Black Holes & Revelations
by Muse
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 511 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 470 out of 511
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 511
  3. Negative: 19 out of 511

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  1. Swiifitie
    May 21, 2023
    7
    Acho curioso como Starlight é uma das minhas músicas favoritas all time mas o resto do álbum simplesmente não tem aquele sabor...é bem exprimental e aprecio as letras, porém.
  2. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 10
  3. Gabrielb24
    Aug 31, 2022
    9
    This album is Muse’s highest point the magnum op you can call it. I never liked Supermassive Black Hole I was always thought that song is awful but the rest is great.
  4. msteck
    Aug 31, 2022
    10
    Muse pulls no punches on this record, incorporating fantastic space rock extravagance into their classic alt-rock stylings.
  5. mw04
    May 13, 2022
    7
    The flow of the album, particularly in the first half is excellent.
    Best song: Knights of Cydonia
    Most underrated song: Map of the Problematique
    Worst song: Exo Politics

    Most memorable parts: The end of Take a Bow is spectacular, The bridge in Invincible is outstanding, The guitar riffs in Knights of Cydonia
  6. Stormmaster_YT
    Apr 1, 2021
    10
    Its just the best album they released its just wonderful. It has everything in it. Deep and high music.
  7. Lekkyloo
    Apr 26, 2020
    10
    My favourite album of all time. From knights of cydonia to starlight, this is yet another fantastic album by Muse.
  8. BrennanH
    Feb 9, 2020
    10
    I don’t think there is a single time I saw this album and thought to my self “not in the mood to listen to it.” Which is telling of how fantastically fun and amazing this entire album is. It’s basically rock and roll from space and every song sounds like a huge space battle with all the sounds of synthesizers everywhere. Hell yeah it’s corny, and that’s why I love it so much. It’s truly aI don’t think there is a single time I saw this album and thought to my self “not in the mood to listen to it.” Which is telling of how fantastically fun and amazing this entire album is. It’s basically rock and roll from space and every song sounds like a huge space battle with all the sounds of synthesizers everywhere. Hell yeah it’s corny, and that’s why I love it so much. It’s truly a spectacle.… Expand
  9. Musejonno
    Sep 29, 2019
    10
    One of the best three albums from Muse, along with Origin Of Symmetry and Absolution. This album has everything you could want. There’s something for everybody and the execution is flawless. Standouts for me are Supermassive Black Hole, Invincible, City Of Delusion, Knights Of Cydonia and my favourite, Take A Bow which opens the album.
  10. Decim
    May 24, 2017
    8
    Another fantastic album by Muse, after band's masterpiece "Absolution", Matthew Bellamy's band shows that it wasn't only luck: they have such a huge potential.
    Some songs are a little repetitive but the quality of music is really high.
  11. Scratch
    Jan 23, 2017
    9
    Muse are one of the few bands to cross the breach into mainstream successfully and sound better after doing so. BH&R successfully sets the standard for all bands making that jump. It's powerful, it's heavy, it's loud, it's catchy, and it's still distinctively Muse. The only thing I wish they would have brought with them is the length of their previous albums, as this one ends before you're ready.
  12. owenrw89
    Dec 5, 2016
    10
    Stunning. This album has everything. It has rock (most importantly), electronica, pop, acoustics and classic rock vocals. It saw Muse slide even further into that commercial sound, but this time, that was the key. It put them on the map as a permanent fixture. They took what made them brilliant and emphasised it. The more elaborate the better. Thankfully, they also held on to just enoughStunning. This album has everything. It has rock (most importantly), electronica, pop, acoustics and classic rock vocals. It saw Muse slide even further into that commercial sound, but this time, that was the key. It put them on the map as a permanent fixture. They took what made them brilliant and emphasised it. The more elaborate the better. Thankfully, they also held on to just enough darkness and mystery to remain credible in the alternative world.… Expand
  13. sambuu
    Sep 29, 2016
    10
    One of best progress-rock album ever made. Every song of this album are very good, valuable.They showed to people themselves talent. Matt Bellamy's guitar, piano skills considered "One of best musicians of all time".
  14. Investigator
    Sep 23, 2016
    10
    Not only is every song on this album a near classic - and the album itself can take that status of one of the strongest albums of the past 15 years - but the lyrics, the guitar work and Matt Bellamy's vocals are all in flawless condition. Which is the best way to describe this album: an absolutely flawless collection of music.
    Verdict: A+
  15. EmmeKira
    Jun 9, 2015
    9
    Probably right after Origins of Symmetry, the greatest Muse record. It's the perfect fusion of the progressive and space rock genre they played in the previous records, and the experimentations and stylistic changes they will start to try from this point on. A true gem of experimental and progressive rock with tracks that rapidly became some of my favorite tunes ever (Assassin, Map of theProbably right after Origins of Symmetry, the greatest Muse record. It's the perfect fusion of the progressive and space rock genre they played in the previous records, and the experimentations and stylistic changes they will start to try from this point on. A true gem of experimental and progressive rock with tracks that rapidly became some of my favorite tunes ever (Assassin, Map of the Problematique, Knights of Cydonia, Supermassive Black Hole) and other songs that still to this day remain truly amazing (Starlight, City of Delusion, Exo-Politics).
    Some of the last songs sound somewhat uninspired, that is true, but overall the record manages to deliver so much that you start to forget of the little flaws there are.    … Expand
  16. showbizjunkie
    May 21, 2015
    9
    Take A Bow is a swirling vortex that propels the listener into one of the best albums of the 2000's. Starlight is a classic; Map of the Problematique is my favorite Muse song of all time. Soldier's Poem is soft and sweet. Invincible is a great love song. Assassin's riffs blast the album back into fast-paced rock. Exo-Politics is like the birth of The Resistance album. City of Delusion isTake A Bow is a swirling vortex that propels the listener into one of the best albums of the 2000's. Starlight is a classic; Map of the Problematique is my favorite Muse song of all time. Soldier's Poem is soft and sweet. Invincible is a great love song. Assassin's riffs blast the album back into fast-paced rock. Exo-Politics is like the birth of The Resistance album. City of Delusion is great, Hoodoo is good. Knights of Cydonia is the killer track that Muse has never not played live since it came out. Glorious is a beautiful song as well, although nothing in comparison to Knights. Supermassive Black Hole is the only one I don't really like; it's still very catchy and fun, it just rubs me the wrong way for some reason. Just a personal preference thing. Other than that, this album is stellar.… Expand
  17. DCMetatron52
    May 3, 2015
    10
    Most notable:
    +Starlight
    +Supermassive Black Hole
    +Map of the Problematique
    +Exo-Politics
    +City of Delusion
    +Knights of Cydonia

