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A bit of hope from a more critical fan

48 points · submitted Mar 2026 by u/tomomalono · Discussion

So, I’d like to start with a disclaimer, and that this post is by somebody who’s been very critical of the band, since the 2nd Law came out. I do love this band, very much, and been watching them, listening to them, following them for over 20 years, and that my opinion doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong, nor does anyone else’s.

But having heard the last two singles, Unravelling and Be With You (BWY), whilst I’m not the biggest fan of BWY, I am glad to see that this theme of writing lyrics about ‘fighting back and taking back power and control’ etc, has gone (so far), and that the song writing is going back to a shift in what I think many fans were hoping the next album would stay clear of.

When I first heard BWY, whilst I wasn’t blown away by it, at the same time, I wasn’t let down entirely, not the way I have been the last few singles and songs. I use Pressure, and Won’t Stand Down, as an examples, I think they’re some of Muse’s better songs, in recent times, musically, but I get let down by the lyrics, and lyrically, is where I feel the bands strongest downfall has been the last few albums.

I seen a comment, and whoever it was, take a bow….. because I think it’s summed it up best, something like; ‘I want to listen and say, Fuck! Is that Muse?… not… fuck… is that Muse?’.

Like I said, I’ve been very critical of the band, since the 2nd Law, for their song writing, because I feel musically, they’re still very strong. But the last two singles, give me a bit of hope, that, maybe more older critical fans, like myself, can get on board again, that they can take it back to what I believe they’re best at, and that was writing albums like Absolution, BH&R. Am I thrilled that the album is going to be a concept album? Probably not, but then again, most of Muse albums have a theme, I just think that the older albums, have more songs on them than can stand for themselves so to speak, TIRO, SMBH, PIB, etc.

I hand on heart believe Muse where the biggest band, from I’d say 2003-2010, they had such a bigger more diverse following then, and it saddens me that I feel they don’t get the respect they deserve, but I do believe that they’ve not done themselves many favours with these last few albums and almost become a parody of themselves, I don’t believe they’ve aged well as a band, maybe compared to some other band of that time as well, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys for example.

I know some people like the the last few albums, everyone is different, and everyone will have a different view point to me, but these last two singles, give me a bit of hope that this album will be more of the old Muse we know and fell in love with.

33 comments · 93% upvoted · other discussions

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These_Ad3167 21 points · Mar 2026

It just all still sounds so lazy to me, like a band on autopilot and it's felt that way for the last 17 years unfortunately.

Someone summed it up here perfectly the other day: people don't want the sounds of OOS, Abso or BH&R again, they want the level of artistry from those days to return. When they actually felt like a band that had something to say and you wouldn't be embarrassed to be caught blasting their latest album in the car. When Dom and Chris were active members, rather than just session musicians providing increasingly minimal backing to tracks that are virtually indistinguishable from Matt's solo output.

Be With You is all of Matt's worst impulses packaged into a track imo. It's aggressively sweet and upbeat, far poppier than this band should be anywhere near, the lyrics are atrocious, the vocal delivery sounds like he's swallowing the mic and he's still doing those horrific bits of vocal fry he's been insisting on since The 2nd Law.

I constantly see people say "Muse have always been genre-benders, they are constantly evolving", when in reality they stopped doing that a long time ago. This isn't evolution, it's stagnation. The tracks these days are either genres they simply can't hope to emulate, or pastiche's of their older work which just makes them sound like an AI parody of themselves.

tomomalono [OP] 11 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

Exactly that, summed up brilliantly. And said much better than I dared too without the fear of the anti view police coming along and telling me I’m wrong.

But that’s it brilliantly, it’s wanting the band to do what we know they can do, again, they’re much older now, can they do what they did 20 years ago? No, but the last 15 years have been stagnant.

And I agree, and that’s like what I said about having a much more diverse audience, when I first started going to Muse concerts, everyone was there, it was such a range of different groups and people, and everyone would like Muse, they didn’t have to be everyone’s favourite, but they were on a lot of people’s radar, playlists, they’d go watch, Muse were cool, and they’ve ruined that legacy themselves, by being stagnant.

And I agree again, Muse haven’t evolved, Matt Bellamy hasn’t evolved. Uprising became a success and that was it from there on it. They’re not doing anything new, they’re not changing their sound or style. I’m hoping, that this new album, based off the last 2 singles, sort of proves me wrong, but I’ve felt this way every album since Drones

tomomalono [OP] 8 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

Also, fucking great comment on the ‘wouldn’t be embarrassed to listen to them’ comment.

