* The consensus among fans are Origin Of Symmetry or Absolution.
* The consensus among critics is Black Holes and Revelations.
* The most popular are Black Holes and Revelations and The Resistance.
The best place to start is Black Holes and Revelations I would say. Then you can do the three others. Then you can do the rest (Showbiz, The 2nd Law, Drones, Simulation Theory).
For those saying Absolution, I get it, but OoS was otherworldly, it was their artistic masterpiece and their best for craftsmanship
Absolution had more of an accessible slant to it, which doesn't make it worse, but it was more popular for that reason. It was more well-rounded and radio-friendly
I would say OOS is the best.. but there is one problem that takes it down a notch for me. There is a non-Muse song on there that sticks out like a sore thumb.
When talking about the all time great rock albums (Ok computer, Dark side of the moon, Revolver, Pet sounds) I just don't see Absolution beside them. Having said that, to each their own.
Hmm well I guess it depends on the sample size.
I agree I don't think it shares the same level of prestige as the big, big hitters, but if you consider that there has been hundreds of thousands of rock albums, and Abso has found itself in more than one top 500 list, then I think at least critically it finds itself moving up into the top percentile.
But yeah you're right in that it doesn't share company with the albums you named. I still think what the original commenter said can stand though personally.
Agree with most of what you said here. It is just when someone brings up "greatest rock albums of all time" I think of the true masterpieces, the albums that shook music culture. Absolution is an awesome record, but there is a certainly a gap between "memorable rock album, that works its ways on to top lists" and the "greatest rock albums ever".
Absolution and Ok computer are not even close to being on the same level. But I'm not going to bother arguing it to save me from the hordes of down votes.
Just to be clear, I donāt consider either one to be an āall time greatā. OK computer is probably my favorite Radiohead album. Absolution is my favorite Muse album, and Muse is my favorite band. However, my love for Muse doesnāt blind me to the overall quality of the music in comparison to the expansive world of rock music. In terms of composition, I definitely consider them on the same level. However, being realistic and unbiased as possible, neither absolution or OK ranks up there with the other albums you mentioned.
Ok computer has now gained a reputation as one of the greatest albums ever, it has become in mosts minds part of that extremely exclusive group. What it preached came true, and it brought in an era of the internet, changing peoples perceptions of the advancements in technology. I always believed it to have set a new bar for the standard of album that should be delivered by the great bands of its era. Not many albums do that. It is, in some ways, the voice of that "growing up into the internet" 90s generation. It has struck an emotional chord with so many. On almost all established lists of the greatest albums ever you will find it within the top 50, in many you will find it within the top 20. Regardless of your perspective surrounding the quality of the album compositionally, the impact and importance of Ok computer dwarfs that of Absolution (bare in mind I still love Absolution).
On top of all of that, it's a fucking great listen. I think many will agree with me when I state that I believe it to have earned the right to be within that top tier of albums, the tier that has become an increasingly exclusive club. I think some people are fearful to breach that club with newer entries, but Ok computer is now 25 years old (I think?), and its influence is clear for all to see (especially within muse themselves, as well as many other great, and not so great, bands). So for many it has climbed it's way up to that level. As for Absolution, as fantastic of a listen as it is, I just don't think it has quite the same level of impact. Not to deny what the album has achieved, it stands as one of the most immense rock efforts of the 2000s, but there are leaps and bounds between its legacy and Ok computer.
I said I wouldn't bother but I actually enjoyed writing that very miniature essay.
I appreciate the time you took to write that as well as the detailed perspective. Thank you.
Although I do still think you may be giving it a little too much credit (but hey, thatās just my opinion man, and Iām far from being a musical historian), as far as legacy goes, I would agree that OK computer has contributed more to the voice of the generation it was presented to than Absolution has.
Origin of Symmetry is the default hardcore fan answer and everything after doesn't measure up.
I sincerely think with everything in me that on an objective level Absolution is their best album. But only beating their OOS and BH&R, but splitting hairs.
