Hullabaloo Soundtrack cover

Hullabaloo Soundtrack

Muse · 2002

91 min · 21 tracks · alternative rock

A dynamic blend of alternative rock and progressive elements, showcasing Muse's theatricality and sonic ambition.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Forced In Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Citizen Erased — This track exemplifies Muse's ability to weave complex themes with grand instrumentation, making it a standout highlight in their live performances.
  • →
    Dead Star — With its haunting melodies and driving rhythm, Dead Star perfectly encapsulates Muse's blend of hard rock and emotional depth.
  • →
    Micro Cuts — Micro Cuts delivers an intense emotional experience through its intricate guitar work and dramatic vocal delivery, showcasing the band's artistic range.
  • →
    Showbiz — This track serves as a powerful opener that reflects Muse's early sound while setting the tone for the live energy captured throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album captures Muse's dynamic performances but lacks the cohesive flow of a studio release.

What we noticed

  • Tracks are arranged to build momentum, starting with energetic pieces and gradually incorporating more atmospheric and introspective moments.
  • Several songs include variations in arrangement compared to their studio versions, adding unique elements that differentiate them from the original recordings.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 peaks
  • theatrical moments of intensity
  • dynamic journey through emotions
  • reflective tracks for deep thinking
  • exhilarating energy for late nights

Maybe skip if you

  • instant gratification seekers
  • short attention spans

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Released after Origin of Symmetry, it solidified Muse's growing reputation and popularity.
Themes
theatrical rock anthems· early 2000s rebellion· live performance energy
Career context
Released on July 1, 2002, Hullabaloo Soundtrack captures Muse at a pivotal moment following their breakthrough album Origin of Symmetry. This live album, along with its accompanying DVD, showcases the band's explosive stage presence and solidifies their rising status in the alternative rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Radiohead· Queens of the Stone Age· Placebo
New to Muse? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Citizen Erased

    The shift from reflective verses to a climactic chorus illustrates the protagonist's struggle between despair and defiance.

    This contrast not only enhances the song's emotional impact but also showcases Muse's knack for building tension through dynamic shifts.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Forced In Start here 4:18
  • 2 Shrinking Universe 3:06
  • 3 Recess 3:35
  • 4 Yes Please 3:05
  • 5 Map of Your Head 4:23
  • 6 Nature_1 3:39
  • 7 Shine Acoustic 5:12
  • 8 Ashamed 3:47
  • 9 The Gallery 3:30
  • 10 Hyper Chondriac Music 5:29

Disc 2

  • 1 Dead Star 4:10
  • 2 Micro Cuts 3:30
  • 3 Citizen Erased 7:21
  • 4 Showbiz 5:04
  • 5 Megalomania 4:36
  • 6 Dark Shines 4:36
  • 7 Screenager 4:22
  • 8 Space Dementia 5:32
  • 9 In Your World 3:10
  • 10 Muscle Museum 4:29
  • 11 Agitated 4:11

What to play next

Absolution
Listen next

Absolution

2003

Continues the theatricality and sonic ambition with deeper themes.
Origin of Symmetry
Go back to

Origin of Symmetry

2001

Sets the stage for the dynamic sound found in Hullabaloo.
Full Muse discography Where to start with Muse Artists like Muse
alternative rock hard rock progressive rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Hail to the Thief

Hail to the Thief

Radiohead

Shares the same theatricality and political themes, with a blend of rock and experimental soundscapes.

Songs for the Deaf

Songs for the Deaf

Queens of the Stone Age

Captures an exhilarating energy and hard rock edge, with a focus on intense live performance vibes.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

The Smashing Pumpkins

Equally ambitious in scope, merging theatrical elements with alternative rock anthems and emotional depth.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata