Reviews (page 10 of 15)
Day 65 - Forgot when this album was generated lmao Supermassive shit hole. 2/5 (Only because I liked Supermassive Black Hole and Knights of Cydonia)
From the moment I saw the douchey cover art of the album, I had a feeling this wasn’t going to be for me. This album reminded me of the Coldplay album with the way it had too much of a clean mainstream feel with its production, mixed with them really trying to capture Radiohead vibes with the music. Album felt like it was going through the motions and never stood out. It’s not a bad album, just not good either.
Emo the Killers. Cool.
I've never really liked Muse, but I will admit this is a great album
Bland in a way that is actively unpleasant
Some hits, but can handle only 2 muse songs at a time
Ah, it’s been a couple of years since I listened to this, so pleasant to encounter it here. Never understood all the Radiohead comparisons but it seems more obvious now, though most of the similarities seem to me in the vocals rather than the music. In any case, this album has plenty of lovable bangers, and I don’t recall finding Take a Bow to be one of my favorites, but now it definitely is.
Surprisingly enjoyed some parts, but samesy. Not a morning listen
I dig Invincible and Starlight but that’s about it. Muse isn’t really my vibe I don’t think. First time hearing them. Still, it’s an ok album. Listenable for the most part.
Tantos años sin escuchar a Muse y esto me devuelve a tiempos mucho más simples. Sonido de oro planeta. 4.5/5
I quite liked Absolution when it came out, but that was the only Muse album that I'd listened to. In hindsight Absolution has the same issue Black Holes and Revelations does - it's fun enough, but at the end of the day (much like Coldplay) it's just Radiohead with more radio-friendly polish and less depth and talent.
This album opens with a huge bombastic blast with arpeggiated synths, huge guitar riffs and crashing drums, like Queen crossed with Phillip Glass. It calms down a little after that with Starlight sounding a bit like Coldplay, although Supermassive Black Hole returns to the big 70s glam rock feel. The standout for me is Knights of Cydonia which adds galloping horses and Dick Dale style surf guitar to the mix. Excellent fun all round. Sagittarius A*-tastic!
I've discovered Muse with their first two records as a teenager, and these partly opened me to new things -- it was the most "indie", non-metal thing I listened to at this time. When this album was released I already lost interest in Muse, they lost their indie/fragile side and became a hit machine. It was nonetheless the last album from them I really listened to. And years after, the verdict is that it is still a pretty solid album, full of epic hits, and designed for stadiums. It's too much, but it's kind of its signature. The production work on this is really impressive, I feel like it's at the crossroads between rock, electronic music, with some indie touches here and there. Definitely post-modern. Definitely entertaining.
Like this record. Don't love it, but like it.
I think this is a great album, Muse is one of my favorite 2000's era bands. Not every track is great, but the album is driving start to finish, interesting mixes, and I do like the vocals.
Really really liked this
Starlight and Supermassive Black Hole are bangers and give this an extra bonus star
This album is unfortunately what I consider the beginning of the end for Muse. You've got far more political topics sneaking into the lyrics, the whole thing has an extremely "daytime rock radio" vibe going on save for a few tracks, and the general synth undertones really hammer in the feeling Muse would continue to awkwardly explore nearly twenty years later. However, do not mistake my words of sadness as an adverse reaction to the music on this album, because while this may be the start of something worse, it is also the end of something amazing in the best way possible. Every song walks this fine line between pop rock and alternative rock immaculately, and when it takes time to slow down and let the band (Matt, in particular) show off their musical chops, it succeeds with flying colors. The commanding piano riff in Hoodoo, the solo of Invincible, and the choir in Soldier's Poem, all perfectly showing the immense talent the band posses even on their senior outing. Even the more synth pop-esque takes are solid, almost Depeche Mode-like, runs that fill a perfect hole in a modernized 80s heart. This album has a lot of commercial moments, Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole, and the magnificent closer, Knights of Cydonia, you couldn't escape at the time, but they don't feel like massive blockbusters for the sake of it, they just happened to be, on top of being some of the premier rock hits of the late 2000s. This album may be the sound they'd fail to perfect as time went on, but they didn't need to, because they nailed it on the first try, and I'm satisfied with seeing it close here. Just a fantastic collection of songs, you're bound to find something you enjoy here.
Not the album Of my life
Absolutely loved this album growing up. One of the first I had on CD and one of the albums that got me in to music. Listening to it now, I can appreciate the influences of Radiohead and how Muse made their own sound off of it. Starlight, Invincible, and Knights of Cydonia are bangers with great mixes of guitars and synths, and there isn't a better playing-baseball-in-a-thunderstorm song than Supermassive Black Hole
For the life of me I could not remember the song Supermassive Black Hole. The song has 600 million streams on Spotify, and it was in the movie Twilight. I should know it but I don’t, and after listening to this album and replaying that song two more times. I still don’t remember the song. This album is basically just a cross between early Radiohead and U2. I would probably rather listen to either of those two, but I can’t really fault them for playing to what works. Favorite songs were Starlight, Assassin, and Knights Of Cydonia.
awesome!
All these songs sound the same. And they sound the same as the songs on their first album (the only other one I've heard), which is to say they sound like throwaway Radiohead songs. And that one that sounds like it wants to be a Queens of the Stone Age song.
Basically crooner rock. It's definitely high quality stuff, although I was never able to get very excited about Muse. It's right on the boundary between two and three, although I'm feeling generous, so going one notch higher.
the sound isn't my cup of tea but i can appreciate at some points the intensity and the drumming and some melodies. loved map of the problematiq. knights of cydonia is great as well. first half is stronger than the second half. middle speically is a low point. strong 2 to a light 3
Forgotten why I hated them so much
81% Best: Starlight; Supermassive Black Hole; Assassin; City of Delusion; Knights of Cydonia Must-Hear? Almost
Mid
I can't believe this is only my third album from 2006. The only other albums I've gotten until now from my birth year were Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics and Ghostface Killah's Fishscale. I liked those albums well enough, but Black Holes and Revelations by Muse is definitely my new favorite from the year. This album's awesome. The sound is just so cool. The space rock vibes are just incredible. There's some heavy moments in here that just wowed me upon listening to them. Matt Bellamy's vocals are pretty solid, as is his writing. Songs like "Starlight" and "Knights of Cydonia" really stand out as being awesome. I wouldn't call the album perfect or even a masterpiece. This is definitely one of those albums where it appeals to me specifically as opposed to being an objectively amazing album. I wouldn't quite go all the way with a 5, but I would definitely give this album a very high 4/5.
A classic from the 2000s! I discovered this album a couple of months ago thanks to a recommendation from a friend and I loved it.
3/5
The songs vary from somewhat interesting sounds to really generic arena rock type shit. Thom Yorke and Bono only pull off the whiny vocals because the songwriting's not so vapid. There are a couple solid tracks, starlight and supermassive black hole, but overall really mediocre.
2681 - This isn't as good as Origin of Symmetry, but it's probably their second best album. It is more eclectic and pop oriented, which I do think is a direction that works for them. B
Amazing guitar work and vocals lyrics hit the mis and I'm not massive on the feeling good cover 8.7
Take out the synthesizer in any Muse song and you’d get what Radiohead would have sounded like if they didn’t go artsy. Muse is one of those bands that a person would never hate but just not go out of their way to listen to an album. For me, I know it’ll be good and I’ll enjoy an album but I just haven’t taken the plunge until now. This album if full of energy. So far, you could start a run on song one and not have to slow down until much later. Muse feels like a band that is there to cheer you on in any sort of competitive thing you may be taking part in. They are a soundtrack for accomplishing anything. Big or small. I could be wrong though. Maybe they hate humans.
Real fun listen! Space Rock odyssey, mood's there in three words. I dunno guitar very well and don't listen to rock a bunch but I still remember how much my teen classmates and friends bigged up songs from this album back in the late 00's. Hold's up!
