Simulation Theory
by Muse
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
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  1. 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
  2. kflorence
    Sep 23, 2022
    8
    I think this is the most cohesive album from Muse. I certainly like many tracks from their early albums better than the tracks on this one, but from start to finish this one just flows so well. Other than "Get Up and Fight", I enjoy every track. There is clearly an 80s synthesizers, dystopian cyberpunk theme going on here and it works quite well. Lots of bass-heavy tracks.

    That said,    I think this is the most cohesive album from Muse. I certainly like many tracks from their early albums better than the tracks on this one, but from start to finish this one just flows so well. Other than "Get Up and Fight", I enjoy every track. There is clearly an 80s synthesizers, dystopian cyberpunk theme going on here and it works quite well. Lots of bass-heavy tracks.

    That said, this album is not perfect. It does suffer from many of the same problems that have plagued other newer Muse albums, most especially Drones, with over-production, questionable lyrical quality and repetition. Still, it's a lot of fun, and a great album to see performed live with one of the best produced concerts I've seen.    … Expand
  3. Gabrielb24
    Aug 31, 2022
    6
    This album feels weak. I like retro 80s feel but come on most of the songs are forgettable. I like Algorithm, Pressure and The Dark Side but that is it. Break it to me sounds like a bad RATM song. Something human, thought contagion and stand up and fight sounds bland. Dig Down sounds like a bad gospel song. I think this worst album Muse ever did.
  4. Stormmaster_YT
    Apr 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Music Videos are bangers. They are connected with each other which is really cool. The Music is mostly good. It not that deep as Drones.… Expand
  5. NicolasLock
    Feb 15, 2021
    4
    don't get me wrong. im a great muse fan. but this just doesn't hit me as much as their older stuff. i feel like what was the essence of muse is vanishing over the years
  6. Pheenic
    Jan 21, 2021
    7
    Overall, the charm of the album faded on me a bit over the past few years. However, I still find myself coming back to it more than Drones. It's doing something right, but its missing what was good about 2000s Muse/The 2nd Law for me.
  7. owenrw89
    Oct 21, 2020
    7
    Muse are without a doubt, my favourite band. I saw this tour live too, and it was incredible. The album is very good, there's no denying it. Exciting, polished, rock, electronic. However, personally I'm just not a fan of some of the more experimental tracks (Break It To Me, Propaganda). Overall, it's a good album, it's on par with The Resistance, but much like their last 4 albums, fails toMuse are without a doubt, my favourite band. I saw this tour live too, and it was incredible. The album is very good, there's no denying it. Exciting, polished, rock, electronic. However, personally I'm just not a fan of some of the more experimental tracks (Break It To Me, Propaganda). Overall, it's a good album, it's on par with The Resistance, but much like their last 4 albums, fails to quite hit the Origin/Absolution/BlackHoles heights.… Expand
  8. DuqueneJustin
    Aug 3, 2020
    9
    Just a breath of new fresh air in Muse's discography that expended even more in that eight album. Many great songs to be noticed like the very innovative Algorithm and the very musy Something Human and Thoughts Contagion.
  9. SirFaulty
    Jun 4, 2020
    2
    Terrible sounds exactly like the last three previous records. It sounds like I am listening to the same record I listened to five years ago. Every song sounds almost identical to some other song they wrote on a previous album. Come one guys, you are way better than this ****
  10. TDaniel
    May 6, 2020
    6
    Muse make a decent return with Simulation Theory, though both thematically and musically if feels like a bad continuation of the fantastic Drones album. The album as a whole is interesting enough to appreciate. However, the album suffers from the lack of hits. Arguably only The Dark Side is one to put in your uncomplicated rock hits playlists. However, Muse fans that have appreciatedMuse make a decent return with Simulation Theory, though both thematically and musically if feels like a bad continuation of the fantastic Drones album. The album as a whole is interesting enough to appreciate. However, the album suffers from the lack of hits. Arguably only The Dark Side is one to put in your uncomplicated rock hits playlists. However, Muse fans that have appreciated everything since The Resistance will also appreciate Simulation Theory just as much as its predecessors.… Expand
  11. Matheusfrs
    Nov 22, 2019
    4
    Esperava mais desse álbum. O Muse não conseguiu entregar um resultado satisfatório, ficou perdido no meo de tanta influência dos anos 80. Algumas faixas são bizarras.