    This isn't even Muse's best album.
  18. LoRevisor
    Jan 15, 2015
    8
    Excelente Álbum Hoodoo E City Of Delusion,são as fracas Assassin e Exo-Polotics também são um pouco.
    Top 5 Black Holes & Revelations 2006
    1-Starlight
    2-Map Of The Problematique
    3-Invincible
    4-Supermassive Black Hole
    5-Knights Of Cydonia
  19. Ricko
    Dec 2, 2014
    7
    The good songs on this record are fantastic and include some of the best stuff Muse have produced. On the better moments the band get the balance between dramatic opera rock and heavy indie rock spot on. The likes of Supermassive Black Hole (one of the singles of 2006) and "Map of the problematique" have some real killer hooks going on. There are a handful of other catchy rockers on thereThe good songs on this record are fantastic and include some of the best stuff Muse have produced. On the better moments the band get the balance between dramatic opera rock and heavy indie rock spot on. The likes of Supermassive Black Hole (one of the singles of 2006) and "Map of the problematique" have some real killer hooks going on. There are a handful of other catchy rockers on there as well. Unfortunately, as often happens with Muse, for 30% of the album they disappear in the direction of up their backsides and the weaker tracks are very skipable. Contains some bankers for inclusion on the eventual "best of" and is as consistent an album as the band have produced. Far from brilliant but at the same time well worth a listen. … Expand
  20. SwitSwat
    Apr 20, 2014
    9
    Muse's 4th studio album may not be their best, but nonetheless, it is a beautiful record. It's a must have for a new Muse fanatic and collectors. It's almost perfect. 9/10 *

    *Muse is one of the few exceptions of modern day musical artists that are actually good.
  21. Charlyrockstar
    Apr 14, 2014
    10
    the best album of muse, & the first album of the great band that I heard, this album & showbiz are the best muse albums, I think that are the perfect albums, just for me, and only for me
  22. SlicedBread
    Mar 26, 2013
    10
    Matt Bellamy's range as a songwriter continues to grow more complex, more absurd, and more bombastic with Black Holes and Revelations, which stands out even in Muse's distinguished discography as a masterpiece. From the opening synths in "Take a Bow" to the unbridled chaos at the end of "Knights of Cydonia," Bellamy has written 11 songs that stand alone brilliantly, but come together toMatt Bellamy's range as a songwriter continues to grow more complex, more absurd, and more bombastic with Black Holes and Revelations, which stands out even in Muse's distinguished discography as a masterpiece. From the opening synths in "Take a Bow" to the unbridled chaos at the end of "Knights of Cydonia," Bellamy has written 11 songs that stand alone brilliantly, but come together to tell a tale of government corruption and/or alien invasion.

