Absolution

I remember listening to this album on our family's iPod as a kid, not knowing how much I would love this album later in my life. Muse is at its Muse-iest in this album- epic choruses, dramatic instrumental moments, and hard-hitting headbanging rock.

Apocalypse Please is a phenomenal opening with lyrics that feel as timely as ever and a soaring soundscape that complements Matt's vocals perfectly. The tracklist continues with great songs in Time Is Running Out and Sing for Absolution, and then a masterpiece in Stockholm Syndrome. The hard rock elements mixed with the wonderful synth arpeggios creates a beautiful track that isn't afraid to run its course.

On that note, one of my favorite elements of this album is that every song feels like it is able to be as long as necessary. No song feels too short or too long, a problem that does occur for me in newer Muse albums.

I love and appreciate the cohesiveness of this album. The themes feel connected and strong.

Overall, this is probably my favorite Muse album. It does everything that feels like Muse to me.