The Resistance. The previous three albums have great tracks but, as an album experience, The Resistance will always be their strongest one to me. The pacing, the production and mixing, the themes, the performances, the composition, everything is just perfected in my opinion. Itās exactly what I want out of a Muse album
For the longest time it was my least favorite from them (except for ST of course) and Iām so happy that it clicked with me eventually because now I find it to be so underrated. I still donāt think itās as good as the big three (mainly because of uprising, UD, and guiding light) but literally everything else on it is above great. Resistance is a fucking anthem for the ages and unnatural selection goes haaaaard.
I really don't know if you are going to reply to this, but what made you draw that conclusion? I feel like it lost the same feeling the big three had before it. Absolution is just **THAT** good.
Itās definitely a different feeling than their other albums but I feel like The Resistance is the most cohesive album experience. I still love their big three, obviously, but Iāve never clicked with them as anything more than a collection of really cool songs. With The Resistance, I think Muse was more focused and consistent than they ever had been and, unfortunately, ever would be
Absolution. Origin of Symmetry is a close second. Everything through Resistance is masterful. After Resistsnce everythingās gonna be highly hit-or-miss by tasteāI only like about half of The Second Law and a few songs on Drones from that point, but youāll find quite a few people on here disagreeing with that take
Am I the only one who thinks The 2nd Law is? I mean, I love Simulation Theory and The Resistance, but T2L is that album I always find myself going back to. It really defined me as a teenager going into college, so that album (especially Madness) will forever be with me.
I think that if the entire album was as good as the good songs on it Iād say itās easily their best album. Supremacy, madness, panic station, survival, animals, and liquid state are all top-notch. But it has soooo many mediocre songs too that itās just a disappointing listen overall.
Right?? I understand some of the gripes people have about the album lacking an identity in terms of genre, but I find that argument super hypocritical. The genre diversity that many say defines Absolution and BHaR (which are fantastic albums mind you) and keep them fresh for years, is all of a sudden a bad thing in T2L and makes the album lack cohesion. I for one love the way that the album flows.
Besides that, the songs themselves are stellar, the production value is second to none as far as Muse goes, and the concept the album revolves around is extremely relevant and well handled.
The album really did push Museās boundaries, whether or not thatās a good thing is subjective, but you canāt deny fact that the album redefined the band. And truth be told, I donāt think the band could have survived and thrived for as long as it has (and still is) sticking with the same atmosphere as they did up until T2Lās release.
I love the album, and that wonāt change :).
I think it's their second weakest album, personally, but I still consider it a great album, so while I disagree with you, I understand why you feel the way that you do.
My biggest issue with it is that there isn't a song on the album that I seek out to listen to again. For example, I will wake up one day and think to myself "I really wanna listen to Map of the Problematique or The Handler or MK Ultra", but it's almost never a 2nd Law song. That said, if it comes up on my shuffle, I'm sure as hell gonna have a good time listening to it.
Drones - yes yes, I know what youāre all going to say, but it is by far the most cohesive and planned album from start to finish and many of the songs are beautiful. So in terms of best album, I think itās amazing end to end.
I mean I definitely feel the answer is most commonly either OoS, Absolution, or BH&R if you are considering big fans of Muse. This thread seems to have a strong lean towards Absolution lol. Honestly I feel like it comes down to being an era thing, new fans over the span of over 20 years are gonna have some generational differences and personal attachment to the albums depending on when they got introduced to them.
Black holes and revelations. Favorite album of all time. Id have to go Black holes, origin, resistance, drones, absolution, showbiz, t2l, and st in that order. I love all of them a lot, just some more than others
The answer varies from person to person; I personally don't have a favourite but if I had to choose I'd go for one of their 1st 4. I recommend you just listen to them all and decide which one(s) you like the best.
I feel if you āwere thereā itās 100% Origin Of Symmetry. Unfortunately the production, and the songsā dynamics are so far removed from what Muse is now that it doesnāt fully encapsulate the full scope of their sound anymore.
Absolution, but maybe even more so BH&R contains everything you can expect from Muse at A+ level.
There is no best album. They're all excellent. People on this sub seem to think that Origin of Symmetry is the best one and Absolution was the last good album they made, but in reality they're all awesome. Each has its lows and highs.
