Absolution - Muse > Reviews > EXCELLENT Absolution!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	HEART WARMING ROCK !
Disadvantages:	NOT ENOUGH SONGS !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I first learnt about Muse when i was watching the good old music channels and saw their video 'Time is running out' on Q. When i had finished watching and listening to their video i was curious to find out more about them and when i did i was very suprised that they had been around for a while!
Whilst learning about this rockband i found out that they have three albums out with their first being 'Showbiz'. Their second 'Origin of Symmetry' and of couse their third 'Absolution' which was released last year.

Muse:
The band is made up of three members, Matthew Bellamy - lead vocalist, guitarist and pianist.
Chris Wolstenholme - Bass.
Dominic Howard on drums.

On the album 'Absolution' there are fourteen tracks altogether which include:

1. Intro:
This approximately lasts 24 seconds and starts of so quiet you have to turn the volume up and when you do, you hear the sound of soldiers marching and a man shouting in the background for a split second.

2. Apolcalypse Please:
This song starts of with very low deep notes from the piano as if it's an angry song with the drums accompanying it as well as Matthew then joining in with a high pitched voice saying 'This is the end of the world'.
Around 1.48 of the song you the get the piano, drums and bass making a catchy tune with Matthew briefly in the background then making a re-appearance around 3.11.
This song has a medium beat to it of which is a brilliant song to start the album of with.

3. Time is running out:
The beginning of this song is very catchy with a guitar playing the same notes and the sound of clicking of fingers with the drums and Matthew quickly entering into the song. The chorus to this song is brilliant as it has Matthew singing really loudly 'Our time is running out' with the drums and guitar blending in really well. This song is sure to make your head bop up and down with it's catchy chorus and medium/fast beat.

4. Sing for Absolution:
Nice slow/medium start from the piano, guitar and drums with Matthew singing in a gentle high pitched voice. This is an excellent very heart-warming song.

5. Stockholm Syndrome:
A quiet but quick song with the use of a very gentle guitar and light taps from the drum with Matthew singing in an unusually high pitched voice.
Far from one of the best songs on the album (I usually skip this one!)

6. Falling away with you:
A very romantic song indeed to start of with as it is slow with the use of guitar and Matthew's voice, then turning into a medium paced song of which is far from romantic with its drums and bass and guitar. It may have a medium pace to it but this is a song which you would lie in bed and listen to letting your imagination run away...

7. Interlude:
A quick 40 second interlude with the use of the guitar leading into the next song. (I usually skip this as it is slightly pointless)

8. Hysteria:
Excellent use of the guitar, drums and bass to start of with making it a quick catchy tune. Around 2.15 of the song, there is a solo piece from the guitar, drums and bass which is one of the reasons why this song is so good. This is by far one of the best songs on the album as all the instruments as well as Matthew blend in superbly.

9. Blackout:
A slow song with what sounds like violins and light taps from the drums and bass. Matthew sings in a respectfully slow manner making this such a heartwarming / romantic song. This is the type of song you would possibly dance to with your loved one or lie in bed chilling out to it as it is so relaxed. An excellent song.

10. Butterflies and Hurricanes:
A slow start gradually getting faster with the use of an electronic piano, drums and bass turning from what seems a sombre song into a 'let out all your energy song'. This is quite a long song but does not get boring or repetitive as it is always changing in some sort of way. It has an orchestral feel to it with the use of the piano and violins around 3.20 of the song, an excellent piece with the piano then turning backinto what it started of with, Matthew accompanied with the piano, drums and bass.

11. The small print:
This song is mostly based around the guitar, drums and bass with Matthew singing with great impact. This is quite a fast song with everything blending in well together. A very good song indeed.

12. Endlessly:
An electronic piano and light taps from the drums and bass surround this song. A slow/medium song with Matthew singing in again a gentle voice. This song is very relaxing as well as it being heart warming of which you could easily fall asleep to in bed.

13. Thoughts of a dying atheist:
Quick use of the guitar, drums and bass a completely different tune from the rest of the songs making it unique from the others. It's hard to describe this song apart from the fact it's fast and around 1.58 sounds very similar to a past-time song but can't put my finger on it! A brilliant song respectfully.

14. Ruled by secrecy:
A very passionate song indeed with the feeling of death surrounding it. It's use of the deep electric pianos notes and light taps from the drums and bass make this very sombre. What you may think is a quiet song turns louder around 2.55 with harder notes from a proper piano and harder taps from the guitar. After this point the mood of the song lifts into a happier mood gently leaving with quiet notes from the piano.
A nice way to leave the album as well as it being a nice song to fall alseep to in bed.

This album is mainly targetted to people of the ages 16 + to whatever age you maybe as some of the songs are of a deeper meaning than what usually meets the ear. An accentric yet heart-warming album which is certainly not for the faint hearted.

If you like muse in general then you will not be disappointed with this album as it has an excellent use of rock within it bar one or two tracks which should not have really been included on the album - (Stockholm syndrome).

If you have never heard of Muse before but like rock then this is an album to be listened to straight away! I can assure you it won't let you down.

Or if you're not really into rock then there is no point in listening to the album because it is mainly rock orientated!

Finale:
Overall this is an excellent album which should be listened to by all 'rock fans' and if you haven't done so already then do so now!!
This album can be listened to whenever it maybe but i personally think either when you're on the go whether it maybe to/from work or travelling to that holiday destination of yours! Another good time to listen to it maybe in the privacy of your own home or bedroom which you can really chill out or go crazy to (i know i do)!

Happy listening :):):)