(Unclassifiable) Muse - Absolution

[JAStewart]

Absolution reviewed
Soaring orchestral backing, pounding bass, vocals emotional enough to make you want to tear your own heart out...

"Absolution" is the long-awaited third studio album by Muse, and it really was worth the wait. Muse have made a distinct change in direction on this album, using far more strings and piano, less guitar and distortion, and showing an all together mellower side to the band who brought us such aggressive tracks as "Cave" and "Plug in Baby". That's not to say that this new-found softer side is a bad thing. "Absolution" provides the perfect contrast to the angry, loud and sometimes disturbing sound of both "Showbiz" and "Origin of Symmetry". It shows that Muse are more than the screaming rock band that many have type-faced them to be, and proves to critics and cynics alike that they are long past the "Radiohead tribute band" comments made about them in the past.

Intro and Apocalypse Please - The perfect entrance to an album with the title "Absolution". This song provides our first taste of the end-of-the-world theme, which is present throughout the album. The intro (reminiscent of marching armies) sets the scene for the screaming vocals provided by Matt Bellamy, and the overall effect is one which cannot fail to paint pictures of a burning world slowly crumbling.

Time is Running Out - The first shop release single from "Absolution", and it is easy to see why. Catchy, cleverly written with contrasting verse and chorus, and impossible to get out of your head, TIRO is possibly the most accessible track on the album. Unfortunately, this accessibility means that TIRO is by no means the most thought provoking song that Muse have written. The lack of thought required to listen to this song (especially having been placed next to Apocalypse now), though adding a touch of the commercially acceptable, makes it one of the low points of the album.

Sing for Absolution - The title track of the album. "Sing..." carries a dark, almost frightening style to each verse, which leaves the listener slightly unsettled. Strangely though, it is not a depressing song. The chorus is uplifting enough to lift the entire song. I found myself smiling as I listened. The first of a series of slower tracks on "Absolution", "Sing..." could easily be added to the list of classic Muse songs, right beside "Unintended".

Stockholm Syndrome - If any song could define the traditional Muse sound, this is the one. The first single to be taken from the album, on download only, SS sees a typically layered, violent sound, with the trademark Bellamy vocals wailing in the foreground. The hardest track on "Absolution", SS is great stuff.

Falling Away - Slow, pretty Good..

Hysteria - With a title that once again portrays the idea of a world ending, "Hysteria" is by no means the loud, brash, unordered song that the title suggests. "Hysteria" is a highly melodic, ordered song, with well thought out lyrics, supplied as always by Bellamy. With such a melodic song, there was a risk that "Hysteria" could have been over produced, but Muse (and their production team) have succeeded in avoiding this. The static base and build up give way to what can only be described as an excellent piece of music, with just enough of an edge to be interesting, without seeming out of place next to falling away.

Blackout - A candle lit room filled with incense smoke, the flickering on the walls, the mellow atmosphere... if blackout fitted in any one place, it would be that room. The chilled sound would filter perfectly through the darkness. A stunning string arrangement that sends shivers up the spine, twinned with gentle drumming and flowing vocals, makes "Blackout" not only the ultimate chill-out song, but also a wonderful piece of writing and production.

Butterflies and Hurricanes - Once again, an orchestral section is well placed in this song. The synth gives the impression of a band moving towards the future, and allows for a build up to be proud of. The piano in this track is also very well placed, and though subtle, gives and edge which makes "Butterflies..." one of the stand out tracks of "Absolution".

The Small Print - Is a crashing, soaring, pounding track, which is a lyrical masterpiece. It is also highly thought provoking towards human nature and society. TSP and SS are the loudest songs of the album, and provide a welcome break from the gentle side of Muse.

Endlessly - With synth that any dance track would die to have, "Endlessly" is another truly pretty song. It makes a refreshing addition to the album to hear a song which relies so heavily on synth, but in my opinion, one song is enough. Not one of the best songs on the album for me, but a song that has already gathered a huge fan base.