Bored. Ambitious without substance
I remember really loving this album when it came out. That being said, this was exhausting to listen to. Definitely a band that does not subscribe to less is more.
This is the album that some folks proclaimed they "stopped sounding like Radiohead and came into their own". While I feel they managed to make their best one at that time,I thought the Radiohead comparisons weren't entirely fair. They were also better song craftsmen. I think Thom York can be overrated.
5 songs in: Well, so far, this album appears to be what you get when you feed the Nine Inch Nails and Andrew Lloyd Weber catalogues into ChatGPT and ask it to make you something hopeless. Complete: Ok, to me, it's almost 50 minutes of Jesus storming the temple in Superstar. It's just a lot. I wonder how much of my experience is created by the way the aids process sound. There's a lot where the soundscape just feels like a whole lot of....noise vs music. I can kind of recognize that there are layers of things happening, but all I'm actually experiencing is the aural version of when you've rinsed your paintbrush off in a cup of water with too many different colors.
Dumb album. I never liked Muse. The comparisons to Queen are fitting since they're both hacks.
Good one. Different but I like it. Added.
Synthetic Radiohead. Just so sterile and uninteresting.
I love the vocals from Matt Bellamy. Muse has this wonderful ability to continually ramp the energy of their songs. Knights of Cydonia is definitely my favorite track. The wicked guitar gets me every time.
Broadly, I don't listen to Muse enough. When I randomly select this album, or when prompted by things like 1001..., I think "Yeah. I should listen to this guitar-driven nutter more often." But ... then I just forget about them. It's a good, no great album, but it's rather OTT and riff-tastic for regular consumption.
Fantastic. One of the best on the list so far
Forgettable
I went into this thinking I’d like this more than I actually did. Average
Excellent guitar and composition, but I absolutely cannot stand the singing. Knights of Cydonia definitely still goes hard as fuck though.
It's alright more heavy than I though it would be.
Sorta like Radiohead but mid It's alright if you like that post modern experimental bullshit
Muse is my muse, absolution is sick but unfortunately we don’t get a lot of good albums on this list apparently
Reminded me of radiohead's sound
I remember when this album came out and I loved it. At the time I still didn't think it was the best Muse album. However many years later, I still maintain that this isn't anywhere near the best Muse album, and overall my feelings on this album have come down. It's good, but it's definitely not great. There are better Muse albums out there, and certainly ones more deserving of being on this list than this album.
Great sound and vibe.
One of the better muse albums. Knights of Cydonia just about lifts it to a 4.
Great album, some lovely fifa songs on there too
I just have never got Muse, it sounds grand but there’s no actual substance behind it, no soul. That said Knights of Cydonia is so so good, and that saves the album from a 2. Too many black holes not enough revelations 2.75/5
Haven’t listened to this through for a long time. Such a great listen start to finish
Ouuuh.... theatrical albums. Ah. Not for me I fear, the dramatics just annoy me. Supermassive blackhole this post is not about you though baby
I really hated Muse the last time I heard it, but I will give it a chance. Turns out I still hate it.
yeah i love muse, and this album has so many electric bangers on it. it sounds like a late night on the internet as a kid, the instrumentation in a lot of these tracks (along with muse's overall sound in general from that era on other albums too) sounds like background music from mid-late 2000s youtube compilations made with windows media player and i mean that in the best way possible. it's vaguely spooky and also comforting. also starlight has consistently been one of my favourite songs for years and nothings changing anytime soon
This almost seems like something I should like, but it just never got there - too polished, I guess?
Pretty great performances all around. Some nice rock out parts. Cool bass tone.
Yawn... when will this be over?
This album grabbed me right away. Very entertaining. The end wasn't as strong as the beginning.
it is Radiohead for theater kids…still enjoyed it
Competent vocals but that ultimately seem from a different register than the music which is hard rock with melodic almost pop lines. Some songs have great lyrics. The whole album manages to generate a motion that is quite unique.
Fine; unremarkable.
wide ranging sort of prog sound with an enjoyable almost cinematic sound to it.
the album where must finally stopped hiding that they were actively taking the piss out of people buying their records
Not all of Muse's songs work...but when they do they're typically bangers. Lots of bangers on this one. 4.9
Real crackers, this. Ive been a fan for years.
An interesting record, and one that I feel o should enjoy far more than I actually do. There's a capable blend of genres, techniques, and styles, which should be enough to keep anyone interested. It just didn't quite click for me, though. Matt Bellamy is a very decent vocalist, and does interesting things with the guitar and keyboard, and I think the content of his lyrics is quite apt, both for the time of release and the current climate (political and ACTUAL climate). The second half is much stronger. I could learn to love this album one day, I think. Highlights: City of Delusion Hoodoo Knight of Cydonia
Yeah, this didnt grab me first time around and it doesnt this time around either. Its overblown and empty. Its well made and im led to believe they are good live, but its music for people who dont like music.
Alright album never heard of it; definitely glad I listened
really liked the second half of the album, reminds me a little of radiohead. favorite songs: starlight, city of delusion, supermassive black hole
I don’t know the technical term for why Muse doesn’t resonate with me, but there’s something about their music that turns me off. I like a couple of songs, but would never seek them out.
I don’t necessarily like the lead singers voice. All the songs sound almost the same except for Super Massive Black Hole- which is in Twilight. I will appreciate that they said the name of the album in a song though. I would rather listen to Black Keys.
I get the feeling this is a better live show than an album. Every Muse album seems derivative of the last-- or the next. Dramatic, tense, anxious music on this album. I don't necessarily gravitate toward this, but I'm agnostic about whether the concert would change my mind. Overall, this was fine.
"You will eat it, and you will like it!" This is one of those bands that came along during a time in my life that everything was going really well. I have a lot of memories associated with Muse. Origins of Symmetry, Absolution and Black Holes came out in quick succession and as such, seems like one continuous album. This was the era where everyone began taking their 100gb external drives to the office and plugging them into the company network ... we were all a bunch of artists working on home entertainment (DVD) packaging. Coworkers were quirky, had left of center tastes and every day was a new adventure in music. I'd spend the entire day in Photoshop with headphones on listening to old, different, and new music. ... It was the original Spotify. On the Friday nights, I'd drive up to Mammoth Mountain while sharing the finds with friends on the 5+ hour drive. Then, continue to spend the entire weekend snowboarding with an iPod in my ears. Interpol, Strokes, Clap Your Hands, BRMC, Secret Machines, Silversun, Bravery, etc... It was a good time and because of these memories, I will always gladly consume some bands without complaining. Muse is one of them.
Epic and soaring. “Black Holes” may be a peak for Muse, much in the way their songs build to peaks and crash through them.
This really isn’t a four it’s a 3.5 but this is a joyful reaction to the crap that preceded it.
Loved it the first time through. Liked it the second time through. I didn’t realize Muse had such an edge at times.
To me the best album by Muse. Didn't like the ones after that that much anymore but this one... Well, this one hasgood song after the other.
A sound that cuts through straight to your heart.
I really liked this. 5/5
Quite epic, in its way
De ja voo. Reminded me of guitar hero days
Knights of Cydonia one of the all time guitar hero songs. Had listened to most of the songs before but good album.
Outstanding - everything a rock album should be. Great music, haunting vocals, and each song sounded distinct. I knew I liked Muse, but I never listened to an album start to finish. I like how this one is arranged and will absolutely listen to it again.
For hovedparten af sangene var det en fremragende oplevelse. Lidt en tidsmaskine, men de fleste af numrene overlevede den rejse og det var en nydelse af lytte pladen igennem.
5! Simpelthen bare 5. Jeg har hørt det så meget idag, og virkelig dét jeg havde brug for. Hørte det også meget tilbage i 2006 - 2008 stykker. En rigtig efterskole lyd. Klart gateway metal. 😜 - Desuden et af de største festivals minder, fra det første Rock am Ring jeg var til.
