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. 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
  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. 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.… Collapse
  4. 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
  5. Skeezie
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    Haunting. Beautiful. Psychedelic. Organic. Soulful. Simple. Intense. Heartbreaking. Triumphant. Wonderful. Fresh. Exotic. Familiar. Focused. Poignant. Thrilling. Fantastic.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Raininbows
    Feb 19, 2011
    9
    Couldn't have at all predicted how this was going to sound, but it sounds beautiful. Strangely organic and electronic. The level of music tech brilliance that's been put into this record is astounding. On a badass pair of speakers it sounds blissful. I've listened to it only a handful of times, but by the second listen through I always already in love. The first song sets the mood for aCouldn't have at all predicted how this was going to sound, but it sounds beautiful. Strangely organic and electronic. The level of music tech brilliance that's been put into this record is astounding. On a badass pair of speakers it sounds blissful. I've listened to it only a handful of times, but by the second listen through I always already in love. The first song sets the mood for a beautiful trip of an album. The last four tracks are pretty amazing, at the moment I can't choose between Codex and Give up the Ghost as my favourite. They never fail to surprise me. If I'm honest I can't see me loving this record (or any other record) as much as In Rainbows, but this is still a great work. Hopefully the fact that this record is so short will mean that another release might not be far off. Could this be a Kid A- Amnesiac type affair? I hope so. When I heard it was only 8 tracks I was a bit disappointed. Nevertheless, it's a very good album. Colin Greenwood seems to be one of the standout features of the album, which is something that hasn't been the case in any of the other albums :L… Expand
  9. 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
  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. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. mekaindy
    Feb 18, 2011
    2
    Upon listening to the album in its entirety 6-7 times now, i can place my hand on my heart and say that this album is now worse than Pablo Honey. Too short, too one dimensional and tedious. Its fine to have this sound for a couple of tracks but 8 tracks, too much. I lost interest in the album by the time it ended. I feel ripped off with this album. Just hoping there's a Part 2.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Vaille
    Feb 18, 2011
    8
    Thereâ
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. speedybill47
    Feb 18, 2011
    9
    Basic Short sentence summary: 3rd best album behind ok computer and the bends. Best album to wander to around a city park, forest, in seclusion, mind, etc. It feels nearly a shame not to give this album a perfect score. The only nagging point being a strange almost lack of structure of the first half of the album. But to everyone out there who has seen a mixed or negative review of thisBasic Short sentence summary: 3rd best album behind ok computer and the bends. Best album to wander to around a city park, forest, in seclusion, mind, etc. It feels nearly a shame not to give this album a perfect score. The only nagging point being a strange almost lack of structure of the first half of the album. But to everyone out there who has seen a mixed or negative review of this album is incorrect. Every song is both a look back at one of the past 4 albums (and Thom Yorke's solo work to include) and at the same time a whole new original piece of Art from the greatest band of all time. Yorke, O'Brien, Selway, and the greenwood's release a great use of all their talents and skills to combine into the shortest, but maybe the best "modern" (Post Ok computer work) Album.
    I believe the best songs would have to be the 2nd half of the Album. Especially Lotus F Lower and Give up the ghost, I cant decide your opinion for you, but its worth listening to the whole thing over and over and over until your heart stops beating. But by then, These geniuses would have released in a lifetime more of masterpieces.    … Expand
  24. mroche
    Feb 18, 2011
    7
    It sounds like a DJ remix of the real album, but where is the real album? Radiohead's weakest album, but I'm still giving it a 7 while I wait to see if this really is the real thing.
  25. football101
    Feb 18, 2011
    10
    Radiohead, under the gun of expectation, have not disappointed with their eighth studio album "The King of Limbs." The title itself is provocative of something large, and even the album cover hints as well. The King of Limbs is very drum heavy, which is somewhat of a step away from their usual routine, but still manages to resonate the true Radiohead frequencies. One thing that sticks outRadiohead, under the gun of expectation, have not disappointed with their eighth studio album "The King of Limbs." The title itself is provocative of something large, and even the album cover hints as well. The King of Limbs is very drum heavy, which is somewhat of a step away from their usual routine, but still manages to resonate the true Radiohead frequencies. One thing that sticks out is the evident direction with which Radiohead seems to be tending. This album leans toward a modern classical direction. This may be due to leader Thom Yorke's infatuation with dubstep and certain electronic music. On the other hand, the band still keeps its grounding, with Johnny Greenwood's haunting keyboards, and Colin's bass driving the beats of Phil Selway's lathered drum section. The King of Limbs is very beat heavy, with Thom using his voice to complement the aura surrounding the left and right that make up the production of Nigel Godrich. There is a different Radiohead in every one of the eight songs on The King of Limbs, with the majority of the tunes relating back to the second set of songs on In Rainbows. Lotus Flower, which has a brilliant video concurrently released today, is the awe-inspiring track to The King of Limbs. It contains hints of dubstep, but also plays fairly close to Idioteque. Thom Yorke's vocals on this album as a whole reach high and low, as expected from Radiohead nearly twenty years now. One prolific aspect of this album is the ability Yorke encompasses during his "sliding" of vocals. Yorke, now in his forties, still has the power he had back in 2000's Kid A, and continues to create new avenues to hone and elaborate his use of vocals. Radiohead never ceases to disappoint, and certainly do not do so here. The album is just under forty minutes in length, which is a true disappointment, but I hope the "Newspaper" edition that comes out will contain bonus songs or something of the sort. Radiohead's eighth album The King of Limbs is a knocker with power, force, and a soul to reckon with, the only inhibition the album may experience is its length-challenged state. But this may also be a strength. It may cause a desire for more! Keep the people guessing. They have been keeping the public guessing since way back in September, why stop now? I would also like to strike a chord with the lyric substance in the album. The album contains parts, in its minute state, with little lyrical substance, which, in my opinion, can be disappointing. I will say it now that, the length and lyrical shortcomings may cause a negative stir among the Radiohead fan base. But if you ask me, this album is In Rainbow's antagonist. It takes In Rainbows, and flips it on its side. A new world of music, but keeps the Radiohead vibrations resonating. This album is brilliant. It is no surprise nor expectation fulfilled. It is Radiohead without being typical or predictable.… 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 »