New Muse album...

As a die-hard Muse fan, I was nothing but eager to hear the new album. Showbiz, Origin of Symmetry and Absolution are 3 spectacular albums, and IMO OOS is one of the best albums ever recorded. Black Holes and Revelations is the new album from these guys, due out July 11th in the US. Does it live up to the hype? Maybe...

1) Take a Bow
This song picks up right where Origin of Symmetry(!) left off. It immediately opens with dreamy synth work reminiscent of Bliss. The lyrics seem to hint at accusing president Bush of being the devil basically. The drum track goes along perfectly with the song and really pulls it together. Good samples and distortion work near the end of the song, make this one of the best songs on the album. (9/10)

2) Starlight
This song starts off with a scratchy bass riff, but quickly goes downhill once the piano kicks in. It seems our boy Matthew has borrowed skills from our pal Yanni on this one. Don't like Yanni? Me neither. It picks up quick though with an emotional Matt singing about a (lost?) love. Good heavy bass hits troughout the rest of the song, and the always excellent drums personify the lyrics beautifully. If you can get over the horribly-out-of-place piano, this is a half descent song. (7/10)

3) Supermassive Black Hole
It's a shame that this was chosen as a single, or to even be recorded for that matter. This song is HORRIBLE. Matt's lyrics are barely discernable, that is if this song has lyrics in the first place. The "guitars" and the drums sound like synth, and the song itself follows the exact same formula of all mainstream popular garbage polluting the airwaves today. If I want to listen to a cookie-cutter dance-pop song, I'll listen to Britney Spears. I hate Britney. (0/10)

4) Map of the Problematique
Ah! Here we are!! This is the direction I had hoped Muse traveled in after Absolution. This is the more experimental sounding like OOS, with the experience of Absolution. This song has a spacey feel that doesn't shy away from the rocking out of past Muse. The lyrics are relevant to anyone who likes to dig a bit deeper in their music and see the underlying problems of society. Matt's voice sounds inspired and fresh, sort of evolved from past albums. This is Stockholm Syndrome for the more sophisticated generation. Best song on the album. (10/10)

5) Soldier's Poem
Now that things have settled down from the previous song, we are treated to a short little acoustic piece. Upon first listen this song immediately reminded me of their song, Map of Your Head. It sounds like its little brother. Not a bad song, but basically forgettable. (5/10)

6) Invincible
We're not even halfway through the album and things make a sharp downturn. This song is a slow ballad, but it just feels generic. You can't help but think I've heard this before. Then you play something from Absolution and you realize that you have. (2/10)

7) Assassin
This song starts off with a nice upbeat guitar riff that entices you and draws you in, only to come to screeching halt when the song really gets going. This is another mesh of sounds, that again sounds generic. I swear I've heard this song before... I think it was on that latest KoRn album... man I hate KoRn. (1/10)

8) Exo-Politics
Three subpar songs in a row, I hoped it was time for a descent one again. Much to my surprise, we do get a semi-descent song. Dom's drumming starts this one off with a drum track you swear is straight out of the 80's. The guitar hits soon after, with Matt using a nice FX pedal for this one. Matt's voice sounds emotional and angry all at once. However, the chorus reminds me too much of Audioslave's "Like a Stone" when Matt says "patiently." Too bad I can't stand Chris Cornell when he did this song. (4/10)

9) City of Delusion
This song starts off with an acoustic riff on guitar with uninspired lyrics and vocals. There's just not much to say about this song but it's heavily recycled material. Overall this song just sounds way too much like Hysteria from the previous album. Do yourself a favor, listen to previous album instead. (2/10)

10) Hoodoo
This song has distinctive Spanish/Mexican flair. That's not neccessarily a bad thing, but the guitar sounds unkept and just thrown together at the last minute. Again, nothing much to say about this one except that it is easily forgettable fodder that we've all heard before. (2/10)

11) Knights of Cydonia
This happens to be the longest song on the disc. I'm usually a fan of long songs, but only when they keep me entertained the whole way through. This song, unfortunately, loses focus and I find myself quickly getting bored. The first 2 minutes or so don't really do anything except showcase Matthew's talent for the guitar. Whether it's showboating, or neccessary to have an introduction so long (you're not Tool), it just doesn't work. The rest of the song is just bland and reminiscent of Queen's Bohemien Rhapsody. Pass this one up. (1/10)

12) Glorious (bonus track for Japan)
At least the Japanese get a good song on their release. It starts off with a somber piano and a nice drum track by Dom, which quickly picks up with a climatic guitar riff. Good lyrics and vocal capabilites keep this song entertaining to the very end. It's just a shame that one of the best songs on the disc is only a b-side, and one that isn't in the US release. (8/10)

...not. This album is a huge disappointment. It started off well, but just went downhill, over the cliff and never recovered. It seems that the all-too-familiar story in the music industry has happened once again: Sell your soul/fans/sound to make a record. The entire record sounds rushed, bland and horribly uninspired. Muse seems to have given up most of their signature sound in favor of more "American Radio Friendly" blend between Britney Spears, Nickelback, Audioslave and <insert trendy/popular band/singer name here>. This album reminds me of that abomination Weezer released a while back. However, at least I still want to listen to old Muse. There are a few standout gems, and one perfect song located here, but $15 is a high price to pay for 3 songs. I suggest borrowing the disc from someone who is actually brave enough to own it, or just download it. I just hope that future albums can get these 3 back on track.

Final rating: D, for Did they think this was really gonna fly!?

EDIT: fixed some typos

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I am very disappointed by the new album so far, even after 6 or 7 listens. It just doesn't do it for me. A few standout songs here and there, but the majority sound like Absolution rehashed.

I reviewed the album here if you want to read it:
http://www.gamingforce.com/forums/al...velations.html

It may seem harsh, but that's what intense hype and opinions are for.

There's nowhere I can't reach.