Min Muse tid er egentlig ovre 😅 Men det er nu stadig fedt nok når de ikke går alt for elektroniske i den. Der er heldigvis stadig dejlig meget spade på det her album
For nostalgia reasons, I was very excited to listen to this record. Unfortunately, it's not as good as I remember. There are hits, but the album doesn't feel like a cohesive project. Honestly, the guitar work is what carries the project. Most songs are essentially filler. Best Songs: Supermassive Black Hole, Knights of Cydonia Worst Songs: Hoodoo, Glorious
Knights of Cydonia!!
This is very mid tier wannabe Radiohead with a dash of Queen. It's mehh at best.
I first ran into Muse through their 2001 album Origins of Symmetry. I was really hung up on it. ...and then I wasn't. Like Origins, Black Holes and Revolutions is a "hook" driven album. That's good, as far as it goes, but I will say, if you don't hear this album before you die, don't regret it.
not my fav muse album, but has some fantastic songs on there.
Fairly a-Muse-ing.
A dull and turgid outing from Muse, in which they failed to capitalise on the goodwill of their three good-to-great albums prior, and disappear up their own arseholes chasing US commercial success by sanding off all the rough edges or anything that could be considered even mildly unique or interesting of what was already a pretty derivative band. This one introduces a Gap-approved, mid-aughts light-guitar-and-synth aesthetic, which just amplifies rather than compliments Matt Bellamy's preposterous vocals. Lead single Supermassive Black Hole is a truly dire sellout alt-pop anthem firmly targeting that year's EA Sports video game soundtrack placement, but overdoing it so much that it ends up in the hands of 12 year old girls everywhere via the Twilight soundtrack. The one bright spot is unquestionably Knights of Cydonia, but its placement on the album is also a jarring reminder of how bland and uninspired the preceding 45 minutes were. (At least the authors came to their senses and removed it from subsequent revisions of the book.)
Good album
Always hated Muse, and I'm not sure why. Didn't mind Knights of Cydonia on GH3, but grew to like them less and less over the years. I've even seen them live and didn't enjoy it. I think listening to this hasn't really changed it, but I can see something of Radiohead in there? Idky I don't like it/them, but I just think it's soulless sort of bluesy rock/proggy guitars that I think is all male bravado. If Muse sorta stayed at Feeder's level of success, maybe I would respect them more - a little local band in Devon. But why they are so huge I cannot say, unless the majority of the public have a shit taste in music (they probably do). I once made a joke about Muse calling it "Matt Bellamy's [something something]" which really made me laugh at the time, but I can't remember what it was. Ah well, here's 1 star on me lol.
Fun album. Nostalgia is a good drug, didn't blow me out of my socks though.
I’ve been a Muse fan from a distance for a long time. And by that I mean, I heard “Knights of Cydonia” in Guitar Hero 3 for the first time and then heard a few other Muse songs. But I have always thought they were pretty cool, and there’s a live version of “Knights of Cydonia” at Wembley that absolutely blew me away in high school, and honestly still does. So I was excited coming into this album, and they didn’t disappoint. Banger after banger. The songs have simple premises but are executed with a precision and complexity that makes them intriguing to listen to. “Knights of Cydonia” is a great example. The song is based around triplets. The drums play triples throughout, the guitar has a triplet riff late in the song, and there’s a synthesizer triplet riff as well. Sounds simple, but the entire song being based around that one concept is pretty genius, especially when it’s executed with the complexity that it is. And it’s all to reinforce the idea of knights galloping in on horses (hence the horse sounds at the start). Anyway, I loved this album. Five stars. Standout Tracks: Take a Bow, Starlight, Map of the Problematique, Soldier’s Poem, Invincible, Assassin, City of Delusion, Knights of Cydonia
Meh. Just kinda soulless. Knights of Cedonia brought back fond Guitar Hero memories though so 3 stars.
Rating: 6/10 Highlights are great, the rest of is decent. Choice cuts: Starlight, Knights of Cydonia
I agree it was probably the Muse best album, that’s not saying a lot. I found it derivative and ponderous.
Radiohead’s less talented younger cousin.
3 - I really like their one song, uprising, but this isn’t that at all. The idea of space exotic music is cool, but not for me
These guys had it
This one gets a big ol’ “meh” from me. 3/5
Great music, great texts.
Svo skrýtið með Muse, yfirdrifin melódísk dramatík, töff sánd og ágætur söngur, og einhvern veginn náðu þeir að fylla tómarúmið sem Radiohead skildi eftir sig um aldamótin. Ég hef samt aldrei beinlínis sagst fíla þá, en við þessa endurteknu hlustanir spyr ég mig, hvers vegna í ósköpunum ekki?
It was alright, but very early 2000s. I would always turn on the killers or coldplay before this
It seems everything I enjoyed about this album tends to be the reasons people don’t like it. Which I can understand partly. I do really like the influence of Radiohead, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many other alternative rock bands so obviously seen on this record. For some reason that’s a bad thing? I get that it’s not super original, but you have to give it credit for the grandiose, electrifying sound this record brought. Maybe at the time the genre was a bit over saturated and people were tired of listening to “what if Radiohead did grunge?” but I think it still holds up. Today, in this moment, this record remains a staple of the genre and has persisted to be a must-listen to album. In that respect, and because of the strong alternative rock feel I’ve been missing, this album gets a 4. The “critics” can go listen to some indie band that “I swear is actually original.”
again, not much in this one for me..
cool ig Feels like something that should be right up my alley. However this isnt really doing much for me idk why
I have the same conflict with this album I do with hotel California by the eagles. This is one of my favorite albums but I hate everyone and everything that is associated with this. I must say I know a lot less about this band outside of this album but the fans and the pretentious non political political lyrics of their more recent albums leave me a little annoyed. But that last song is as close to a perfect song I've ever heard on my life. Just for that song I'm giving this a 5. They also tried to stretch into different genres on here that they really don't in any of their other albums as well as most bands of this genre don't either. Its a solid album for a terrible arena rock band.
it's difficult to be in a right moodset for Muse. I always struggle with frrling their music right
This might be Radiohead for dumb people but it’s great
Released in 2006, this album fit in with the inescapable pop domination of the 2000s by Coldplay, Incubus, the Strokes, and their contemporaries, writing pop songs and running them through the "make it sad" machine. But Muse was always unique, with their bombastic, electronic-adjacent style. They're at their best when they lean away from Radiohead influences (particularly notable on "Soldier's Poem", which is "No Surprises" on Adderall). I'd go so far as to call them "operatic grind metal that your kid sibling listens to" and that wouldn't be an insult; they're at their best on "Supermassive Black Hole" and "Assassin".
The best Radiohead tribute band. 3.5/5.
The type of album that either gets you or it doesn't. The thing with a dramatic opera epic like this is that if you aren't sucked in, it's hard to take it seriously. Perhaps because the aesthetic is too synthetic and the instrumentation is so squeeky clean. It doesn't have any of the rust or jingle that radiohead has. You're very aware that you aren't listening to radiohead when you listen to this. When you shoot for the moon, even if you miss it, you might still make something very good. I would say this falls into that category. This has the pop sensibilities and accessibility that radiohead did not, and as someone who isn't a big lyrics guy, I personally have no issue if the lyricism is subpar, I wasn't paying attention. This feels distinctly early 2000s, it reminded me of some bands I like such as Circa Survive or even Panic! at the Disco, or IDKHOW. I personally like a robotic progressive score and I think this hit the nail on the head. It feels worth its runtime and I think it succeeds at making emotional music that doesn't bury itself in so much abstraction. Solid project.
I think Muse were/are truly the last good pop-rock band. They songs are better than the usual diatonic chord progression stuff that most bands put out and they keep the instrumentation and singing complicated enough to be more than just background noise. That isn't to say they aren't also a bad pop band too - songs like "Starlight" and "Supermassive Black Hole" could be Coldplay songs, and I don't mean that in a complimentary way. I've always liked that Muse writes their heavier songs in some sort of double/triple time throughout the 4/4 with either the drums or bass hitting 16th or triplet note runs throughout verses and chorus sections. "Knights of Cydonia" is of course the biggest example with that killer bass run that, while "basic" musically, is really great to listen to. "Map of the Problematique" does it with the drums and bass and "Take a Bow" does it with keys. It's fun, I know it's cliche but I really do like it. Songs like "Soldiers Poem" and "Hoodoo" are their much older song "Unintended" just written again, in my opinion. It's not necessarily a bad thing but I'm not too fond of them knowing that the band is capable of better and more engaging songs. Ultimately outside of the heavy hitting tracks which are great, this album is so so; it's about half the album. I want a full album of songs like Knights of Cydonia, Invincible, Glorious, and Assassin. This has always been the issue I've had with Muse - they are so close to being a really fantastic band but they keep cranking out these (popular for sure) songs that sound like if Radiohead were married to a house song and three instruments. It's hard to blame them when that's what sells, I guess. The heavier stuff carries it's own sound (you could argue it's derivative, and probably be right) and I do enjoy it.
I know the hits from the fuse.tv but this is my first experience with most of the album. It may be polarizing but I love the vocals. It has an interesting range and pull that makes me want to belt it out in my car. The songs all sound distinct enough that it doesn't bleed together. I'll listen to this again and want to check out the rest of Muse's discography.
Det Titel des Albums passt hervorragend zur Musik. In jedem Augenblick des Meisterwerks ergeben sich schwarze Löcher und Offenbarungen im positiven Sinne. Was hier Muse produzierte ist schon unglaublich und immer spannend. Keine 0815 Arrangements, sondern hoch kompliziert in wunderbaren eingängigen Melodien. Hochkomplex mit Hitpotential. Mehr geht nicht mehr. Und die Stimme ist so charismatisch und wertvoll. Merkt man es? Ich bin ein Fan von Muse inzwischen geworden.
I loved every track on this album. Big powerful sound very reminiscent of Queen in their heyday. Great stuff - must go out and buy this CD for my collection.
Are Muse the kind of band that really need to be represented on this list? Not really. But, if you're going to put any Muse album on the list, then this is absolutely the one. Easily their best in my opinion, real shame how hard they fell off after this album.
Verrattuna kaikkeen muuhun tuubaan tämä on suoranainen mestariteos. Hyviä kappaleita, ei siinä.
this was sick, punchy and great production, really enjoyed it and songs weren’t too long
Awesome album from start to finish and Knights is an absolute banger.
Shit. Would be ok if I died before I heard this rubbish. Wannabe rock band
Probably the most successful album of Muse, along with Absolution, back when they were actually good. There are some real bangers here, like 'Starlight' and 'Supermassive Black Hole'. The rest are also a decent bunch and fit in nicely to make a cohesive but also varying album. What I particularly like with this record is that it doesn't quite sound like anything else, but is still very good. Some quite unusual riffs and patterns here and there that keeps it interesting. Matt's singing style is also one of a kind I dare say, really nice falsettos and long drawn out wailings. It took me a while to warm up to them, but I very much like this Muse era. Not what comes to mind when I think of my favorite albums, but I still think a weak 5 is quite fitting.
Man this screams Ipod age for me. Being around 16 and seeing this on top of the charts in all record stores. I actually got into muse slightly later but this was on repeat in i Ipod later. You have many songs that still hold up like "Starlight", "Super Massive Black Hole" and of course "Knights of Cydonia" (famous from guitar hero?). I really enjoy the style with some classical elements and heavy rock. The songs are quite different and interesting. Form many Queen-esque songs to "Assasins" which sounds like the riff comes from SOAD. Not as big of the vocals and their noisy breathing at time but since I grew up with it I can forgive it. Hard pressed if this should be a 5 or not, Muse are not really my favourite band but I think this deserves a weak 5. Yes it's slightly radio-friendly and safe rock but still it is very good at what it does.
Great album, first proper listen of Muse. really love it
While some of this sounded like 2000s era rock that I don't like (Radiohead, Maroon 5, Coldplay), it really has some epic sounding stuff that blows that crap away, especially towards the end. I really liked City of Delusion, but Knights of Cydonia is the big standout to me and pushes the whole thing up to a 4/5. Will listen again.
I’m a scientist and can confirm that black holes exist. Revelations however is bible nonsense.
A-Muse-ing
Bit stuff but the staff were ok. Helped my mum with her chips. Ok …
What’s not to love about black holes. Was certainly a revelation indeed vicar
Shite
Once you notice Matt Bellamy takes a massive breath in between each line, you can't unnotice it.
3.0
I love this album. It was my first impression of Muse and its the reason I consider myself a fan now. I love the sound, the production, and overall its just a great album. This listen was just as good as the first
Favs: Starlight, Map of the Problematique, Assassin, Knights of Cydonia Least fav: Soldier's Poem
Отличный альбом
Interesting list of influences, personally I heard more Queen in it than anything else. Not bad at all
Wasnt my thing but they have some listenable songs
"Black Holes and Revelations" do Muse é um daqueles álbuns que combinam perfeitamente com a energia de um dia movimentado – até mesmo enquanto se cozinha, assim como eu fiz. As guitarras marcantes e os riffs enérgicos criam uma sensação de urgência que permeia cada faixa, fazendo com que até as tarefas mais mundanas ganhem um toque de intensidade. Com uma fusão de rock alternativo e sintetizadores ousados, o álbum explora uma paleta sonora rica, intercalando momentos de pura adrenalina com passagens mais suaves e introspectivas. A voz de Matthew Bellamy é uma constante força motriz ao longo do disco, mas alcança seu ápice em "Starlight", onde sua performance vocal é nada menos que arrebatadora. E claro, seria impossível falar de "Black Holes and Revelations" sem mencionar "Knights of Cydonia", o hino que ganhou notoriedade no Guitar Hero 3. Para quem viveu essa época, revisitar essa faixa é um deleite nostálgico. Mais do que um hit de videogame, "Knights of Cydonia" é uma obra-prima que encapsula a grandiosidade e a inventividade do Muse, reafirmando o álbum como um marco essencial na discografia da banda.
Not bad! Obviously influenced by Queen, Pink Floyd, Beatles. Some tracks are standout (“Assassin”), and some take too long to get good. “Knights of Cydonia” ended great, but too much of a windup. Bits of “Exo-Politics” reminded me of Shiro Sagisu’s stuff for Bleach. Sometimes it all sounds a bit samey.
Oh fuuuuuuuuck yeah. Couldn't stop tapping my feet i love this album. Take a bow makes me want to screammmmm. Knights of Cydonia's guitar solo....fire.
Movie soundtrack
This was fun all the way through.
Zeneileg teljesen oké, sőt van, ami még tetszett is, de a csávó hangjától nettó agyfaszt kapok.
I know I have heard of Muse. I just could not remember the song I had heard. For EVERY song that played I thought “This is the song” because they all sound so much alike. They don’t sound bad, they are just forgettable. And I still do not remember the song I knew them from.
Not bad, surprisingly easy to listen to
Feel like this would go to 4 with more listens, started to really get into its vibe after being put off by the singing style.
I have this one. It's not my favourite of their albums, but still very good. I feel it's actually let down a bit by some of the hits... Supermassive Blackhole has this dirtiness, especially when Matt really gasps out the title. I know Knights of Cydonia is super epic and popular, but I'm always let down by the vocals in the second half of the song. The melody is too simple, in my opinion. My favourites are Starlight, Soldier's Poem and Invincible.
