Drones
by Muse
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 373 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 261 out of 373
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 373
  3. Negative: 40 out of 373
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  1. bgrass13
    Jun 9, 2015
    10
    The more I listen to it (10+ times), the more I find this to be a very satisfying record. Very heavy alt-rock-prog effort with a compelling storyline that flows from song to song. Bellamy's guitar sounds crisp, crunchy and prominent where it should be; the rhythm section is thunderous and spot on. Vocally, Bellamy is untouchable - rock's best falsetto. The band are one of the top rockThe more I listen to it (10+ times), the more I find this to be a very satisfying record. Very heavy alt-rock-prog effort with a compelling storyline that flows from song to song. Bellamy's guitar sounds crisp, crunchy and prominent where it should be; the rhythm section is thunderous and spot on. Vocally, Bellamy is untouchable - rock's best falsetto. The band are one of the top rock bands out there these days and this record is a welcome addition to their canon. Highly recommended by these old ears. (60+)
    These are MY opinions and should be treated as such.    … Expand
  2. Jesseneuro
    Jun 17, 2015
    10
    Drones does indeed rock, but in addition, as usual, we get a bit of classical: the "Nimrod" finale of "The Globalist" and the final cut (Pink Floyd pun intended--war themes & all) "Drones" offer up surprisingly cathartic musical majesty. Muse is simply THE Bomb, whether they be Droning, exploding, or imploding...
  3. sambuu
    Sep 29, 2016
    10
    Muse really improved on this album. More guitar riffs, more meaningful lyrics, more rock album. Matt said in interview : "we back to traditional rock from electronic rock". He's right
  4. Guzaman
    Jun 23, 2015
    10
    More than a back to basics, Drones is a tribute to all their previous work, and also is a step forward. Maybe the last four songs sound a little flat the fist time you listen to them, but if you hear them more focused, its just the final that the album deserves.
  5. WXYZ
    Oct 31, 2015
    10
    Brilliant. .
  6. alirezazgr
    Jun 9, 2015
    10
    not really what I expecting from 'em. the lyrics are not as good as last albums but it's like new view to everything and when you think about it that's what modern rocks about! Matthew really rocks the guitar thanks to the producer but it lacks on some tracks like Mercy kinda feels like a pop song and the only thing that keeps you going is Matt's magnificent vocals.
    but on the other side    not really what I expecting from 'em. the lyrics are not as good as last albums but it's like new view to everything and when you think about it that's what modern rocks about! Matthew really rocks the guitar thanks to the producer but it lacks on some tracks like Mercy kinda feels like a pop song and the only thing that keeps you going is Matt's magnificent vocals.
    but on the other side The Handler, Reapers and Defector are pretty good and gives you that protesting muse chill but The Globalist could be way more better than this I don't consider it a successor to Citizen Erased... in the end you got a Muse album with a new perspective, it really worth your time.    … Expand
  7. edenevanlyn
    Jun 10, 2015
    10
    "Drones" is the band's seventh studio album in 16 years and thus expectations are high. The question with "Drones" was, whether it would be more like the band's earlier work, or more like the last two albums. In an interview with IHeartRadio, frontman Matt Bellamy said the band's sound would go back to rock, instead of the experimental, electronic sound of the previous two albums. Bellamy"Drones" is the band's seventh studio album in 16 years and thus expectations are high. The question with "Drones" was, whether it would be more like the band's earlier work, or more like the last two albums. In an interview with IHeartRadio, frontman Matt Bellamy said the band's sound would go back to rock, instead of the experimental, electronic sound of the previous two albums. Bellamy mentions how the making of "Drones" was a trip down memory lane:

    "Our intention was to go back to how we made music in the early stages of our career, when we were more like a standard three-piece rock band with guitar, bass and drums."

