Simulation Theory
by Muse
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Variety
    Nov 9, 2018
    82
    The group has scaled down a bit (how much bigger could they get?) writing, rhapsodizing and crooning about lighter topics than usual. Similarly, the group--along with co-producers Rich Costey (Interpol), Mike Elizondo (Eminem, Fiona Apple) and Timbaland (Jay-Z, Missy Elliott)--has also changed up its sound with a mix of electro-punkish riffs and sprightly beats filtered into its densely layered orchestration. ... Refocusing their ambitions in a way that won’t alienate fans but also keeps them anticipating whatever might come next.
  2. AllMusic
    Nov 8, 2018
    80
    While Simulation Theory might appear to be overly polished mainstream trickery--all part of the simulation!--it's purely Muse at heart, successfully merging electronic-pop songcraft with their typically urgent, stadium rock foundation.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 8, 2018
    80
    Yes, this is still Muse, but here they’re trying to be something else--well, everything else. They are avatars in a ridiculous simulation of teenage nerdery, inviting you to steal away from the nightmare, and into an electric dream.
  5. Uncut
    Nov 7, 2018
    80
    Their best, boldest, most unashamedly poptastic album yet. [Dec 2018, p.28]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Kerrang!
    Nov 7, 2018
    80
    As a neon-lit tonic to Drones, Simulation Theory is bang on the money. But as an exploration of a new frontier, it's a genuinely exciting musical adventure in its own right. [10 Nov 2018, p.53]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 7, 2018
    80
    Simulation Theory treads a thin line between cheesy chart-chasing and genuinely innovative pop rock. [Dec 2018, p.86]

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Most Discussed Album of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 240 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 163 out of 240
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 240
  3. Negative: 36 out of 240
  1. darkpunisher
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    Such an amazing album. Muse have't been so creative in years.
    I coud write an essay on how good this album is, but who cares, I'm off to    Such an amazing album. Muse have't been so creative in years.
    I coud write an essay on how good this album is, but who cares, I'm off to listening again.    … Full Review »
  2. JavierChile
    Nov 9, 2018
    8
    Probably the best overall album since The Resistance. Yes, I missed big instrumental parts. But you can not hear the songs and deny theyProbably the best overall album since The Resistance. Yes, I missed big instrumental parts. But you can not hear the songs and deny they experimenting in music and exploring new sounds, as always. As a whole, I feel the album has the same overall flow, high quality production and the song are just cool. I particularly loved "Algorithm"

    In a way I feel it opposed to Drones. For me Drones has some of the best songs of Muse, but the album is just too uneven in quality (some songs are just bad). The Simulation Theory is just a good and smooth ride from start to finish.    … Full Review »
  3. Cirederf1991
    Nov 9, 2018
    1
    This album was utter garbage. I'm a big fan of Muse and I respect that they tried to do something a little bit different. But the album hasThis album was utter garbage. I'm a big fan of Muse and I respect that they tried to do something a little bit different. But the album has absolutely no flow. Every song just sounds like it's designed to be played individually at a party in a club. It also doesn't mix well with the lyrics which are as usual quite cool. But this is the first album by Muse that I really won't listen to anymore with the exeption of one or two songs. In an interview Bellamy said that they didn't want to have big musical passages like in the albums before... but that was the mail selling point of muse in my opinion. I'm really disappointed... What a shame… Full Review »
See all user reviews »