What makes Supermassive Black Hole by Muse notable?

The album's title track achieved international acclaim, reaching number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and solidifying Muse's reputation in the rock scene. Its innovative sound paved the way for future artists within the alternative and progressive rock genres, influencing the direction of rock music in the late 2000s. By 2006, Muse was on the cusp of mainstream success following their critically acclaimed album 'Absolution' (2003). 'Supermassive Black Hole' marked a significant shift towards a more accessible sound, blending alternative rock with disco and electronic influences, showcasing the band's evolving musical palette.

How many songs are on Supermassive Black Hole?

Supermassive Black Hole has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Supermassive Black Hole

Muse · 2006

6 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A pulsating blend of funky basslines and soaring vocals captures a cosmic dance between desire and existential dread.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Supermassive Black Hole — This track is a standout due to its infectious groove and fusion of rock with dance elements, representing Muse's genre-bending style at its peak.
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Crying Shame — With its introspective lyrics and compelling melody, this song balances the album’s energetic tone, revealing a deeper emotional layer amidst the vibrant soundscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong writing and production but lacks full cohesion due to its brief length.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent, syncopated bassline that drives the rhythm while layered synths create a spacey atmosphere.
Vocals alternate between a smooth falsetto and more aggressive delivery, emphasizing the contrasting themes of desire and dread.
The second track, 'Crying Shame', shifts to a slower tempo with a more subdued arrangement, creating a stark contrast to the energetic opener.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked a shift to a more accessible sound, enhancing Muse's mainstream recognition.
Themes: cosmic desire· electronic seduction
Career context: By 2006, Muse was on the cusp of mainstream success following their critically acclaimed album 'Absolution' (2003). 'Supermassive Black Hole' marked a significant shift towards a more accessible sound, blending alternative rock with disco and electronic influences, showcasing the band's evolving musical palette.
Stylistic neighbors: Radiohead· Queens of the Stone Age· Placebo