    In the interview, Bellamy claims "Drones" is their "best album". I quite agree with him. In my opinion, "Drones" is the best material Muse has released in almost a decade. A big claim, but for someone who has always been a fan of the band's earlier work, it is like they have (finally! finally!) gone back to the sound that belongs to Muse. Songs like "Psycho" and "Dead Inside" are unpolished, old-fashioned rock anthems, with a raging guitar, pumping bass and sharp drums. On "Reapers" and "The Handlers", there is a bit more drama, a bit more strings and synths, but it still has the same raw and unpolished feel of "Drones".

    What I really love about this album, is that there is a clear narrative throughout the 12 songs. The first track, "Dead Inside", is the introduction to the story, in which one loses hope and becomes vulnerable to certain dark forces, which arrive in the shape of the next couple of tracks. Eventually, with "Revolt", one starts to fight back against the brain-washing and mind-controlling, leading to the "Aftermath". But a Muse album would not be a proper Muse album without at least one elaborate and complex composition. On "Drones", it is in the shape of "The Globalist", a 10 minute grand finale to a great album.    … Expand
  8. joeshamper
    Jun 12, 2015
    10
    Possibly best yet. Old fans will love the heavier sound. Yea, Matt Bellamy isn't the best lyricist, so what? It's refreshing to hear a rock album that is about something (drones, the military-industrial complex, loss of human empathy, and technology) deeper than drugs and sex. Bravo.
  9. jongon23
    Jun 12, 2015
    10
    I can't understand, why the album have too many bad critics? It's simply amazing... And great performance... When you listen this songs at live.... OMG!!!
  10. jokersilva
    Jun 15, 2015
    10
    in my opinion, Muse's best album ever. Great work by Bellamy and company! I'll just ignore the negative reviews, 'cause after reading them, I was shocked for seeing how can they be so false... I'm sure that they just criticise this album just because they don't usually know the hard work that they had by producing the album, and the don't know HOW TO APPRECIATE REAL MUSIC
  11. DL1
    Jun 21, 2015
    10
    I loved the new album. emotionally charged, amazing meaning behind every word and note. I enjoyed every second, I love Handlers, and Dead Inside probably the most. It is a story telling album. For those who hate on the album and say it's garbage - don't listen. Maybe it's time for you to find another band to trash.
  12. hami5150
    Jun 25, 2015
    10
    This is Muse's best album to date. They stay true to their Prog-Rock roots with the "concept" album, without getting too sappy or overdrawn with 13 minute songs like Genesis or Rush would do. Most of the songs have a certain flavor reminiscent of other bands (Van Halen on "Reapers", Depeche Mode on "Psycho", etc), and there are minimal dead spots, with the exception of the speakingThis is Muse's best album to date. They stay true to their Prog-Rock roots with the "concept" album, without getting too sappy or overdrawn with 13 minute songs like Genesis or Rush would do. Most of the songs have a certain flavor reminiscent of other bands (Van Halen on "Reapers", Depeche Mode on "Psycho", etc), and there are minimal dead spots, with the exception of the speaking interludes (Drill Sargent and JFK). This one rocks, but it also has the right feeling for the story of someone who starts out soul-less, becomes a tool of the system, and then realizes what they've done and rebels. The vocals are amazing, as always, and the guitar work on this is some of the best I've heard in a few years. I'm a drums and guitar rock kind of guy, and this album brings it.… Expand
  13. johnfisherman
    May 18, 2018
    10
    the only song I can't stand from this album is mercy, it's kind like starlight but with a bad and unispiring chorus. but this problem is overshadowed by the rest of the album. songs like reapers, aftermath and the handler simply and all the others are near perfetc like 9.510. it's a shame that's its graded that low.
  14. antonio7
    Nov 10, 2018
    10
    Es una álbum muy completo de los mejores de muse empezamos con dead inside una canción excitante a la vez pesada psycho muy pesada estilo Muse mercy hay algo quizás el intro del piano reapers también estilo que los caracteriza junto con the handler y detector aftermath muy relajante con un solo de dioses para terminar de las mejores del disco the globalist es simplemente una obra conEs una álbum muy completo de los mejores de muse empezamos con dead inside una canción excitante a la vez pesada psycho muy pesada estilo Muse mercy hay algo quizás el intro del piano reapers también estilo que los caracteriza junto con the handler y detector aftermath muy relajante con un solo de dioses para terminar de las mejores del disco the globalist es simplemente una obra con drones pareciendo que Matt canta opera muy buen disco … Expand
  15. DuqueneJustin
    Aug 3, 2020
    10
    One of muse's best album if not the best! This three piece band shines in the dark tone that carries that album by telling the story of a dystopian world that our our is turning too. From the beginning of the album by the powerful Dead Inside, to the mind-blowing Reapers that à and up until the last sonh, that album is a true masterpiece.
  16. Javidus
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Es mi álbum favorito, me encanta que sea mas rock, tiene unas excelentes canciones, dead inside es hermosa y the globalist wow!
  17. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 10
  18. cbolt
    Jun 17, 2015
    9
    This is the best Muse album in a while. It has a legit 4 to 5 singles on it. Psycho, the Handler, Reapers, Dead Inside, even Mercy has certain thing about it I like. Too me, this sounds like a greatest hits album with all news songs, but represents a lot of sounds from all the albums they have put out. Mutt Lang production slicks it all up. Upon 1st listen, I was not overly excited, butThis is the best Muse album in a while. It has a legit 4 to 5 singles on it. Psycho, the Handler, Reapers, Dead Inside, even Mercy has certain thing about it I like. Too me, this sounds like a greatest hits album with all news songs, but represents a lot of sounds from all the albums they have put out. Mutt Lang production slicks it all up. Upon 1st listen, I was not overly excited, but the more you listen to this you realize it is a great LP. Aftermath is a decent slow one and the Globalist pays off if you can get through the entire 10min song. 9/10 for me and only thing that I would say is lyrically its not always great.… Expand
  19. Intonarumori
    Jun 9, 2015
    9
    Muse's seventh offering sounds like they are revisiting their past and offering a bit of everything for everyone. Usually this results in discombobulated albums that never really reach their goal, but this is not one of those. Most songs are very much to the point and they sound good in unison. This is achieved by a very deliberate focus on the guitar sound and the producer really did aMuse's seventh offering sounds like they are revisiting their past and offering a bit of everything for everyone. Usually this results in discombobulated albums that never really reach their goal, but this is not one of those. Most songs are very much to the point and they sound good in unison. This is achieved by a very deliberate focus on the guitar sound and the producer really did a good job there. Drones sounds vibrant, fresh and the songwriting is about as good as Muse has ever been (except for the lyrics).

