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. Intonarumori
    May 23, 2014
    7
    After giving the album a good number of listens I am still not really convinced. It is enjoyable, sometimes. It is beautiful, sometimes. It does a lot of things very well. Everything sounds clear and lush, the singing by Yorke is fantastic whichever way you would look at it and the album feels like an album. But there remains something missing. In all Radiohead's previous ventures intoAfter giving the album a good number of listens I am still not really convinced. It is enjoyable, sometimes. It is beautiful, sometimes. It does a lot of things very well. Everything sounds clear and lush, the singing by Yorke is fantastic whichever way you would look at it and the album feels like an album. But there remains something missing. In all Radiohead's previous ventures into minimalism they remained a rock band. They looked for the dynamics, for the pathos, for the pop. This is no longer there, which results in a number of songs that simply plod along doing not much at all. It is rather boring when not much is happening and it is not expected of Radiohead. Now, is this bad? Is this a reason to give a lower mark? I think so.… Expand
  2. RadioheadLuv17
    Jul 24, 2014
    10
    The best electronica album ever!!! 10/10, and I wish I could give it 11 to make up for the lukewarm reviews it's got. The sounds and melodies are rivaled only by that of Kid A, and where Kid A failed this one succeeds. One of my top 4 Radiohead albums. Here's my track by track (Note: My scores are in context to the album- a 4 on here might be a 5 on a different LP- so my 10/10 isThe best electronica album ever!!! 10/10, and I wish I could give it 11 to make up for the lukewarm reviews it's got. The sounds and melodies are rivaled only by that of Kid A, and where Kid A failed this one succeeds. One of my top 4 Radiohead albums. Here's my track by track (Note: My scores are in context to the album- a 4 on here might be a 5 on a different LP- so my 10/10 is justified).
    Bloom 4.5/5
    A great opener! Like Enya meets Aphex Twin. It really captures the organic vs. electronic mood of the album, and makes you wonder why anybody would dismiss this as "lifeless ear candy".
    Morning Mr. Magpie 3.5/5
    It's a little less sonically interesting than Bloom, and meanders a little, but it's a great transitional track with a great melody line. The foreign undertones of this album are quite visible here.
    Little by Little 4/5
    A catchy/sinister return to the customs of previous Radiohead, though not the highlight of the album for me. I love the winding melody line of the chorus, and it proves that their songwriting is still up to snuff.
    Feral 4/5
    Sure it's an instrumental, but it's a darn good instrumental, and it sure doesn't feel like filler. Like chill complex dubstep. It's probably my favorite Radiohead instrumental to date.
    Lotus Flower 5/5
    A great side opener this sparkles with sexy poetry, catchy melodies and a killer beat. One of my top 20 Radiohead songs it's got you dancing just like Feral. You won't be dancing long.
    Codex 5/5
    The fun ends here. A bleak ballad in the spirit of "Videotape", it shows just how varied The King of Limbs really is. It slowly builds and in the end you're wondering "Why is Thom Yorke so sad?"
    Give up the Ghost 4.5/5
    The first acoustic instrument on the album, this is opened with a chugging acoustic guitar melody. It sounds like a campfire tune, and after the wasteland of Codex it's refreshing while quite haunting.
    Separator 4/5
    While at first it seems like a simplistic jumble of un-focused melodies, it soon evolves (in the fashion of Ideoteque) into a round-like chant. It reminds you of Bloom, and represents something of a cycle.
    Supercollider/The Butcher 5/5
    Yes, I'm counting them as one song. Yes I'm counting them at all. Because truthfully they feel like the finish, and they make i 10 songs. I like the album as it is, I just wanted to rate them.    … Expand
  3. Prosmooth
    May 6, 2016
    7
    It's an odd duck of a record. Some of my favorite Radiohead tunes of all time are on this album--but 3 of my least favorites on there too, and they come right in the middle of the album. It feels very disjointed to me--even to this day.
  4. longjetty7
    Mar 8, 2015
    7
    This is certainly not my favorite Radiohead album, but I really do appreciate what they're doing here nonetheless. The music is a lot more subtle and less immediate than on their other albums, but it's still interesting and different. Not quite as memorable as some of their other stuff though.
  5. 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.
  6. AndrewLambert
    Nov 14, 2016
    8
    The 8th Radiohead release is admittedly their least ambitious in over a decade, and therefore faced a certain apathetic reaction upon it's release 2011. King Of Limbs finds Radiohead in a contemplative state, experimenting through the simplicity of looped beats and hook repetition. On reflection, while it may not be the world changing feat that fans have come to expect, TKOL resonates withThe 8th Radiohead release is admittedly their least ambitious in over a decade, and therefore faced a certain apathetic reaction upon it's release 2011. King Of Limbs finds Radiohead in a contemplative state, experimenting through the simplicity of looped beats and hook repetition. On reflection, while it may not be the world changing feat that fans have come to expect, TKOL resonates with the listener deeper after each listen and its provocative, otherworldly glow is a unique aspect in the band's catalogue, a triumph to be celebrated in itself.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. amanjain1397
    Mar 15, 2016
    10
    Magnificent album by the most consistent band ever. It was a wonderful experience listening to this album and I hope that Radiohead would continue making such good albums.
