Normally I wouldn't bother to write a review when so many others are out there, but I felt compelled to do so this time since the reviews were so mixed, and I disagreed with some of what other Muse fans had to say.

Let me first say that I am a HUGE Muse fan! I have everything of theirs that I could find/afford, and I totally love all of it. The thing I love most about Muse is that their sound is completely different from every other artist out there, they combine so many musical genres together that they really can't be classified into any one specifically. Each album is so different, a progression, and The Resistance is no exception!

"Uprising"-Most likely you've already heard this entire track--it rocks!! I'll admit the very first time I heard it I wasn't 100% sure at first, but by halfway through I was totally sold. It's a great song, the typical anti-establishment/question authority attitude that Muse seems to love.

"Resistance"-another good one, classic Muse! Some say this one is a bit cheesy, but I didn't think so. This is one of those Muse songs that you like more and more each time you hear it.

"Undisclosed Desires"-Ok, I really love this song, and I was really suprised that so many reviews trashed it!!! Lyrically it is fabulous, one of Muse's best love songs ever. The chorus is awesome. Musically, it it totally different than anything they've ever done before and also very different than the other songs on this album. I don't think it sounds like Britney Spears, or like it was produced by Timbaland at all. Nor does it sound like Hip-Hop. Some reviews said it shouldn't have been on the album, but I strongly disagree!! Like "Super Massive Black Hole", it is the kind of song that will likely have a broader appeal, I can definitely see it doing well as a single. After listening to the whole album several times, so far I think this one is my favorite.

"United States of Eurasia"-My first impression of this song was, "Hmmm, I don't know, sounds too much like Queen". I wasn't sure if I liked it at all. But, hearing it a few more times, the only part that really sounds like Queen are the vocal harmonies of "there can be only one!" and "eurasia! Sia! SIA!". The rest of the song is growing on me, I like it a lot more now, but I would say this is probably my least favorite on the album. That's not to say it isn't good, though, this is Muse we're talking about. The orchestral parts are incredible.

"Guiding Light"-Good song, but not the best. It will for sure get played a lot when they tour and I'm sure it will be even better live! This is another one that I am liking more each time I listen to it.

"Unnatural Selection"-Here we go, this song kicks total [...]!! I read many reviews that compare it to other Muse songs ("New Born", "Citizen Erased"). Why, because it's over six minutes long? I don't think it sounds close enough to anything on Origin of Symmetry to compare it to those songs, but it is definitely equally good! One of the best songs on the album for sure.

"MK Ultra"-This is the best song on the album, hands down!!!! It completely rocks. This will be up there with my all time fave Muse songs.

"I Belong To You (Francais, etc.)"-I heard about this song before the album came out, and it was different than I expected it would be. A lot peppier, for example (I guess I thought it would be slower tempo). It's a fun song, then gets a bit more serious and romantic with the part that is en francais. Then it goes back to the fun, and like another reviewer wrote, the clarinet cracks me up!

"Exogenesis" Parts 1, 2, &3-Spectacular!!! The crowning achievement of this album. The opening of part 1 is haunting and beautiful, and only intensifies when the vocals kick in. These songs are totally amazing, completely orchestral, but don't despair, rock fans, there's still plenty of guitar shredding going on too. Absolutely incredible, and I would expect nothing less being that Matt had been working in the compostion for several years. Matt said in Spin Magazine that he didn't think the word genius could be used to describe anything in rock music. Matt, I beg to differ.

Overall I think this album is outstanding. The best? I would still rank Absolution, Origin of Symmetry, and Black Holes above this one, but maybe that's because I haven't listened to it enough yet. Most likely it will be the only thing I listen to for a solid 2-3 weeks, just like every other Muse CD I've ever purchased.

So, the question is, should you buy this album? There are many ways to answer. This album is very different than the previous ones, but keep in mind that that is what Muse was going for here. If you like all of Muse's other albums, you definitely should get it. If you're the type of Muse fan that loves Origin of Symmetry but didn't like some of the stuff on Black Holes & Revelations, this album might not be for you. If you aren't familiar with Muse's work at all, I wouldn't recommend starting with this album. I would suggest starting with Absolution and working your way up from that.

