This is the album that started it all of for me with MUSE. I had a piano lesson and my teacher recommended i checked out this album, after playing just a few bars of one of the pieces on the album i was intrigued! So it hit my christmas wish list.

I sat and just listened to the album all the way through without skipping any tracks and it was easy to hear quickly that MUSE are one of the few bands these days that are completely unique.

When listening to this album you will quickly discover that underneath the music is also a story which flows from track to track.

1.) Intro

A very short introduction into the second track of the album but the swelling stamping you hear quickly draws your attention!

2.) Apocalypse Please

The first song of the album, a hard hitting rhythmical song with hard hitting percussion and piano chords. This song describes as some of the lyrics say 'the end of the world' a great balance of hard hitting piano in the verses as well as soft synth parts in the chorus.

3.) Time Is Running Out

The song starts with a simple repeating bass line which is then layered upon with drums, vocals and then a solid wall of sound for the chorus, matthew bellamy (lead vocals, guitarist) really shows his vocal talent within this song. This track is a perfect example of how a 3 member band can make the equivalent sound of a symphonic orchestra!

4.) Sing For Absolution

The first 'mellow' song to be heard on the album, starting with a dreamy piano melody, the track is gently built up and up towards the huge solo/outro section at the end.

5.) Stockholme Syndrome

In my opinion, the heaviest song of the album! Starting straight away with a heavy distorted guitar riff to be shortly accompanied with hard hitting bass line and drums. Again another example of how just the three of the bands members can produce such a big sound!

6.) Falling away with you

The 'love song' of the album, a very laid back and mellow song consisting of many soft textures such as percussion and acoustic guitars. This song will grab your attention and leave you relaxed while you take in the heart warming lyrics of the song.

7.) Interlude

Another short 'intro' this time into the bands hit 'Hysteria' a simple 2 track guitar melody playing harmonies against each other.

8.) Hysteria

If you have not heard this song yet then you will have probably heard it from any bassist you know! it tends to be the first song most of them play when trying out a new bass or warming up! The bass line is the core of this huge sounding track! This track with its very tight drums and octave guitars will have you head banging like never before! Probably my most favourite track on the album and one i would recommend to everyone!

9.) Blackout

This is a bit of a change from what you will have heard on the rest of the album, very few layers in this song to give it is very mellow texture. It is the only song of the album which is string based. To be only joined with a soft swung drum beat and sliding backing vocals. Even when the solo comes in towards the end, teh song still maintains is laid back feel but will grab your attention and make you put the song on loop!

10.) Butterflies and hurricanes

In my opinion, the most musically diverse song of the album, this song incorporates all the little elements you will have heard before such as classical strings and piano alongside hard hitting guitars and vocals. The song goes through many phases where different parts of these elements are more prominent. definently worth a listen!

11.) The small print

When you listen to this song you can instantly pick up the delicate influences of dance, while taking minor elements of this genre the band have managed to adapt it into a hard hitting rock track built up of lots of small guitar motifs with tight rhythmical backings

12.) Thoughts of a dying athiest

The title alone got me on this track! What does a person who has no religious beliefs think when they are dying? very powerful stuff and just goes to show the time and thought that has been put into this album!

The album so far has been hard hitting and powerful and this final track is no exception! Beginning straight away with a complex guitar part as well as powerful vocals at the same time, it is really only when you see the band perform this song live that you can fully appreciate the talent of Matthew Bellamy being able to multi-task like this!

Overall

Overall i would recommend this album to absolutely everyone! As i said i hadn't really even heard of this band up till hearing this album but they have quickly become my favourite band and i have since purchased all of their others albums and look forward to their new one on the way!

Go buy this album and you will not regret it i promise!