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. Thor
    Feb 21, 2011
    10
    Once again, Radiohead have crafted an album that not only satisfies me, but surpasses my lofty expectations. This is the band that all others should aspire to be. Not in sound, but in creative evolution and consistent greatness. Radhiohead have just released their 7th masterpiece in a row, not only according to fans, not only according to critics, but both. I cannot think of another bandOnce again, Radiohead have crafted an album that not only satisfies me, but surpasses my lofty expectations. This is the band that all others should aspire to be. Not in sound, but in creative evolution and consistent greatness. Radhiohead have just released their 7th masterpiece in a row, not only according to fans, not only according to critics, but both. I cannot think of another band today (or in the past) that has had such consistent greatness. Each album evolves naturally from the last, and breaks new ground. These guys from Abingdon know what they're doing more than any other artist in music today.… Expand
  2. Soupstorm
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    My first listen; "Wow, that might be their worst album since Pablo Honey. 'Feral' sucks!"
    My eighth listen; "Wow, that might be their best album since Kid A. 'Feral' is my favourite!"

    It's quiet, dark, and mossy, but it will eventually shine a light back on you.
  3. egovirus
    Feb 22, 2011
    7
    Neither here nor there. Radiohead treading water at the high plateau of their career? A band would be damned lucky to debut with this LP. As it is, Radiohead have had it carte blanche for so long, they scarcely resemble their origins, but their direction hasn't lead them to an evolutionary dead end either. King of Limbs is a highly competent album, born from very very talented musicians,Neither here nor there. Radiohead treading water at the high plateau of their career? A band would be damned lucky to debut with this LP. As it is, Radiohead have had it carte blanche for so long, they scarcely resemble their origins, but their direction hasn't lead them to an evolutionary dead end either. King of Limbs is a highly competent album, born from very very talented musicians, exploring their own curiosities in a very unindulgent and disciplined way. It feels almost calculated. Music and the world have changed dramatically since the Bends and OK Computer, and Radiohead has kept pace, but lost the initiative. They no longer push innovation, but who does in this nebulous industry anymore anyway? Those who miss those particular records will rejoice in the undying banality of acts like Cold Play. Now that I have sufficiently prefaced my unqualified opinion, I will finish by saying this album is just on the high end of okay, neither great nor terrible, and certainly rewarding a little diligence.… Expand
  4. BrendanL
    Feb 24, 2011
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A solid effort, which is weird coming from Radiohead. I'm used to being blown away by this band, and this time it didn't happen. At first, I hated this album. The I've listened to it more, gave it a chance and now I just like it. Lotus Flower is a fantastic song, and so is Morning Mr. Magpie. This isn't a rock album by any means of the word, it's an electronica album, and you can have to accept it, and in my opinion that's what keeps it from becoming a great album. It doesn't seem like a complete effort from the whole album. Seems like it should be York's second solo album. They have 3 great guitarists and there's hardly any guitar used in it. The computerized drumming is just repulsive, and so is some of the other electronic effects used on the album. I wishing for something different, but instead I got this; a so-so album from one of the best bands in the last two decades.… Expand
  5. 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
  6. EthanPeter
    Apr 7, 2011
    3