    Not everything is great though. The album starts of with a series of great songs, but it kind of fizzles towards the end with a couple of somewhat uninteresting songs that also feel seriously underpowered compared to the rest of the album (not counting the de facto outro song). Second point: the lyrics. While these childish lyrics seem to kind of work, it tends to give every song a rather silly undertone, which I think is unfortunate.

    Muse has done a great job here, giving us a good set of new songs that work well as an album.

    Highlights for me: The Handler, Reapers, Mercy    … Expand
  20. patrickjohnpaul
    Jun 9, 2015
    9
    Their most complete album to date. Overall, there is no weak point on this record. Sure, there are places where subtle improvements would make it a stronger record (i.e. the lyrics on "Psycho"), but overall it is solid front to back. Well done, Muse!
  21. showbizjunkie
    Jun 10, 2015
    9
    I was worried that this album would disappoint me, but I was completely blown away by Muse's sound. Their 7th LP, Drones is a dystopian concept album with themes as bombastic as The Resistance and a mature sound that's still just as gritty as Absolution and Showbiz. Reapers and The Handler are, of course, the highlight tracks, but one that surprised me was Aftermath, which sounds like aI was worried that this album would disappoint me, but I was completely blown away by Muse's sound. Their 7th LP, Drones is a dystopian concept album with themes as bombastic as The Resistance and a mature sound that's still just as gritty as Absolution and Showbiz. Reapers and The Handler are, of course, the highlight tracks, but one that surprised me was Aftermath, which sounds like a beautiful cross between Dire Straits and Queen. Perhaps the most anticipated track on the album, The Globalist is a masterful piece driven by a slow, melancholy force which waxes full and then wanes into the solemn closing track, Drones. In closing, Muse has wrought a beautiful new album on par with Black Holes & Revelations, with gorgeous guitar solos, stunning bass lines, and great drumming. Strongest track: The Handler. Weakest track: Mercy.… Expand
  22. DoctorChicken
    Jun 9, 2015
    9
    A surprising album, in a good way.