I agree with this 100%

slop_drobbler 8 points · Mar 2026

Also a long time fan here (since Showbiz)

I think we need a bit of perspective about this band because the amount of hate I'm seeing here (and elsewhere) is bordering on farcical. Muse have never really been 'cool' in my experience, and are easy to hate on because they write over-blown melodramatic music with unconventional falsetto vocals. They have always had haters. It's even easier to hate on them now, as they no longer have the swagger of youth, and because Rock music as a genre is nowhere near as fashionable as it was in the early 2000s.

Even though Showbiz thru BH&R are considered Muse's peak by most, if you look at their aggregated metacritic scores the reception to all of their albums has been mostly consistent (note that Showbiz and OoS don't seem to have a metacritic page, but I imagine they would both fall into the same low 70s region). The low points being Drones and ST which are the only ones that didn't reach 'generally favourable':

Absolution - 72/100

BH&R - 75/100

The Resistance - 72/100

T2L - 70/100

Drones - 63/100

ST - 63/100

WotP - 71/100

The band have been putting out music for nearly 30 years. Imo we will never get another OoS/Abso/BH&R, but those albums all still exist, and are all still great. The fact they're putting out less appealing music as they age isn't at all surprising, and really isn't out of the ordinary - we've seen it time and time again with other bands too (off the top of my head from around Muse's era: Weezer, Green Day, Coldplay). There are of course exceptions to this (Radiohead for example, however they haven't put out a new record for 10 years!) but Muse's critical trajectory really isn't unusual

tomomalono [OP] 6 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

Very good points raised here, and I agree with what your saying.

I do disagree though, I think most bands with have their haters, but I think, when I first started seeing Muse, around 2006 (when I was just old enough), there was a lot of people wanting to see Muse, shows would sell out, it would be harder to get tickets, people liked Muse, a lot would listen, even if it was the more popular songs. But they’ve lost that now. The friends I used to go with to them shows wouldn’t put them on anymore, they still like their older stuff, but won’t give the new stuff the time of day.

And I agree on the band points, which is similar to what I’ve said, using The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys, but Coldplay get a lot of hate too, Muse are going down that path, where I think if they said ‘we’re calling it a day’ tomorrow, they’d not be remembered the way I think they should have been. Green Day is a good example. My point with that is, and this comes from somebody who does love the band, it’ll be sad to see they wont be looked up fondly in the music history books, the way they could have been.

slop_drobbler 4 points · Mar 2026

there was a lot of people wanting to see Muse, shows would sell out

Their shows still sell out lol. Part of the reason you see so much more hate now is because of social media, but there has always been an air of negative pretension directed at Muse in my experience. As a teen in 2001 they didn't fit the pop mould, were too mainstream for metal heads, too weird for indie kids, too silly for the alternative crowd... and now we're in 2026 and the rock genre is no longer as fashionable as it used to be.

Muse are going down that path, where I think if they said ‘we’re calling it a day’ tomorrow, they’d not be remembered the way I think they should have been.

I think there's an interesting discussion to be had about how the impact of releasing sub-par content can dilute the legacy of your back catalogue. Yes, it's possible Muse would be held in higher regard critically if they stopped releasing records after The 2nd Law. That said, we wouldn't have gotten Reapers, The Handler, The Globalist, Algorithm, The Dark Side, Pressure, The Void, or KobK - all solid Muse tracks to my ears, and I'm happy we have all of these. Releasing weaker content definitely damages your brand in some respects but I think it's a choice to let that also taint your opinion of the older/better records.

Something else I often read from social comments is the notion of 'growing out' of liking Muse, suggesting that liking them in the first place was immature or childish. It's such a pretentious thing to say, I cringe every time I see it. People attach so much of their identity to the music they champion, and similarly judge others for their music choices, but I think as you get older you care less about this kind of thing and just listen to whatever you like. Who cares.

Imo Muse are and will always be something of a British Institution. Of all the surface level comparisons that have been made to Queen, I actually think it's their legacy that will end up being most similar. Outside of the makeup of their sound, both bands are/were known for their amazing live shows, for a handful of solid albums and a whole lot of middling ones. Also notable that Queen's critical reception was always mixed at the time they were putting out music, but like Muse they had a die-hard following

tomomalono [OP] 2 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

The last Muse concerts I’ve been, which were Huddersfield and Manchester Arena didn’t sell out, I remember being at Manchester in 2010 and that was a sell out. But I do appreciate what you’re saying about them always having their haters so to speak.

