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Muse (Absolution)
Released: 04/23/04 - 14 Tracks - (52:06) - (A&E)
Standout Tracks: “Stockholm Syndrome”, “Hysteria”, “Butterflies and Hurricanes”
Muse’s first album to be released in the U.S., Absolution, is definitely not for everyone. If you like music categorized under “easy listening”, if you like relaxing music, then you will be thoroughly disappointed. If you like music that sticks to the status quo, you will be let down. Stop reading right now if you are looking for a bunch of overplayed radio songs. If you’re still interested, then Absolution just might be one of the most uniquely epic albums you will ever hear. The major theme that drives the album along is the end of the world. From “Apocalypse Please” to “Time is Running Out”, the tone of the music and its lyrics go beyond the ordinary. Subject matter aside, the instrumental expertise of the band along with Matt Bellamy’s incredible vocal range helps Muse stand out from the rest. The guitar riffs in “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Hysteria” are simply awesome, as they use excessive pitch bending and distortion to create a very intense feel. Muse takes advantage of the piano, whether it means pounding out the chords in “Apocalypse Please”, or performing the piano solo in “Butterflies and Hurricanes”. The vocals are loud and passionate, and are essential in songs like “Time is Running Out”. Although the album is full of intense hits, its slower songs like “Blackout” and “Sing for Absolution” have interesting melodies complemented by a sadder tone. Never afraid to use different sounds, Muse uses orchestral strings and a mandolin in order to add classical elements to many of their songs as well. The biggest criticism I can give is that the high-tech “outer-space” like effects (as well as the immense distortion) of the songs might turn some people off, especially when listening for the first time. However, these effects help Muse sound unique, and are not abused to the point where they are creating noise instead of music. Overall, I had a hard time picking out three standout tracks, because there are so many great songs on this album. Aside from the slow-going “Ruled By Secrecy”, every song on this album delivers.
SCORE: 9
Tony’s Bottom Line: Forget about the comparisons to Radiohead, this album proves that Muse is a different being. I have yet to hear a band that can equal or surpass Muse in terms of quality and innovation. Absolution is Muse at its best, and it deserves a listen by any modern music lover.
SCORE: 7.5
Trevor's Bottom Line: While Absolution may not be quite reach the level of excellence that the newer Black Holes and Revelations does, tracks like "Stockholm Syndrome" and "The Small Print" demonstrate why Muse will stay as my favorite band for a while to come. A great effort from a great band.
Standout Tracks: “Stockholm Syndrome”, “Hysteria”, “Butterflies and Hurricanes”
Muse’s first album to be released in the U.S., Absolution, is definitely not for everyone. If you like music categorized under “easy listening”, if you like relaxing music, then you will be thoroughly disappointed. If you like music that sticks to the status quo, you will be let down. Stop reading right now if you are looking for a bunch of overplayed radio songs. If you’re still interested, then Absolution just might be one of the most uniquely epic albums you will ever hear. The major theme that drives the album along is the end of the world. From “Apocalypse Please” to “Time is Running Out”, the tone of the music and its lyrics go beyond the ordinary. Subject matter aside, the instrumental expertise of the band along with Matt Bellamy’s incredible vocal range helps Muse stand out from the rest. The guitar riffs in “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Hysteria” are simply awesome, as they use excessive pitch bending and distortion to create a very intense feel. Muse takes advantage of the piano, whether it means pounding out the chords in “Apocalypse Please”, or performing the piano solo in “Butterflies and Hurricanes”. The vocals are loud and passionate, and are essential in songs like “Time is Running Out”. Although the album is full of intense hits, its slower songs like “Blackout” and “Sing for Absolution” have interesting melodies complemented by a sadder tone. Never afraid to use different sounds, Muse uses orchestral strings and a mandolin in order to add classical elements to many of their songs as well. The biggest criticism I can give is that the high-tech “outer-space” like effects (as well as the immense distortion) of the songs might turn some people off, especially when listening for the first time. However, these effects help Muse sound unique, and are not abused to the point where they are creating noise instead of music. Overall, I had a hard time picking out three standout tracks, because there are so many great songs on this album. Aside from the slow-going “Ruled By Secrecy”, every song on this album delivers. ~Tony Schwartz
SCORE: 9
SCORE: 7.5
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Muse Absolution
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | |
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| Anonymous | Muse are awesome | 0 | Apr 30 2008, 3:08 PM EDT by Anonymous | |
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Thread started: Apr 30 2008, 3:08 PM EDT
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Absolution rox my neon dom skinny jean coloured sox
Muse are the best, saw them at the Albert Hall - best gig of moi's life!!!! Absolution has to be the best album though, I <3 Butterflies & Hurricanes best of alll ;) Me and my fwendie made a muse wiki wetpaint thing www.musesociety.wetpaint.com its new but join it or whatever :) |
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| vlinty7 | This Review is Dead on | 0 | Mar 6 2007, 1:46 AM EST by vlinty7 | |
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Thread started: Mar 6 2007, 1:46 AM EST
Watch
Couldn't have put it any better myself, exept I would give this album a 10. We even agree on the top songs, however I'd also include Time is Running Out. The Weakest is Ruled By Secrecy and I can take or leave Endlessly. I am all about Muse too, check out my wetpaint site... http://top-music.wetpaint.com/
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| dtonys | Absolution Review | 0 | Mar 5 2007, 10:13 PM EST by dtonys | |
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Thread started: Mar 5 2007, 10:13 PM EST
Watch
Muse’s first album to be released in the U.S. , Absolution, is definitely not for everyone. If you like music categorized under “easy listening”, if you like relaxing music, then you will be thoroughly disappointed. If you like music that sticks to the status quo, you will be let down. Stop reading right now if you are looking for a bunch of overplayed radio songs. If you’re still interested, then Absolution just might be one of the most uniquely epic albums you will ever hear. The major theme that drives the album along is the end of the world. From “Apocalypse Please” to “Time is Running Out”, the tone of the music and its lyrics go beyond the ordinary. Subject matter aside, the instrumental expertise of the band along with Matt Bellamy’s incredible singing range helps Muse to stand out from the rest. The guitar riffs in “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Hysteria” are simply awesome, as they use excessive pitch bending and distortion to create a very intense feel. Muse takes advantage of the piano, whether it be pounding out the chords in “Apocalypse Please”, or performing the dramatic piano solo in “Butterflies and Hurricanes”. The vocals are loud and passionate, and are essential in songs like “Time is Running Out”. Although the album is full of intense hits, its slower songs like “Blackout” and “Sing for Absolution” have interesting melodies complemented by a sadder tone. Never afraid to use different sounds, Muse uses orchestral strings and a mandolin in order to add classical elements to many of their songs as well.
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