Thoughts of a Dying Atheist - My personal favourite. Fantastic distorted guitar, and the catchiest line on the album in "scares the hell out of me". I cannot wait to hear this song live, as I get the impression that it will be a true crowd pleaser. The reflective quality of the lyrics in this song, and the guitar solo make this song a stand-out track, which orders every listener to stand up and take notice.

Ruled by Secrecy - Is to "Absolution" what "Megalomania" was to "Origin...". A very mellow, contemplative ending to the album, "Ruled..." just begs for the listener to take a step back and truly think about life as a whole. It closes the album in such a way that it reminds me of a parting goodbye from a long-lost friend.


Stockholm Syndrome
Butterflies And Hurricanes
Hysteria

5/5

[StonedMoogle]

Excellent review, JAStewart. Muse is one of my favorite bands and this CD is what got me into them. And I'm sure anyone else who listens to it will be immediatlely drawn into their style too.

Sing for Absolution and Hysteria are the best tracks on the album, in my own personal opinion. Every word is meaningful. It is no doubt that they are one of the best Indie Rock bands out that (that is what I refer to them by).

It does show the mellower side of Muse, and the mellower side is truly excellent.

SM's Rating: I also give this one a 5/5

[Eragor88]

I can only agree, I prefer Origin of Symmetry though, still 5/5

[Kif]

Yeah Muse are one of the greatest Brit Rock bands I know, but this album disappointed me a bit. I was looking forward to the heavy riffs and talented lyrics that OOS and Showbiz had, but I wasn't as pleased when I heard this album.

4/5

[manuscriptreplica]

yeah i agree with you cky2kendall_version2 i thought the album was a let down as well - sort of like by the way by chili peppers. i was looking forward to the heavier riffs, but there was only really one or two i.e stockholm syndrome + hysteria (its called interlude on my album cover... weird huh?) so yeah. still good though though i prefered origin of symmetry.

nice review as well very in depth at least you explained why you liked it... instead of 'i like this album cos muse are awesome'.

4/5

[Distorted Vision]

I preferred Origin Of Symmetry but Absolution is still good - it has some great moments and a few boring parts but overall I like it.

4/5

[frowned]

I actually think Absolution shows huge improvement in Bellamy's growth as a lyricist. If you listen to / read the lyrics to the first two albums - the lyrics are just crap. I mean like Oasis crap whereby he just sings stuff cos it rhymes, it's like on this album he's found something that moves him (war / impending apocalypse) and he has something to write about... well.

Good review. Thoughts of a Dying Atheist is my favourite song on the album too, good choice for penultimate track. I'd probably give the album 4/5, just because I have to be EXTREEEMELY impressed to give anything 5/5.

[br3ad_man]

I just bought this album. Showbiz came free with it :thumb: I have one word for this album: WOW

[moderaterock222]

great review. its a great album, the more i listen to it the better it becomes. matt bellamy is a very talented musician and now on this album the majority of the lyrics are great too

[Ecu]

A great band ^^
I dont know very well the other albums, but they are very talented so it must be good :p

A 5/5, and time is running out for me

[BlacklightGuitarist]

Muse are my favourite band in the universe, and I waited and waited and waited for Absolution, to the point where I decided that it couldn't possibly live up to my expectations. I bought the album. I listened to it in disbelief. INCREDIBLE, a religious experience, and definately a 5/5. A lot more keyboard in this album, and, also, I thought, the sound could be pulled off live, wheras a lot of OOS had a lot of double-tracking, because not even Matthew Bellamy can play guitar and keyboard live. I love this album... I have had it in my CD player pretty much non-stop since I bought the album, and I have no intention of taking it out.

[BlacklightGuitarist]

Oh, and they are classifiable. Muse are prog rock at its finest, and prog rock is the generally-accepted term used to classify bands that are otherwise unclassifiable.