How have I not heard this whole album before? Banger after banger on this one. Each of the songs I haven't heard before surprised me in new ways.
Really fun pop/rock/prog fusion. A lot of similarities to older Radiohead.
Bien, pesado, parece como si pintaran con colores primarios, Starlight es muy buena
FINE
супермасів блек хараша щоб грати на моїі тій роботі зімість їхнього радіо а так хз простенько
so good mom used to listen to supermassive black hole
4.5!
Not fair to get an all-time favourite twice in a row; what do I have to look forward to for the last 200 albums now /s If there’s one criticism I hold for BH&R, the flow is a bit odd. Intro “Take a Bow” belongs at the beginning, but the pretty “Starlight” immediately afterwards is a bit of whiplash. They’ve had some up and downs, but there isn’t a Muse album I don’t like
myeah ok operatic space rock werk
Unique sound, and some of it is pretty cool, but a lot of it just gets lost in the background.
hmmmmmm, interesting
If My Chemical Romance and Radio Head had a baby. 8/10
I should like Muse. I am pretty much their target audience, but outside of a couple of singles they just dont click for me. It's like someone made a supergroup of all the bits I don't like from bands I love.
This is probably as close to a '5' but not quite album I've had so far. The music is very technical, draws you in, and just great. Very skilled musicians making great songs. The whole album has good flow and each song can stand on its own. The downsides are that I find the lyrics a little lame at times and the voice of Matt just doesn't quite connect. Overall, I think it is an album I will come me back to and can find myself liking more over time. Made me like Muse a lot more than previous.
Soft harmonies, hard hitting riffs. They make it work!!! This band really loves thier chresendous. I enjoyed this whole album. They reminded me of "Queens of the Stone Age".
La prima volta che lo sentii pensai che questo fosse il rock degli alieni. Passionale e intenso, potente, libero e totalmente svincolato dalle logiche che pervadevano il mercato discografico di quegli anni. Da sentire e risentire.
how derivative can one band be?
Kind of bland. Everything is too similar and nothing really stands out. 2/5 Won't listen again
I remember going to see them on this tour when this came out, Great album
I know it’s prob not this guy’s fault that his voice sounds like Thom Yorke, but it’s a bit hard to ignore. The music’s not bad, but the production sounds corporate compared to their influences, which are kind of hard to get out of your mind, especially for the first half of the album. Like, my thoughts were essentially this until Exo-Politics: Take A Bow: Oh nice, it’s like if Radiohead did a Queen song Starlight: Oh nice, it’s like if Radiohead did a Coldplay song Supermassive Black Hole: Oh nice, it’s like if Radiohead did a Nine Inch Nails song Map of the Problematique: Oh nice, it’s like if Radiohead did Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode Invincible: Oh nice, it’s like if Radiohead did MCR covering a U2 song Assassin: Oh nice, it’s like if Radiohead did a hard Guitar Hero song
Imagine Dragons if they made good music
Supermassive and Knights hard carry
I really don't like this band. Really annoy me. 1/5
can't stand the band, but wasn't as bad as I thought it would be
This was a weird album. It started out slow and melancholic, only to morph into a Queens of the Stone Age style of music just under halfway through.
I don’t think it’s great, but I dig it. Possibly in spite of myself.
I hadn't listened to this album before, so it was new to me with the exception of its two huge hits (Starlight and Supermassive Black Hole.) After a couple of listens I think not only doesn't this belong on the list, but the album is just filled with cool sounding, soulless crap. There isn't much to the guitar playing or riffs. The lyrics are typical Muse overblown platitudes. I don't think I would ever listen to this again on my own although I would listen to a Muse greatest hits mix.
Thoughts before listening: Muse has some pretty good songs, but I've never really seen a reason to listen to a full album. I've watched some live videos and they definitely seem to put on a good show so maybe I'll enjoy this more than I think I will. Review: So dancey alt-rock with guitar solos? This is just okay. "Supermassive Black Hole" and "Knights of Cydonia" are the best songs here. I think I know those from Guitar Hero. Anyway, this is 3-stars.
Another college favorite - I got to see them live, and they were fantastic. Knights of Cydonia in particular was pretty epic, blew the recorded version out of the water. This album has stood the test of time, it was nice to listen to it again.
I loved it when it was released. Hadn’t heard in a few years. Nice surprise today. I liked it a lot again.
I’ll guiltlessly admit that my first exposure to Muse was during the hay days of the Guitar Hero fad, primarily Knights of Cydonia from Guitar Hero III. Well honestly, it was mostly me watching my brother play because I sucked at the game. We also ended up purchasing Supermassive Black Hole, but only because the song was easy to play and finish 100% without over or under strumming or as the term is, full combo (FC). I considered Knights to be one of my personal favorite tracks from that game, but I wasn’t sure if that would apply for the whole album it’s on. I’m pleased to say, however, that I thoroughly enjoyed this whole album. I’m admittedly a sucker for, I guess that over-the-top grand rock and Black Holes and Revelations delivers for me. From the rapid fire of Assassin, the steady beat of Supermassive Black Hole, and the softer tunes of Starlight and Invincible, this was a rare album to hold my attention for its entire duration. Knights of Cydonia acts as the perfect cap off to the album, and seems like a personal full circle moment to me, considering it was how I even heard of Muse. I won’t say I in particular that Muse is my favorite band or even one of my preferences, but this album feels like the peak for them to me. Favorite track: Knights of Cydonia Other Hits: City of Delusion, Starlight, Invincible, Supermassive Black Hole, Exo-Politics, Assassin
There’s an urgency and intensity to this album that’s a lot like Radiohead, but at the same time tempered by Oasis and Coldplay. On all accounts, not in a good way. It’s too much for me.
banger after banger
Meh not that great
Strong shidd
The intro track going into this album was a bit too crude for my taste and killed my enthusiasm. That was until I heard Starlight which to my surprise was decent. Most of the tracks here were just ok. I couldn't find anything to gush over and couldn't find anything to hate besides the first track. When I saw the overall rating for this I thought I was gonna be in for a hell of a ride. Instead I was handed a big Nothingburger. Best - Starlight Worst - Take a Bow 2.50/5
Masterpiece from Muse, maybe the best electro/rock album ever made
Love this album.
Modernere klassieker Ben zelf nie de grootste muse fan tho Supermassive Black hole en Knights of cydonia wel hitjes
The musicians are incredibly talented, and the music itself is carefully crafted. There's something vaguely off about the album, that kind of makes it all forgettable, though. I can't put my finger on it, but once a song is over, it kind of feels like I never listened to it in the first place. This album is something that high school me would have *loved*. My tastes have changed some though. This is good modern rock, including good uses of electronics. But it kind of just ends up being good, not great. Non-zero chance I end up coming back to this at some point and relistening, but it'll be to make sure I'm not crazy, and not because I really secretly loved the album. Favorite Song(s)? Starlight
Not good, didn’t like
Man, this album hits pretty hard. It seemed like "Uprising" was on the radio all the time a while back. I'm glad to hear they are more than that song (which I hate). Some people compare the band to Radiohead, which I do not see that much of a comparison, actually. Maybe a little with "OK Computer," but if they were really a Radiohead ripoff all of their songs would sound like it. Really enjoyed it. Top tracks: "Starlight," "Supermassive Black Hole," "Hoodoo", "Knights Of Cydonia," "Assassin"
I was a big fan of Muse in the 2000's, I thought they were really talented musicians with a cool sound and some intelligent lyrics. They were refreshing (despite comparisons to Radiohead) - talent for standard rock instruments, with some additional flair and experimentation. I haven't cared as much for their 2010 and beyond stuff - too much dub step and electronica, masking their instrumental prowess. This album is when they really took off, and I own it, though I was always more partial to their previous Absolution. This one is sort of like their Ok Computer - moving from a more straight ahead rock style to something more electronic, without going over the edge. It probably has more hits than their previous album, including Knights of Cydonia that everyone fawned over, but it was my least favorite single off this album (tied with Invincible). They still show mad skills on it, I just prefer Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole, and Map of the Problematique. Of the non-singles, I've also always loved the opener Take a Bow (soft), Assassin (heavy, maybe my favorite on the whole album), Exo-Politics (somewhat heavy), and City of Delusion (a less decadent soaring song than Knights of Cydonia). There really aren't any holes on this album even if I like some songs less than others. At least a 4 and probably more, and since I don't think these guys are getting another nod on this list, I'm giving them a bump because I think they are one of the best and creative rock artists of the 2000's.
