Album Eight: Simulation Theory

[kueller]

It's alright on the first listen. Algorithm is fantastic, instant love.

[JessicaSarahS]

This is a pretty damn solid album overall! I really enjoy every single song with the exception of Dig Down and Get Up and Fight. A- on first listen.

[matthijs]

I think it'll end up being bought physically in the end for me

[Rustyy]

Am I the only one that doesn’t really get the Blockades hype?

[That Little Animal]

Since we're all going out of character and seem to pretty much all like it over here, does that mean Reddit hates it?

[LewisF]

Wow this is a great album. Best since BH&R In my present opinion after one listen, I’d probs rank it 4th (behind the holy trinity), although again that seems harsh on Drones which I still really like.

 

Well, Algorithm delivered to my expectations on every level, just wish the piano had been used a bit more as it sounded gorgeous when it briefly came in. What anway to kick off the album, good lyrics and a great chorus. Reckon I prefer the album version atm (no slight on the alt. version though).

Always open to some Prince influence and Propaganda utilises that i fluency so well. The guitar playing the vocal melody sounds mint, another great chorus (the final one in particular) and a sweet sweet guitar solo. Having been very curious on this track in particular, it’s definitely turned out to be a good’un.

Much like others have said, BITM was a massive surprise and one which paid off — great tune, funky af, solid verses, yet another brilliant chorus and a sick solo to top it off.

I don’t mind saying that GUAF is getting a soft spot much like Revolt did last time round. The pre-chorus i especially love, I’m a sucker for a good old major mediant chord in a major key.

Blockades is becoming a favourite from this album, top drawer verses and pre-chorus, only minor gripe is that in the chorus (on the 2nd time round) he sings a major third — in this instance I’d have rather it stuck to the key signature. Other than that though, another solid track, with a quality guitar solo.

And of course The Void; as ever, Muse with the high quality album closer. I personally am a fan of the switch to major midway through, and I think it would have been near-perfect had it ended with Matt and the piano — I can’t say I’m a fan of the “wub-wubs” at the end at all I’m afraid, hopefully they’ll grow on me.

 

And this is without mentioning the non-album versions of the tracks as well! Overall a great album, after hearing DD back in summer last year I feared the worst but to say the other tracks have redeemed it would be a massive understatement. 8.5/10, can’t wait to see the songs be performed live.

[That Little Animal]

Am I the only one that doesn’t really get the Blockades hype?

 

No hype from me. It's just there, like it always has been.

[MartianSpaghettiRider]

Since we're all going out of character and seem to pretty much all like it over here, does that mean Reddit hates it?

 

Not a chance, they seem to love ST, too.

[Cyndris]

Am I the only one that doesn’t really get the Blockades hype?

 

I think the solo's pretty great but other than that, definitely not as outstanding as Algorithm, Propaganda and Break it to Me and The Void. Do enjoy it though.

[topo_musero]

This is a pretty damn solid album overall! I really enjoy every single song with the exception of Dig Down and Get Up and Fight. A- on first listen.

 

Until you finish singing GET UP AND FIIIIIGHT! in the shower like a mad person.

 

I did . I felt in love with it instantly.

[Jobby]

Am I the only one that doesn’t really get the Blockades hype?

 

 

(but no, I don’t think Tjet is super impressed either)

[matthijs]

Since we're all going out of character and seem to pretty much all like it over here, does that mean Reddit hates it?

 

I was thinking that earlier today.

 

But yes, it's solid.

[That Little Animal]

Will we get official digital access to the additional super deluxe versions?

[kueller]

Since we're all going out of character and seem to pretty much all like it over here, does that mean Reddit hates it?

 

If you want some negativity, outside a few standouts and some interesting ideas I find it a bit boring.

[Zepp]

I think it would have been near-perfect had it ended with Matt and the piano — I can’t say I’m a fan of the “wub-wubs” at the end at all I’m afraid, hopefully they’ll grow on me.

 

No no no no no non non no.

 

It will

[LewisF]

No no no no no non non no.

 

It will

 

Fingers crossed, only listened once but I just thought it drowned out the piano too much for my liking — I’d have probs at least have turned them down significantly in the mix but I’m sure it’ll get some more listens to get a better judgement

[Howardm93]

Chills... actual chills. Algorithm is like the soundtrack for the end of the world.

[That Little Animal]

If you want some negativity, outside a few standouts and some interesting ideas I find it a bit boring.

 

I agree with that, mostly because the vocal melodies lack tension (for lack of a better word). I feel that the standouts have more staying power than the standouts from previous albums and my expectations were quite low so I'm pleasantly surprised by the whole thing.

 

Of course, time will tell if I'm right about that. For now, I'm happy.

[Jobby]

Could this go on to rival BH&R for me? That would be too far for even me to say this early but the seed’s there...I feel a mash-up of the two (with better production on Black Holes’ part) could be amazing.

[That Little Animal]

Could this go on to rival BH&R for me? That would be too far for even me to say this early but the seed’s there...I feel a mash-up of the two (with better production on Black Holes’ part) could be amazing.

 

Not for me. BHaR has far fewer duds.

[kueller]

I agree with that, mostly because the vocal melodies lack tension (for lack of a better word). I feel that the standouts have more staying power than the standouts from previous albums and my expectations were quite low so I'm pleasantly surprised by the whole thing.

 

Of course, time will tell if I'm right about that. For now, I'm happy.

 

Yeah for sure. Algorithm, Dark Side, maybe even Pressure and Something Human (I grown to love this one personally) I'm really enjoying in more immediacy than work from the past record. Others might grow on me (The Void certainly so), so I'm pleased enough. But Algorithm being the only strong impression I hadn't heard before was disappointing as a first listen.

[topo_musero]

Honestly, after hearing the alternate versions I regret not buying the deluxe version. They're pretty cool!

[Jobby]

Baby synth solo on SH acoustic is the only time I’ve ever listened to a Muse song and wanted to squeeze it’s cheeks

 

Not for me. BHaR has far fewer duds.

 

Yeah, maybe. Dunno if it has any duds for me, ST at least has DD. Probably not as many consistent highs like TAB, Hoodoo, COD, Map, Assassin, Invincible either...

 

Actually, yeah, redact that. I don’t think it’ll ever be there 3rd place is not a bad home though

[FabriPav]

Could this go on to rival BH&R for me? That would be too far for even me to say this early but the seed’s there...I feel a mash-up of the two (with better production on Black Holes’ part) could be amazing.

 

In a couple of months you'll realise how crazy you're sounding today

[LewisF]

Could this go on to rival BH&R for me? That would be too far for even me to say this early but the seed’s there...I feel a mash-up of the two (with better production on Black Holes’ part) could be amazing.

 

Nah I doubt it ever could do for me, TAB, MOTP, Invincible, Assassin (GOB coz may as well), COD and Hoodoo all on the same album are near-impossible heights to reach (I say “near” because OOS > Abso > BH&R imo)