[martyn]

muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuse th best band on planet earth,mars and all he others i cant praise them enoughthoughts of a dying aetheist and the small print
are my personal favourites screw every other band in britain at the moment
MUSE COMING THROUGH
6/5

[UKTwister]

I'd say it's not quite of the same quality as Origin Of Symmetry.

Did you not give falling away with you a proper listen? because it deserves a hell of a lot more than three words!

I think absolution is a lot heavier than origin of symmetry without needing heavier riffs. Some great moments are the last chorus on Butterflies and hurricanes, The ending to sing for absolution and the Yeah Yeah bit on Time is running out.

5/5 - better than showbiz, not as good as OOS

[Britrock]

I know it's a big bump, but the album was just released in America, so I thought I'd get it a bit of attention. It's still in my CD rotation, and they're the greatest band in Britain at least at the moment.

[SoulOnFire]

I would hardly call Muse or even just that CD unclassifiable. Not to say it isnt good, but I was really disapointed how it took much of the limelight away from Mars Volta's De-loused album. To call Absolution the most adventurous album of last year seems just silly if you put it next to De-loused IMO.

[brycey]

I bought "Absolution" a few months back, and it is fantastic! It's one of the most unique albums I own, as most of mine are ska, punk and pop-punk.

Very good and detailed review. :thumb:

[standardrule]

i think this was their best themed album, as for best well it does have some ammazing songs but missed songs like in your world with the simplistic baseline

[Gubbe]

they only getting better and better
absolution is their best album
oos their second best

muse is the best band of all times

they dont know how to make bad music, because i know all their songs and not one of them is bad
i dont know a band who have only good songs (except for my own band ofcourse) so that makes muse the best band ever

[SoulOnFire]

Yeah...no...

[jpj86]

5/5

all the songs are different in some way. incredible album, its obvious that muse know how to make good songs. a bit dissapointed that there arent really any songs like dead star and hyper music, but great all the same.

[standardrule]

has ne1 hered con science....wtf is going on there

[StardogChampion]

Nice review, i agree with it all, this was my first muse album but it won't be my last.

Very nice on the genre :D

I hate it when someone asks you what genre they are and you say "they don't have one" and they think you're just toying with them. oh well.

5.5/5

[el doctor]

It's a very great album indeed. I feel though that it lacks some of the raw intensity on Origin of Symmetry, and more so Showbiz. I think this album is very polished and attempts to come off raher heavy and raw, as the other two albums do it the other way around; I think it just affects the music overall.

Saying that, some really great songs on this album. Stockholm Syndrone and Hysteria are great, and Time is Running Out gets stuck in my head all the time. Falling Away With You is actually probably when of my favorite tracks on the album.

While I prefer the other two albums, I think Absolution is a step forward in every way; better lyrics, a lot of versatility, some fresh ideas, and it really gives a sense that these guys are confident and know what they're doing.

I'll lean towards a 3.5/5, or slightly higher.

[RIPJoeStrummer]

Great review, this album is definetly really good. 4/5

[White]

I read your review and the comments that followed by other posters so I decided to give this album and band a shot. I was simply amazed. This is a great album and I don't plan on taking it out of my stereo disc changer for quite some time.

5/5

[Teaboy]

I can't stop listening to the guitar solo of hysteria. It's so catchy. I don't know what it is about it, but it fits perfectly into the song.

[The nargmaster]

Muse are my all time favorite band, and I bought abousolution on release and have not stoped listening to it since. Absolution is great because it explores a diferent side of Muse's music and has a number of original tracks, while staying faithfull to their style. The lyrics are an improvement on the other albums aswell. This was a well written, detailed review.

5/5

[The Ashtray Girl]

I love it, I only have it downloaded at the moment but I'm intending to buy it as soon as I have money. I love Endlessly and Butterflies and Hurricanes, but I also think Time Is Running Out is a very well-crafted song.