I liked this album, but it gave me a lot of "this sounds like something else" vibes. I heard echoes of Radiohead (singing in Take a Bow and Soldier's Poem) and Elbow (at 3:15 of Take a Bow). Starlight absolutely sounds like The Killers. Hoodoo gave off Queen vibes, even if it didn't exactly sound like Queen. The opening arpeggios in Soldier's Poem made me think of Everybody Hurts by R.E.M. Sure, it changed away from that quickly, but there were a lot of points where I said "they sound like X." But the vibe that hit me a lot was Imagine Dragons. Sure, I know Imagine Dragons came later (and say they were influenced by Muse), but I was having a hard time putting my finger on why they made me think of them. My teenage daughter helped me figure it out - she agreed that they have an Imagine Dragons vibe and then said, "they're both rock music for people who don't like rock." I don't know if that's entirely fair, but I laughed. She went on to firmly state that Muse is much better than Imagine Dragons, but I still got a kick out of that explanation. Anyway, I enjoyed the music despite the nagging feeling that they often sounded like someone else. Lots of really cool moments. I'd listen again, and I do like rock, thank you very much. Favorite tracks: Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole, Invincible, Assassin, Exo-Politics.
Starlight is basically a U2 song in tone and structure... its fine, but I've never been a huge fan. I'm surprised to see Supermassive Black Hole as the most listened to song on here -- I've never heard it before. Also I don't find it particularly interesting. City of Delusion really taps into a Radiohead type of sound -- one of the better songs on here. And Knights of Cydonia I know from many hours of Guitar Hero -- fun sort of electro western rock. All said this is a fine album with a few shining moments (City of Delusion, Knights of Cydonia, Soldier's Poem). Otherwise, I found it to be pretty meh. 3 / 5.
This is a 4.5 stars for me. Almost 5. I love this album. Starlight, spermassive, assassin, knights of cydonia are my favorites. Reminds me a childhood. Would love to have seen these guys live in their prime.
Starlight and Knights of Cydonia are all-timers. City of Delusion was a good one that I hadn't heard before. This was a unique album that isn't "all over the place" but it definitely doesn't stay directly in one lane. There is some regular rock, some grunge, and some electronic/ethereal sounds. Reminds me a bit of Arcade Fire in that sense. Never listened to Muse besides their hits before this. There were some bright spots, and few low spots, but it never really hooked me. This was close to a 4, but there's something missing that I was expecting.
This is an album that I have always wanted to listen to because I already knew a few of the songs on it, glad it came up on this list. Something about Muse's sound just does good things for me. The combo of heavy rock, electronic, and fuzziness that they put in just works. I also really like the variety on this album between all of the songs and how it seemed to get heavier and heavier as the album went on. Knights of Cydonia has been on repeat for me recently, wouldn't be surprised if it was my top song on Spotify wrapped this year. Such a baller song with the buildup of the guitar and horns, then just the drop with the heavy heavy guitar riff. Gives me the chills every time. Starlight is also a great song that I will never skip. This album lived up to my expectations. Definitely a pretty high 4
I have a super soft spot for Muse so this might be a little biased. I saw them on this tour (opening for My Chemical Romance lol) and this shit fucked. It has the bangers along with some random jams in there as well. Knights of Cydonia is such a jam and also a great song to ski to. High af 4 but some songs just fall flat to push it over the edge for me. Would've been an easy 5 for me in high school.
so lala, also teile von liedern waren ganz cool aber ich würd mir keins von denen in ne playlist machen
I'm sure getting a lot of politically charged albums lately, huh. Hard not to hear Radiohead in early Muse, though I think that saying Radiohead is the more impactful group is the obvious statement of the century. I dunno, this album started out well enough but sort of lost its legs midway through. I was expecting it to be a little harder and rawer given the theme, but it all got softer to me. Credit where credit is due though, some various and unique musical inspirations bleed through here. Specifically "Knights of Cydonia", with its mix of hard rock with surf rock riffs.
Good stuff in here, but also some bland.
Cool album, Knights of Cydonia is a guitar hero 3 classic
Parecchio epico
there's a lot of things you can say about muse, especially if you're feeling uncharitable. that they're stadium rock; their lyrics are facile and immature; they're so slickly produced that it's sanded the edges right off their sound; they have a stock Muse (TM) sound that they've been copy-pasting for 15+ years now. i don't necessarily disagree, but goddamn is that sound *good*, especially here, when it emerged for the first time. on a list with so much indistinguishable sludgy brit pop/rock, this glossy, bombastic, ridiculous staple of mid-aughties alt rock is a welcome breath of fresh air. it's just such a fun album. it sounds like space lasers and flying by the moon at hyper speed. let yourself be as earnest as their lyrics ask you to be and enjoy the ride!
i didn't care for muse much growing up. to me, they were one of those bands like radiohead that the cooler music-obsessed kids I knew were really into but a little too pretentious and inaccessible for me. lots of style but minimal substance. though I did love jamming to knights of cydonia on guitar hero 3. I've since softened my stance, at least on the early and mid-2000s muse albums (still don't care for their newer stuff, but for other reasons). there are some absolute bangers on here, and I'm having trouble thinking of another band at the time that had such a big, epic sound, a massive stage presence, and a devoted fanbase, especially for a band this relatively new/young. also, map of the problematique is just enjoy the silence (2006 remix). wake up sheeple!! favorites: all tracks except 5, 6, and 10
A great Muse record, with tracks taking cues from different genres. This was before Muse went completely downhill and became absolutely ubearable. There are a few traces of that here already but the true jumping the shark moment was still a couple of albums away. Key tracks: Take a Bow Starlight Map of the Problematique Supermassive Black Hole Invincible Knights of Cydonia
Interesting album, it went to so many different types of genres. Will likely listen again/check out their other stuff
Not bad - some nice, energetic tracks on this, a little nuance and variety. It made a nice soundtrack for a Peloton workout, but nothing I am excited to hear again.
I love Muse. My musical sensibilities usually lie between Metal, Rock, Electronic and Pop, and this album checks all of these boxes (and more). When I first heard it, it was a revelation, because for me, there was simply nothing like it. It was a first for Muse as well, experimenting with integrating all of these genres. Matt Bellamy is a great songwrighter, most of the songs are memorable with great hooks and excellent melodies. The arrangement vary between the genres mentioned above, sometimes even in the same song. The musicianship of Matt Bellamy, Dom Howard and Christ Wolstenholme was always first rate, and this album is more than living proof of that. If this doesn't deserve 5 stars, what album does? 5/5
Didn’t enjoy this one a ton. Very melodramatic tone overall that never really pulled me in as much as it needed to. Vocals were way too over the top a lot of the time. A few tracks where the instrumentals did come together in an interesting way though. I could see why someone would enjoy this if they really got into the drama of each track, but it just wasn’t doing it for me. Not bad but not great either for me.
Sounds.....big
First listen. Decent.
