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. connordillon
    Jul 27, 2011
    9
    I'm not sure what exactly the title of the album means but i'm incredibly pleased with it musically i love all of radioheads work as a band and this album seems like the perfect next step from the band after in rainbows the songs are interesting beautiful and easy to dance to although im wondering which song will be likely to become a hit seeing as how none of the songs are ballad like iI'm not sure what exactly the title of the album means but i'm incredibly pleased with it musically i love all of radioheads work as a band and this album seems like the perfect next step from the band after in rainbows the songs are interesting beautiful and easy to dance to although im wondering which song will be likely to become a hit seeing as how none of the songs are ballad like i like the experimental quality of the first song bloom it has a strange rhythm but the song is expertly executed good morning mr magpie has an infectious beat that has me dancing i dont like little by little but i havent really taken the time to listen to it it sounds like oasis or something feral is fantastic its another groovey track that makes me want to mimic thom yorkes dancing lotus flower is beautiful codex reminds me of a song that could have been on in rainbows and it also has a beautiful piano tune its a bit of a ballad give up the ghost is interesting and reminds me of kid a maybe? i love the last song separator. i saw them on TV preforming they look different thom looks like he hasn't had a haircut in a while although that doesn't matter the album is great and im going off to listen to it now.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. Lacohfilho
    Jan 28, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's hardly an album like they used to consider it perfect. But it's still brilliant to hear that Thom and his unpredictable band, can do with music.… Expand
  4. charlesobrien
    Sep 8, 2012
    9
    An exceptional album, The King of Limbs strives to keep up with the changing times, allowing technology to lead Radiohead away from the safe sound which they have established over the years. This bold move allowed the creation of a fantastic album, whilst still retaining some original sound.
  5. tino_bandito
    Jan 23, 2017
    9
    Quite the surprise of an album and typical of Radiohead to not have much of a lead up to the announcement and drop it on their website, this did not disappoint. I seriously don't think this I could rate a Radiohead album less than 8 and I sure hope they never change.
  6. TomekDarda
    Mar 18, 2018
    9
    It's tight, it's melodic (mostly in the second half), it's experimental (mostly first half), it's my favourite length for an album (between 35 to 40 mins). And it's got a theme - to me it portrays the ways of the universe - both on the grand cosmic and human internal scale. Birth, life, death. Nature, atoms, us. And again. And again. Again.

    Bloom is glorious making you think about the    It's tight, it's melodic (mostly in the second half), it's experimental (mostly first half), it's my favourite length for an album (between 35 to 40 mins). And it's got a theme - to me it portrays the ways of the universe - both on the grand cosmic and human internal scale. Birth, life, death. Nature, atoms, us. And again. And again. Again.

    Bloom is glorious making you think about the universe's construction, Give Up the Ghost is very pretty and haunting bonfire singalong, Codex is emotional piano ballad, Separator is crispy and groovy melodic track, tracks 2-4 are very drummy and tribal, Lotus Flower is great standalone single. I keep coming to this album maybe even the most of all the Radiohead propositions.

    Top picks: Bloom, Give Up The Ghost, Lotus Flower, Codex, Separator.

    So so: Feral    … Expand
  7. Alinzpark
    Jun 7, 2019
    9
    The King of Limbs is Radiohead's most difficult album since Amnesiac. While it is very possible most listeners will be turned away on first listens by the busy and rhythmic electronic rock this album offers, it is guarantee to reward those who stick with some slow-blooming melodies that probably won't materialize on first listen. arguably, tKOL's greatest weakness and strength lies in itsThe King of Limbs is Radiohead's most difficult album since Amnesiac. While it is very possible most listeners will be turned away on first listens by the busy and rhythmic electronic rock this album offers, it is guarantee to reward those who stick with some slow-blooming melodies that probably won't materialize on first listen. arguably, tKOL's greatest weakness and strength lies in its brief length; with only 8 songs and running under 40 minutes, it sometimes feels more like an EP than a full length album. At the same time, it leaves little room for faltering. While it contains the relatively substanceless "Feral", the latter half of the album has one of the best songs progressions from the jazz-tinged "Lotus Flower" to the incredible closer "Separator". Even the opening track, "Bloom" which at first sounds like a cacophonous mess, starts to become otherworldly upon later listens.
    Honestly, Bloom perfectly represents the whole album: messy and difficult on first listens, but masterful if you give it a chance.    … Expand
  8. xdshibe
    Apr 1, 2020
    9
    It's definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but those who are into Radiohead or into this kind of music will love it, especially the last 4 tracks. This album also has a live version that HAS to be listened to by everyone who liked the original King of Limbs. Tracks sound even better on the In the basement version and kinda help you appreciate the album versions more.
  9. Vaille
    Feb 18, 2011
    8
    Thereâ
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. Glowguy
    Feb 23, 2011
    8
    Probably the bands most elusive record to date. I was not disappointed and find myself strangely drawn to it. I've listened to it more times in the first few days then any other Radiohead album. I found it most similar to Amnesiac, but it really is quite different than anything else they've released. To me the vocals were most interesting and immediately stood out, and Thom dominatesProbably the bands most elusive record to date. I was not disappointed and find myself strangely drawn to it. I've listened to it more times in the first few days then any other Radiohead album. I found it most similar to Amnesiac, but it really is quite different than anything else they've released. To me the vocals were most interesting and immediately stood out, and Thom dominates on many of the tracks. I can see why people are comparing it to his solo work in that sense, but this album is much better than Eraser.

