The Resistance
by
The Resistance Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 486 Ratings

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  • Summary: The fifth album for the English rock trio was produced entirely by the band.

Top Track

Uprising
Paranoia is in bloom The PR transmissions will resume They'll try to push drugs that keep us all dumbed down And hope that we will never see the... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Billboard.com
    82
    The Resistance, shows growth from the band's previous releases and proves that it's primed for a global musical takeover.
  2. Hot Press
    80
    It’s the closing triptych of quasi-classical numbers--the aforementioned ‘Exogenesis’ sequence--that transports Muse to a place beyond parody.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. The Guardian
    80
    Not all of it is palatable, but there's something unrepentant in The Resistance's insane ambitiousness that demands respect rather than mockery. The day Muse topple irrevocably into self-parody will surely come. But, apparently, not yet.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Frontman Matt Bellamy mostly gets away with these high jinks thanks to his skilled way with a Radiohead-ish hook.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    70
    As it stands it’s an indulgent and, at times, gorgeous listen that merely helps restate your concrete opinions about Muse.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    While not their best, it’s decent enough to ensure there’ll be more-- even though the truly off-the-wall moments are either rare or misguided, meaning the record feels slightly anonymous.
  7. No Ripcord
    30
    They are capable of making albums that are big, over the top and fun. The Resistance is over the top, but comes off as boisterous and overblown.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 115 out of 149
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 149
  3. Negative: 15 out of 149
  1. FletchO
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    Album of the year by far! Muse take everything great about them (guitars, piano, harmony vocals,) and up it all by a factor of a million, Album of the year by far! Muse take everything great about them (guitars, piano, harmony vocals,) and up it all by a factor of a million, whilst dumping all their muse-isms that made some of their tracks sound samey. This is the album where Muse find their voice. and boy is it a voice!… Expand
  2. MaxJ
    Sep 23, 2009
    10
    Spectacularly silly, yet in making it so Muse have created what I personally think is one of the best albums of the year.
  4. hannahb
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    Fantastic. Can't stop listening.
  5. HajoK.
    Sep 15, 2009
    9
    Awesome album, different yet satisfying, with MK ultra, unnatural selection and symphony part I&II as favorites.
  6. BenS.
    Dec 3, 2009
    8
    There are some excellent parts to this album, notably the Exogenesis Symphony, the sleek Undisclosed Desires, United States of Eurasia and MK There are some excellent parts to this album, notably the Exogenesis Symphony, the sleek Undisclosed Desires, United States of Eurasia and MK Ultra; but you get the feeling that Muse are trying to do too much and cover too many genres, which backfires in several songs, notably Guiding Light and IBelong to You. Still, it makes for an entertaining listen, and it is still definetely worth buying the whole album. However, it lacks the cutting edge of Black Holes of Revelations, and the originality and cohesion of Origin of Symmetry and Absolution in particular. Muse had a unique sound, but they are trying to hard to combine the style of other successful acts (notably Queen, Depeche Mode and U2) into their work. It appears Muse are unsure of their identity.… Expand
  7. Blanche
    Aug 10, 2017
    7
    A baroque rock infused record with dark undertones and thrilling riffs, operated by Matt Bellamy's powerful trademark voice, makes for aA baroque rock infused record with dark undertones and thrilling riffs, operated by Matt Bellamy's powerful trademark voice, makes for a compelling listen start to end. A few songs are dull to the ears, but overall the album shows that the band are undoubtedly talented and versatile. Good album.… Expand
  8. GabrielC
    Sep 18, 2009
    0
    Pure garbage, Uprising sounds like Blondie's Call me, Marylin Manson and Dr. Who, the rest is pure imitation of some Queen songs, GARBAGE.

See all 149 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2009
34
#34 Most Shared Album of 2009

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