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. RelaxingKyle
    Feb 18, 2011
    9
    It covers familiar ground, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing at all. One of people's major complaints with The King of Limbs is the length, but that's probably my favorite part. By the looks of things, I'm the only person who thinks this, but albums that are more than 45 minutes generally lose my attention, so this 37 minute album keeps me enthralled.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. Vaille
    Feb 18, 2011
    8
    Thereâ
  5. Joe-Cool
    Feb 22, 2011
    9
    Radiohead's eighth borrows elements from previous catalog - the abstract electronic found in Kid A, the funky beats from Amnesiac, and the beauty from In Rainbows. It's also influenced by Thomâ
  6. mazky
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    I listened to it once. I wasn't convinced.
    I listened to it twice and I got to track 2 "Morning. Mr Magpie" and I played it about 5 times over before I could even change the song and after listening to it over and over, it became clear.
    Radiohead aren't there to please people they're there to challenge you musically, to test you and this is where there genius is: Every time it's amazing,    I listened to it once. I wasn't convinced.
    I listened to it twice and I got to track 2 "Morning. Mr Magpie" and I played it about 5 times over before I could even change the song and after listening to it over and over, it became clear.
    Radiohead aren't there to please people they're there to challenge you musically, to test you
    and this is where there genius is: Every time it's amazing, after OK Computer they bought out KID A and it challenged people, but now its ranked next to OK Computer in greatness.
    The King Of Limbs challenged me, but, in the end it won.

    BRILLIANT ALBUM 9/10    … Expand
  7. 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
  8. bernlin2000
    May 2, 2011
    9
    A quirky album, to be sure, more in the vein of "Amnesiac" than "In Rainbows". This isn't "Eraser 2" as many has tried to compare it to: it has much more warmth and you can hear the group dynamic that was almost completely missing from Yorke's solo effort. I was a bit disappointed with the album's brief length, but there still a lot of good music here, particularly "Lotus Flower" "Codex"A quirky album, to be sure, more in the vein of "Amnesiac" than "In Rainbows". This isn't "Eraser 2" as many has tried to compare it to: it has much more warmth and you can hear the group dynamic that was almost completely missing from Yorke's solo effort. I was a bit disappointed with the album's brief length, but there still a lot of good music here, particularly "Lotus Flower" "Codex" and "Give Up The Ghost" for me. Those looking for another album like In Rainbows will certainly be disappointed, as we see a return to the more distant and electronic sound of "Hail To The Thief" here.… Expand
  9. oboehobo
    Jul 8, 2011
    10
    It took some time to get into this album, but wow, just wow. So much brilliance, so much uniqueness, so much Radiohead. It's experimental, it's strange, it's art. Pick this up immediately and you will not be disappointed.
  10. Falling_Hammer
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    Since user " football !=! " has already said it all I'll just make this short. This is a perfect album coming from a perfect band (in my opinion). I think that Radiohead outdone themselves and the album confirms it. All the songs are brilliantly peaced together, containing brilliant lyrics , and the album itself is just one of the best albums you'll hear in this year (ISince user " football !=! " has already said it all I'll just make this short. This is a perfect album coming from a perfect band (in my opinion). I think that Radiohead outdone themselves and the album confirms it. All the songs are brilliantly peaced together, containing brilliant lyrics , and the album itself is just one of the best albums you'll hear in this year (I hope). To finish this rather short review I say this: "Listen to this album and if you don't like what you're hearing,.... you my son are either deaf, or you've gone completely insane (in a bad way). ;)… Expand
  11. Gracianne
    Mar 5, 2011
    7
    It's definitely solid, but I'm afraid King Of Limbs doesn't have the same wow-factor that In Rainbows, Kid A, OK Computer et al brought with them; it's exactly what we've come to expect from Radiohead and, even worse, where once they pioneered new trends and ideas in the music world they seem to have run out of originality here and are instead pillaging the recent dubstep/glitch trends ofIt's definitely solid, but I'm afraid King Of Limbs doesn't have the same wow-factor that In Rainbows, Kid A, OK Computer et al brought with them; it's exactly what we've come to expect from Radiohead and, even worse, where once they pioneered new trends and ideas in the music world they seem to have run out of originality here and are instead pillaging the recent dubstep/glitch trends of the likes of FlyLo and Jon Hopkins. However, the songs are very good I have to admit, particularly Lotus Flower; Give Up The Ghost and Separator are both standouts too; and while the first half is easily the more 'difficult', it's also the most profoundly growing (Morning Mr Magpie is becoming a clear favourite for me). But my problem is the lack of that one song that really makes me go, Wow, they've done it again, the one that stays with me for years. Fake Plastic Trees, Exit Music, How To Disappear Completely, Pyramid Song, There There, Nude. King Of Limbs has nothing to follow that string of greats, and for that reason it will always seem a lesser album to me, because even though the overall quality of Hail To The Thief and Amnesiac is less they are at least redeemed by the offerings that really rise above the pack. I love Radiohead, but I wish they'd had the courage to do something more original and less (seemingly) intentionally provocative - maybe next time.… Expand
  12. 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.