Your point again, about the songs released post 2nd Law, everyone does have a different perspective on it, and one thing I do understand and still like, is that there’s people who do still like Muse, who do still get something out of their music. But people will re listen to Hysteria, SMBH, PIB, other than people who are Muse fans, I feel very little people would go back and listen to The Dark Side. I think there’s no song Muse has released since Uprising could you consider a standalone song. They’ve not released a single many non-regular Muse listeners would re listen to. I never hear any of Muse’s stuff post 2nd Law, played on radio.

I also agree, I’ve had people say ‘oh I used to like Muse but I grew out of it, I was in a Muse phase’, people like all different artists and mixes, some people have a small circle, people like what they like. But that’s why I still defend Muse like ‘I understand why you don’t like them now, but Christ 2003-2009, they didn’t miss’.

Muse won’t be held in the same regard as Queen. Nowhere near. Queen had a frontman who stood for something, who became a household name, people wanted to listen to.

One point I like to make to people, Muse where around the same time as Arctic Monkeys, I know they’re two different styles of music, but Muse would headline festivals, over Arctic Monkeys, during that period, I’m sure they might have even supported Muse on a few shows, but anyway, Arctic Monkeys, have a bigger following still from that day, Muse don’t. Muse won’t go down the same was as those around them, and certainly not Queen, they’ll go down the same way as Nickelback.

slop_drobbler 2 points · Mar 2026

I never hear any of Muse’s stuff post 2nd Law, played on radio.

Yeah the last Muse song I remember hearing played a lot was Madness, but tbh I don't really listen to the radio. The way we consume music has changed a lot since T2L with the rise of streaming and I think music generally is a lot more disposable than it used to be

Muse where around the same time as Arctic Monkeys, I know they’re two different styles of music, but Muse would headline festivals, over Arctic Monkeys, during that period

To be fair Muse had released 3 albums by the time Arctic Monkeys debut released in 2006, and 5 months later they released BH&R. Of course Muse would be headlining festivals over them.

Also worth mentioning Arctic Monkey's popularity has fallen off over the years too. Personally I like all of their albums except The Car which was so fucking boring I'd rather listen to any Muse album over it

they’ll go down the same way as Nickelback.

No chance. Nickelback aren't known for anything other than being terrible/memeable, they've never released an acclaimed album as far as I'm aware, and have like 2 kinda crappy songs most people would know. Muse are still known for their amazing live shows even if their last 4 albums haven't been great

bargugl 13 points · Mar 2026

I found BWY to be one of the most emotionally resonant songs they have done in a long time. Far beyond anything on ST and most of WOTP. Yes, the lyrics are basic and simple, yet in combination with the music its hard not shed a tear by the end of the song for me. It reads well and is highly understandable, which gives it mass market appeal (which is not what this sub wants to see, unfortunately). It's likely not to have the same impact for everyone given different life experiences. Five years ago, I doubt it would have made the same impact on me as it does now.

tomomalono [OP] 1 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

I agree with what you’ve said. I don’t mind the simplicity of the lyrics, because I think we’ve had too much said about nothing, in most songs. One thing I’ve been critical of Muse is standing for nothing, they wrote these revolution type songs and didn’t really do anything inline with it. So the basic lyrics I’m happy about because I feel like they have the potential to bring themselves back on people’s radars.

A lot of people don’t rate ‘Get Up and Fight’, which this song sort of reminds me of, the basis of it anyway, and I like Get Up and Fight, I know thats an emotional song, for his uncle if I’m not mistaken? Which is a shame it got lost in the middle of all of this other nonsense they’ve put out. And I feel what you’re saying about BWY, and it not having the same impact, I feel like that’s a comparison I can draw on, if that makes sense?

imangryatyourgumbo 6 points · Mar 2026

Get up and fight in my opinion is the worst song in their entire discography. I am a deeply critical muse fan. I stopped liking it when everything became about the synths. The first 5 albums were absolute dynamite, but when the synths really started to show up, during the resistance and then on, I started to like their stuff way less. It lost the relative “rawness” that I loved so much about Showbiz and Origin of Symmetry, and hell, even Hullabaloo. I loooove Hullabaloo.

tomomalono [OP] 3 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

I don’t mind it, I do think that BWY, is along the lines of it, but I don’t mind it.

But I agree with your sentiment on the later albums. Hullabaloo is great.