    Radiohead's creative process on this infuriatingly anemic album: 1. Have our fans liked this before? If yes, cut it. 2. Melody has to be either terrible or absent on at least half the album. 3. It should sound like a single, kind of like Airbag, but without any single. Just B-sides. 4. The average number of band members present on any given song should be 1.6, and drummer-boy doesn'tRadiohead's creative process on this infuriatingly anemic album: 1. Have our fans liked this before? If yes, cut it. 2. Melody has to be either terrible or absent on at least half the album. 3. It should sound like a single, kind of like Airbag, but without any single. Just B-sides. 4. The average number of band members present on any given song should be 1.6, and drummer-boy doesn't even need to show up since we're going to digitize it. 5. Speaking of digital, we can put half the songs on repeat after 8 seconds of taps and ticks. 6. Taps and ticks are still awesome, even though we were talking in that language years ago. 7. Whereas 'Kid A' sounded like it was 10 years ahead of its time, this should sound like the filler we deleted from 'Kid A'. 8. Love the "Don't hurt me / Don't haunt me" part. Let's put it on repeat so the song sounds less beautiful sooner. 9. We usually close an album with a killer song. Let's stop that. 10. Oh good call. Let's stop making killer songs altogether. This is audio anorexia!… Expand
  7. 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
  8. crosby87
    Feb 21, 2011
    7
    When you first hear a new Radiohead album, you should expect by now to be thrown for a loop, and this one is no exception. This one hearkens back to the skittish Kid-A/Amnesiac sound, but probably even more closely resembles Thom Yorke's solo album. As with all of the above, this album takes a few listens to digest. But like Amnesiac and The Eraser, the ultimate reward fallsWhen you first hear a new Radiohead album, you should expect by now to be thrown for a loop, and this one is no exception. This one hearkens back to the skittish Kid-A/Amnesiac sound, but probably even more closely resembles Thom Yorke's solo album. As with all of the above, this album takes a few listens to digest. But like Amnesiac and The Eraser, the ultimate reward falls significantly short of Radiohead's best. Many of the songs tend to loop ad nauseum over Yorke's mumbled crooning - namely 'Feral' and 'Give Up The Ghost', while others sound like weaker rewrites of past material - 'Codex', while definitely pretty, feels like another 'Pyramid Song', this time without the wonder and majesty. Considering the album is only 8 tracks long, this tends to leave a slightly empty feeling for fans who have heard everything Radiohead has to offer. But even at that, it's a quality product that fans will not want to avoid, and an enjoyable listen.… Expand
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. flip
    Feb 22, 2011
    7
    This is a very enjoyable album. They take a lot of elements from other bands and genre and create their own quite successfully. I assume the Wire Magazine and its ilk would have a plethora of music that would be better, but it is as it is.
  13. Woodyche
    Feb 20, 2011
    9
    Is this a long intro to something epic? Even if it isn't, the 8 tracks are all pretty sweet. I get the feeling I'm listening to the future of music. Some of it very complicated and unique. I'm particularly fond of "Codex," "Lotus Flower," and "Separator." In ways similar to PJ Harvey's newest release (Let England Shake), I get an eerie feeling listening to Radiohead's latest work thatIs this a long intro to something epic? Even if it isn't, the 8 tracks are all pretty sweet. I get the feeling I'm listening to the future of music. Some of it very complicated and unique. I'm particularly fond of "Codex," "Lotus Flower," and "Separator." In ways similar to PJ Harvey's newest release (Let England Shake), I get an eerie feeling listening to Radiohead's latest work that we could sit around a campfire as the apocalypse unfolds. At the same time, I do not believe this is all they intended to release. There is some mystery/surprise typical of Radiohead. Why do they have 2 10" vinyls being released with the first-ever "newspaper album" in late March? What is on those discs? Only 8 tracks? Perhaps, but I think we have not heard the last from Radiohead on this particular release.… Expand
  14. moose6969
    Feb 19, 2011
    7
    Definitely a great album, but not one of Radiohead's best albums (refer to OK Computer,, Amnesiac, or even In Rainbows), but this album gives us the much needed fix of a new, quality Radiohead album. My biggest issue is with the length of the album, it almost feels almost like there is going to be a second disc released much like Radiohead did with In Rainbows. That is still to be seen though!
