Simulation Theory
by Muse
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 240 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 163 out of 240
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 240
  3. Negative: 36 out of 240
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  1. Guzaman
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    Their most creative, fresh and entertaining release in a while. Simulation Theory its a good continue point, proving that Muse know how to reinvent themselves every time they need.
  2. darkpunisher
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    Such an amazing album. Muse have't been so creative in years.
    I coud write an essay on how good this album is, but who cares, I'm off to listening again.
  3. Tbone86311
    Nov 15, 2018
    10
    Gotta love MUSE. One of the best bands of all time.
    They are allowed to experiment with their sound, takes big brass balls to do that.
    They make albums that sound amazing at their live shows.

    Big respect! Go MUSE!
  4. Br_AgSs
    Dec 17, 2018
    10
    Muse is on fire, this album is the best since The Resistance. All the songs gave me Cyberpunk vibes.
  5. crazygenious
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    This one is both a masterpiece and motivational as such, brilliant in every way!
  6. MarshmeloIL
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    Love this new album. muse somehow find the way to surprised me always with new music, and still be amazed with the quality! SuperB Album!
  7. ajayprashanth
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    this album is a masterpiece muse have delivered a classic in love this album.Finally muse are back with a bang. I love this album to the core .My review for this album is perfect 9 on 10.)))
  8. aerobar104
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    Amazing album. Muse always change it up. Never boring always pushing creativity. They don't regurgitate the same old stuff. Bellamy's vocals on the opening track are phenomenal.
  9. denbrough
    Nov 9, 2018
    10
    The best Muse album since OoS. Melodies, arrangements, and Matt's voice - oh my god, that "war with your creator" thing gave me goosebumps. Perfect. Just perfect.
  10. kamusc
    Nov 11, 2018
    10
    This album is not Absolution or Origin Of Symmetry or Showbiz Muse. This is something really different. I would dare say this could be their most successful effort of them trying to be different. The songs are fresh, yet the sounds are still MUSE. This album perfectly blends their new direction with their old styles. I would give 8/10 after listening to their main tracks, but after doneThis album is not Absolution or Origin Of Symmetry or Showbiz Muse. This is something really different. I would dare say this could be their most successful effort of them trying to be different. The songs are fresh, yet the sounds are still MUSE. This album perfectly blends their new direction with their old styles. I would give 8/10 after listening to their main tracks, but after done listening to their alternate versions of some of the songs, I am giving a solid 10. This kind of alternate versions remind me of the Muse's B-sides from those cassettes and CD eras.

