CD Review: Muse – “The Resistance”

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CD Review

This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.

These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.

Artist: Muse
Album: The Resistance (2009 Warner Bros./Helium 3)
Tracks: 16

Artist website: http://www.muse.mu

OVERVIEW

This is the fifth studio album by English alternative rockers Muse. Until listening to this album, I had only heard their music in passing.

There is a very interesting hybrid of styles in the music of Muse. I feel it is one part electronica, one part art rock, one part progressive rock, one part musical theatre, and one part something that only Muse can bring you.

Very good effort overall.

HIGHLIGHTS: 

Resistance, United States of Eurasia, Unnatural Selection, MK Ultra

PLAY BY PLAY

Track 1 – Uprising
This track has a strong shuffle groove. The vocals are strong. It has pseudo-anthemic moments. 

Track 2 – Resistance
This song is quite catchy. It has really cool chorus. The keyboard riff (motif) reminds me of 80’s Pet Shop Boys. 

Track 3 – Undisclosed Desires
This has a modern r&b feel to it. Very minimalistic. I didn’t really dig this track.

Track 4 – United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage)
Very pretty! Queen-esque! (This song also features one of my favorite works by Chopin)

Track 5 – Guiding Light 
Huge sounding! Another Queen-esque track. 

Track 6 – Unnatural Selection
Cool up tempo rock track. Really nice harmonic choices and blending of notes (spanning from vocals to guitar and bass). Very cool riff! 

Track 7 – MK Ultra
Great track! Energetic!

Track 8 – I Belong to You (+Mon Cœur S’ouvre à Ta Voix)
I couldn’t connect with this one.

Track 9 – Exogenesis: Symphony Part 1 (Overture)
Very pretty, but I didn’t feel like this belonged here. I almost started to feel like I was listening to some symphonic metal band.

Track 10 – Exogenesis: Symphony Part 2 (Cross-Polination)
Dramatic. Has some very interesting neo-classical moments.

Track 11 – Exogenesis: Symphony Part 3 (Redemption)
Really pretty.

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Posted in CD Reviews, The Weekly Riff (2008-2010) Reprinted.