  15. 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
  16. GoodTaste00
    Feb 19, 2011
    7
    Wish I could have downloaded just, "Little by Little", "lotus flower", and "separator". I figure it paid $3/song. I give the album a 7, cause it's still better than most of the trash that gets released every year. But for a radiohead album, I am highly disappointed. Actually, I'm pissed. First listen, I thought "This blows!" After 5 listens, I like some songs, but its definitely theirWish I could have downloaded just, "Little by Little", "lotus flower", and "separator". I figure it paid $3/song. I give the album a 7, cause it's still better than most of the trash that gets released every year. But for a radiohead album, I am highly disappointed. Actually, I'm pissed. First listen, I thought "This blows!" After 5 listens, I like some songs, but its definitely their worst album. I've been a fan since 'The Bends'. That album, ok computer, and In rainbows are some of my favorite albums of any artist. Love Kid A, and Hail to The Thief as well. Cmon people, this album is nowhere even near the quality of these albums. Go back and listen to any of these and then listen to this new album. Not even close.
    Songs on new album:
    1. Bloom :(( Happy to never listen to it again
    2. Morning Mr Magpie :( A little catchy at first. Gets tedious.
    3. Little By Little :)) okay. this sounds nice. Do I hear a guitar? Love this song.
    4. Feral: :(( Maybe if I was on E, I would like this.
    5. Lotus Flower :)) Love it. Interesting. Lovely vocals
    6. Codex :( I want to like this. Just too slow or boring or repetitious.
    7. Give up the ghost :( Repeat of Codex. Too repetitious. Just boring to me.
    8. Separator :] Like it. Would be better if it started at 2 minutes in.    … Expand
  17. 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
  18. Parsh
    Feb 20, 2011
    9
    Remember when Kid A was released? Remember how lots of fans were so miffed because Radiohead actually decided to expand their sound? 10 years later those former haters praise Kid A so highly you'd think they had a hand in its production. The way Kid A was an experiment in a distinguished rock band trying its hand at electronic music, The King of Limbs is an experiment in Dubstep,Remember when Kid A was released? Remember how lots of fans were so miffed because Radiohead actually decided to expand their sound? 10 years later those former haters praise Kid A so highly you'd think they had a hand in its production. The way Kid A was an experiment in a distinguished rock band trying its hand at electronic music, The King of Limbs is an experiment in Dubstep, Ambience, and Trance. Dubstep is on the rise the way electronica was on the rise at the time of Kid A. Radiohead adepts to make art and fresh grooves with each new wave of music. That is what they do; that is why they are still relevant. This IS a subtle album. It's soft, lulling, jazzy. If it bores you it's because you're too addicted to formulaic songwriting. Just because radiohead isn't repeating a previous album or blowing you away with an in your face chorus doesn't mean the album is bad. You need to expand your music palate now or pretend you've always loved it ten years from now.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. chowderhead1962
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    Radiohead is hands down my favorite band of all time, and what I love about them is that the music never presents itself right away. It always unfolds over repeat listening and this cd is no exception. Something that can seem non-melodic can at times present little snippets that join together to form a melody and over time that's what takes over in your ears. They are never predictable,Radiohead is hands down my favorite band of all time, and what I love about them is that the music never presents itself right away. It always unfolds over repeat listening and this cd is no exception. Something that can seem non-melodic can at times present little snippets that join together to form a melody and over time that's what takes over in your ears. They are never predictable, and they are always challenging...as great music should be. I don't like this cd as much as OK Computer or In Rainbows, but I still like it better than pretty much anything else I've heard this year. And knowing how this music unfolds it very well may become a favorite 20 listens down the road. Codex is just an amazingly beautiful song, and worth the price of admission alone.… Expand
  21. Erbo4200
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    I knew after listening to TKOL for the first time that I had just witnessed a masterpiece. TKOL shows signs of progression as well as a return to Radioheadâ