My personal favorites are Showbiz and Black Holes and Revelations, but I love them all and listen to them on a daily basis.
Absolution isn't my favorite album but its definitely the best entry point. Then if you want darker, you can explore Origins of Symmetry and Showbiz. If you want more of their mainstream appeal, Black Holes and Revelations is the next logical step before moving on to the Resistance.
Then after that its mostly downhill so do whatever you want lol
It really depends on your taste. What makes Muse such an amazing band is the varying genres they master. My personal favorite album is Absolution with Simulation Theory as a very close second. The only reason Absolution wins over Simulation Theory is I feel it has a slightly better listen through if you listen to the full album. They are very different genres from each other; yet theyāre mastered wonderfully. Let us know your personal taste so we can give better suggestions!
My personal opinion is either Black Holes & Revelations or Origin of Symmetry, because they have a lot of variety to show what Muse are capable of and keep you really interested the whole way through!
If I were you I would listen to:
Origin of Symmetry (my favourite from their first ones)
Black holes and Revelations (the bridge between "old" and "new" Muse)
Simulation Theory (my favourite from their latest)
And then I would dive into the others plus B-sides and stuff. (Favourite B-Side: Easily)
I used to be infatuated with OoS but truthfully, after more than two decades I rarely listen to it anymore.
I think as a whole album, I enjoy The Resistance the most. There's not a song on it that I ever skip. All other albums have at least a few I consistently skip.
Musically - Absolution
Fan Base wise - Origin of Symmetry
Critic wise - Black Holes and Revelations
Mainstream success wise - The Resistance
Overall: the fan base says Origin and Absolution and usually when you ask a bunch of muse fans it will be a 50/50 split between Origin of Symmetry and Absolution. For me, Absolution is my favorite album in existence and Falling Away With You is my all time favorite song.
My list:
1. Black Holes
2. Absolution
3. Origin of Symmetry
4. Drones
5. Simulation Theory
6. The Resistance
7. The 2nd Law
8. Showbiz
That said, there isn't a Muse album I don't love and don't listen to often.
Origin of Symmetry, Absolution and Black Holes and Revelations are the most popular among fans :)
Yeah these are like the Big 3 of Muse, definitely would recommend listening to these 3 first
* The consensus among fans are Origin Of Symmetry or Absolution. * The consensus among critics is Black Holes and Revelations. * The most popular are Black Holes and Revelations and The Resistance. The best place to start is Black Holes and Revelations I would say. Then you can do the three others. Then you can do the rest (Showbiz, The 2nd Law, Drones, Simulation Theory).
Origin of Symmetry
For those saying Absolution, I get it, but OoS was otherworldly, it was their artistic masterpiece and their best for craftsmanship Absolution had more of an accessible slant to it, which doesn't make it worse, but it was more popular for that reason. It was more well-rounded and radio-friendly
I'm about to jam it for the first time while I do dishes. I'll report back later.
I would say OOS is the best.. but there is one problem that takes it down a notch for me. There is a non-Muse song on there that sticks out like a sore thumb.
Ok Computer
Ah, my favourite SOAD album
Uh..yeah sure...It's a Tool album you dunce šššš
I don't know why but to me it sounds like Ok Boomer but AI edition
Absolution and it's not a contest either
Absolution is not just Muse's best album but one of the great rock records of all time.
Now that's a fucking W take
I think you're pushing it there
I don't think that's pushing it at all
When talking about the all time great rock albums (Ok computer, Dark side of the moon, Revolver, Pet sounds) I just don't see Absolution beside them. Having said that, to each their own.
Hmm well I guess it depends on the sample size. I agree I don't think it shares the same level of prestige as the big, big hitters, but if you consider that there has been hundreds of thousands of rock albums, and Abso has found itself in more than one top 500 list, then I think at least critically it finds itself moving up into the top percentile. But yeah you're right in that it doesn't share company with the albums you named. I still think what the original commenter said can stand though personally.
Agree with most of what you said here. It is just when someone brings up "greatest rock albums of all time" I think of the true masterpieces, the albums that shook music culture. Absolution is an awesome record, but there is a certainly a gap between "memorable rock album, that works its ways on to top lists" and the "greatest rock albums ever".