A fun and rocking Muse album. The vinyl version sounds great.

Ok, I'm going to tick off the "real" Muse fans by saying that I am one of those who found Muse through "that vampire movie" (thank god). I went and bought Black Holes and Revelations, Origin of Symmetry, Absolution and Showbiz (in that order) within a couple of weeks and just received HAARP for my birthday. Muse has brought me back to listening to songs - not just instrumentals. My taste over the last 15 years has tended to run more towards classical and score music, and at work the radios play "classic" rock and pop so as not to offend any clients near by. So, quite frankly, I would've NEVER discovered Muse without Twilight - which would've been a shame!

Ok, so that is my background, and the long-term fans can turn away from this review right now. For those looking for a comprehensive track-by-track review, please check out M Chris Billing's review - it is a wonderful critique of this album and I think it will be very helpful for many (although I disagree with his line-up that puts the Symphony in the middle instead of the end, which I'll explain in a bit).

Prior to The Resistance, Absolution was my favorite album (recently edging out Black Holes after MUCH listening). I think the reason that The Resistance has taken the top slot is because of the mix of styles in it, from classical elements (Chopin, Samson & Delilah, and the Symphony) to a hint of Queen (United States of Eurasia) and a touch of U2 (Resistance - easily a standout on this album). Undisclosed Desires definitely has the Depeche Mode thing going (a risk - but it works). MK Ultra and I Belong To You are simply great (I really like the change over to Samson & Delilah and then the change back). And I think Uprising, overall, is a solid song that is easily accessible to more than just Muse's regular fans. Others have said Unnatural Selection is too much like Micro Cuts, but since Origin of Symmetry is my least favorite Muse album, I can't confirm that; I haven't listened to it enough.

Now, one of my favorite songs on this album is Guiding Light, which I notice no one else is impressed with. Others have called this song the weakest on the album, but I actually think it is just the simplest, most straightforward song on the album...and to me simple does not equal weak. This simplicity is very powerful to me. I especially like the lead-in from US of E and Collateral Damage; this song just flows out of that one.

Last, but definitely not least, the Exogenesis Symphony in 3 parts. These songs alone are worth the price of this album. The combination of Muse and an orchestra is simply amazing. In Billings's review, he mentions he would have put this as the centerpiece of the album instead of the ending, but I disagree on that point. To me it is the grand finale, and I think it would have seriously annoyed me to move from Part 3 (Redemption) into another song. The album starts with the rhythmic beat of Uprising and ends with Matt at a piano. That order works just fine for me.

This album is a bit of a risk for Muse with the classical elements and glimpses of influences from other bands, but I highly recommend it.

The reviews here, and elsewhere, have been wildly mixed regarding the new Muse CD. It's as if, for some, the direction the CD took held off the Second Coming. Personally speaking, I find it overall bold, brash, and completely stunning in many parts. Yes, in some places it is derivative and self-indulgent, and while it doesn't hold up to their best work from earlier this decade (arguably, Origin of Symmetry), it still rises above the now-comparatively-pedestrian Black Holes and Revelations to be a flawed almost masterpiece with a level of humanity missing from previous Muse records.

A track by track breakdown:

1. Uprising: With the sole exception of the absolutely ecclesiastical Knights of Cydonia, Muse's singles have been rather boring as of late, and this one is no exception. Throbbing Goldfrapp base sits below Matt Bellamy's low growl, as he bellows out marching orders for the "Uprising". Guitar solo is the best thing about this. A rather unfortunate start to the proceedings, but then we get into...

2. Resistance: A haunting synth begins this rather urgent, Orwell-influenced ode to forbidden love. Sure, the lyrical content is silly ("Love is Our Resistance" - really, now), but the aching piano, slashing guitars and sweet base make up for it. Beautiful.

3. Undisclosed Desires: In my mind, the CD could have done without this song. I frankly did not like "Supermassive Black Hole" when it was first released, and this Timbaland-esque attempt to ape it does NOT get my sexy on. Sorry...