  13. themoza
    Feb 19, 2011
    8
    Radiohead have done it again, just like with Kid A, they have managed to piss off a a lot of fans and extend their music to a new sound and almost a new genre. Their new album is dominated by Thom's lyrics and Phil's heavy drum beats and varying electronic effects, with almost no dominant guitar. It sounds much more modern, much more bleak than their other music. But, like all ofRadiohead have done it again, just like with Kid A, they have managed to piss off a a lot of fans and extend their music to a new sound and almost a new genre. Their new album is dominated by Thom's lyrics and Phil's heavy drum beats and varying electronic effects, with almost no dominant guitar. It sounds much more modern, much more bleak than their other music. But, like all of Radiohead's music, its incredibly complex and beautiful. Its a completely new style that you'll be hard pressed to classify but its no worse than their other albums, just different.… Expand
  14. mhmusicnmovies
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    Surprisingly accessible upon first listen, The King of Limbs is another masterpiece from English band Radiohead. The last two tracks close out the album beautifully.
  15. Thor
    Feb 21, 2011
    10
    Once again, Radiohead have crafted an album that not only satisfies me, but surpasses my lofty expectations. This is the band that all others should aspire to be. Not in sound, but in creative evolution and consistent greatness. Radhiohead have just released their 7th masterpiece in a row, not only according to fans, not only according to critics, but both. I cannot think of another bandOnce again, Radiohead have crafted an album that not only satisfies me, but surpasses my lofty expectations. This is the band that all others should aspire to be. Not in sound, but in creative evolution and consistent greatness. Radhiohead have just released their 7th masterpiece in a row, not only according to fans, not only according to critics, but both. I cannot think of another band today (or in the past) that has had such consistent greatness. Each album evolves naturally from the last, and breaks new ground. These guys from Abingdon know what they're doing more than any other artist in music today.… Expand
  16. 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.
  17. Zeus
    Feb 20, 2011
    10
    Clearly, Radiohead did not try to make their most accessible album. However, this album is absolutely brilliant! Every song is so well orchestrated and seems as it has been pulled apart and put back together again. Throughout the album, I felt the first four tracks ask, "Radiohead, where have you been? Oh! Well, this is terrifying." Then as the album continues into the last half I feel theClearly, Radiohead did not try to make their most accessible album. However, this album is absolutely brilliant! Every song is so well orchestrated and seems as it has been pulled apart and put back together again. Throughout the album, I felt the first four tracks ask, "Radiohead, where have you been? Oh! Well, this is terrifying." Then as the album continues into the last half I feel the songs say, "It'll be okay. Wake up." I think this is one of those albums where you'll love it or hate it. If ya hate it... hey! give it a second chance.… Expand
  18. egovirus
    Feb 22, 2011
    7
    Neither here nor there. Radiohead treading water at the high plateau of their career? A band would be damned lucky to debut with this LP. As it is, Radiohead have had it carte blanche for so long, they scarcely resemble their origins, but their direction hasn't lead them to an evolutionary dead end either. King of Limbs is a highly competent album, born from very very talented musicians,Neither here nor there. Radiohead treading water at the high plateau of their career? A band would be damned lucky to debut with this LP. As it is, Radiohead have had it carte blanche for so long, they scarcely resemble their origins, but their direction hasn't lead them to an evolutionary dead end either. King of Limbs is a highly competent album, born from very very talented musicians, exploring their own curiosities in a very unindulgent and disciplined way. It feels almost calculated. Music and the world have changed dramatically since the Bends and OK Computer, and Radiohead has kept pace, but lost the initiative. They no longer push innovation, but who does in this nebulous industry anymore anyway? Those who miss those particular records will rejoice in the undying banality of acts like Cold Play. Now that I have sufficiently prefaced my unqualified opinion, I will finish by saying this album is just on the high end of okay, neither great nor terrible, and certainly rewarding a little diligence.… Expand
  19. Amos982
    Feb 21, 2011
    10
    King Of Limbs is definitely a grower, that much is for sure, but if you let TKOL grow on you, you will find Radioheads most detailed and complex album yet. TKOL begins with bloom, the bands best opener since well, ever in my opinion. morning mr magpie is tough to get ahold of but when you do it becomes a captivating listen. Little by little is the closest thing to a rock song and i use theKing Of Limbs is definitely a grower, that much is for sure, but if you let TKOL grow on you, you will find Radioheads most detailed and complex album yet. TKOL begins with bloom, the bands best opener since well, ever in my opinion. morning mr magpie is tough to get ahold of but when you do it becomes a captivating listen. Little by little is the closest thing to a rock song and i use the term loosely. Little by little is a great song that demands you to move your body. It is followed by their best all electronic song since idioteque, in feral. Feral clicks and whirrs and the vocal effects are completely haunting. Lotus flower, the first single is one of the bands best songs in recent memory, but Codex is the best. Codex is strikingly gorgeous and surpassed my expectations completely. Give up the ghost and separator close out the album beautifully, giving us another perfect 10 radiohead album. its not for everyone, but if you appreciate Radioheads new direction it is in a class of its own… Expand
  20. NathanR
    Feb 21, 2011
    8
    Many thoughts rushed through my head upon first hearing this album. Track 1 seemed to be a mess. I found myself wondering "what happened to Jonny!?" and "Where's Phil!?" This album is definitely heavy on the electronic drums and sparse on Greenwood's electrifying riffs. I thought I was disappointed at first, but as many others have said, upon subsequent listening, each track has grown onMany thoughts rushed through my head upon first hearing this album. Track 1 seemed to be a mess. I found myself wondering "what happened to Jonny!?" and "Where's Phil!?" This album is definitely heavy on the electronic drums and sparse on Greenwood's electrifying riffs. I thought I was disappointed at first, but as many others have said, upon subsequent listening, each track has grown on me. I "get it" now. I didn't wait 3 years for Radiohead to release another "OK Computer" or "Kid A." I waited 3 years for Radiohead to release something DIFFERENT, something CHALLENGING. Something that is going to keep me coming back for more. Like a birthday gift that you have to unwrap one square inch at a time, your appreciation has grown beyond your expectations when you finally "open it up."