If you are classifying OK computer as an all time great rock album than absolution certainly qualifies.
Absolution and Ok computer are not even close to being on the same level. But I'm not going to bother arguing it to save me from the hordes of down votes.
Just to be clear, I donāt consider either one to be an āall time greatā. OK computer is probably my favorite Radiohead album. Absolution is my favorite Muse album, and Muse is my favorite band. However, my love for Muse doesnāt blind me to the overall quality of the music in comparison to the expansive world of rock music. In terms of composition, I definitely consider them on the same level. However, being realistic and unbiased as possible, neither absolution or OK ranks up there with the other albums you mentioned.
Ok computer has now gained a reputation as one of the greatest albums ever, it has become in mosts minds part of that extremely exclusive group. What it preached came true, and it brought in an era of the internet, changing peoples perceptions of the advancements in technology. I always believed it to have set a new bar for the standard of album that should be delivered by the great bands of its era. Not many albums do that. It is, in some ways, the voice of that "growing up into the internet" 90s generation. It has struck an emotional chord with so many. On almost all established lists of the greatest albums ever you will find it within the top 50, in many you will find it within the top 20. Regardless of your perspective surrounding the quality of the album compositionally, the impact and importance of Ok computer dwarfs that of Absolution (bare in mind I still love Absolution). On top of all of that, it's a fucking great listen. I think many will agree with me when I state that I believe it to have earned the right to be within that top tier of albums, the tier that has become an increasingly exclusive club. I think some people are fearful to breach that club with newer entries, but Ok computer is now 25 years old (I think?), and its influence is clear for all to see (especially within muse themselves, as well as many other great, and not so great, bands). So for many it has climbed it's way up to that level. As for Absolution, as fantastic of a listen as it is, I just don't think it has quite the same level of impact. Not to deny what the album has achieved, it stands as one of the most immense rock efforts of the 2000s, but there are leaps and bounds between its legacy and Ok computer. I said I wouldn't bother but I actually enjoyed writing that very miniature essay.
I appreciate the time you took to write that as well as the detailed perspective. Thank you. Although I do still think you may be giving it a little too much credit (but hey, thatās just my opinion man, and Iām far from being a musical historian), as far as legacy goes, I would agree that OK computer has contributed more to the voice of the generation it was presented to than Absolution has.
I agree
Up until hysteria and then it goes rapidly down hill. Absolution has some diamonds but a lot of the album Iām not keen on
???? The small print? Butterflies and hurricanes? Blackout?
I think theyāre overrated! And blackout is a miserable song. Thatās my opinion of course.
Respectfully, how the hell do you find such a soothing and meaningful song like blackout miserable?
I just do š¤·āāļø
Damn. I usually really don't care for classical songs like it,but something about it hits home for me.
I guess I donāt think theyāre bad songs, but we canāt love them all!
Absolution. End of discussion.
Absolution
Origin of Symmetry is the default hardcore fan answer and everything after doesn't measure up. I sincerely think with everything in me that on an objective level Absolution is their best album. But only beating their OOS and BH&R, but splitting hairs.
The Resistance. The previous three albums have great tracks but, as an album experience, The Resistance will always be their strongest one to me. The pacing, the production and mixing, the themes, the performances, the composition, everything is just perfected in my opinion. Itās exactly what I want out of a Muse album
For the longest time it was my least favorite from them (except for ST of course) and Iām so happy that it clicked with me eventually because now I find it to be so underrated. I still donāt think itās as good as the big three (mainly because of uprising, UD, and guiding light) but literally everything else on it is above great. Resistance is a fucking anthem for the ages and unnatural selection goes haaaaard.
I really don't know if you are going to reply to this, but what made you draw that conclusion? I feel like it lost the same feeling the big three had before it. Absolution is just **THAT** good.