  12. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    4
    It’s not as bad as it could be, and I can at least thank Muse for at least adding soft padding to their plane crash. I must say, whoever created the cover was extremely talented because the cover tells you exactly what to expect from this album. Most of the songs are just pretty boring, honestly. There is an overuse of electronica, but there’s nothing you can spit at and call absolutelyIt’s not as bad as it could be, and I can at least thank Muse for at least adding soft padding to their plane crash. I must say, whoever created the cover was extremely talented because the cover tells you exactly what to expect from this album. Most of the songs are just pretty boring, honestly. There is an overuse of electronica, but there’s nothing you can spit at and call absolutely atrocious. I did find myself enjoying the moments that strayed into a poppier territory, though.
    Favourites: Pressure, Thought Contagion
    Least Favourites: Dig Down, Propaganda, Break it To Me    … Expand
  13. Prisci2
    Aug 18, 2019
    8
    Great album from a really great band. This album feels so muse. It's not overly complicated but not simple either. It feels just right. I understand people who thinks this is their weakest but I still thinks this is one of their most MUSE album to date. Again this album feels more like an 8 than anything else. I don't think it will become a classic like Origin of Symmetry has but yup it'sGreat album from a really great band. This album feels so muse. It's not overly complicated but not simple either. It feels just right. I understand people who thinks this is their weakest but I still thinks this is one of their most MUSE album to date. Again this album feels more like an 8 than anything else. I don't think it will become a classic like Origin of Symmetry has but yup it's good.
    My least favorite song on the album is Dig Down...    … Expand
  14. BrainiacGOD
    May 16, 2019
    10
    The Most Unusual Álbum from de Band Of Teighnmouth, But Is that His accoolishment
    be really different from themselves adopting Synth-Pop
  15. spenceryang8
    Feb 4, 2019
    5
    Muse's foray into '80s retro-futurism, while at times uninspired and gaudy even by the band's standards, has resulted in their most palatable album this decade.

    FAV TRACKS: PRESSURE, PROPAGANDA, BREAK IT TO ME, SOMETHING HUMAN

    LEAST FAV TRACK: BLOCKADES
  16. FulLuca
    Jan 16, 2019
    9
    Quest'ultimo brano è stato realizzato veramente bene: ci sono musiche di "quasi" tutti i tipi, da Propaganda con lo stile rap, fino a Algorithm in pieno stile Muse! Ho apprezzato molte musiche di quest'album, soprattutto Algorithm, Something Human e The Void. Invece quelle che ho apprezzato di meno sono Propaganda e Break it to me. Mi sono piaciute molto anche le versioni alternativeQuest'ultimo brano è stato realizzato veramente bene: ci sono musiche di "quasi" tutti i tipi, da Propaganda con lo stile rap, fino a Algorithm in pieno stile Muse! Ho apprezzato molte musiche di quest'album, soprattutto Algorithm, Something Human e The Void. Invece quelle che ho apprezzato di meno sono Propaganda e Break it to me. Mi sono piaciute molto anche le versioni alternative presenti. Insomma è un album completo e non commerciale, con brani molto belli, anche se non all'altezza di quelli vecchi.… Expand
  17. veldor
    Jan 16, 2019
    8
    This album is great but there are two songs that I don't like. Sometimes the orchestration is too "heavy" but the most of the time it is magnificent and it is a pleasure to listen to this album. It is great but not a hit. I prefer The Resistance and Black Holes and Revelations, Simulation Theory come in third place with Origin of Symmetry. In this album the songs that I really listen aThis album is great but there are two songs that I don't like. Sometimes the orchestration is too "heavy" but the most of the time it is magnificent and it is a pleasure to listen to this album. It is great but not a hit. I prefer The Resistance and Black Holes and Revelations, Simulation Theory come in third place with Origin of Symmetry. In this album the songs that I really listen a lot of times are The Dark Side, Algorithm, and Pressure. Good listening.… Expand
  18. PlugInBaby
    Dec 22, 2018
    7
    Sure, DIg Down and Something Human are **** but the fan criticism of this on Facebook is baffling. Not every song can be 8 minutes of falsetto with whammy bar solos. It sure lives up to expectations for me
  19. IlReverendo
    Dec 21, 2018
    0
    Lol, more **** from Muse. Embarrassing, more than they are usually embarrassing, now their gimmick is they're ridiculous on purpose. Try to cash in on Stranger Things & Sci-fi, but they kinda forgot the music. Ah, well, nothing new, then.