  22. DSSR
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    A new album, a new sound. "King of Limbs" has your trademark layered and perfected studio sound which leaves a whole lot to discover over repeated listens but gone from 2007's "In Rainbows" are the guitars, some of those familiar song structures, and gone is the built up tension. KOL's floats, with almost dream like soundscapes. Its a new sound but fresh as ever, if this is their newA new album, a new sound. "King of Limbs" has your trademark layered and perfected studio sound which leaves a whole lot to discover over repeated listens but gone from 2007's "In Rainbows" are the guitars, some of those familiar song structures, and gone is the built up tension. KOL's floats, with almost dream like soundscapes. Its a new sound but fresh as ever, if this is their new direction, I love it. They play with drum loops, hookless formats, and heavy bass...its exciting. Repeat listens are needed, RH know this and accept the discovery phase..once it comes to, your rewarded heavily for your time :) Stand outs are Bloom, Lotus Flower, Feral, and the beautiful Codex. Lotus Flower could be up there with their best. The only thing I can complain about is fact that there is only 8 tracks, but I have a feeling that we will see more from these sessions sooner than later. Radiohead never ceases to amaze me! 9/10… Expand
  23. shan4114
    Feb 21, 2011
    10
    The King Of Limbs is a perfect album to follow In Rainbows. While the latter sparked an immediate obsession, TKOL took a little more time and was slightly more refined. Radiohead proves that the moment before the climax can be more beautiful than the climax itself and it takes an incredibly talented group of musicians to achieve something like this.
  24. elveteon
    Feb 22, 2011
    9
    Radiohead...as a readiohead is going well...when i look at their past and the way came all along i can't say time and size of their changes,but this change was enough slow to give us a confidence that Radiohead goes well always.Now that they are trying to be kings of limbs like that very old tree,I certainly can say they are success! king of limbs is not awseome,and it can't be a worldRadiohead...as a readiohead is going well...when i look at their past and the way came all along i can't say time and size of their changes,but this change was enough slow to give us a confidence that Radiohead goes well always.Now that they are trying to be kings of limbs like that very old tree,I certainly can say they are success! king of limbs is not awseome,and it can't be a world traveler album and change everything in music world! its a very radioheadly! album and you can understand it with first three beats of the very first of it's song,"Bloom". I like it too much and hope radiohead's fans all over the world be happy of it as much as I am.
    For the end and some recommendation, I recommit "Bloom","Morning Mr.magpie","Lotus Flower" and "Codex".    … Expand
  25. Sha7ab
    Feb 22, 2011
    6
    I'm not actually a Radiohead big fan, but I like them as much as enough to be impressed by a new great album. First of all "The King of Limbs" isn't another OK Computer or In Rainbows (my favorites), but it's obviously Radiohead's. I don't know why but I feel most of the tracks are the same somehow. Something like all tracks of Thom Yorke's The Eraser. They are all rhythmic and mostlyI'm not actually a Radiohead big fan, but I like them as much as enough to be impressed by a new great album. First of all "The King of Limbs" isn't another OK Computer or In Rainbows (my favorites), but it's obviously Radiohead's. I don't know why but I feel most of the tracks are the same somehow. Something like all tracks of Thom Yorke's The Eraser. They are all rhythmic and mostly based on Drum (which I don't like). By the way beside that The King of Limbs couldn't stone me as predecessors albums, but I'm glad that at least there is a new album, which purports me "Radiohead is still alive".… Expand
  26. mthrlwd
    Feb 22, 2011
    9
    everyone's calling it a grower. i don't get it. i've worn out every radiohead record to date - turning back to them and cycling through the catalog when everything else is stale, and even jazz quits hitting the spot. once through 'the king of limbs' and they've done it again. unbelievable. it's very math'y. lots of disconnection and syncopation and calculation. i'm tempted to give it a 10everyone's calling it a grower. i don't get it. i've worn out every radiohead record to date - turning back to them and cycling through the catalog when everything else is stale, and even jazz quits hitting the spot. once through 'the king of limbs' and they've done it again. unbelievable. it's very math'y. lots of disconnection and syncopation and calculation. i'm tempted to give it a 10 right now, but need to give it a week or so to see how it lasts. certainly don't guess it's going to be a burn-out. way too nuanced. *the ability to create mesmerizingly engaging music that's challenging, cerebral, melodic when it needs to be, full of the sort of complex texture that only radiohead seems to be able to pull off in the same landscape and make work.*