4. The United States of Eurasia: Yep, the big "Queen" track. One gets the feeling that Mr. Bellamy is still not a fan of American foreign policy (or the EU, for that matter), as every conspiracy theory about world domination you can think of influences the lyrics of this profoundly silly, yet mesmerizing, superb and thundering track (Dom Howard is the showcase, here; that guy can play!). The piece 'd resistance of the CD, it then melds into "Collateral Damage", a take on Chopin's Nocturne with dulcette strings backing some gorgeous piano. A few rocket blasts later and then we are into...

5. Guiding Light: Time to haul out the acid-wash jeans, the cut-up tops and the cigarette lighters. A track that would have not sounded out of place on any Warrant or Poison album from 20 years ago, the 80'ish echo and hum resounding throughout this "power ballad" seem to belie a story about profound rejection. Others have said that this is the worst track on the CD. I personally appreciate the kitsch factor. It makes me giggle.

6. Unnatural Selection: Some have complained that the guitar riff on the chorus is too similar to "New Born" from Origin of Symmetry. To me, that's a minor quibble. A larger one for me is the length of the piece, as well as many other pieces on the CD. One of the reasons Muse is so brilliant is their ability to take all that prog-rock pomp and circumstance and neatly place it within the confines of a three to four minute song. With a couple of exceptions, every song on this CD is 5 to 8 minutes long. For songs such as this, as well as MK Ultra, that rely on heavy guitars, it gets to be a bit much. However, the nasty, sweaty, dirty blues breakdown in the middle of this track is to die for. Bellamy, if nothing else, can throw down a hell of a blues riff.

7. MK Ultra: Another track that this CD could have done without. It's not as terrible as Undisclosed Desires, but, after Unnatural Selection, it's heavy hammer guitarwork and rhythms just seem as more of the same. Again, wearing. In fact, the only interesting thing about the track is the title itself, which references a secret CIA experiment on American citizens that took place between the 1950's and 1970's.

8. I Belong To You [+Mon Coeur S'Ouvre A Ta Voix]: Perhaps the most controversial track on the CD, I've read elsewhere of it being rather slight R&B. To me, it sounds more as a Bertol Brecht update, during which Bellamy channels his inner Edith Piaf in the middle where the pace slows to a crawl and he starts emoting in French to an aria from "Samson and Delilah". Sure, it's laughable and kitschy, but perhaps, after the Sturm und Drang of the previous two tracks, that's the point. It also sounds as if the band had the best time in the recording studio, doing this song.

9-11. Exogenesis, Parts 1 to 3. This part of the CD has been hyped as a symphony. To me, it sounds less as a symphony, and more as a three part mini-opera, with Bellamy playing the everyman surrounded by war and conspiracy and waiting for the aliens (or some superhumans) to take him off the planet and put him down elsewhere. While it's not exactly Bizet or Wagner, or even Puccini, the three part "opera" (I'm not calling it a symphony, people) effectively uses Bellamy's classical and modern classical influences, with room for Dom Howard and Chris Wolstensone to have some say in the matter. The string arrangements, alone, are amazing.

So, in the end, The Resistance is a sprawling, ambitious CD that, if it falls short of expectations, it's only because it perhaps tries to do too much with too many genres within the traditional album format. As it was self-produced, all indulgences were taken, and then some. If this CD is your introduction to Muse, it may be slow going around the middle, but, with the depth of the musicality available, you will find yourself rewarded in the end. Again, a flawed almost masterpiece.

"The Resistance" is the Holy Grail of Muse albums. I love ALL their albums, but there's something extra special about "The Resistance". The band really took a risk with this record, and the results are absolute perfection. I mean what other rock/pop band has a trilogy of symphonies?! Not many that I can think of. This album is creative, sophisticated, and HIGHLY entertaining. This is how a modern rock album is supposed to sound. It has a little bit of '70s space rock thrown in too. No wonder "The Resistance" won a Grammy for Best Rock Album. It's amazing and catchy as hell. No filler here, folks. "Uprising" was an excellent choice for first single. "Resistance" is the BEST track. This song has everything, great intro, strong hook, catchy chorus, and 4 tempo changes. "Undisclosed Desires" (sexy but dark) and "I Belong to You" (love the clarinet and the French part) are the pop gems. "Guiding Light" is a stunning and moving ballad. Matthew Bellamy's voice continues to shine and strengthen on each record. That falsetto of his is out-of-this-world. His voice is also melodic and full of emotion. I think he is a genius. "MK Ultra" is total ear candy. "United States of Eurasia" is musically the strongest track, (Bellamy is a classically trained pianist) and "Unnatural Selection" is EPIC. I feel like every song has a little surprise. The orchestra musicians on the last 3 tracks sound spectacular. Wow. Muse is one of my favorite bands. All their studio albums are well produced and they never repeat themselves. Their sound is experimental without being pretentious, and they are not afraid to try something different. What makes this band so incredibly strong are the riffs. They get stuck in your head. THIS IS REAL MUSIC. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!

