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. OndraL.
    Jul 10, 2006
    0
    this is the piece of shit
  2. rottencabbage
    Aug 31, 2006
    0
    Utter rubbish, like the rest of their catalogue. It's bombastic, pretentious, and completely uninspired (never mind Matthew Bellamy being amongst the nation's most asinine lyricists, with drivel vomiting forth from his Thom Yorke/Jeff Buckley-wannabe maw). Wait, that's how every Muse album sounds, isn't it?
  3. DonoL.
    Sep 25, 2007
    0
    This is the worst most pathetic album i have ever heard.
  4. MartinF
    Jul 14, 2006
    1
    Such a disappointment. Gentlemen you should have done better!
  5. EthanP
    Sep 9, 2006
    1
    "Pretentious, bombastic theatrics" would've been interesting. This is more "boring."
  6. DavidC.
    Sep 13, 2009
    3
    The sad part is, Muse used to sound much better when they were a Radiohead clone outfit. For all their want of original ideas, Showbiz was good for its use of a tried and tested formula. Since then, they have given us wave after wave of dreary metallic cock rock. They know how to please a crowd and fairplay to them... it's why their fans love them as a live act. But for all their The sad part is, Muse used to sound much better when they were a Radiohead clone outfit. For all their want of original ideas, Showbiz was good for its use of a tried and tested formula. Since then, they have given us wave after wave of dreary metallic cock rock. They know how to please a crowd and fairplay to them... it's why their fans love them as a live act. But for all their theatrical affectations, their music is just not much fun. If you tried to imagine Queen without the irresistible pop melodies and more kitsch, then you're about halfway there. Still, if Metallica or Dream Theatre is your sort of thing, then I'm no one to stop you listening to them.… Expand
  7. GuyH
    Oct 16, 2006
    0
    The first track is laughable - it sounds like the theme to 'Flash Gordon' (only cheesier) and we are supposed to take this band seriously. They keep re-hashing the same melodies over and over again. They are talented musicians but should forget songs and vocals (the singing is dire) and write experimental instrumental music that challenges them - they are not playing to their The first track is laughable - it sounds like the theme to 'Flash Gordon' (only cheesier) and we are supposed to take this band seriously. They keep re-hashing the same melodies over and over again. They are talented musicians but should forget songs and vocals (the singing is dire) and write experimental instrumental music that challenges them - they are not playing to their artistic strengths (although fair play - they are making some cash so probably couldn't care less!!!)… Collapse
  8. BrandonD
    Jul 11, 2006
    0
    I think it would be far more accurate to say that anyone who likes Muse has terrible taste in music. These critics aren't harsh enough. Muse is super-cheesy, over-the-top but not endearingly so, and they come off like what they are, mid-90's Bends-era Radiohead ripoffs with delusions of grandeur and the technical talent (which is the only nice thingI can say about them) to back I think it would be far more accurate to say that anyone who likes Muse has terrible taste in music. These critics aren't harsh enough. Muse is super-cheesy, over-the-top but not endearingly so, and they come off like what they are, mid-90's Bends-era Radiohead ripoffs with delusions of grandeur and the technical talent (which is the only nice thingI can say about them) to back up their lame dreams. You might as well admit you like Creed and Nickelback while you're rockin' to Muse, it's practically the same. Even Coldplay's lame-duck non-rock has more nuance than this.… Expand
  9. ParanoidAndroid
    Jul 11, 2006
    2
    The worst LP of muse. Actually muse are very interesting in the money and make song more popular possible.
  10. Trippynet
    Dec 14, 2014
    1
    Just to confirm, I love Muse and there are some good songs on this album. So why such a low score? Simple, the mastering on this album is absolutely appalling and it's almost unlistenable as a result.

    Take A Bow starts nicely, but by the end the drums are almost inaudible because the hyper-compression has squashed them completely out of the mix. The gratuitous digital clipping in    Just to confirm, I love Muse and there are some good songs on this album. So why such a low score? Simple, the mastering on this album is absolutely appalling and it's almost unlistenable as a result.

    Take A Bow starts nicely, but by the end the drums are almost inaudible because the hyper-compression has squashed them completely out of the mix. The gratuitous digital clipping in SuperMassive Black Hole will make your ears bleed and Map Of The Problematique is just a solid wall of flat, muffled digital distortion from start to finish.

    Muse seriously need to get this album remastered by a professional. In it's current form, it's a potentially great album that has been absolutely destroyed by some of the worst mastering I've heard since Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.    … Expand

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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