    See, even Muse isn't sure what they're writing about! This chaos characterizes Black Holes and Revelations. High points: Exo-Politics, Knights of Cydonia, Starlight
    Low points: Assassin    … Expand
  23. DementedBySpace
    Mar 10, 2013
    10
    Astonishing, big, nay epic, absurd, provocative, experimental.. all of these words are trying to describe muses new album Black holes and revelations. Filled with spacey melodies, lyrics that are infuriating who ever is on the top of the world, this album is pushing the limits so far that just for a moment you are left dazed until that grandeur hits you again making your brain totallyAstonishing, big, nay epic, absurd, provocative, experimental.. all of these words are trying to describe muses new album Black holes and revelations. Filled with spacey melodies, lyrics that are infuriating who ever is on the top of the world, this album is pushing the limits so far that just for a moment you are left dazed until that grandeur hits you again making your brain totally numb. The album opener Take a bow is and art electronic rock piece that fills you with the necessary energy enabling you to endure the power of the album. Political and violent, musically huge and utterly brilliant, this song is just one of those muse space rock classics. Album continues with starlight, the tit song, which lowers your expectations a bit with simple, non experimental fusion of instruments. This song gives you the impression of an ordinary love song, even though it doesn't necessarily need to be one. Things are getting back on track with supermassive black hole. A song so different from anything you've heard, makes you feel like being inside a spacey disco filled with people high on shrooms. Musically out of this world as well. Then comes the peace after the storm in shape of soldiers poem. With it being light and ordinary in structure, the end product is surprisingly good. The harmony is perfected. Invincible is a song created as a love one, but not between lovers but fellow people, all people. A song that is practically an invitation for people to form unity and peace and as well revolution against those who are pulling us down, you know the famous 'they'. The line 'Together we're invincible' quite clearly states that when united no one could do us any harm. A classic musey space rock song containing a riff worthy of the best. Assassin is a heavier song furthering the idea of a revolution, but the central theme is brainwashing, that is creating people with no identities assassins. City of delusion is a progressive song filled with even more rage against 'those' but here is necessary to highlight the musical genius of the band as they've fused the sound of acoustic guitar with trumpets, damn good trumpets, wobly sounds and synthesisers that at parts it resembles the sounds of the middle east. The song as a whole gives goosebumps, especially the euroasian influences. Another song that uses synthesisers brilliantly is map of the problematique. An electronic piece, resembling depeche mode, is just a proof of what musical achievements the Devon trio are capable of. Exo politics, musically, again brings alternative space rock to the new level while keeping the theme of an fake alien invasion going. There are two songs left which I'll describe in two sentences as if there were no boundaries each of these songs would need an essay to analyze. First of them is knights of cydonia. This song is one of the best songs muse have composed, an ode to freedom which is significant for the reason that it is one one the best prog songs made, a frankly unforgettable experience. Hoodoo, on the other hand, is one of the best songs of the last decade, no further description needed. As you prepare to insert the cd into whatever drive you want, just remember that you have the chance to open yourselves a door into space. Ladies and gentleman, brace yourselves.… Expand
  24. KarmaHead
    Dec 20, 2012
    10
    Electronic. Dazzling. Haunting. Beautiful. Bombastic. Impressive. Pop. Words spring to mind when describing the wonder that is Muse's fourth studio album, Black Holes & Revelations. A fearless direction, incorporating electronics, progressive rock, R'n'B, and more ridiculous elements to craft a masterpiece of modern music. An album so impressive, so magical, and so addictive. Muse are theElectronic. Dazzling. Haunting. Beautiful. Bombastic. Impressive. Pop. Words spring to mind when describing the wonder that is Muse's fourth studio album, Black Holes & Revelations. A fearless direction, incorporating electronics, progressive rock, R'n'B, and more ridiculous elements to craft a masterpiece of modern music. An album so impressive, so magical, and so addictive. Muse are the masters of modern rock, clearly shaped by this album.

    Though not my favourite Muse album, this is one hell of a piece, with brilliant solos, gritty solos, mesmerizing vocals, and catchy melodies. Though that doesn't necessarily make a good album, Muse have succeeded. From the flow of Take A Bow (an incredible electronic piece) into Starlight and Supermassive Black Hole (two songs so massive they have become the most recognized Muse hits of all time), and into the heights of masterpieces of Map of the Problematique and Invincible, this is strong, and hard hitting, and the definition of Muse. Though Soldier's Poem ruins the flow after the brilliant and monstrous Map of the Problematique (an epic piece, by far considered one of Muse's greatest works), Invincible surely makes up for it, bombarding us with powerful solos and haunting lyrics. The pace picks up again with the heavy and intentionally heavy Assasin and Exo-Politics (both prominent in their conspiracy-lead Bellamy lyrics) into the relaxing City of Delusion (though using strong progressions and lyrics so powerful, you'll never want it to end).