Great album! Got it for my wife for Christmas. The LP plays as it should.

Came packaged well me!

Among the army of Radiohead clones that emerged last decade few bands can today claim to have found his own style. Fewer can boldly stand alongside the Oxford masters (to overcome them is so much to ask for, remember that Thom Yorke and company are cooked separately). One of these bands is Muse that just had delivery "The Resistance" their fifth studio album. There is not much new to say about Muse music. Everything in their work is excessive and still yet it sounds perfect. Keeping almost the same sound of "Black Holes And Revelations", the trio deliver intense, ambitious, elaborated and perhaps a little more bombastic, if possible, music. The guys from Teignmouth left behind the "floydians" album covers but keep their epic style with a progressive rock touch on tracks like "The Resistance", "Unnatural Selection" or "United States Of Eurasia/Collateral Damage" (with an obvious wink to Queen) songs in which they carry their rock/pop to cinematic limits by combining monumental orchestral arrangements with the powerful guitar and passionate interpretations of Matthew Bellamy. The album closes with "Exogenesis" a 3 movements mini-symphony in which Bellamy gives vent to his classical piano accompanied by Edodea Ensemble. "The Resistance" is an impeccable album that assures Muse to be on all "Best Of The Year" lists. It is also a great opportunity to take a rest of the low-fi/do-it-yourself fashion and enjoy a little bit of glamour.

As i wrote at [...]

Ive been wanting this for awhile. Great album

"The Resistance" de Muse est un album qui ne cesse de me captiver par son mélange unique de rock puissant et de sonorités progressives. Cet album démontre une fois de plus le talent et l'originalité du groupe.

Dès les premières notes de l'ouverture épique, je suis entraîné dans un voyage musical captivant. Chaque chanson est soigneusement composée, avec des arrangements complexes et des paroles profondes. Les riffs de guitare percutants, les lignes de basse entraînantes et les performances vocales puissantes de Matt Bellamy créent une atmosphère à la fois énergique et émotionnelle.

L'album aborde également des thèmes intéressants et engagés. Les paroles évoquent des sujets tels que la résistance face à l'oppression, la manipulation des médias et les conflits politiques. Cela donne une dimension intellectuelle supplémentaire à l'écoute de l'album, incitant à la réflexion tout en profitant de la musique.

L'une des forces de "The Resistance" réside dans sa diversité musicale. Muse parvient à fusionner des éléments de rock, de pop, de musique électronique et même de musique classique pour créer un son unique et captivant. Les morceaux alternent entre des moments intenses et épiques, et des moments plus doux et introspectifs, créant ainsi une dynamique musicale fascinante.

Parmi les temps forts de l'album, on retrouve des chansons emblématiques comme "Uprising" et "Resistance", qui sont devenues des hymnes pour de nombreux fans de Muse. Ces chansons se distinguent par leurs mélodies accrocheuses et leurs refrains puissants, faisant de "The Resistance" un album mémorable.

En conclusion, "The Resistance" de Muse est un album incontournable pour les amateurs de rock progressif et de musique alternative. Sa combinaison de sonorités puissantes, de paroles engagées et de diversité musicale en fait un chef-d'œuvre à part entière. Que vous soyez un fan de longue date ou un nouveau venu dans l'univers de Muse, cet album saura vous captiver et vous inspirer à chaque écoute.

Es un disco increíblemente bueno. Tiene temas potentes, frescos y llenos de energía. Un disco muy muy recomendable de un grupo excelente.