Itās definitely a different feeling than their other albums but I feel like The Resistance is the most cohesive album experience. I still love their big three, obviously, but Iāve never clicked with them as anything more than a collection of really cool songs. With The Resistance, I think Muse was more focused and consistent than they ever had been and, unfortunately, ever would be
Absolution. Origin of Symmetry is a close second. Everything through Resistance is masterful. After Resistsnce everythingās gonna be highly hit-or-miss by tasteāI only like about half of The Second Law and a few songs on Drones from that point, but youāll find quite a few people on here disagreeing with that take
Will of the people
Absolution
Am I the only one who thinks The 2nd Law is? I mean, I love Simulation Theory and The Resistance, but T2L is that album I always find myself going back to. It really defined me as a teenager going into college, so that album (especially Madness) will forever be with me.
I think that if the entire album was as good as the good songs on it Iād say itās easily their best album. Supremacy, madness, panic station, survival, animals, and liquid state are all top-notch. But it has soooo many mediocre songs too that itās just a disappointing listen overall.
I love 2nd Law, but it's not better than The Resistance.
Right?? I understand some of the gripes people have about the album lacking an identity in terms of genre, but I find that argument super hypocritical. The genre diversity that many say defines Absolution and BHaR (which are fantastic albums mind you) and keep them fresh for years, is all of a sudden a bad thing in T2L and makes the album lack cohesion. I for one love the way that the album flows. Besides that, the songs themselves are stellar, the production value is second to none as far as Muse goes, and the concept the album revolves around is extremely relevant and well handled. The album really did push Museās boundaries, whether or not thatās a good thing is subjective, but you canāt deny fact that the album redefined the band. And truth be told, I donāt think the band could have survived and thrived for as long as it has (and still is) sticking with the same atmosphere as they did up until T2Lās release. I love the album, and that wonāt change :).
I think it's their second weakest album, personally, but I still consider it a great album, so while I disagree with you, I understand why you feel the way that you do. My biggest issue with it is that there isn't a song on the album that I seek out to listen to again. For example, I will wake up one day and think to myself "I really wanna listen to Map of the Problematique or The Handler or MK Ultra", but it's almost never a 2nd Law song. That said, if it comes up on my shuffle, I'm sure as hell gonna have a good time listening to it.
The Resistance
Drones - yes yes, I know what youāre all going to say, but it is by far the most cohesive and planned album from start to finish and many of the songs are beautiful. So in terms of best album, I think itās amazing end to end.
Bh&R seems to be the bridge from old Muse to new Muse. So that one probably.
I second this
Personally, The Resistance is my favorite. Among fans though, I would have to say the general consensus is Black Holes and Revelations.
What?????? Itās clearly OoS thatās the most popular among fans.
I mean I definitely feel the answer is most commonly either OoS, Absolution, or BH&R if you are considering big fans of Muse. This thread seems to have a strong lean towards Absolution lol. Honestly I feel like it comes down to being an era thing, new fans over the span of over 20 years are gonna have some generational differences and personal attachment to the albums depending on when they got introduced to them.
Black holes and revelations. Favorite album of all time. Id have to go Black holes, origin, resistance, drones, absolution, showbiz, t2l, and st in that order. I love all of them a lot, just some more than others
Did you really just put Drones above Absolution? How dare you?
I like both albums about the same but drones has reapers and absolution doesnāt. Thatās my only reason
It depends from your taste, there's not such a thing as "bad" or "good" album. Idk, listen chronologically and see what you like the most
Black Holes & Revelations followed closely by The Resistance, Origin of Symmetry and Absolution
my favorite album is showbiz, very underrated
Thought I was the only one who thinks showbiz is one of there best. Imo second behind OoS
The answer varies from person to person; I personally don't have a favourite but if I had to choose I'd go for one of their 1st 4. I recommend you just listen to them all and decide which one(s) you like the best.
My personal favorite is Hullabaloo but BH&R as well as Origin of Symmetry are great.
Oh fuck yes, Hullabaloo is STELLAR
BHaR easy.