  9. 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
  10. YT_Guyyy
    Feb 12, 2017
    7
    The King of Limbs is a bizarre, spacy album full of drum beats. Just drum beats. A lot of the time there's just nothing but drum beats... and Thom Yorke. The problem with that is you have to get a good beat behind the song if that's your main idea behind the whole album, and, well it doesn't really work here a lot of the time. There's also good bass in many songs. I think that the songThe King of Limbs is a bizarre, spacy album full of drum beats. Just drum beats. A lot of the time there's just nothing but drum beats... and Thom Yorke. The problem with that is you have to get a good beat behind the song if that's your main idea behind the whole album, and, well it doesn't really work here a lot of the time. There's also good bass in many songs. I think that the song Lotus Flower is basically what the whole of this album should've been, in that it had more weird sounds everywhere, and had more of a point. That song alone makes this album a strong 7 instead of a strong 6.… Expand
  11. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    5
    I wouldn't say it's bad, just one of the most questionable releases from a band that is (usually) incredibly consistent. It all just sounds so mind-numbingly repetitive, though. Sure, I can stand with a little, but most of the songs on this snooze-fest love to repeat so much. It's short (thankfully) but it doesn't even do that right, because most of the songs slog by at a dismal pace. ItI wouldn't say it's bad, just one of the most questionable releases from a band that is (usually) incredibly consistent. It all just sounds so mind-numbingly repetitive, though. Sure, I can stand with a little, but most of the songs on this snooze-fest love to repeat so much. It's short (thankfully) but it doesn't even do that right, because most of the songs slog by at a dismal pace. It does have some decent songs though, that keeps the score from out of the red.
    Favourites: Little by Little, Lotus Flower
    Least Favourites: Feral, Give Up the Ghost    … Expand
  12. 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.
  13. vojtamarek
    Sep 18, 2020
    6
    This record is one of the weakest spots of Radiohead’s discography. A big disappointment after the band’s best record, at least in this century, In Rainbows. But it would be foolish to say it’s not good. The King of Limbs is a solid, enjoyable record but also a weak spot in Radiohead’s catalogue.
  14. 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
  15. Eragon20
    Aug 12, 2018
    10
    To me, this is Radiohead's masterpiece. It took me a couple of listens to really understand the depth and complexity of this collection. The King of Limbs is a cycle, from the chaos of birth ("Bloom") to death ("Codex") to rebirth ("Separator"). This may not be the most accessible Radiohead album, but it's the most thematically complex and succinct. The King of Limbs has an intimation ofTo me, this is Radiohead's masterpiece. It took me a couple of listens to really understand the depth and complexity of this collection. The King of Limbs is a cycle, from the chaos of birth ("Bloom") to death ("Codex") to rebirth ("Separator"). This may not be the most accessible Radiohead album, but it's the most thematically complex and succinct. The King of Limbs has an intimation of enlightenment; it's not made to entertain, but to communicate. Brilliant.… Expand
  16. 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
  17. All_ButTrU4
    May 8, 2022
    3
    Their least interesting record to date. It's a disappointing album that sounds more like a collection of demos or something off a radiohead wannabes Ep . Definitely one if my least favorites from them unfortunately.
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. RPF
    Dec 17, 2020
    8
    This album takes time and repeated listens to start to appreciate. Its incredibly complex rhythms and contradicting melodies are breath-taking. This album is sadly overshadowed by its live version ‘The King of Limbs Live from the Basement’, which in my opinion is a far better version of this album. I recommend listening to the live version before coming back to this album. Having saidThis album takes time and repeated listens to start to appreciate. Its incredibly complex rhythms and contradicting melodies are breath-taking. This album is sadly overshadowed by its live version ‘The King of Limbs Live from the Basement’, which in my opinion is a far better version of this album. I recommend listening to the live version before coming back to this album. Having said this, this album is another feather in Radiohead’s illustrious tale. The best song on the album for me has to be ‘Lotus Flower’.… Expand
  21. Gliphy
    Nov 17, 2022
    8
    The first half of this album isn't as good as the second half. Lotus Flower and Codex is such a banger.
  22. Cyzzyx
    May 18, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The King Of Limbs is a very hit or miss project for me, as some of the songs are really good and some songs are pretty bad in my opinion. The top half of this album doesn't do much substantially and overall feels "samey" with the experimental drum beats and repetitive nature. However, the bottom half of this album is actually quite enjoyable, with some of my favorite Radiohead tracks coming from that part of the project. The lyricism has the same sin as Kid A and Amnesiac in my opinion with its ambiguity, but it has some amount of substance to it. I will say that the instrumentation and the thematic statements of the album are pretty consistent, which makes it a cohesive listen. Overall, I get the gist of what they're trying to go for here, but the execution was mediocre for the most part.

    Favorite Tracks: Lotus Flower, Codex, Give Up The Ghost, Separator

    Least Favorite Tracks: Morning Mr Magpie, Little By Little, Feral    … Expand
  23. froggychair
    Oct 16, 2022
    10
    A criminally underrated album for sure! The From the Basement sessions are simply next level
  24. frightopia
    Mar 6, 2023
    6
    I wasn't super impressed by this album when compared to other Radiohead albums. The second half of this album really saves the project.
  25. haloninja32
    Aug 28, 2023
    10
    One of the greatest alternative albums of the 2010s. Radiohead did not dissapoint.
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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 »