    Hoodoo and Knights of Cydonia follow, two flawless pieces of music, lyrics so powerful and current, progressions so intriguing, guitar solos and piano experiments prominent throughout, they close a perfect album. Though the overall track listing isn't brilliantly placed, Black Holes & Revelations is a triumph, and one of Muse's greatest albums. Ever.

    Overall Score: 10/10    … Expand
  25. WillyWonka
    Oct 2, 2012
    9
    By and large, Black Holes & Revelations is another great Muse album. Opener Take A Bow starts with synthesizer arpeggios, steadily growing into a massive climax and - after a break down - perfectly leads into the Strokes-influenced Starlight - with it's simple bass line and piano melody probably the catchiest Muse song to date. Lead single Supermassive Black Hole with it's sexy, moaningBy and large, Black Holes & Revelations is another great Muse album. Opener Take A Bow starts with synthesizer arpeggios, steadily growing into a massive climax and - after a break down - perfectly leads into the Strokes-influenced Starlight - with it's simple bass line and piano melody probably the catchiest Muse song to date. Lead single Supermassive Black Hole with it's sexy, moaning vocals over funky guitar riffs and a groovy drum beat surely is one of the album's highlights. While Map of the Problematique heavily borrows from Depeche Mode's Enjoy the Silence, it still works as a track on it's own, with it's beautiful arrangements coming in an electronic wrapping.
    Solder's Poem is a slow, jazzy number with arpeggio guitar, a marching beat and barbershop vocals. Invincible serves as the albums centerpiece, starting of with haunting slide guitar over a marching drum beat, then growing into a heavy rocker with a great solo.
    Assassin is the album's weak point. While still being a decent rock track, it's metal-inspired riffs eventually seem to be going nowhere. Exo-Politics features a groovy rock riff in a simple but quite effective arrangement. City of Delusion begins with acoustic guitar and grows into a rock track with mariachi trumpets, heavy bass and distorted guitar.
    Hoodoo starts with almost arrhythmic Spanish guitar before a dramatic break with classical piano kicks in. It also features one of Matthew Bellamy's most vivid lyrics.
    Of all tracks on this album, Knights of Cydonia probably has the best chances becoming a muse classic. It's a sci-fi-western-soundtrack with massive riffs and singalongs - a true epic and a fitting closer to a convincing album by a band at the top of their game.    … Expand
  26. theahsanhaseeb
    Aug 23, 2012
    10
    This is my favorite album by Muse. The way they have made all the songs is just flawless. It sounds so awesome, not a single day goes by when I don't listen to any song off this record.
  27. comeandgetit
    Jun 1, 2012
    10
    This is alternative rock at it's most powerful. Muse have given us a loud and beautiful album filled with music that's simply inspiring. A breathtaking album.
  28. vscoott345
    Apr 26, 2012
    7
    I don't like this one as much as Absolution. I felt the songs were not as strong here. I felt disappointed, I felt like they could have done a lot better. "Knights of Cydonia" and "Hoodoo" are the two tracks that really make the album epic as hell, putting "Supermassive Black Hole" and "Starlight" aside.
  29. Tranquilbez22
    Mar 26, 2012
    10
    The Best Muse Album EVER! So many amazing songs, Knights of Cydonia, Starlight, Map of the Problematique,City of Delusion. Thev whole god damn album is brilliant. Muse is a perfect example of what every modern band should be, from Matt bellamy's epic guitar riffs and voice like freddie Mercury, The groovy bass lines from chris and Dom's incredible drumming, Blakc Holes and Revelations isThe Best Muse Album EVER! So many amazing songs, Knights of Cydonia, Starlight, Map of the Problematique,City of Delusion. Thev whole god damn album is brilliant. Muse is a perfect example of what every modern band should be, from Matt bellamy's epic guitar riffs and voice like freddie Mercury, The groovy bass lines from chris and Dom's incredible drumming, Blakc Holes and Revelations is one of those albums you should listen to before you die.… Expand
  30. j30
    Jan 30, 2012
    8
    Black Hole & Revelations takes Muse from relatively big venue status to stadium rock status. Even though the album is more uneven than it's predecessor, it takes them to new heights.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2006
22
#22 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    Entertaining and rabble-rousing, daft and deadly serious, it's a fantastic record, with almost limitless appeal.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    70
    Black Holes and Revelations isn’t a perfect record but it’s a worthy addition to an already stellar catalog. [#14]
  3. The Guardian
    80
    It shouldn't work, but Bellamy's mania is so convincingly realised that even the most avowed Muse refusenik may have to finally concede defeat.
    Read full review
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