Released 20 years ago
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse · 2006
45 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A cosmic blend of progressive rock and electronic elements, merging anthemic melodies with dystopian themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Take a Bow Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Supermassive Black Hole — This track fuses infectious pop hooks with heavy guitar riffs, showcasing Muse's unique ability to blend genres while addressing themes of desire and alienation.
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Knights of Cydonia — A sweeping epic that combines operatic vocals and a galloping rhythm, this track serves as a culmination of the album's grandiose themes and musical experimentation.
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Starlight — With its shimmering synths and heartfelt lyrics, this song captures a sense of longing amidst the chaos, exemplifying the emotional depth present throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a strong blend of rock and electronic elements with complex arrangements and anthemic melodies.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a dramatic orchestral intro in 'Take a Bow' that sets a tense atmosphere, leading into the more upbeat 'Starlight'.
- Several songs incorporate electronic elements, such as synthesizers and programmed beats, blending them seamlessly with traditional rock instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- cathartic anthems for resilience
- intense moments of existential reflection
- epic soundscapes for grand adventures
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, quick listens
- dislike emotionally charged experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Muse's reputation and broadened their mainstream appeal.
- Themes
- political unrest· cosmic existentialism· post-apocalyptic visions
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Black Holes and Revelations was Muse's fourth studio album, following the commercially successful Absolution. This record marked a significant evolution in their sound, incorporating more electronic elements and broader thematic concerns, as they were transitioning into global rock stardom.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Radiohead· Queens of the Stone Age· Placebo
Tracklist
- 1 Take a Bow Start here 4:36
- 2 Starlight 3:59
- 3 Supermassive Black Hole 3:29
- 4 Map of the Problematique 4:18
- 5 Soldier’s Poem 2:03
- 6 Invincible 5:00
- 7 Assassin 3:31
- 8 Exo‐Politics 3:53
- 9 City of Delusion 4:48
- 10 Hoodoo 3:43
- 11 Knights of Cydonia 6:08
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
OK Computer
Radiohead
Shares themes of alienation and societal critique with expansive soundscapes and emotional depth.
Frances the Mute
The Mars Volta
Combines intricate arrangements and existential themes, creating a grand, progressive rock experience.
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Explores themes of disillusionment and nostalgia with anthemic choruses and layered instrumentation.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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