I don’t ever think Muse can be what they were, but I don’t think they should be ruining what little of their legacy is left.

imangryatyourgumbo 3 points · Mar 2026

If they went back to that raw setup for another album, I would 100% listen.

tomomalono [OP] 2 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

I think some people would you know, I think the damage is done for them, but I know some of my mates who used to be into them, if Muse went back to raw set up, they’d probably get their interest back to an extent, and so would I.

imangryatyourgumbo 2 points · Mar 2026

I’m glad we agree.

tomomalono [OP] 3 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

I think we’re the only two people in Reddit history to do some 🤝

MasterZii 2 points · Mar 2026 · :Showbiz:

"Parody of themselves" yeah actually that sums it up quite well for how I hear this too.

cloudyclover24 5 points · Mar 2026

This sums up my thoughts perfectly. I’m also especially disappointed with their lyrics in recent years. I feel like good lyrics can make up for some more musically mid songs. I really really miss their old song writing and I don’t understand why they stopped! Do they think more pop-y lyrics will be received better in current times?

Regardless I am excited for the album and I’m also glad they’ve moved away from politics/oppression/etc. It was fine in Resistance but now its a bit too in your face.

tomomalono [OP] 3 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

Music is a funny one, you remember songs with good lyrics, and forget the tune, you remember songs with a good tune, but forget the lyrics, I feel with Muse both of those things are true, no music they’ve written and put out since 2012, as stood up on its own. So maybe, a shift to something more pop-y, simple, will stick with people more than ‘stockpile, fuck off’

I agree, I am clinging on to the fact we’ve not had ‘don’t let them win, stand up and fight back’ lyrics, whist they tour the world and bend over to countries with censorship and terrible human rights record.

superIUG 6 points · Mar 2026

I liked Unravelling and I'm liking more and more BWY with each listen, not saying this album is going to be THE comeback we've been waiting for since The Resistance but with these singles alone I have enough confidence to picture this album as very good.

tomomalono [OP] 1 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

Muse can never be what they were BH&R let’s say, but that’s my point too, the singles give me hope that this album will be something I can get on board with

MasterZii 2 points · Mar 2026 · :Showbiz:

To me, I can summarize it like this; Muse always felt pretty ahead of the times, the first to do/try something unique and innovative, etc. Now they sound like everyone else, and behind the trend of what other bands/artists have already done, which makes them seem more out of touch.

But this is my personal opinion and everyone interprets music and meaning differently. I was also 3 when their first album came out, so I can't fully say I understood that era during its prime.

tomomalono [OP] 1 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

Can you expand on what they were the first to do/try that was unique?

elevenatexi 4 points · Mar 2026

Shocking breeze versed childlike fine depend

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VashDota 2 points · Mar 2026 · :Showbiz:

This so much lol

Every time some one starts with I am a critical fan since xxx days I cringe very hard. Boohoo big deal.

Great, I listen to muse since OoS now what lol, does that make me more of a critical fan than someone who started fanboying muse with t2l?

Listen to muse or don't, there's enough people that still do and I go to every German concert since ages and they have become more packed and not less. Bigger stadiums too btw.

elevenatexi 2 points · Mar 2026

Live birds workable offer summer cooperative serious thought cheerful

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tomomalono [OP] 2 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

Thanks for your opinion, and I respect your view, unlike yours to mine.

My view on the last few albums is my view and I respect everyone else’s views on there’s, and it’s okay to have different views, doesn’t mean there’s an agenda behind them, unlike what you’re implying here.

But again, I respect your views on it.

detteros 1 points · Mar 2026

The single sucks.

shabansatan -5 points · Mar 2026

After that single and the album name...theres no hope

Ill just be a vintage fan i guess

Vitela_10 2 points · Mar 2026

The name, concept and cover of the album is very interesting!

I’m excited about it,

I guess not everyone liked it and that’s fine too :)!

tomomalono [OP] 2 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

Everyone will have a different of opinion.

I’ve been sceptical about their new stuff since 2nd Law, but everyone will have a different taste, but I’m looking forward to the new album, based off the latest singles, than previous

gameswat1 1 points · Mar 2026 · :Hulla:Drones to WOTP is their weakest material

The album name does suck, but the single is at best, alright. I still listen to every album to this day, and while Im not much of a fan of Drones onwards, this single is still way better than ST.

There's callbacks to old albums with the instrumentation and build-up, but its too short of a song to give that payoff properly, plus not dynamic enough to break the pop aesthetic sadly.

tomomalono [OP] 1 points · Mar 2026 · :BHAR:

I think thats always were I’ve towed the line, but I just feel with the last two singles, the fact there’s no uprising repeating lyrics in them, this album might be something to get into