    This is really gross.
  20. Br_AgSs
    Dec 17, 2018
    10
    Muse is on fire, this album is the best since The Resistance. All the songs gave me Cyberpunk vibes.
  21. Yco
    Dec 17, 2018
    9
    Technical mastery, creativity, soaring highs and savage depths. It's grungy, poppy, melodic, discordant, thunderous and smooth as honey-milk.
  22. newz
    Dec 2, 2018
    3
    Очень печально об этом писать, но одна из двух моих любимейших групп скатилась. В целом, задумка альбома хорошая, но в процессе ее реализации группа потеряла свое качество и самобытность. Ранние альбомы Muse отличались хорошей стабильностью, практическим отсутствием на них плохих, проходных песен, и данная тенденция продолжалась +- до этого альбома. На этом альбоме можно выделить лишь двеОчень печально об этом писать, но одна из двух моих любимейших групп скатилась. В целом, задумка альбома хорошая, но в процессе ее реализации группа потеряла свое качество и самобытность. Ранние альбомы Muse отличались хорошей стабильностью, практическим отсутствием на них плохих, проходных песен, и данная тенденция продолжалась +- до этого альбома. На этом альбоме можно выделить лишь две песни, которые отдают стилем группы, но даже их не хочется слушать продолжительное время. В целом, альбом провальный и если группа продолжит идти в данном направлении, то фанаты получат очередной Linkin park, BMTH, BFMV. Надеюсь, что я неправ.… Expand
  23. CarlosPacheco
    Nov 23, 2018
    7
    Big fan of the Music but I usually see them as pioneers in their sound and originality. The 80s themed releases have been a thing for years now. I don't know if people are getting tired of it but it just doesn't feel innovative at this point. Also, Kavinsky wants his album back.
  24. konundrm
    Nov 19, 2018
    9
    Reading dismissive Rolling Stone reviews of bands I love is one of the comedic joys of my life. I only hope I live long enough to see Muse's 10s of millions of fans propel them into the R&R Hall of Fame, and then watch RS sputter as they wax rhapsodic about Muse's eternal genius. ...cough, 'Rush', cough cough.... It took several listens to Simulation Theory to really get into it, (and toReading dismissive Rolling Stone reviews of bands I love is one of the comedic joys of my life. I only hope I live long enough to see Muse's 10s of millions of fans propel them into the R&R Hall of Fame, and then watch RS sputter as they wax rhapsodic about Muse's eternal genius. ...cough, 'Rush', cough cough.... It took several listens to Simulation Theory to really get into it, (and to understand that the narrative flow of the sci-fi story is in reverse song order,) but now I think it's one of their better collections. The story arc is a fun one, and some of the accompanying videos are refreshingly amusing. I like that they are still experimenting and every album has a different and distinct character. The album lost 1/2 point because the background noise of Break it to Me didn't really work for me, and 1/2 point because, yet again, they didn't include Seattle on the tour. I know, petty and irrelevant - but, still - honestly....… Expand
  25. Tbone86311
    Nov 15, 2018
    10
    Gotta love MUSE. One of the best bands of all time.
    They are allowed to experiment with their sound, takes big brass balls to do that.
    They make albums that sound amazing at their live shows.

    Big respect! Go MUSE!
