The Resistance

The Resistance, in two words, is: mind blowing.

It is a lot to take in at once, so I suggest listening to it a few times to take in everything, especially the three part symphony at the end of the album. Muse have changed yet again and created something amazing, and in my opinion, running for contest as their best album to date. It beats Black Holes by a big stretch, while Absolution fights with it a bit but gets tossed, and Origin of Symmetry fights with it eternally for my #1 favorite spot.

I laugh at people who can't accept new things, and say "muse have sold out" because they don't sound like they do on Origin of Symmetry. I'm sorry but I much prefer a band who changes and brings something new and fresh each time they release and album - and that's exactly what Muse have done. They have grown, matured, and have shown what they can really do.

'Uprising' starts it all off, because of course, you need to rise up before you can resist. A dancey-hard rock take on Goldfrapp, with stomp in it. Solid track as Matt announces in an anthem-like way on how we can't let them control us, degrade us, nor force us. 'Resistance' starts it all really. You get the feel and atmosphere of this album through this song, it is breath taking, 'love is our resistance.' - this track seems to borrow, or rather pay some homage, to Citizen Erased in the intro/outro. Lovely put together.

'Undisclosed Desires' is the anti-Muse song with no piano or guitar in this track, and the drums are electronic. Think Depeche Mode with Matt soaring over this track with synths at every stop. Next, 'United States of Eurasia' bringing the fantasy of Europe and Asia becoming one. Slow beautiful start, explodes into a grand Arabic riff with piano and drums following right behind. Queen like explosions to pay tribute to one of their biggest influences. Ends with a beautiful piece from Chopin -- which leads into 'Guiding Light'. Stadium rock. Probably the weakest track on the album (which isn't saying much), but still has that great Muse touch to it, while a bit repetitive and the least changing track (as well as awfully cheesy). A good live track for the big stadiums nonetheless.

'Unnatural Selection' - what can I say? The new 'Newborn'. Brilliant organ opens this track with huge riffs left and right, a jazzy interlude breakdown, along with a heavy powerful riff at the end. Matt announces "he wants the truth!" - so much so, I'd want to give him whatever truth this man wants. 'MK Ultra' continues the path of riffs, starting with a spidery-synthy riff with eerie vocals. This track is more akin to their older work in some ways, while fusing their electronic experiments from BH&R. My favourite stand-alone track on the album, ending with another 'muse-y' riff.

'I Belong To You' - What a surprise. It is unique, and very funky. Cover of "Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Toi" locates itself in the track after a breakdown, in which Matt sings the cover in french. Humor is found throughout such as "you are my guiding light-ning strike." It ends making the pave way clear to the symphony.

'Exogenesis' - The best part of the album, in three parts; I, II, and III. I (Overture) is a great buildup and an explosion of falsetto - "who are we? where are we?". An epic intro to and epic song, fusing classical symphony with rock elemenets such as guitar and drums. We are called out for our mistakes as humans. Part II (cross-pollination) explodes into an all out rock fest in the middle after some piano pieces, while ending in tinkly piano yet again - to lead to the conclusion.

Part 3 (Redemption) - A very beautiful track. The soft build up to the powerful lyrical harmony pulls the strings on your emotions, whether happy or sad. We must learn from our mistakes, and start again while getting it right this time, all while on a different planet in hope to save humanity. A calm and thought inducing ending to an incredibly diverse album.

You must listen to this album itself, especially Exogenesis, to capture it's magic. It is a lot to take in, and I have still yet to hear it more in depth. Muse have been ambitious yet again.

9/10

Resistance

The songs on this cd are very fun, energetic, and thought provoking. For example, "Uprising" makes you think of the importance of why it is better for people to be more united when it comes to standing up to their government. The video to the song really gives it more dimension. It is really weird but creative at the same time because of the teddy bears utilized in the video that are making some angry faces. I was intrigued to watch the video to understand the song some more, and also because "Uprising" is my husband's favorite song. My favorite part of the "Uprising" song is where the Muse Frontman Matt Bellamy sings "If You Could Flick a Switch, and Open Your Third Eye, You'd See that We Should Never Be Afraid to Die". The reason why I enjoy that part of the song is because it symbolizes to me the importance of seizing opportunities in life even if you intend to joyfully live a long life. I believe the song "Resistance" is about how what is wrong or right in love is shaped by whoever is perceiving it (depending on the person). My personal favorite song of this album is "Undisclosed Desires" song. It has a very original beat, and very romantic lyrics. "Undisclosed Desires" is a song that many are going to enjoy regardless of one's romantic level. "Undisclosed Desires" is a beautiful message about someone that wants to have a passionate affair with someone regardless of what may have transpired in that individual's past. It is suprising to me that the "Undisclosed Desires"has yet to see radio airplay where I live because it is very enjoyable. Overall, this collection is going to appeal to many who enjoy pop and/or rock music.

A decent album with an eclectic array of music. I had to listen to it a few times to get into it. Muse are a decent band and this album shows the diversity of their music. An album well worth having.