    Muse has done anything but go "back to basics" like front-man Matthew Bellamy claimed they would. Drones is a complex, bombastic, ambitious bastard-child of a concept album that demands to be heard. The Teignmouth trio have been refined over the years, becoming superbly talented at the instruments they play, which has been highlighted by producer    A surprising album, in a good way.

    Muse has done anything but go "back to basics" like front-man Matthew Bellamy claimed they would. Drones is a complex, bombastic, ambitious bastard-child of a concept album that demands to be heard. The Teignmouth trio have been refined over the years, becoming superbly talented at the instruments they play, which has been highlighted by producer Robert "Mutt" Lange; never have Bellamy's guitars or Wolstenholme's basses sounded this massive before. Bellamy's singing has mellowed through the years and Drones very well could be his best album vocally.

    All and all, Bellamy's fears and dreams concerning aerial warfare have been crammed into 52:40 of pure guilty pleasure, with an album that Muse should be proud to add to their catalogue.    … Expand
  23. frodob18
    Jun 10, 2015
    9
    A brilliant album! You may have to listen to it a few times to start liking it more. I like almost every song on the album. The Globalist is probably my favorite song on it(funny that I hated it at first listen, but after listening to it a few times, I started liking it and understanding it better). I like the way Matt handles the story and warns us that power can be destructive inA brilliant album! You may have to listen to it a few times to start liking it more. I like almost every song on the album. The Globalist is probably my favorite song on it(funny that I hated it at first listen, but after listening to it a few times, I started liking it and understanding it better). I like the way Matt handles the story and warns us that power can be destructive in wrong hands and what it can do in The Globalist. Well, at least that's what my interpretation is. Anyway, I truly like this album and am very satisfied with it.… Expand
  24. BaseballBeerBBQ
    Jun 10, 2015
    9
    There has been some criticism of the record, but it has received mostly positive reviews. The criticism seems to come mainly from the fact that Muse has made a concept album, and therefore tried to do something serious. The album follows a protagonist’s journey from abandonment to indoctrination as a “human drone” and eventual defection. The question is, if a person were not interested inThere has been some criticism of the record, but it has received mostly positive reviews. The criticism seems to come mainly from the fact that Muse has made a concept album, and therefore tried to do something serious. The album follows a protagonist’s journey from abandonment to indoctrination as a “human drone” and eventual defection. The question is, if a person were not interested in how a band sounded in the first place, would a concept album draw them in? Did Muse make this album thinking, “We will pick up so many new fans if we address this issue!” First of all Muse has addressed serious subjects before, just not as an entire album. Secondly, the album is full of great rock music. Take what you will from the lyrics and subject matter, but can you sit back and turn the volume up and enjoy this record? Absolutely!… Expand
  25. FalconWhale
    Jun 13, 2015
    9
    At first I was worried it might not be their best album as Matt said, and it is not their best album, but it is really amazing. Lyrically at some parts is not good (psycho for example), but musically great. If you love Muse, you will love this.
  26. milasto2
    Jun 14, 2015
    9
    As a huge Muse fan I have really enjoyed Drones. Just following and exploring the story of this protagonist was an exciting experience. The mayor complaint lies in their conventionality. While I do notice this, I don't see it as something bad. Muse has stepped away from their previous albums, while still remaining the good elements of these albums. The scale from The Resistance and The 2ndAs a huge Muse fan I have really enjoyed Drones. Just following and exploring the story of this protagonist was an exciting experience. The mayor complaint lies in their conventionality. While I do notice this, I don't see it as something bad. Muse has stepped away from their previous albums, while still remaining the good elements of these albums. The scale from The Resistance and The 2nd Law is still present, it's just more focused, tighter and tells the listener a story. Add the several endings to the formula and Muse had put together a solid and awesome record.… Expand
  27. bigme666
    Jun 18, 2015
    9
    Ok I admit it: when I listen to a new MUSE album I'm a bit biased. I think that most MUSE's albums, even the successful ones, suffer a lack of completeness. Half the songs are really good and a third of the remaining sound generally mediocre. This is true for Absolution as well as for TSL and OOS, IMHO. This "Drones" has a good average quality, even if the theme of the album isOk I admit it: when I listen to a new MUSE album I'm a bit biased. I think that most MUSE's albums, even the successful ones, suffer a lack of completeness. Half the songs are really good and a third of the remaining sound generally mediocre. This is true for Absolution as well as for TSL and OOS, IMHO. This "Drones" has a good average quality, even if the theme of the album is kaleidoscopic: it goes from Depeche Mode electro wave atmospheres, to Marilyn Manson's (yes HIM), or, better, John5's heaviest riffs, from the Queen and Bowie's glam ando prog style to Bacalov's and Morricone soundtracking. Bellamy's lyrics are a bit childish and the concept becames weaker and confusing as the songs go by. But "Drones" satisfies me more and more each time that I listen to it. It's catchy and heavy, melodramatic and rude, even prolix (read: the Globalist). That's exactly what I expect from MUSE.… Expand
  28. epinevalery
    Jun 22, 2015
    9
    I like more the second part of the album then the first (except "dead inside"). It brings to mind Exogenesis from Resistance. Reapers and Defector are from the instrumental improvisations of the past, and don' t really like them/ The guitar is brilliant as usual, orcestra joys, with electro it creates powerful sound effects. The Globalist and Drones are very original and memorable. InI like more the second part of the album then the first (except "dead inside"). It brings to mind Exogenesis from Resistance. Reapers and Defector are from the instrumental improvisations of the past, and don' t really like them/ The guitar is brilliant as usual, orcestra joys, with electro it creates powerful sound effects. The Globalist and Drones are very original and memorable. In two words, interesting work,that listened with pleasure.… Expand
  29. cperric
    Jun 26, 2015
    9
    Quite a musical journey. Certainly an album to buy if you liked the last two.

