Expand
  84. elveteon
    Feb 22, 2011
    9
    Radiohead...as a readiohead is going well...when i look at their past and the way came all along i can't say time and size of their changes,but this change was enough slow to give us a confidence that Radiohead goes well always.Now that they are trying to be kings of limbs like that very old tree,I certainly can say they are success! king of limbs is not awseome,and it can't be a worldRadiohead...as a readiohead is going well...when i look at their past and the way came all along i can't say time and size of their changes,but this change was enough slow to give us a confidence that Radiohead goes well always.Now that they are trying to be kings of limbs like that very old tree,I certainly can say they are success! king of limbs is not awseome,and it can't be a world traveler album and change everything in music world! its a very radioheadly! album and you can understand it with first three beats of the very first of it's song,"Bloom". I like it too much and hope radiohead's fans all over the world be happy of it as much as I am.
    For the end and some recommendation, I recommit "Bloom","Morning Mr.magpie","Lotus Flower" and "Codex".    … Expand
  85. Sha7ab
    Feb 22, 2011
    6
    I'm not actually a Radiohead big fan, but I like them as much as enough to be impressed by a new great album. First of all "The King of Limbs" isn't another OK Computer or In Rainbows (my favorites), but it's obviously Radiohead's. I don't know why but I feel most of the tracks are the same somehow. Something like all tracks of Thom Yorke's The Eraser. They are all rhythmic and mostlyI'm not actually a Radiohead big fan, but I like them as much as enough to be impressed by a new great album. First of all "The King of Limbs" isn't another OK Computer or In Rainbows (my favorites), but it's obviously Radiohead's. I don't know why but I feel most of the tracks are the same somehow. Something like all tracks of Thom Yorke's The Eraser. They are all rhythmic and mostly based on Drum (which I don't like). By the way beside that The King of Limbs couldn't stone me as predecessors albums, but I'm glad that at least there is a new album, which purports me "Radiohead is still alive".… Expand
  86. mthrlwd
    Feb 22, 2011
    9
    everyone's calling it a grower. i don't get it. i've worn out every radiohead record to date - turning back to them and cycling through the catalog when everything else is stale, and even jazz quits hitting the spot. once through 'the king of limbs' and they've done it again. unbelievable. it's very math'y. lots of disconnection and syncopation and calculation. i'm tempted to give it a 10everyone's calling it a grower. i don't get it. i've worn out every radiohead record to date - turning back to them and cycling through the catalog when everything else is stale, and even jazz quits hitting the spot. once through 'the king of limbs' and they've done it again. unbelievable. it's very math'y. lots of disconnection and syncopation and calculation. i'm tempted to give it a 10 right now, but need to give it a week or so to see how it lasts. certainly don't guess it's going to be a burn-out. way too nuanced. *the ability to create mesmerizingly engaging music that's challenging, cerebral, melodic when it needs to be, full of the sort of complex texture that only radiohead seems to be able to pull off in the same landscape and make work.*
    what's more impressive for me, personally, is that i have a keen sense of how tormented this band must feel sometimes - how easily they must get frustrated about the state of things in their world while trying to figure out who they are now, how to be, the balancing act of their persona vs. their output. and this record just feels like they put their guts into it - feels totally sincere in its intent - and you can just tell that they're satisfying their own needs to push themselves in their writing and composition. the fact that they manage to produce a very listenable, interesting and at times beautiful record amount to the meat & potatoes of why radiohead may very well be the best band on planet earth. like them, sick of them, bored of them, devil's advocate, cool-dodger, or not. reckon john lennon, hendrix and kirk cobain would all agree.    … Expand
  87. Harvard_Oiler
    Feb 22, 2011
    10
    Understated, controlled, moody, and, of course, brief. But this album really grow on you over time. I liked it on the first listen, but it really began to become special after nearly a week of listening to it. While it is not among my favorite Radiohead albums, I think this is a fine addition to their catalog.