[Theo]

Ok, how are muse NOT radiohead rip-offs. They sound like a bad version of radiohead all the time, and me being a radiohead fan can't help but notice that. And the single TIRO is bad. Light years away from anything radiohead have ever prodiced quality-wise.

[el doctor]

Have you heard any other songs? Time Is Running Out isn't an accurate representation, as the review says, it's basically a deliberate pop song. And I'm a Radiohead fan too but I still like Muse, as do many people, and I get past that idea of them being a ripoff.

[Theo]

Have you heard any other songs? Time Is Running Out isn't an accurate representation, as the review says, it's basically a deliberate pop song. And I'm a Radiohead fan too but I still like Muse, as do many people, and I get past that idea of them being a ripoff.

Ok. I shalt check them out, it's not like being a radiohead ripoff is bad, it's just not original.

[DFelon204409]

This genre is just pompous. Muse can be classified more easily than say, Dredg, Maudlin of the Well, or Glassjaw.

[MethodicLotus]

Excellent review. I love the bass intro for Hysteria.

The outstanding songs are: Time is Running Out, Hysteria, Butterflies & Hurricanes, and Thoughts of a Dying Athesist (sp?)

Definatley give this a 5/5 :thumb:

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

Good review, I''m looking into Muse

[brycey]

You really should. They're outstanding.

[Kif]

I'd check out their older stuff to really feel what the band is really like. Check out the album Showbiz to get a glimpse of what they are. And you MUST see Hullabaloo. In fact, I might review it!

[brycey]

I've yet to see Hullabaloo. I've heard a few songs from it, but not seen it.

[Drop_D'd]

Muse's genre is...MUSE!!! They have their own genre. They are out of this world. I agree with JASteward on the standout tracks, Butterflies and Hurricanes, Hysteria and Stockholm Syndrome. Absolutely amazing. I've yet to discover any of their olderstuff, I need to get a move on

[amused232]

has ne1 hered con science....wtf is going on there
Con Science is one of my favourite Muse songs ever, it's really powerful and simple at the same time.

Absolution is a wonderful album, when I first got it loved it it's really different from most of their other stuff, I mean Muse have a distinct sound that is immediately recognisable in any of their songs but Absolution is much more ambitious. I first got into Muse thru OoS so all of the concerto, orchestra bits is quite a change for Origin's fast riffs. So while I still love Absolution and would give it 5/5 in a heartbeat I have to say I prefer their other 2 albums.

[xtreme chess]

Muse rock and this album just shows that, Hysteria being my favourite song. 5/5

[Knoxvillelives]

Great band, great, very dramatic album. Muse are doiung us Brits justice, we haven't turend out many decent bands in the last few years. Great review by the way, detailed. :)

[feeder_4ever]

Since Muse appeared with their first album 'Showbiz' there has been speculation on how far these guys can go with their music. Now Matt Bellamy (Guitars, piano, vocals.) Has become one of the best and well known musicians of today. Absolution is the recent pinicle of their career.

The album Absolution starts with a 22 second intro which basically is various percusion (and the band members feet) banging in a pattern. Betime track two 'Apocolypse please' begins the pianos are enough to startle you. Mix these with some strong vocals and an eerie bass line these two tracks are a good opener.

Track three is the singe 'time is running out' Chris (Bass) loves that distortion effect and uses it to great effect here with a catchy opening bass tune. Along with a fantastic suspensful pre chorus and Matt's screeching halfway through, this is one mother of a song.

'Sing for Absolution' is a strange song, Matt interlinks his piano, vocals and guitars into enormous effect. The video recently one kerrang video of the year. There really isn't much to say.

On swiftly to 'Stockholm Syndrome' an incredible beast of a song which, when loud, can match metal for mosh-ability. The verses lead into a huge volume leap for the solo and then mellow back into the chorus. Everything in this song blends together perfectly. By the way stockholm syndrome is when a kidnap vitim falls in love with their kidnapper.

