In this article, I want to focus on one of my personal favorite records, both by Muse, and of all time: "Black Holed And Revelations". I was a Muse fan before this record, but this one just really got me hooked! I will try to do this album justice with my words, but nothing will ever compare to the music.
Muse is: Matthew Bellamy-vocals, guitar, piano, and synths, Christopher Wolstenholme-vocals and bass, and Dominic Howard-drums. Many others were involved musically on this album, forgive me for not naming you.
1) Take A Bow: This track starts off subtle and mellow to intrigue and capture your ears. It's a little mysterious with sounds that whirl and would surround you if it was a physical entity. Once the peak of the sound comes around, the intruments kick in and compliment the mystery, and the sound gets bigger and bigger until the very end where it all explodes. I like to think of this song as a ticking time bomb that ends with a BANG.
2) Starlight: This, to me, is a love song. A song sung to the one you hold closest. "I just wanted to hold you in my arms" is the greatest thing you could sing to your dearest. Aside from the deep lyrics, the music is something you can move to. That stomping bass really bumps out of those speakers and you can feel it in your chest! Quite a song.
3) Supermassive Black Holes: This song is a little tricky, but, to me, it is also a love song, a different kind of love song. This song is the kind you sing to someone to seduce them. The vocals are high pitch and swaying, and even the music is sexy and seducing in a way. Everything about this tune screams "come hither" (wink wink). Think about using this song next time you want someone!
4) Map of the Problematique: This song has, without a doubt, my favorite intro on this album. So vibrant, so captivating, so illusive, so colourful. It'll catch your attention as soon as it starts. The vocals really resonate in this track, I feel. You can just feel that the words are coming from deep within, deep from the heart thar it almost sounds like pain or agony. Overall, great, powerful song that'll strike a cord with you. I garrentee it.
5) Soldier's Poem: I think all I need to talk about here is the vocal perfomance. Outstanding! Such harmony that you know Matt probably has had some form of formal training. It's almost Barbershop Quartet-esque. What rare talent that is!
6) Invincible: Nice and simple beginning as if starting off underwater and slowly ascending to the sky into the clouds. That's exactly this song is metaphorically. Sounds get more and more vibrant and bright; and the open feel when the dizzying solo is performed. It feels so free and invinsible, just as the title says.
7) Assassin: Keep all your young children away from this song! The whole feel is one of danger! Strong and heavy guitars, bass, and drums pounding away at your ears. All the more amplified by the use of that double bass pedal in that killer fill. You'll know which I'm talking about when you hear it. The speed of this song alone can really get your heart pumping. Who doesn't love a good rush??
8) Exo-Politics: Now, if this song doesn't wanna make you dance, I don't know what will! The groove is so evident, and shows us how much of a melting pot Muse truly is! It makes you wonder "What can't Muse do??" True talent on everyones behalf, truly. It's almost as if they were a wonder group!
9) City of Delusion: Spanish/Flamenco vibe? Check. That's what I pick up with the acoutic guitar, violins, trumpets, and the strumming patterns. In my mind, I see a ballroom full of fancy-dressed people dancing amongst each other to a mariachi of sorts. Great variety on this record, don't you agree??
10) Hoodoo: The first thing that comes to mind when I heard this song begin? "Once Upon A Time In Mexico". Tender and skilled guitar; tender, soft vocals to ride the melodies and a gentle piano in the background. The song picks up and things get heated with the pianos greater intesity, louder vocals, and a great run down the drums over and over again. The finale? A return to tender and softness like the beginning.
11) Knights of Cydonia: Here it is. My favorite song off this album, and my favorite song my Muse of all time. To me, this is a song about survival. A true test of man. The song as a whole feels like the soundtrack to a journey that someone is taking. Trudging along, dealing with the life ahead of him, and overcoming obstacles at every turn. What really carries this song is the great drum beat that Dominic is using. He's got that beat right in the pocket! Solid and powerful. I couldn't have possibly ever though of a beat such as that. You can't forget the bass guitar that's playing along side him. Chris really slaps along side the bass drum and accents that groove, and takes it home! And, oh my, thaf breakdown. Not many songs have such a memorable breakdown! It starts with harmonizing voices singing loudly "No one's gonna take me aliiiiiive!" True persistence on the characters part in this story. The solo is what makes this ending complete. I can't even describe it, but it really resonates and you cannot get it out of your head! What a song. What a story.
The talent is obvious. You've got to be an idiot if you don't see it or hear it! You can hear the various influences that make up Muses music, which makes them truly one-of-a-kind. Muse is ahead of its time and there will never be another band like them. Ever. This album is a must-have and it will change your perspective in what rock n' roll is and what rock n' roll can be. Hats off to Muse and everything they do. Always stay true to yourselves, and keep pushing the boundries of music.
-Rätsel