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Simulation Theory Image
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 240 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Wolf Muse
  • Summary: The eighth full-length studio release for the British rock band was produced by Rich Costey, Mike Elizondo, Shellback, and Timbaland. The deluxe and super deluxe editions feature alternate versions of several of the album's tracks.
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Top Track

Something Human
My circuits have blown I know it's self imposed And all I have shared And all I have loved Is all I'll ever own But something has changed I feel so... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 19
  2. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. 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. 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]
  3. 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.
  4. Mojo
    Nov 7, 2018
    60
    This Giorgio Moroder-soundtracking-Black Mirror approach isn't always successful. ... The slick AOR of Something Human suggests their decision to move away from riff-rock isn't wholly misjudged. [Dec 2018, p.84]
  5. Nov 9, 2018
    60
    Propaganda sounds like Muse are trying to be Prince, which isn’t entirely convincing, while Get Up and Fight bolts on a power ballad chorus to an elegantly restrained verse. But it’s still the less poppy moments that are most exciting.
  6. Nov 9, 2018
    50
    It’s clearly leagues below what they’re capable of, but they’re at least moving forward with the styles of music that they want to create, uninhibited by expectations rooted in the past. This is essentially a synth-pop album, one that is at times exciting and unconventional and at other times tasteless and rudimentary.
  7. Nov 12, 2018
    35
    As art, it is immature and vacant. As fun, it barely registers. It's less of a step-up from Drones than a step sideways, if only because the self-parody here feels deliberate.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 51
  2. Negative: 7 out of 51
  1. 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
  2. Nov 9, 2018
    10
    this album is a masterpiece muse have delivered a classic in love this album.Finally muse are back with a bang. I love this album to the corethis album is a masterpiece muse have delivered a classic in love this album.Finally muse are back with a bang. I love this album to the core .My review for this album is perfect 9 on 10.))) Expand
  3. 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.
    Expand
  4. 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 isThis 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
  5. 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 falsettoSure, 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 Expand
  6. 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 fantasticMuse 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
  7. 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 toLol, 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.
    Expand

See all 51 User Reviews