Cool rock sound. Seems ripe for sampling.
pretty good 4/5
I didnt have as high hopes going into this one as the last one, but i went in with no preconceived opinion and came out very pleasantly surprised. The fusion of rock and synths create a vibe that i really havent heard in an album ever. I’m a sucker for beautiful electric guitar, and this doesnt disappoint in that department. Supermassive black hole is a w song def going on the playlist. I dont listen to rock as much as other genres so i’m not really the target demographic for this type music, but even i really enjoyed it so i can see how this made the book. 8/10 for me
Possibly one of the greatest album intros of all time, really hooked me with the guitar and electronic beats. Overall I’ve never been a huge fan of “fight the power” music but this album definitely changed my mind. The messages are powerful and it’s accompanied by even more powerful sounds and vocals. Everything about this album is awesome and Al so revert song was a joy to listen to.
As someone who has little experience with this genre and era, I was blown away by the versatility of this project and its message. With impactful lyrics, astonishing guitar riffs, and excellent pacing, Muse manage to preform what I can only describe as a “must listen”.
Coldplay for hard rockers
<33
Another album I remember from middle school. I think I had a few tracks off of 'Origin of Symmetry' on my WalMart 30-song mp3 player my dad got me, but I was also 13 and dumb as hell. I don't know what to make of Muse. A more handsome Rush? But honestly, that's unfair to Rush - a band that I would defend! A brief aside: when '2112' and 'Moving Pictures' come through, be sure to find me. I'll have a lot to say! Look: I don't want to be unfair here. But if you are a Muse fan who can string together a few words, please let me know what Muse's musical innovation is. It can't be incorporating the aesthetic contours of modern pop radio on prog music because that had been done and perfected elsewhere (ie. Genesis, Yes, the aforementioned Rush). Maybe you could replace 'modern pop radio' with 'house or disco.' Like Radiohead (who they're often compared to), they read the writing on the wall. Except they just don't do anything interesting with pastiche. I don't know, I listen to this and can only conclude it's sophomoric. C-
Alternative rock. Yeah it's Muse they're ok. Origin is better even with its faults. I liked some stuff on here but overall they're kind of exhausting to listen to. 3/5
I liked it!
This list is quite different from the types of music I usually listen to, and I suspect that's true for many people exploring this experiment. If you're a big fan of a specific genre, you might find a few popular artists from that genre represented, but many hidden gems that you love will likely be missing. This issue is for me is compounded by the absence of new music from the past year or two and the lack of representation of metal music from the last 20 years. Enter Muse. This album is a prime example of the heavier, alternative, progressive sounds I wish were more prevalent on this list. I love this record and rank it among my personal favorites, especially compared to some of the unfamiliar albums included here. While I'm happy to listen to this record again, I'm most excited about its inclusion so I can read reviews from others who may not be as familiar with it. An immediate 5 out 5, now if only Dream Theater, Opeth, The Mars Volta, The Dillinger Escape Plan, TOOL, Porcupine Tree, or Between The Buried & Me would make an appearance...
This is great
muy theatrical, parece el ost de algún spaghetti western o space opera rockero muy excentrico, ademas tiene varios bangers. el mejor de muse :thinking:
Me gustó bastante, lo siento muse siempre pensé que eras aburrido
I'd rate 4+, 5-. I really liked many songs
It's an easy 4 with a couple bangers and lots of strong tracks.
Enjoyed this much more than expected. Full of bangers.
One of those that requires multiple listens. I like the sounds though. Kinda sad
Was it a tribute to Ennio Moriccone?
Give credit to these guys. They found a formula that works for them and they stick to it. Over and over again. Starts out fairly strong, with Supermassive Black Hole being the highlight for me, and soon thereafter becomes tedious.
Muse is a band I’ve been aware of, but have only dabbled in lightly. I just figured for the longest time that they weren’t really my thing. But I’ll admit they have some interesting songs. I still think Butterflies and Hurricanes, Stockholm Syndrome, and Hysteria are some of the best alt-rock songs of the 2000s. I have Need for Speed to thank for that first song. The two bands you see get pegged as “Radiohead clones” the most are Muse and Coldplay. As much as I love Coldplay, their first two albums don’t exactly help them beat that label. Radiohead is a band that is known for their incredibly powerful and moving music. But it’s often more drawn back than people might think, and uses big moments as pay off. Muse, and more specifically Black Holes and Revelations, is the complete opposite of that. This is big, explosive, and in your face almost the entire way through. If Radiohead ever made anything like this, it would sound totally insane coming from them. Muse gets criticized for their overly self-indulgent and theatric sounding music. And to be honest, I’m here for it. Which was a shock to me. I figured I would walk out of this disappointed in what I heard. But when the drop came in on that first song, those thoughts were immediately put to rest. And the rest of the album is pretty consistently great from there on out. I’m still not a fan of Starlight though. It’s catchy, but that piano is so much it’s almost nauseating. The issue I have with a couple of these tracks is that, while the build up is cool, they always save the best for the end. So really I only enjoy 1/4th of those songs. But when they get it right, it fucking hits. There is some seriously strong musicianship at play here. Especially when it comes to their drummer. Matt also seems to get a lot of crap for his singing. I’m not really sure why, because the man can sing. Those harmonies on the chorus in Knights of Cydonia are insane. I think it’s just that same Thom Yorke comparison that makes people not like him. I love when an album surprises me like this. When I hear stuff like this, and The Mars Volta, I can only think that progressive rock was in good hands in the 2000s. Rating: 8/10
I thought it started out good but got bored.
Depressing rock anthems. I wanted to like them more.
muse used to make good music
Überraschend gut. Ich habe andere Muse-Alben schlechter in Erinnerung. Könnte ich mir fast noch mal anhören.
Not an everyday listen, but this is a solid play-thru album. Many strong tracks with my favs being “Invincible”, “ Assassin”, and “Knights of Cydonia”. Rounding up to a 4 just because if I was going to reach for this ( most likely on a road trip) it would be for a full spin front to back vs selected tracks. 3.5
Muse is a band that fits a very mood-specific listening situation. And while I have fond memories of this album when it was released, i always felt the music in general was a bit overly dramatic in what appears as a constant striving to be cacophonous or epic. Add to that Bellamy’s overly dramatic vocal delivery and I think you have a band that slightly gets in their own way. Still, there are some really good songs here and even more cool rocking moments, but my preference would be to dial back the bombastic and add in some more subtle moments.
Somewhat surprised to see this album make the cut unless we’re getting multiples from Muse, but per Spotify I guess this one has a couple of their most popular tunes. I prefer Absolution to this and while I can dig the occasional Muse song, they’re not my fave. Between a 3 and 4 for me
This might sound a little weird, but I feel like maybe these guys suffered (at least for me) for how popular they were at this time. Their hits were over played and you couldn’t escape. Great, but didn’t give you much room to go deeper or seek more. Again, maybe a me problem. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this. So many riffs, unique sounds and songs. Something like Knights of Cydonia is so creative and great. And this feels massive. Truly arena rock. Even when they hit a slow song like Soldiers Poem if fit nicely in the overall flow of the album. Methinks I need some more Muse in the rotation.
Feels like these guys have fallen out of favor, but 18-22 year old me really dug Absolution and this album. One of those albums deserves a 4-bomb for nostalgia factor alone. Not sure we're going to get a second Muse album on this list, so I'm going with 4* here. 3.75/5
In 2006, when this came out, I would have given this a 5. Now, in 2024 I think I'm going to give this a 3.
very good!
I forgot how good this album is. Just full of absolutely cracking songs from start to finish.
I know this band very well, I think everyone probably does. I knew a lot of the songs on this album and they are very enjoyable. For some reason, I don’t get excited by Muse. I think they’re very good musicians and singers and have done some good songs! But they just don’t quite excite me.
Chad and Alfa
Great energy and guitar. 4.5
A few years ago I discovered a cache of poetry I'd written in my early 20s. If it were recorded and put over a heavy synthetic instrumental track, it would have sounded a lot like this. I had the luxury of burning my poetry and keeping my embarrassment private. I'm afraid the members of Muse are not so lucky. As one reviewer noted, it would be better if I couldn't understand English. What might have been decent background music is ruined by a whole body cringe. Two stars for the instrumentals.