  88. drdantediaz
    Feb 22, 2011
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Disappointing album, to much influence by flying lotus, where´s the rock? if you have to listen "The Kings Of Limbs" several times to like it, it´s not a very good sign to consider a good album. The same sound of the last couples of radiohead´s albums.… Expand
  89. eddy88
    Feb 22, 2011
    9
    I expect like most Radiohead fans I was a bit taken back when I first heard the Album, and even had to double check that I didn't just buy one of Thom's personal projects. It definitely went in a direction I was not expecting it to take, and in parts I think the music is too artificial for my liking. I do think the album is a bit short for only 8 tracks, and it would have been nice to haveI expect like most Radiohead fans I was a bit taken back when I first heard the Album, and even had to double check that I didn't just buy one of Thom's personal projects. It definitely went in a direction I was not expecting it to take, and in parts I think the music is too artificial for my liking. I do think the album is a bit short for only 8 tracks, and it would have been nice to have some faster pace tracks. Alas in typical Radiohead fashion there is always so much more under the surface then is first perceived, and while very similar to The Eraser, it is very much that unique genre where Radiohead rules as king!… Expand
  90. flamed_steak
    Feb 22, 2011
    7
    I tried to listen to this album as though it were a band I had never heard before and I felt a 7 would be a fair score. It's good, but it's not great. It is thick on electronic experimentation and thin on guitar, some may say similar to Kid A and Amnesiac, but it feels more like a follow up to Eraser than anything. In Rainbows was Radiohead at it's best, King of Limbs is the band deep inI tried to listen to this album as though it were a band I had never heard before and I felt a 7 would be a fair score. It's good, but it's not great. It is thick on electronic experimentation and thin on guitar, some may say similar to Kid A and Amnesiac, but it feels more like a follow up to Eraser than anything. In Rainbows was Radiohead at it's best, King of Limbs is the band deep in experimentation, some of it is good, some of it obscure enough to be listenable but not something you 'need' to listen to.… Expand
  91. JohnnyMagic
    Feb 22, 2011
    8
    This is a very solid effort from the greatest band in the world. While it easily pales in comparison to their previous album, In Rainbows, it's a nice detour from their normal stuff. An accurate equivalent to this album would probably be Thom Yorke's solo album, or perhaps their Com Lag EP, both ambient and electronic heavy. The biggest problem with King of Limbs is that it feels like anThis is a very solid effort from the greatest band in the world. While it easily pales in comparison to their previous album, In Rainbows, it's a nice detour from their normal stuff. An accurate equivalent to this album would probably be Thom Yorke's solo album, or perhaps their Com Lag EP, both ambient and electronic heavy. The biggest problem with King of Limbs is that it feels like an incomplete album, which the number of tracks might suggest. There seems to be a real lack of closure in these songs and none of the songs truly point the album in any sort of direction. Even so, there aren't any true duds on this album and despite a real lack of hooks in these songs, there's an odd catchyness to them. Quite possibly their most enigmatic album to date, if you are a fan of their later works, you will definitely enjoy this one.

    Johnny's songs to not miss: Bloom, Morning Mr Magpie (Best song of the album), Lotus Flower, Separator.

    Johnny's song to skip: Feral    … Expand
  92. Bloom
    Feb 23, 2011
    7
    It just feels there is more here but I cannot pinpoint exactly what. More to come? More to discover? This is the heart of Radiohead's craft though; an ability to create music with substance, revealing additional layers with each subsequent listen. I too like many users here could not currently place this RH album above any other (except PH). But I find myself still wanting to play itIt just feels there is more here but I cannot pinpoint exactly what. More to come? More to discover? This is the heart of Radiohead's craft though; an ability to create music with substance, revealing additional layers with each subsequent listen. I too like many users here could not currently place this RH album above any other (except PH). But I find myself still wanting to play it again and i'm looking forward to it changing my current opinion.… Expand
  93. 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
  94. eljeffe612
    Feb 23, 2011
    9
    first of all, ignore any reviews that were written during within the first few days of its release. it is useless, careless, and offensive of you to think you can digest any radiohead album in such a short span of time as they require many, many listens in a variety of moods, times of day, situations, listening devices, etc. having done that myself, and considering myself a pretty devotedfirst of all, ignore any reviews that were written during within the first few days of its release. it is useless, careless, and offensive of you to think you can digest any radiohead album in such a short span of time as they require many, many listens in a variety of moods, times of day, situations, listening devices, etc. having done that myself, and considering myself a pretty devoted radiohead fan, i have come to the conclusion that, while certainly not their best album, it is a beautiful and unique statement from a band that somehow seems to make beautiful and unique albums every time. it's another radiohead album.… Expand
  95. spent
    Feb 23, 2011
    1
    I have every Radiohead album and this is easily the most disappointing. I guess I'm a fan of their earlier stuff because I miss the sound of Pablo Honey, OK Computer and The Bends. Everything after the first three became very unemotional and lifeless to me. I hate wasting money on music I can't even enjoy listening to.
  96. 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.
  97. Jergens
    Feb 25, 2011
    1
    Nausea-inducing trash that people force themselves like just because its radiohead. This is yet another step in the wrong direction for band that was evolving quite well up until the last few albums. I've already seen some people who genuinely hated this album after first listen, but have slowly but surely changed their minds based on critics' overrating of this album.
  98. 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.
  99. 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.........
  100. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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 »