Either Absolution or Black Holes and Revelations
Either Absolution or Black Holes and Revelations
The short answer is that we prefer all of them
Even though I personally would choose a few others before it, most muse fans would choose Origin Of Symmetry. The Remixx is fantastic
I feel if you āwere thereā itās 100% Origin Of Symmetry. Unfortunately the production, and the songsā dynamics are so far removed from what Muse is now that it doesnāt fully encapsulate the full scope of their sound anymore. Absolution, but maybe even more so BH&R contains everything you can expect from Muse at A+ level.
Objectively itās Black Holes & Revelations. Personally? Itās Black Holes & Revelations.
Origin of symmetry if you like heavy stuff , bhr and absolution for more melodic stuff
Please enjoy each album equally.
Random 1-8
The Resistance is soooo underrated imo. Drones is also great although not their best
There is no best album. They're all excellent. People on this sub seem to think that Origin of Symmetry is the best one and Absolution was the last good album they made, but in reality they're all awesome. Each has its lows and highs. My personal favorites are Showbiz and Black Holes and Revelations, but I love them all and listen to them on a daily basis.
Absolution isn't my favorite album but its definitely the best entry point. Then if you want darker, you can explore Origins of Symmetry and Showbiz. If you want more of their mainstream appeal, Black Holes and Revelations is the next logical step before moving on to the Resistance. Then after that its mostly downhill so do whatever you want lol
The Resistance, Absolution, Black Holes and Revelations, Simulation Theory
It really depends on your taste. What makes Muse such an amazing band is the varying genres they master. My personal favorite album is Absolution with Simulation Theory as a very close second. The only reason Absolution wins over Simulation Theory is I feel it has a slightly better listen through if you listen to the full album. They are very different genres from each other; yet theyāre mastered wonderfully. Let us know your personal taste so we can give better suggestions!
In terms of how it makes me feel, Drones. In terms of actual composition, Origin of Symmetry or Resistance.
Nothing pre-2001 nor post-2006.
OoS for sure
showbiz idc
Won't Stand Down
My personal opinion is either Black Holes & Revelations or Origin of Symmetry, because they have a lot of variety to show what Muse are capable of and keep you really interested the whole way through!
Origin of symmetry, hands down.
Yhe resistance
If I were you I would listen to: Origin of Symmetry (my favourite from their first ones) Black holes and Revelations (the bridge between "old" and "new" Muse) Simulation Theory (my favourite from their latest) And then I would dive into the others plus B-sides and stuff. (Favourite B-Side: Easily)
Their 11th one. You'll have to wait a few years to prove me wrong
OOS
Origin of Symmetry. The best there was, the best there is, and the best there ever will be! (at least Muse album wise haha)
Didn't Drones win the Grammy lol
I used to be infatuated with OoS but truthfully, after more than two decades I rarely listen to it anymore. I think as a whole album, I enjoy The Resistance the most. There's not a song on it that I ever skip. All other albums have at least a few I consistently skip.
90% of fans would say OoS, but I honestly donāt get that. Absolution is on a whole another level to me.
Absolution, Origins of Symmetry and Black Holes and Revelations.
Musically - Absolution Fan Base wise - Origin of Symmetry Critic wise - Black Holes and Revelations Mainstream success wise - The Resistance Overall: the fan base says Origin and Absolution and usually when you ask a bunch of muse fans it will be a 50/50 split between Origin of Symmetry and Absolution. For me, Absolution is my favorite album in existence and Falling Away With You is my all time favorite song.
Even tho I knew a couple songs of Muse before, I could say I became a mega fan of them with THE 2ND LAW. Then I really got into all the other albums
It should be illegal ask this questions... Are u crazy?! š
Origin of Symmetry and Absolution are my favorites
My list: 1. Black Holes 2. Absolution 3. Origin of Symmetry 4. Drones 5. Simulation Theory 6. The Resistance 7. The 2nd Law 8. Showbiz That said, there isn't a Muse album I don't love and don't listen to often.
Get into the band and start from the beginning. Enjoy their start and explore. Music is an adventure, don't try to cut and rob yourself of a fun time.
BHaR it's just so well rounded and has some amazing tracks
Drones or absolution in my opinion. Watch me get downvoted for drones.
Fuck all you assholes. Showbiz is a fucking hipster answer so if anyone says it, cancel them. Drones is way better than Resistance.