The sinister sounding opener 'take a bow' starts off as if floating in space and then morphes into a dance/trance type sound, and slows to a punkier space rant as bellamy shouts how we're going to 'burn in hell'. It could be seen as a political statement towards the bush administration, but if you don't care about what the lyrics mean then just bask in the over-the-top space rock sound you know and love, or will do if you haven't heard them before.
'Starlight' follows with a more straightforward but uplifting song with a more accessible piano melody and gentle lyrics, followed by the dark, dancey 'supermassive black hole' with it's 80's robotic sound.
Then there's the relentless 'map of the problematique' with it's 'depeche mode'-esque sound and drums alternating frequently in rythm keeping up the excitement in the sound.
The barbershop quartet (minus one) sounding 'soldier's poem' is short and relaxing, ending on a poignant note and leads onto 'invincible', which is… more »

The sinister sounding opener 'take a bow' starts off as if floating in space and then morphes into a dance/trance type sound, and slows to a punkier space rant as bellamy shouts how we're going to 'burn in hell'. It could be seen as a political statement towards the bush administration, but if you don't care about what the lyrics mean then just bask in the over-the-top space rock sound you know and love, or will do if you haven't heard them before.
'Starlight' follows with a more straightforward but uplifting song with a more accessible piano melody and gentle lyrics, followed by the dark, dancey 'supermassive black hole' with it's 80's robotic sound.
Then there's the relentless 'map of the problematique' with it's 'depeche mode'-esque sound and drums alternating frequently in rythm keeping up the excitement in the sound.
The barbershop quartet (minus one) sounding 'soldier's poem' is short and relaxing, ending on a poignant note and leads onto 'invincible', which is an epic feel-good anthem with a brilliant guitar solo near the end.
'Assassin' is a more straight-laced rock song that provides a raw edge compared to the others. Followed by 'exo-politics' with it's rousing chorus that you have to sing along to.
'City of delusion' is a very latin, exotic sounding song with a strangely similar yet brilliant moment in the middle where it all goes a bit tense with a dramatic build-up, reminding me of the bit towards the end of 'no one knows' by 'queens of the stone age'. It's followed by 'hoodoo' which is a lot more quiet and simplistic which makes the final song even more stunning.
'Knights of cydonia' is a completely bombastic, off the wall, insanely brilliant piece of rock even by muse's standards, and is the defining song on the album and one of the best songs of modern times, if not of all time it's that incredible.
Sorry for the lenghty review, but this album is very accessible and a brilliant way to get aquainted with muse.