#christopher wolstemholme

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Smash, Pass, Trash: Simulation Theory by Muse

Disclaimer: Completely subjective opinion! Remember that before you bully me 😦

Pros?

A Muse album. ‘Nuff said. Heavy electronic influences, but it still rocks! I love the experimentation attempted and callbacks to common Muse songwriting tropes.

Cons?

A soundbite into the 80s revival nostalgia to cash in on the popularity of it becoming relevant again… But because it was a Muse album, there was some creativity to it. The first record to have multiple outside writers, which I noticed upon first listen. The first Muse album that genuinely disappointed me, yet I push on the benefit of the doubt and blamed the record label. A ruined opportunity to showcase “Something Human” as a pure ballad similar to older ones done in their past. Linked here is Matt’s original IG video showing what we could have gotten. Man, what I’d give to hear Something Human recorded as a band without all the excess instrumentation. That was OVERKILL.

Afterthoughts?

Muse is the reason I became a musician. I love every album, every song, every b-side, every DEMO (That I was able to hear, I didn’t have money for Origin of Muse *sad*). Simulation Theory had some redeeming factors about it, but it didn’t help that I genuinely thought “Get Up and Fight” was a Spotify ad upon first listen. I loved the extras on the deluxe edition and wished we had some more extras on future albums.

Rating Scale: Smash, Pass, or Trash

Rating: Smash and Pass

This would be my least favorite Muse album if I had to choose with a gun against my head. I would still consider all Muse albums my favorite because I’m delusional HAHA! If you love Muse, you’d buy it for the collection.

5 / 5 (Based off my The Music Checklist)

[the-irresistibe-revel]

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