Falling away with you, is a mellow (at least compared to one before it,) The depressing and down beat verses only add as a counter balance to an incredibly uplifting chorus, still, its my least favourite.

After a quick 30 second interlude which has really bad distortion comes the high point of the album, 'Hysteria,' an incredible bass line along with high pitched guitars gives the verse a great feel, while the chorus "I want it now!" is great. Matched up with one feck of a solo Muse were always on to a winner with this.

Blackout is a mellow song again, I like how Muse always calm the mood down with each heavy song anyway.... Yeah this is good, Matt takes to the piano again to deliver (even though it doesn't compare to the next song.) a blasting atmospheric piece.

Then there is the albums real killer, 'Butterflies and Hurricanes', feck, what an amazing song. Once again Muse mix the heavy and the mellow in the first chorus and verse and then does Matt go into a guitar solo, oh no, he does a piano solo, and wow. I'm no fan of classical music but this is pretty amazing, not to mention hard as hell to play. The guitars in all of the song actually are at a all time low, making way for the bass to take the main tune. After the solo it goes all quiet and then, bang, A huge sound explosion and the chorus kicks you square in the face. Nice.

On to TSP 'The small print' this is another eerie haunting tune, and actually strays away from the Muse borderline, "Slave to graaavvveeee!" Notice the solos again that really gives it a heavy feel.

'Thoughts of a dying Atheist,' is a cool song. These last two songs have sort of neglected the piano in favour of cool riffs and hard hitting lyrics. Fine by me, this is one of my favourite songs, and when that chorus hits you it hits you nice and hard but without being too heavy.

Ruled by secrecy, is a return to the piano and well, not a lot else really but once again Matt succeeds in taking this to a new place in rock music.

Concluding 'Absolution' is definetly Muse's best, its even better than origin of symmetry which was great, Muse combine new elements of rock and take them to a level which, currently at least, is their world, ultimatly with this album Muse show the world they have nothing left to prove.

5/5

[The Ashtray Girl]

I know this'll change very soon, but for the moment please check the reviews list before you do something, this album has already been done and you'll find your thread gets merged into that one very soon, most probably.

[Bartender]

10 points for la Girl d'Ashtray.

[Ulysses]

Nice review, this album is worth purchasing and is definately up there if not leading the rest of it's genre at the moment. 4/5 from me.

[morrissey2]

Raiven was recommending Muse to me the other day, and this looks to be one to check out. Excellent review, by the way. I haven't heard the album, but when I do pick it up (hopefully later this week), I'll try to give some feedback.

[Winged]

You summed Absolution up perfect. I couldn't agree more. I am in love with their new album and am playing it constantly from 4am till i finally fall into a slumber.

[newWorld]

I like thsi album. It is the only Muse I've heard and I enjoy it very much. However, sometimes the Radiohead vocals turn me off (not that I dislike Radiohead vocals, but it shows a lack of originality).

[The Ashtray Girl]

If you like this, check out Showbiz and Origin Of Symmetry too, which are even better in many people's opinions.

I still cannot for the life of me decide which album I like best.

[superpeer]

If you like this, check out Showbiz and Origin Of Symmetry too, which are even better in many people's opinions.

I still cannot for the life of me decide which album I like best.

Origin of Symmetry > Absolution


There, I picked for you and me ! :thumb:

[The Ashtray Girl]

Phew, just as well I've got people like you around.

[morrissey2]

If you like this, check out Showbiz and Origin Of Symmetry too, which are even better in many people's opinions.

I still cannot for the life of me decide which album I like best.
I just gave a listen to "Origin of Symmetry", it's quite a good album. I think I'm going to like this band...

[oliveri4string]

Oh you'll love this band, and just wait till you see them live, they're something else onstage. well satisfying to play their songs as well, providin you have the distortion and effects

Absolution is my current favourite but it always seems to change between the two.