    what's more impressive for me, personally, is that i have a keen sense of how tormented this band must feel sometimes - how easily they must get frustrated about the state of things in their world while trying to figure out who they are now, how to be, the balancing act of their persona vs. their output. and this record just feels like they put their guts into it - feels totally sincere in its intent - and you can just tell that they're satisfying their own needs to push themselves in their writing and composition. the fact that they manage to produce a very listenable, interesting and at times beautiful record amount to the meat & potatoes of why radiohead may very well be the best band on planet earth. like them, sick of them, bored of them, devil's advocate, cool-dodger, or not. reckon john lennon, hendrix and kirk cobain would all agree.    … Expand
  27. Harvard_Oiler
    Feb 22, 2011
    10
    Understated, controlled, moody, and, of course, brief. But this album really grow on you over time. I liked it on the first listen, but it really began to become special after nearly a week of listening to it. While it is not among my favorite Radiohead albums, I think this is a fine addition to their catalog.
  28. eddy88
    Feb 22, 2011
    9
    I expect like most Radiohead fans I was a bit taken back when I first heard the Album, and even had to double check that I didn't just buy one of Thom's personal projects. It definitely went in a direction I was not expecting it to take, and in parts I think the music is too artificial for my liking. I do think the album is a bit short for only 8 tracks, and it would have been nice to haveI expect like most Radiohead fans I was a bit taken back when I first heard the Album, and even had to double check that I didn't just buy one of Thom's personal projects. It definitely went in a direction I was not expecting it to take, and in parts I think the music is too artificial for my liking. I do think the album is a bit short for only 8 tracks, and it would have been nice to have some faster pace tracks. Alas in typical Radiohead fashion there is always so much more under the surface then is first perceived, and while very similar to The Eraser, it is very much that unique genre where Radiohead rules as king!… Expand
  29. slavek
    Feb 22, 2011
    7
    8 songs, 6 of which are good. Not really any TRULY great tracks, but just 4-5 solid ones. Giving up the ghost is quite bad, 'House of Cards bad', and the last song is wishy-washy by radiohead standards. i think with eight songs, it should be tighter to be considered a 9 or 10/10 as some people have reviewed. i haven't decided yet, but this album seems to be on par with In Rainbows. I still8 songs, 6 of which are good. Not really any TRULY great tracks, but just 4-5 solid ones. Giving up the ghost is quite bad, 'House of Cards bad', and the last song is wishy-washy by radiohead standards. i think with eight songs, it should be tighter to be considered a 9 or 10/10 as some people have reviewed. i haven't decided yet, but this album seems to be on par with In Rainbows. I still consider Ok Computer, Kid A, and Amnesiac their 3 best works. By radiohead standards, this is amongst their weakest efforts, still it is an OK album.… Expand
  30. denimchicken
    Feb 23, 2011
    9
    Perhaps the most percussive album, Phil Selway has his coming out party as one of the most inventive drummers in modern rock. Beginning chaotic and frantic, the album draws on it's more peaceful latter half to really blow you away. Some may ask, "where are the guitars?" but this is no The Bends. We are listening to a more mature and relaxed Radiohead that does not "want to go into thatPerhaps the most percussive album, Phil Selway has his coming out party as one of the most inventive drummers in modern rock. Beginning chaotic and frantic, the album draws on it's more peaceful latter half to really blow you away. Some may ask, "where are the guitars?" but this is no The Bends. We are listening to a more mature and relaxed Radiohead that does not "want to go into that creative hoo-ha of a long-play record again" as Yorke has said. I can see why this record may not pander to some fans but it is definitely beautiful music that should be put on repeat and enjoyed over and over.… 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 »