  26. BenjaminoAcids
    Nov 14, 2018
    10
    This album is an absolute triumph. Every song just reels you in and doesn’t let go. From the synth heavy Algorithm, to the mellow, and somber Void, it’s like each song has its own personality. It’s no wonder that even in the age of hip-hop, Muse have still managed to captivate their listeners. Even if you haven’t heard their earlier work, I’m sure you’ll still highly enjoy this album.This album is an absolute triumph. Every song just reels you in and doesn’t let go. From the synth heavy Algorithm, to the mellow, and somber Void, it’s like each song has its own personality. It’s no wonder that even in the age of hip-hop, Muse have still managed to captivate their listeners. Even if you haven’t heard their earlier work, I’m sure you’ll still highly enjoy this album. Phenomenal work, 10/10.… Expand
  27. ramonprates
    Nov 13, 2018
    7
    É um bom disco do Muse. Eles colocaram seus "exageros" na medida certa para que soem bem entre rock "pesado" e música pop. Pela capa do disco dá para perceber a influência forte dos anos 1980.
  28. lindsaylove
    Nov 12, 2018
    6
    I wanted very much to love this album. Being a huge fan of Muse, I was fully prepared to- but unfortunately this was just...meh? Having already heard a large majority of the songs already (they were released as singles weeks/months ago), only a handful of the songs were new. Algorithm gave me the false hope that I was in for a treat- it feels very Blade Runner-esque and was, I thought,I wanted very much to love this album. Being a huge fan of Muse, I was fully prepared to- but unfortunately this was just...meh? Having already heard a large majority of the songs already (they were released as singles weeks/months ago), only a handful of the songs were new. Algorithm gave me the false hope that I was in for a treat- it feels very Blade Runner-esque and was, I thought, setting the tone for the entire album. It wasn't. Break it To Me, Get Up and Fight, and Blockades are particularly bad. I don't have any qualms with Muse doing whatever they want with this new sound. I do lament their older stuff, however- even as recently as 2nd Law. Simulation Theory is a Hard pass.… Expand
  29. lacanciondeldia
    Nov 12, 2018
    0
    Muse have deconstructed their music career step by step.. Big pity. From the 4th album they drive until the worst commercial band in the world.. This album is a new proof.
  30. kamusc
    Nov 11, 2018
    10
    This album is not Absolution or Origin Of Symmetry or Showbiz Muse. This is something really different. I would dare say this could be their most successful effort of them trying to be different. The songs are fresh, yet the sounds are still MUSE. This album perfectly blends their new direction with their old styles. I would give 8/10 after listening to their main tracks, but after doneThis album is not Absolution or Origin Of Symmetry or Showbiz Muse. This is something really different. I would dare say this could be their most successful effort of them trying to be different. The songs are fresh, yet the sounds are still MUSE. This album perfectly blends their new direction with their old styles. I would give 8/10 after listening to their main tracks, but after done listening to their alternate versions of some of the songs, I am giving a solid 10. This kind of alternate versions remind me of the Muse's B-sides from those cassettes and CD eras.

    My ranks are as follow
    1. "The Dark Side" (Alternate Reality instrumental) - Hyper Chondriac Music to Hyper Music!!
    2. "Pressure" (original and marching band version)
    3. "Algorithm" (original and alternate reality)
    4. "Dig Down" (acoustic gospel version)
    5. The Void    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Most Discussed Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Pitchfork
    Nov 15, 2018
    60
    This is a band that has given up on trying to look cool to most anyone, so Muse do here what they have always done and likely will always do—throw money at their latest fancy with the indiscriminate, earnest taste of a teenage boy. ... If there’s anything Muse truly nail here, it’s at last embracing just the right amount of camp.
    Read full review
  2. musicOMH.com
    Nov 14, 2018
    40
    There’s obviously still an audience for Muse, given by the size of the venues they still sell out, and this will definitely please the die-hards, but most of Simulation Theory simply fizzles out without leaving much of an impression.
    Read full review
  3. The 405
    Nov 12, 2018
    40
    It is like Prince meets The Allman Brothers Band, on an approximate dosage of 40–50ug of acid. ... And that makes it a certified...
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