I notice hardly anyone favours Showbiz

[oliveri4string]

If i hear one more person go on about the radiohead stuff i'm gonna go crazy, yeah fair enough at times on showbiz, but the later albums are far different, bellamy has a killer voice, sends shivers down my spine when i hear it. dont get me wrong. i love radiohead as well, but the whole rip off thing is getting really boring now, muse are the most original band ive listened to, personal muse top five is: citizen erased, hysteria, thoughts of a dying atheist, space dementia and apocalypse please

[Wintermute]

Muse were always going to have a hard time topping Origin Of Symmetry, and for pure, heart-pounding soaring moments I'm not sure they did. But they had a damn good stab at it, and it's a close run thing.

I would not hesitate to say that no contemporary British band can go toe-to-toe with Muse. Butterflies and Hurricanes, and Stockholm Syndrome are probably my two favourite tracks on this album, though they are all great. And the live show that accompanies it staggers belief.

I would give this album... 4.5/5. Which is about as good as my ratings get.

[Shadius]

Matt Bellamy's voice is a little like Thom Yorke's in places. Muse were obviously influenced by Radiohead.

Muse are not Radiohead.

Muse are not a ripoff of Radiohead.

Muse are Muse.

Show me a song by Radiohead that sounds like Butterflies and Hurricanes or Stockholm Syndrome, or... Citizen Erased, to pick a personal favourite.

[Epicurus]

Hmmm im not really into them but i still have all their albums and this is definately my favorite out of them if i had to pick one

[feeder_4ever]

I own all Muse's albums and my favourite is..... probably this. OOs and showbiz are amazing but this just has something special, Matt has really progressed as a songwriter and this album just shows it. Amazing.
Sorry I didn't realise this had already been done. My apoligies :)

[Kif]

Seriously, if you want to experience Muse at their best, buy the Hullabaloo DVD or download a bootleg. You haven't heard Muse until you have seen them live, and then it's a ****ing amazing experience. The raw energy they carry out live along with Matt's unique voice, it's just so well played.

I saw them in 2001 (My first gig ever!) at Doncaster Dome and it was sheer brilliance.

[incubliss]

apparently, a cheesy way of putting their genre is Ba-rock if anyone gets that. :p

i saw them for my first time at Earls Court on the 2nd date, after 4 years of trying to get tickets for their shows, i finally got some, and it's definately the best gig i've ever been to in my life.

nothing compares to the sound they produce live. it's so overwhleming. they started off with an intro, and then straight into Apocalypse Please, and there was dom hammering away at the drums, you could just feel every hit in your chest and feet, and then came the piano, my god, i just felt a surge of excitement sweep right through me, i couldn't contain myself.

they have the best sound i've ever heard, and they are so tight live, never making any mistakes, and they've changed a few of their live songs for the better. (Sunburn, the whole song played on piano, even solo, Butterflies & Hurricanes, with guitar and piano solo, Citizen Erased, that bloody amazing riff in the middle of the song, Sing for Absolution, played on guitar only, it's so much better now, Apocalypse Please, with the changed drum fill in the bridge, amazing)

one thing that really fecking impressed me was the lighting rig, and how it all integrated with the sound, it was inch for inch perfect. i have a picture to show you the lighting rig.

http://www.microcuts.net/gallery/details.php?image_id=3353

that's my picture that someone put on their, claimed as their own i believe, but it shows the enormity of their set, and how vast everything is.

my advice, go see them live and buy all their albums, and aquire all their b-sides, they are very special too.

5/5 for the album, and all their albums. they are special

[oliveri4string]

Ive been a fan ever since showbiz, its not their greatest but still a quality album, bellamy is such an awesome musician and he's still well young. when i saw em at reading a few years back i was blown away, and they hadnt even done the absolution stuff!

me and some mates have been playing their stuff and its well satisfying, unfortunately weve had to do away with the vocals cos no one i know can reach the epochal heights matt's voice does.