    Although the second-to-last track entitled "The Globalist" has been reported as not part of the main story, I like to imagine it as an alternative, much more darker ending to the story.
  30. rydenmederos
    Jan 31, 2016
    9
    To really appreciate this album and Muse as a band, you HAVE to see them live. I just saw the Drones tour in Newark, and I was so blown away. It was so amazingly performed, and you can truly hear the resonance of their sound. The message of this album is also so timeless and especially so perfect for the current state of the world. With a rich and heavy rock sound, and a clear meaning,To really appreciate this album and Muse as a band, you HAVE to see them live. I just saw the Drones tour in Newark, and I was so blown away. It was so amazingly performed, and you can truly hear the resonance of their sound. The message of this album is also so timeless and especially so perfect for the current state of the world. With a rich and heavy rock sound, and a clear meaning, this album honestly topped so many other albums for me. Love.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2015
44
#44 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 25
  3. Negative: 3 out of 25
  1. Under The Radar
    Jul 21, 2015
    20
    Muse have always been ridiculous and overblown, but at least they used to be a ton of fun.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Jul 6, 2015
    40
    This feels like production line Muse: big riffs, bass squelches, conspiratorial dialogue, but few new ideas. [Aug 2015, p.88]
  3. No Ripcord
    Jun 30, 2015
    20
    Aside from a few crunching riffs and a smattering of neat melodies, there’s very little to recommend within Drones.
    Read full review
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