    Get it?
    This is not Radiohead's best album. But Radiohead are on a musical plateau so far removed from everything else that it doesn't matter. An '8' for Radiohead is an '800' for any other band. Hopefully that provides some perspective.
    Give it a listen, then listen again. You'll be glad you did.    … Expand
  21. pkindieboy
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    Radiohead's 8th album leaves me very satisfied. I'm glad they're trading in conventional guitar hooks, breaking off and making nebulous, groove-laden, eerie music. When I first heard the album, I liked it a lot, and thought "it sounds so cohesive as to be one long song". But I knew the songs would differentiate themselves in time, and after a few listens, the personality of each songRadiohead's 8th album leaves me very satisfied. I'm glad they're trading in conventional guitar hooks, breaking off and making nebulous, groove-laden, eerie music. When I first heard the album, I liked it a lot, and thought "it sounds so cohesive as to be one long song". But I knew the songs would differentiate themselves in time, and after a few listens, the personality of each song revealed itself. This album makes In Rainbows sound like a collection of songs, and a very good collection at that. But this is an artistic statement in the sense that it flows perfectly from beginning to end. Awesome.… Expand
  22. 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 !!!
  23. 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
  24. sadrans
    Feb 25, 2011
    8
    I actually believe this is a complete album, despite the rumors that there's a 'part 2' on the way. Yes, it's short, but it feels complete to me. The first half of the album is dense and complicated, and then it breaks free into a second half that is beautiful and liberating. "Separator" is, in my opinion, the most emotionally satisfying closer Radiohead have pulled off since "The Tourist"I actually believe this is a complete album, despite the rumors that there's a 'part 2' on the way. Yes, it's short, but it feels complete to me. The first half of the album is dense and complicated, and then it breaks free into a second half that is beautiful and liberating. "Separator" is, in my opinion, the most emotionally satisfying closer Radiohead have pulled off since "The Tourist" from OK Computer.… Expand
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. QTIP1283
    Feb 26, 2011
    8
    So it is not as good as In Rainbows. This much is true. However, it is one really good Radiohead album once again. The second half of the album is brilliant. My favorite and standout is "Codex" where a simple piano distortion and Yorke's vocals hit a desolate melancholy. "No one gets hurt/No one around" Great stuff. The album is short,yet it is an album that you can throw on withoutSo it is not as good as In Rainbows. This much is true. However, it is one really good Radiohead album once again. The second half of the album is brilliant. My favorite and standout is "Codex" where a simple piano distortion and Yorke's vocals hit a desolate melancholy. "No one gets hurt/No one around" Great stuff. The album is short,yet it is an album that you can throw on without investing too much (at like 38 min) No earth shattering stuff here but a very solid effort. If you got 8 really good songs why not just cut the crap and make that an album?… Expand
  29. 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
  30. Vampire25
    Jun 1, 2011
    7
    The King Of Limbs was a bit disappointing the first listen. But I gradually picked up on it a few listens later. I'm not saying this album is a masterpiece like most other Radiohead albums, because it Isn't, but it is nevertheless a good album. It has a few really great tracks and a few not so great. The opener "Bloom" is a not so great song but songs like "Lotus Flower" is a RadioheadThe King Of Limbs was a bit disappointing the first listen. But I gradually picked up on it a few listens later. I'm not saying this album is a masterpiece like most other Radiohead albums, because it Isn't, but it is nevertheless a good album. It has a few really great tracks and a few not so great. The opener "Bloom" is a not so great song but songs like "Lotus Flower" is a Radiohead masterpiece. It's an album you'll either love it or hate it. I personally think Radiohead could've done so much better. It's still a good album though. B… Expand
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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 »