    The music and vocals are densely layered and the album feels more like a single soundscape rather than a collection of songs. It meanders along, draws you in slowly, and keeps you coming back for more. There is really a lot here to digest and some songs sounded completely different to me after repeated listens. On that note, it's difficult to pick standout tracks. I think I like Morning Mr. Magpie and Give Up the Ghost best, but that could easily change in the next few days.    … Expand
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. holden
    Feb 19, 2011
    8
    At the moment this is the third review I have written for this album and I can now say that it is definitely not a bad album and eventually grows on you. While there is no doubt that it is not one of Radiohead's best albums it is still a good listen. The main disappointment with this album is how short it is. Only 37 minutes and 8 songs for $14 (I bought WAV version; $9 for lowerAt the moment this is the third review I have written for this album and I can now say that it is definitely not a bad album and eventually grows on you. While there is no doubt that it is not one of Radiohead's best albums it is still a good listen. The main disappointment with this album is how short it is. Only 37 minutes and 8 songs for $14 (I bought WAV version; $9 for lower quality MP3) is borderline $2 a song which is just way too much. I definitely feel like I have been ripped off a little by this album. I recommend getting the $9 MP3 version because I have tested the two versions and found that the audio quality is almost exactly the same, so save yourself the $5 (if you're considering buying the album). So this is my final verdict on The King of Limbs; a good album that doesn't necessarily live up to the Radiohead standard. Who knows, maybe they'll do what they did with Kid A (another short Radiohead album) and release a 19 song album (deluxe version of Amnesiac not including live performances) before the end of next year.… Expand
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. gruenjr
    Feb 20, 2011
    8
    This album wasn't made for hits. It was created to evoke a mood, crafted quite successfully. A perfect fit for the end of what has seemed to be a long cold winter in Middle America. After about four to five plays through this album, I don't think there's a song on it as good as "15 Step," "Bodysnatchers,"Weird Fishes," or "All I Need." But I don't think that was their goal. RadioheadThis album wasn't made for hits. It was created to evoke a mood, crafted quite successfully. A perfect fit for the end of what has seemed to be a long cold winter in Middle America. After about four to five plays through this album, I don't think there's a song on it as good as "15 Step," "Bodysnatchers,"Weird Fishes," or "All I Need." But I don't think that was their goal. Radiohead had something in mind for this record, and I would guess they did exactly what they set out to do. Do you really think, at this stage in their evolution, Radiohead really needs to make a hit record?… Expand
  24. Web
    Feb 20, 2011
    8
    It's a quality album, but a difficult album to place. In the context of evolution, I don't see it being very far beyond prior albums in a vertical sense, and not so different from prior albums in a horizontal sense. It lacks the emotional range of "In Rainbows," which was a more complete, more diverse album to my ear. "The King of Limbs" is rather an exploration and a refinement of aIt's a quality album, but a difficult album to place. In the context of evolution, I don't see it being very far beyond prior albums in a vertical sense, and not so different from prior albums in a horizontal sense. It lacks the emotional range of "In Rainbows," which was a more complete, more diverse album to my ear. "The King of Limbs" is rather an exploration and a refinement of a particular sound: intricate, cut and paste rhythms that mix acoustic and electronic percussion, layers of single note krautrock guitar lines, altered keyboards, crafty string and horn arrangements, bass lines that drift from the tonic note to give a song more motion, all crowned with Yorke's reverb soaked abstractions. It's an inimitable sound, and they seem to use the short space of this album to hone it the best they possibly can. But the majority of it's successes in the evolutionary sense are hidden from the casual listener, who cannot distinguish the subtleties as well as avid Radiohead listeners. Other critics have commented that the band has retreated back into its shell after the success of 'In Rainbows.' There is some truth to that sentiment. It's more introverted, less concerned with connecting us all or showing us something incredible; less triumphant in a word. At the same time, it's more intimate than most reviewers have given it the chance to be. They aren't turning giving us the cold shoulder. Check out the video to 'Lotus Flower.' That's a man bearing himself. Musically, the songs are well-composed, with all of the usual Radiohead trimmings and subtleties, perhaps more subtlety than any other album. Something that cannot be said enough about this band is that they are all fine musicians and that they never become content with being fine musicians only. They strive more than any other band, and it takes a very concentrated listen to glean everything they are offering. To touch on the lyrics, I'd say there is at least something to be desired, particularly after the excellent lyrics of "In Rainbows." I agree with most of the reviews I've read that the latter half of the album is stronger, and that 'Codex' is the finest song on the album, adding that it's, in my opinion, the most controlled song of their catalogue. 