Da hat eine Band das Wembleystadion innerhalb von 4 Minuten ausgekauft, wurde im Radio gesagt: "Muse" - o.k, habe ich schon mal gehört, kenne ich aber nicht. Schließlich habe ich "The Resistance" ungehört erworben. Das hatte ich schon lange nicht mehr gemacht, da ich zu oft enttäuscht wurde. Dies sollte bei diesem Album nach Anhörung der ersten zwei, drei Stücke auf jeden Fall nicht der Fall sein, dessen war ich mir sicher. Selbst wenn der Rest Schrott gewesen wärte, hätte es sich deswegen schon gelohnt - aber weit gefehlt. Nachdem ich das ganze Oeuvre zweimal Non-Stop angehört hatte, was auch sehr selten vorkommt, war mir klar: da etwas ganz, ganz Außergewöhnliches unterwegs.

Schon die erste Sekunde hat mich überzeugt: wie sich der mechanisch kratzige Bass von unten in seine Tonlage biegt. Dann folgt ein Riesending nach dem anderen: Super Bassdrive, Hardrockriffs, sphärische Klänge, wunderschöne Melodien und dann: was höre ich da? Queen?! Und was ist das? Ein Heavy-Metal-Solo und plötzlich Mozart? Ne - das ist Chopin, Geigen, ein Flughaften - alles sehr ausgewogen, nicht zu viel und nicht zu wenig, tolle Melodien, überraschende Harmoniefolgen und Arrangement - ich kann es kaum fassen, ich bin richtig hin- und her gebeutelt von dieser Vielfalt.

Dann wieder Hardrock, staccato im Grundton und im Refrain fließt alles auseinander und zusammen und und und. Zum Schluss wird's klassisch, ein symphonisches Werk, Beethoven in DUR "Mondscheinsonate"- die trauen sich was, später schreiende Gitarren dazu und der extreme Gesang - ich bin wie von den Socken.

Ich habe mir schon oft gedacht oder gewünscht: vielleicht kommt da mal einer, der alle Stilrichtungen und Genres versteht, kennt und liebt, der dann das Beste, die Essenz daraus herauspickt und Genie genug hat, alles für seine neue Musik zusammenzufügen, sich je nach Bedarf vom einen oder anderen bedienend - da haben wir so jemanden.

Nachdem ich das Album zunächst von iTunes heruntergeladen hatte, habe ich mir es bei Amazon bestellt um es in der Hand zu halten um das Inlet zu studieren - ist doch was anderes als rein Digital!

Wer sind die, wer steckt dahinter, der Mann heißt: Matt Bellamy. Er komponiert, arrangiert, textet, singt, spielt Klavier, Keybords und Gitarre. Mir fallen nur sehr wenige ein die ähnliches Potenzial hatten: Frank Zappa, Mike Oldfield, Sting, John Lennon (kann man noch ergänzen)... das schöne an denen allen ist doch, dass sie in keine Kiste passen. Weder Heavy noch Punk, noch Pop und Rock, sondern von jedem das Beste zu etwas ganz eigenen. Wenn es einem um die reine Musik geht, ohne Trends, Stilrichtungen und/oder musikideologischem Firlefanz, ist dies vom allerfeinsten.

I don't write reviews. But this album is truly awesome, after a few listens it just goes on getting better. I have no doubt that track six (Unnatural selection) is the classic, it has such a great beat and melody, the wall of sound guitars at the end are so good you don't ever want them to stop. It is highly derivative - lots of fun, like a Tarantino film, you can have a great time spotting the influences from Queen (obvious), Bolan, Susie Quattro, Timberlake, Brahms, Chopin, Beethoven. But the more you listen the more you see it is all of a piece. The very last track, third movement of the 'symphony' packs a huge emotional punch. Some of this is down to clever musicianship - the left hand of Moonlight Sonata and a clever right avoiding the familiarity of what you might expect, but when the dynamic guitar drums and voice all come in and swell it blows you away. I'm transported after listenng to this album - each track is brilliant in itself but the whole thing is just so powerful. I will be listening to this for years and years. Better than Wish You Were Here and equally as inventive.

I've been collecting all the Muse albums and I left this and 2nd Law until last due to the mixed reviews. Well I've been missing out! It's a bit different for Muse but, as with all of their albums so far, I'm completely addicted to it. I can't stop playing it on repeat!!