Absolution
by Muse
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 415 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 380 out of 415
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 415
  3. Negative: 21 out of 415

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  1. ScottW.
    Aug 19, 2007
    8
    Great rockin time. Full of energy and fast past tunes. Not the best from the band for sure, but still a album any hard rocker shoud have, not just muse fans. Just like the past albums they show that they are one of the best at making load music have melody.
  2. TomH
    Sep 16, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums in history.
  3. cms
    Aug 15, 2009
    10
    If you gave this album below a 6 or 7, I hope to god I'm never at a party where you have control of the music. It doesn't have to be your thing, but a 3??? GTFOH, this is some of the best music in our generation.
  4. conorzxzxz
    Sep 18, 2009
    10
    Great album, they just haven't managed to recreate the awesomeness, though the resistance was a fair attempt. I wish more modern albums were like this.
  5. EricU
    Nov 25, 2006
    10
    A truly fantastic cd in a growing masterpiece of a discography by Muse. The vocals are strong and meaningful, the instrumentation a creative and refreshing sound compared to today's modern rock. There is pretty much nothing to complain about with Absolution (or even their other cd's), in my boo, the entire discography is at the top of my charts.
  6. AaronM
    Nov 15, 2008
    10
    A great album.
  7. patrickdale1991
    Aug 19, 2010
    10
    A simply stunning album, where I think the Radiohead-mimics criticism becomes completely unjustified. Muse truely become their own unique band in 'Absolution'. Most people seem to insult Muse by calling them over the top and pretentious, but if the crashing piano chords of Apocalypse Please, the pulsing, distorted bass of Hysteria and the superb piano solo and final chorus to ButterfliesA simply stunning album, where I think the Radiohead-mimics criticism becomes completely unjustified. Muse truely become their own unique band in 'Absolution'. Most people seem to insult Muse by calling them over the top and pretentious, but if the crashing piano chords of Apocalypse Please, the pulsing, distorted bass of Hysteria and the superb piano solo and final chorus to Butterflies and Hurricanes are over the top then so be it, but does that make it not amazing music? Seems to me calling something 'over the top' isn't an insult, it's more a sit on the fence statement; neither negative nor positive. And as for the lack of genius some people (mostly Radiohead fans) seem to talk about...my favourite band is Radiohead and there is no piano work in any of Radiohead's music that is anywhere near as technically difficult as the piano solo in Butterflies and Hurricanes. So yes, perhaps it is over the top, but in my opinion that is the best thing about this album, because Muse tried and experimented as hard as they could to make an utterly unique sound… Expand
  8. muzziklover
    Sep 11, 2010
    8
    Though it has songs that represents what's so good about Muse, the album suffers from how incoherent it is. Sure, each songs are fantastic and awesome but it sounds like they are out of place but it is Muse's most eccentric, energetic and varied album and is worth checking out.
  9. Vampire25
    Dec 4, 2010
    9
    Absolution is a great rock album. It really showed that Muse is a band to take very seriously. The lyrics are what really make this album. And the guitar is soaring. This album just sounds so good. Great tracks from this album is Apocalypse Please, Stockholm Syndrome, and Butterflies and Hurricanes. All In All, Absolution is Muse's best album yet. A-
  10. owenrw89
    Dec 4, 2016
    7
    Overall, it's a powerful rock album. It defines an era of rock rather than the genre itself. It saw Muse slide towards a more commercial rock sound, making it more accessible to the masses, but a little unfaithful to the fans of their earlier sounds.
  11. alexwrands
    May 31, 2011
    10
    "Absolution" is an absolute masterpiece by Muse. We could tell they had the potential to pull out something great from their first album "Showbiz", but they eclipsed even my highest expectations with this work. Every track seemed to have the caliber to be a top 40 hit, with "Time Is Running Out" proving to be a timeless classic. A brilliant album from a brilliant band
  12. j30
    Jan 30, 2012
    9
    Absolution is the turning point for Muse both creatively and musically. It's epic, grandeur sound is a bit corny in some places, but effective none the less. Just a fantastic listen.
  13. Gatesofdawn
    Jul 22, 2011
    10
    One of the best rock-albums of the last decade coming from one of the best bands of our time. Powerful, melodic and deep. Butterflies&Hurricanes, Ruled by Secrecy, Sing for Absolution are standouts, but there is not a bad song here. 10
  14. manurock
    Aug 5, 2011
    8
    Great album by Muse, not as good as their masterpiece "Origin of Symmetry" but still shows Muse's alternative rock/progressive rock/punk rock/classical music approach (which would then switch to electronica/pop metal in the next album "black holes...") that has made this band so well-known. However this album isn't as consistent as Origin of Symmetry.My favourites? Well, Hysteria and RuledGreat album by Muse, not as good as their masterpiece "Origin of Symmetry" but still shows Muse's alternative rock/progressive rock/punk rock/classical music approach (which would then switch to electronica/pop metal in the next album "black holes...") that has made this band so well-known. However this album isn't as consistent as Origin of Symmetry.My favourites? Well, Hysteria and Ruled by Secrecy are fantastic songs and others like Apocalypse Please or Sing for Absolution are also great.… Expand
  15. Ricko
    Dec 29, 2016
    6
    "Absolution" is a record that despite its flaws, has aged quite well. While it aims high it falls short on many levels, it must be said that "Absolution" is a very listenable and a very enjoyable rock record. It's frantic and dramatic and underlines why some people love Muse while others cant stand them. The songs are packed to the gills with a mix of bludgeoning riffs and delicate hooks"Absolution" is a record that despite its flaws, has aged quite well. While it aims high it falls short on many levels, it must be said that "Absolution" is a very listenable and a very enjoyable rock record. It's frantic and dramatic and underlines why some people love Muse while others cant stand them. The songs are packed to the gills with a mix of bludgeoning riffs and delicate hooks but the operatic vocals and apocalyptic lyrics, while knitting well with the music, take themselves a bit too seriously in places. For me, Muse records always have killer singles which bring their albums up a few notches - "Time is Running Out" a great example of this on "Absolution". Unfortunately the other singles from this album are don't have the same punch. Overall, we have a solid piece of rock music, if not terribly exciting album.… Expand
  16. elbroder
    Jan 5, 2012
    10
    Great album . Perfect songwriting , it´s very clear , Muse it does not sounds like Radiohead. Amazing songs , a great balance between heavy songs and not so heavy.
  17. vscoott345
    Apr 26, 2012
    10
    Muse is a great, great band. Absolution is my favorite by them. The instrumentation, lyrics, and singing is all worthwhile. I don't understand how people say they copy Radiohead. Two completely different bands. Some of the songs are so energetic, which is awesome! Even the sad songs are good too!!!!!
  18. Argeon
    Nov 13, 2015
    9
    Absolution is literally Origin of Symmetry 2.0

