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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. haloninja32
    Aug 28, 2023
    10
    One of the greatest alternative albums of the 2010s. Radiohead did not dissapoint.
  2. 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.
  3. froggychair
    Oct 16, 2022
    10
    A criminally underrated album for sure! The From the Basement sessions are simply next level
  4. 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
  5. UggyCaesar
    May 23, 2020
    10
    I feel people are truly sleeping on this album. My guess is as the years go on the majority will finally catch on to it’s genius. Crafted after the image of Talking Heads Remain in the Light Album, Radiohead never let their influences take over their own originality. Bloom, the opening track, is probably a top 10 song created by the legendary group. The beauty of this group is they stayI feel people are truly sleeping on this album. My guess is as the years go on the majority will finally catch on to it’s genius. Crafted after the image of Talking Heads Remain in the Light Album, Radiohead never let their influences take over their own originality. Bloom, the opening track, is probably a top 10 song created by the legendary group. The beauty of this group is they stay true to themselves and never settle. They are always pushing the boundaries of experiment and creativity to it’s boundaries. This one is another classic… Expand
  6. 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.
  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. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. gabrield1234
    Apr 12, 2017
    10
    This album happens to be my favorite Radiohead album to the dismay of many of my friends. I feel like the use of electronic as derogatory term to describe this album is kinda wrong and listening to it makes me feel this way even more. This album is the way radiohead should be. innovative
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. marcmyworks
    May 10, 2016
    7
    At this point Radiohead's sound gets quite a bit redundant as they again mix odd beats, guitars and jam-session lyrics. "The King of Limbs" sounds like a paranoid soundtrack that leaves something to be desired. Die-Hard fans will love it. Download: Lotus Flower, Bloom, Little By Little.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. EmmeKira
    May 16, 2015
    7
    Certainly not the best album they released. It still manages to entertain enough to not classify it as a "bad album", something that Radiohead has never done, but lacks some details that make it a masterpiece.. and not even comparable to even In Rainbows, its predecessor. It feels like there isn't a distinct type of sound that distinguish and characterizes the songs in this new record andCertainly not the best album they released. It still manages to entertain enough to not classify it as a "bad album", something that Radiohead has never done, but lacks some details that make it a masterpiece.. and not even comparable to even In Rainbows, its predecessor. It feels like there isn't a distinct type of sound that distinguish and characterizes the songs in this new record and aside from some tracks (Lotus Flower, Morning Mr.Magpie, Codex) there aren't many memorable tunes that make it stand out. Honestly, despite being still a more than acceptable LP, it's the worst they've put out since their debut Pablo Honey.… Expand
  22. 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.
  23. Maximillian
    Nov 8, 2014
    10
    The thing about OK Computer is that it was made by a guitar heavy band. in a vein akin to the pixes, Nirvana and Muse, to name a few.
    King of Limbs is much closer to the work that Bjork is producing. I mean, I've had it for years now and I just re-bought the CD after the old one kicked it. to me TKOL represents England, both mythologically and politically in some way. It is so alive, it's    The thing about OK Computer is that it was made by a guitar heavy band. in a vein akin to the pixes, Nirvana and Muse, to name a few.
    King of Limbs is much closer to the work that Bjork is producing. I mean, I've had it for years now and I just re-bought the CD after the old one kicked it. to me TKOL represents England, both mythologically and politically in some way. It is so alive, it's the sound of landscapes, both the sedate forest and the city. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this album. it is perhaps slightly over full at times but that's me being super picky, Its layered drum beats and textured sounds that make it so vital to start with. Its a journey I think. for best results listen whilst travelling, walking or otherwise, and make sure you're outside. it mirrors landscapes so brilliantly.    … Expand
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. Forest90
    Sep 29, 2013
    8
    Whilst I can appreciate the direction Radiohead wanted to take with rhythm-led samples and electronics. The first 4 tracks suffer a little from being just a little too quick, not allowing the listener much chance to really settle into the arrangements. Phil Selway's drums and the electronic beats seem a bit too busy. From Lotus Flower onwards at track 5 the pace slows down and the songsWhilst I can appreciate the direction Radiohead wanted to take with rhythm-led samples and electronics. The first 4 tracks suffer a little from being just a little too quick, not allowing the listener much chance to really settle into the arrangements. Phil Selway's drums and the electronic beats seem a bit too busy. From Lotus Flower onwards at track 5 the pace slows down and the songs become more minimalistic, and I enjoyed it more, with more straight melodies. It does improve with multiple listens but it feels, to me, like a disappointment even to this day.… Expand
  27. Geologist
    Apr 29, 2013
    7
    I'll be honest, I liked The King Of Limbs. It's Radiohead's shortest album to date, and is the least accessible. While The King Of Limbs doesn't tune up at all to "In Rainbows" or "Kid A", it's a great record for dedicated fans. The King Of Limbs is more experimental, and more electronic than it's predecessor. While it doesn't live up to all of it's expectations, The King Of Limbs is stillI'll be honest, I liked The King Of Limbs. It's Radiohead's shortest album to date, and is the least accessible. While The King Of Limbs doesn't tune up at all to "In Rainbows" or "Kid A", it's a great record for dedicated fans. The King Of Limbs is more experimental, and more electronic than it's predecessor. While it doesn't live up to all of it's expectations, The King Of Limbs is still deep, beautiful, and sometimes catchy. Radiohead's new direction in their sound isn't mediocre, but isn't very applicable to newer listeners.… Expand
  28. dirtyjeff
    Apr 1, 2013
    7
    I've waited awhile to write this review as Radiohead albums can take awhile to sink in. I have been listening to this album a lot over the last few months and it has really grown on me. It is nowhere near their strongest album but it really does have some interesting songs, they just take awhile to digest. Thom is superb on this, he really is one of the best singers around and I think itI've waited awhile to write this review as Radiohead albums can take awhile to sink in. I have been listening to this album a lot over the last few months and it has really grown on me. It is nowhere near their strongest album but it really does have some interesting songs, they just take awhile to digest. Thom is superb on this, he really is one of the best singers around and I think it is something that is really under rated by non Radiohead fans.

    I find I enjoy this more when listening with headphones.    … Expand
  29. 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
  30. Ghostofsound
    Feb 19, 2013
    10
    Eerie, dark, and mysterious. This album, as a concept, is fantastic. Picture yourself in a forest, full moon seeping through the tree cover with shadows playing tricks in the corner of your eye. They are still using Pixies influenced loud/quiet dynamics as good as ever, adding layers that you can't hear through a poor quality speaker. You definately need to turn up the volume to understandEerie, dark, and mysterious. This album, as a concept, is fantastic. Picture yourself in a forest, full moon seeping through the tree cover with shadows playing tricks in the corner of your eye. They are still using Pixies influenced loud/quiet dynamics as good as ever, adding layers that you can't hear through a poor quality speaker. You definately need to turn up the volume to understand what they are trying to do with the subtle stabs of jolted sounds and echoed feedback, which accounts for a stunning leveled soundscape. Simply amazing.… Expand
prev
Page:

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 »