'Give Up The Ghost' is a gem as well, one that I predict many people will enjoy more as they hear it more. My main criticism of the album is that it's simply not enough given the four-year gap. I'm privy to the rumor that this may not be the entirety of what's to be released this year, and I can only say that it will elevate my feelings toward this album if I know it's not the complete product. How hard it is to meet expectations when you are the greatest band around I can only imagine, but this album is in no way a failure, if not a mind-blowing success.… Expand
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. REMslave
    Mar 3, 2011
    8
    Any one who gives this below a 3 is simply doing so because they hate the idea of radiohead, and anyone giving it above a 8 or 9 or so is doing it because they love the idea of radiohead. a solid, short, sweet radiohead gem. on the scale of all albums ever released, yeah it's no star, but "lotus flower", "seperator", and "little by little" are just genuinly good songs. they are groovy,Any one who gives this below a 3 is simply doing so because they hate the idea of radiohead, and anyone giving it above a 8 or 9 or so is doing it because they love the idea of radiohead. a solid, short, sweet radiohead gem. on the scale of all albums ever released, yeah it's no star, but "lotus flower", "seperator", and "little by little" are just genuinly good songs. they are groovy, among radioheads more melodic works, and have that otherworldness you come to expect from radiohead. toss aside your previous biases about radiohead (and we ALL have them, whether good or bad) and just listen. it's a pleasurable piece of work =)… Expand
  29. GroundedInSound
    Mar 14, 2011
    8
    Radiohead are putting out music on their terms these days. 8 songs and 37 minutes is a bit short, but each song's content makes up for it. Its pretty hard to find any band willing to take so many genre shifting leaps within an album and do them all at a high level. Nothing is new or groundbreakingly amazing, but it all soothes my palate for solid music worth listening to. Song-by-songRadiohead are putting out music on their terms these days. 8 songs and 37 minutes is a bit short, but each song's content makes up for it. Its pretty hard to find any band willing to take so many genre shifting leaps within an album and do them all at a high level. Nothing is new or groundbreakingly amazing, but it all soothes my palate for solid music worth listening to. Song-by-song breakdown @ http://groundedinsound.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/radiohead-the-king-of-limbs-early-review/… Expand
  30. Telex73
    Mar 22, 2011
    8
    I have found over the years that the best approach to any new Radiohead album is to preclude any expectations whatsoever from your thoughts when donning the headphones for that first listen. I stuck with that approach for "The King of Limbs". For those who have rated this album as less than 7, all I can assume is that your sound system is lacking or that you need better headphones. PartI have found over the years that the best approach to any new Radiohead album is to preclude any expectations whatsoever from your thoughts when donning the headphones for that first listen. I stuck with that approach for "The King of Limbs". For those who have rated this album as less than 7, all I can assume is that your sound system is lacking or that you need better headphones. Part of the appeal of the music created by this genius band is that they send you sauntering around acoustic vistas which they have seamlessly painted, which are spotted by the occasional bizarre and beautiful creature. Layers of juxtapose, incongruous sounds melt into clouds of melody, lifting one higher into sonic bliss, assisted by intelligent yet sensuous beats. The only thing keeping this album from being a 9 or 10 in my mind is a certain lack of sheer emotion tasted in other Radiohead albums. Or maybe I just haven't listened enough yet. Either way, I'm completely satisfied with this album and am anxiously awaiting my 10" vinyl. :)… Expand
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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]
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