    It starts off with a killer track (in the same spirit that In The Flesh? kicks off The Wall) and only rollercoasters through talking about the end of the world and, like most of Muse, motifs of broken relationships, salvation, and panic.

    It's still their best album to date, on par with OoS.
  19. LoRevisor
    Jan 15, 2015
    9
    Excelente Álbum mesmo sendo mais fraco. Apocalipse Please,Sing For Absolution,Ruled By Secrecy,Blackout são meio fracas. Mas tem a clássica Hysteria
    Top 5 Absolution 2003
    1-Hysteria
    2-The Small Print
    3-Time It's Running Out
    4-Falling Away With You
    5-Stockholm Syndrome And Butterflies And Hurricanes
  20. Scratch
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    The lows are high and the highs are very high in this tale about the end of the world. Muse showcases their absolute best here; from soft and slow ballads to heart-crunching guitar riffs, they tell a story completely through music that most would struggle to tell through words.
  21. marcmyworks
    Sep 16, 2018
    9
    I was first introduced to Muse with Absolution so it will always have a special place in my heart. Overall its an epic stadium rock album with anthems challenging religion and the political climate of 2004. Download: Apocalypse Please, Time is Running Out, Butterflies & Hurricanes, Hysteria.
  22. JavierChile
    Jun 26, 2015
    10
    And don't know what more you can possible ask to a rock album. This is a MasterPiece. Creative, different styles and sounds between songs...and all just fit perfect togheter
  23. EmmeKira
    Jun 9, 2015
    8
    A great record from what was probably the golden age of this (still) amazing rock band. Many incredible tunes and some true amazing pieces of work (Hysteria, Stockholm Syndrome, Sing for Absolution). Not every track is memorable, but they still managed to craft great follow-up to Origins of Symmetry. Still, I think Muse proved their greatness much better with the next LP, the beautifulA great record from what was probably the golden age of this (still) amazing rock band. Many incredible tunes and some true amazing pieces of work (Hysteria, Stockholm Syndrome, Sing for Absolution). Not every track is memorable, but they still managed to craft great follow-up to Origins of Symmetry. Still, I think Muse proved their greatness much better with the next LP, the beautiful Black Holes & Revelations.… Expand
  24. clinteastwoo
    May 11, 2016
    9
    gREAT Album........................................................................................................................... Great Heavy rock and Ballads songs
  25. Kotique
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    I love crying when listen 'Sing for absolution'. The most dramatical album for me
  26. PlugInBaby
    Sep 12, 2018
    7
    Good album, maybe even great. While it suffers from a few tame and unexciting moments such as Sing for Absolution, it has highlights like Time is Running Out and Butterflies & Hurricanes, although the single release of the latter is better
  27. ReyBrujo
    Oct 11, 2019
    10
    I don't like Muse, I have heard all the albums of the band, I can only say.... this album is absolutely PERFECT. Nothing else.
  28. ABigBeast05
    Mar 4, 2020
    10
    The way that all the tracks on this album come together is just so incredible
  29. Julesgamepad
    Mar 3, 2021
    10
    Just perfect! Every song is great. The bass is thight, drums are loud and the guitars are messy. That's what I like :))
  30. mw04
    May 13, 2022
    7
    The album loses its way a bit at the end. However this album contains some of their very best such as Hysteria
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2004
11
#11 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. Filter
    90
    A massive concept album that is so gluttonously huge-sounding that it makes The Wall sound like a Sebadoh record. [#10, p.94]
  2. Drawer B
    70
    Despite the daunting Radiohead-colored cloud that hangs heavy over Muse, the band pushes the limits of its slick, pre-apocalyptic rock with a self-assured strut.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    30
    Pushes the trio's grandiose delusions onto new levels of interpretative-dancing, mirror-cracking excess. [Oct 2003, p.107]
See all critic reviews »