Drones
Muse · 2015
52 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A relentless fusion of soaring melodies and aggressive instrumentation, encapsulating themes of control and rebellion.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dead Inside Start here — Opening with a powerful blend of electronic elements and rock, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of emotional detachment amid societal pressures.
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Psycho — With its heavy riffs and militaristic rhythms, this song critiques the indoctrination of individuals into violent systems, embodying the album's central theme of manipulation.
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The Globalist — As the album's lengthy closer, it weaves a narrative that reflects on global power dynamics and personal loss, showcasing Muse's progressive rock influences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive instrumentation with soaring melodies, creating a distinct sound that addresses political themes.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving beat in 'Dead Inside' that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
- Interludes like '[Drill Sergeant]' and '[JFK]' serve as thematic transitions, breaking up the flow while reinforcing the political narrative.
- The final track, 'Drones', features a gradual build-up that culminates in a heavy instrumental climax, contrasting with the more melodic earlier tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- wave-like pacing with intensity
- cathartic climaxes and resolution
- dystopian themes for reflection
- dynamic progression throughout listening
- immersive experience in order
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lighthearted or upbeat
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Drones features a more direct and aggressive sound, diverging from previous styles.
- Themes
- modern warfare critique· emotional detachment· global conflict narrative
- Career context
- Released on June 5, 2015, Drones marked Muse's seventh studio album, following the commercially successful The 2nd Law. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with a more direct political message, aiming to critique societal complacency and dehumanization amid global conflicts.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Radiohead· Queens of the Stone Age· Placebo
Tracklist
- 1 Dead Inside Start here 4:23
- 2 [Drill Sergeant] 0:21
- 3 Psycho 5:16
- 4 Mercy 3:51
- 5 Reapers 5:59
- 6 The Handler 4:33
- 7 [JFK] 0:54
- 8 Defector 4:32
- 9 Revolt 4:05
- 10 Aftermath 5:48
- 11 The Globalist 10:07
- 12 Drones 2:51
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Hail to the Thief
Radiohead
Explores political themes with a blend of experimental rock and haunting melodies.
Toxicity
System of a Down
Combines aggressive instrumentation with sharp social commentary on modern issues.
Year Zero
Nine Inch Nails
Dives into dystopian narratives through industrial rock soundscapes and dark themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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