Drones
by Muse
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 25
  3. Negative: 3 out of 25
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  1. Kerrang!
    Jun 3, 2015
    100
    The result is a claustrophobic classic that sharpens the focus of what is possible in the name of high-minded rock. [6 Jun 2015, p.50]
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  2. Rolling Stone
    Jun 9, 2015
    80
    The heart of the action in most of these songs is a chunky update of the guitar-bass-drums charge of Origin's "New Born" and "Stockholm Syndrome" on 2003's Absolution. It's what Muse do best; it's good to hear a lot more of it.
  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jun 8, 2015
    80
    Amidst skyscraping Queen harmonies and portentous Pink Floyd melodrama there are sensitive touches, with some elegant, slow-unfurling lead guitar reminiscent of Dire Straits.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 8, 2015
    80
    Muse’s seventh album is--happily--anything but diminished.
  6. Q Magazine
    May 29, 2015
    80
    [Producer Mutt] Lange proves an excellent match. Never before have Bellamy's guitars sounded so terrific. [Jul 2015, p.110]
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  7. AllMusic
    Jun 9, 2015
    70
    This absurdly overstuffed synthesis is unmistakably Muse's own, so thunderous it drowns out any good intentions the band may have had.
  8. Boston Globe
    Jun 8, 2015
    70
    Unsurprisingly, they double down on Drones to satisfying effect. That means broad strokes, big beats, and expertly placed electronic filips and vocal processing as the band explores its big themes in ways both satisfyingly corrosive, such as the speedy metal riffage of “Reapers,” and oddly saccharine, as on the somewhat corny and generic uplift of “Revolt.” Muse fares better when churning out inspiring head bangers where nuance isn’t a major factor.
  9. musicOMH.com
    Jun 8, 2015
    70
    In summary, Drones is utterly bonkers and silly. And yet, it’s for the most part enjoyable.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 29, 2015
    70
    It’s Bellamy’s job to prise open deeper socio-political dimensions as much as it is to comment on the times, and Muse’s music once more matches his adventurous intrigue.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2015
44
#44 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 373 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 261 out of 373
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 373
  3. Negative: 40 out of 373
  1. bgrass13
    Jun 9, 2015
    10
    The more I listen to it (10+ times), the more I find this to be a very satisfying record. Very heavy alt-rock-prog effort with a compellingThe more I listen to it (10+ times), the more I find this to be a very satisfying record. Very heavy alt-rock-prog effort with a compelling storyline that flows from song to song. Bellamy's guitar sounds crisp, crunchy and prominent where it should be; the rhythm section is thunderous and spot on. Vocally, Bellamy is untouchable - rock's best falsetto. The band are one of the top rock bands out there these days and this record is a welcome addition to their canon. Highly recommended by these old ears. (60+)
    These are MY opinions and should be treated as such.    … Full Review »
  2. Intonarumori
    Jun 9, 2015
    9
    Muse's seventh offering sounds like they are revisiting their past and offering a bit of everything for everyone. Usually this results inMuse's seventh offering sounds like they are revisiting their past and offering a bit of everything for everyone. Usually this results in discombobulated albums that never really reach their goal, but this is not one of those. Most songs are very much to the point and they sound good in unison. This is achieved by a very deliberate focus on the guitar sound and the producer really did a good job there. Drones sounds vibrant, fresh and the songwriting is about as good as Muse has ever been (except for the lyrics).

    Not everything is great though. The album starts of with a series of great songs, but it kind of fizzles towards the end with a couple of somewhat uninteresting songs that also feel seriously underpowered compared to the rest of the album (not counting the de facto outro song). Second point: the lyrics. While these childish lyrics seem to kind of work, it tends to give every song a rather silly undertone, which I think is unfortunate.

    Muse has done a great job here, giving us a good set of new songs that work well as an album.

    Highlights for me: The Handler, Reapers, Mercy    … Full Review »
  3. frodob18
    Jun 10, 2015
    9
    A brilliant album! You may have to listen to it a few times to start liking it more. I like almost every song on the album. The Globalist isA brilliant album! You may have to listen to it a few times to start liking it more. I like almost every song on the album. The Globalist is probably my favorite song on it(funny that I hated it at first listen, but after listening to it a few times, I started liking it and understanding it better). I like the way Matt handles the story and warns us that power can be destructive in wrong hands and what it can do in The Globalist. Well, at least that's what my interpretation is. Anyway, I truly like this album and am very satisfied with it.… Full Review »
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