Nothing much to say. It's BH+R. Excellent. 86/100
Good
2.2 - I actually used to listen to Muse when I was like 16/17 and thought they were the shit. Now I think they are shit. For me they sound quite arrogant. It's like they are trying to show off and think it's the best shit ever. The vocals are so predictable and uninspiring and just couldn't wait for the album to end. Supermassive black hole is good, but even that song has this generic loop. I did think I was gonna enjoy this.
This was peak music for me in 2006. I was all about the Supermassive Black Hole. I never enjoyed a man’s falsetto before that moment. The guitar riff made me want to dance, like the effortlessly cool astral rockstar that I was. Has it aged well? I think it’s kinda aged ok tbh. The concept of Muse has aged terribly, but isolating just this album I think it’s got some moments, some cool riffage, some bangers. There are very cheesy campy moments too, but nothing that Pink Floyd or The Who or any of a million prog bands would turn their nose up at. I prefer the moments on here when we’re doing rock music. The Depeche Mode “Map of the Problematique”, the something halfway between Coldplay and Radiohead “Soldier’s Poem” don’t really cut the custard for me. Fave Tracks: Supermassive Black Hole, Assassin, Knights of Cydonia 3.3/5
The angsty teen version of me is happy. Loved this album to death. I remember getting stuck in traffic coming home the Muse concert in 2007 and I ended up playing this album again from start to finish. A combination of romantic classical piano and prog metal is cool right? So I thought. Except by this album I think Muse already started moving away from that sound towards a more Queenesque stadium rock sound. Someone said this is music for nerdy IT consultants and I totally relate with this haha. Knights of Cydonia is my favourite Muse song.
I can tell this is musically solid but just not my thing. So... three stars ofc.
A strong album with some big hits, but sadly not 5
this is really nice
Radiohead influenced all of these early to mid 2000s falsetto loving British alternative bands. Unfortunately, they all fall a bit short of the OGs.
20 de Junio 2025. Gonna actually listen to this 1. Take a Bow. Música pa documental de astronomía. Didn't like it. 2. La recuerdo, don't love it. Gay-ish. 3. Bueno, come on... Twilight am I rite!? 4. Boring. 5. Nope. 6. Cute but no. 7. A little extra for me. Pero está arrecha tho', liked. 8. Nah 9. City of Delusion. Arrecha, very good. Some trompetas a lo mexican. Liked 10. ¿Guitarreo mexican aún? Ahh, cuter. Cooler. Liked 11. No memorable pero liked. 12. Kinda meh, pero good. I'll give it a 4.
I know a guy who thinks Muse is the best band going. It was a decent record
very mid. 5/10
Radiohead lite.
I think this is an illustration of why less is more. There's just too much going on here, and as a result it leaves me a bit cold. It's so emotive, but the emotion seems forced and unnatural. Side note; that album cover's very Pink Floyd, isn't it? [Edit: oh, it's a Hipgnosis/Storm Thorgerson cover, that explains it]
The Chris Balestrini album! I have to say this didn't give me a huge nostalgia smack in the face like I expected it to. Nor did I really like it that much. The hits were fun but the rest of it...well a bit annoying really! Just a bit much and intense.
Hmm, I found this hard to rate. The singles are fun but the nostalgia for this for me is being at school and everyone banging on about how good Muse are and I just didn't like them. 'oh they are musical geniuses and their music is so clever and complex', yeah okay but it sounds boring. I always thought they were the poor man's Radiohead. However, trying to listen afresh I guess it is different to a lot of stuff, very much has its own style and kind of fun but I have no interest to listen in my own time.
It's a bit cheesy but I do like it. Brings back fond memories of Chris Balestrini lending the CD to everyone at school
It does have good songs, too poppy for me. Will I listen to again: 75%
very good
Forgot how good it was
It feels like the album was made with love, 5/5
U2 but a little different
Not my cup of tea but excellent
No.
I'm very familiar with this album, but I haven't listened to it in ages. I spent quite a bit of time listening to Muse in the late aughts and early 2010's, even seeing them live when they were touring for The Resistance (fantastic show btw, even though it was in an arena). I heard "Starlight" just yesterday while I was at a work conference, so it's perfect timing that I'd get this album today. Musically, this album was as fun today as it was for me when I first heard "Knights of Cydonia" on Guitar Hero 2. This album's sound is massive, and it's full of great songs, like "Starlight," "Supermassive Black Hole," "Assassin," and the aforementioned "Knights of Cydonia." From start to finish, there are blistering guitar riffs, beautiful synthesizers, awesome string arrangements, and even some great horns thrown in for good measure. Matthew Bellamy's singing is great throughout the album, and his unique voice adds to the space-like feel of this album. When I listened to Muse more regularly, I really enjoyed trying to imitate Bellamy’s falsetto on “Supermassive Black Hole,” and today was no exception to that. He showcases a wide range of other vocal talents as well, from light crooning on “Starlight” to hard rock influences on “Knights of Cydonia.” As much as I enjoyed the music on this album, there were a lot of instances where I felt the lyrics didn’t quite hold up. The lyrics about love and longing were great, but anything to do with warnings about the new world order or conspiracies just fell flat to me. Muse’s next album, The Resistance, really relied on those tropes, but they were foreshadowed quite a bit on this album. I’m not sure if it’s the rise in far-right populism that’s fueled my distaste for these lyrics, or if it’s a shift in my own personal politics over the last several years that makes me roll my eyes at some of the songwriting on this album. Even with a host of really great and fun songs, the album did drag a bit in the middle, but even the songs that I didn’t enjoy as much managed to have some redeeming quality about them. This is far from a perfect album, and it’s not going to work its way back into my regular rotation, but I still enjoyed getting to revisit it. Muse really hit their stride on this album, with a work that’s really unique and a treat for the ears.
A really self important sound and self indulged singer doing a Thom Yorke impression, yet I would totally have listened to them if I was in their age demo.
The black hole is Radiohead, and this record has passed the event horizon. On the other side sits God and Stephen Hawking. God’s hand stretches forth, rummages, and pulls out a latte. He hands it to Hawking. I wanted an espresso, not this beige shit, says Hawking.
"The Bends" but 10 years later. Shame, I'd never heard this and was hoping for something weirder, actual proggy and/or dramatic; just got dull indie slop with histrionic vocals.
Another one I was pretty excited to listen to. It's something I missed because I was busy listening to other genres when this came out. But I know some of the hits and loved them. Just hadn't gotten around to doing a whole album listen. I am a little bit on the fence for this one. The songs I like I REALLY like, but some of the others are just a little boring to me. There is also something to be said for the cohesiveness I feel in the album. In the end I think what I do like overpowers what I don't enough that this is a 5 star for me.
some cool stuff but way too radiohead-y a lot of the time
5/5
poor mans radiohead
like the singer's voice although it can get old at times. I like their style. It's different than other British stuff
That's not my taste in musik.
I mean, ok.
Like if aliens made a rock album
The operatic sections and finger-tapping bits are too overwrought. But there are a few parts that sound a bit like hail to the thief era Radiohead that are pretty good.
3.5/5. Not really my type of music, but this is pretty decent. I did not mind listening to this, although I'd never choose to put this on.
I thought this was a pretty boring affair as far as Muse go. Nothing overly memorable for me, not bad by any stretch, just utterly forgettable.
Some would call it homage or influence, others straight plagiarism. ‘Black Holes And Revelations’ is full of nods to Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, New Order and even Queen. I’m sure there’s more I’ve missed. It’s actually amazing how many different bands and their sound Muse manage to incorporate and squeeze into this. Derivative, campy but not unenjoyable.