    My ranks are as follow
    1. "The Dark Side" (Alternate Reality instrumental) - Hyper Chondriac Music to Hyper Music!!
    2. "Pressure" (original and marching band version)
    3. "Algorithm" (original and alternate reality)
    4. "Dig Down" (acoustic gospel version)
    5. The Void    … Expand
  11. BenjaminoAcids
    Nov 14, 2018
    10
    This album is an absolute triumph. Every song just reels you in and doesn’t let go. From the synth heavy Algorithm, to the mellow, and somber Void, it’s like each song has its own personality. It’s no wonder that even in the age of hip-hop, Muse have still managed to captivate their listeners. Even if you haven’t heard their earlier work, I’m sure you’ll still highly enjoy this album.This album is an absolute triumph. Every song just reels you in and doesn’t let go. From the synth heavy Algorithm, to the mellow, and somber Void, it’s like each song has its own personality. It’s no wonder that even in the age of hip-hop, Muse have still managed to captivate their listeners. Even if you haven’t heard their earlier work, I’m sure you’ll still highly enjoy this album. Phenomenal work, 10/10.… Expand
  12. BrainiacGOD
    May 16, 2019
    10
    The Most Unusual Álbum from de Band Of Teighnmouth, But Is that His accoolishment
    be really different from themselves adopting Synth-Pop
  13. Stormmaster_YT
    Apr 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Music Videos are bangers. They are connected with each other which is really cool. The Music is mostly good. It not that deep as Drones.… Expand
  14. 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
  15. Yco
    Dec 17, 2018
    9
    Technical mastery, creativity, soaring highs and savage depths. It's grungy, poppy, melodic, discordant, thunderous and smooth as honey-milk.
  16. ballcapgamer
    Nov 11, 2018
    9
    I've only been a muse fan for maybe about four years but when drones came out I thought it was a solid album with few mishaps and when I listened through the rest of their discography no particular album jumped out at me as being incredible all the way through. Don't get me wrong their were some amazing songs (looking at you knights of cydonia and uprising) but there weren't any albumsI've only been a muse fan for maybe about four years but when drones came out I thought it was a solid album with few mishaps and when I listened through the rest of their discography no particular album jumped out at me as being incredible all the way through. Don't get me wrong their were some amazing songs (looking at you knights of cydonia and uprising) but there weren't any albums that really felt great all the way through. However, with simulation theory Muse has released one of the best albums they have ever made. I am a sucker for the iron legacy mixed with electric guitar vibe that they were going for on this album and with the exception of maybe one or two songs I can see myself going back and listening to almost every song on this album over and over.… Expand
  17. Motty07
    Nov 10, 2018
    9
    A brilliant album where the band show boldness in some choices and also a measured approach, there is epic ness and funk as well as some real standouts. Algorithm, Break it to Me and Blockades are the highlights and even the lowlights are better than most other bands output!
  18. Sillence
    Nov 9, 2018
    9
    Simulation Theory is anything but more of the same, while at the same time retaining an essential Muse vibe. The most familiar element is certainly the vocals, but most everything else is very new. It's what 2nd Law should have been, fully embracing an electronic palette, but instead pulling from retro influences rather than dub-step. True to its' cover art, the album at times feels likeSimulation Theory is anything but more of the same, while at the same time retaining an essential Muse vibe. The most familiar element is certainly the vocals, but most everything else is very new. It's what 2nd Law should have been, fully embracing an electronic palette, but instead pulling from retro influences rather than dub-step. True to its' cover art, the album at times feels like the musical equivalent of the TV show "Stranger Things". The entire album is masterfully produced and artfully layered, and while some songs stand out stronger than others, each one is polished and entertaining in its' own right.

    For those looking for a standout single, try "The Dark Side". It's the closest this album gets to a more typical Muse sound. With that said, I recommend listening from start to finish as there is plenty to like, and it's far from boring.    … Expand
  19. konundrm
    Nov 19, 2018
    9
    Reading dismissive Rolling Stone reviews of bands I love is one of the comedic joys of my life. I only hope I live long enough to see Muse's 10s of millions of fans propel them into the R&R Hall of Fame, and then watch RS sputter as they wax rhapsodic about Muse's eternal genius. ...cough, 'Rush', cough cough.... It took several listens to Simulation Theory to really get into it, (and toReading dismissive Rolling Stone reviews of bands I love is one of the comedic joys of my life. I only hope I live long enough to see Muse's 10s of millions of fans propel them into the R&R Hall of Fame, and then watch RS sputter as they wax rhapsodic about Muse's eternal genius. ...cough, 'Rush', cough cough.... It took several listens to Simulation Theory to really get into it, (and to understand that the narrative flow of the sci-fi story is in reverse song order,) but now I think it's one of their better collections. The story arc is a fun one, and some of the accompanying videos are refreshingly amusing. I like that they are still experimenting and every album has a different and distinct character. The album lost 1/2 point because the background noise of Break it to Me didn't really work for me, and 1/2 point because, yet again, they didn't include Seattle on the tour. I know, petty and irrelevant - but, still - honestly....… Expand
  20. FulLuca
    Jan 16, 2019
    9
    Quest'ultimo brano è stato realizzato veramente bene: ci sono musiche di "quasi" tutti i tipi, da Propaganda con lo stile rap, fino a Algorithm in pieno stile Muse! Ho apprezzato molte musiche di quest'album, soprattutto Algorithm, Something Human e The Void. Invece quelle che ho apprezzato di meno sono Propaganda e Break it to me. Mi sono piaciute molto anche le versioni alternativeQuest'ultimo brano è stato realizzato veramente bene: ci sono musiche di "quasi" tutti i tipi, da Propaganda con lo stile rap, fino a Algorithm in pieno stile Muse! Ho apprezzato molte musiche di quest'album, soprattutto Algorithm, Something Human e The Void. Invece quelle che ho apprezzato di meno sono Propaganda e Break it to me. Mi sono piaciute molto anche le versioni alternative presenti. Insomma è un album completo e non commerciale, con brani molto belli, anche se non all'altezza di quelli vecchi.… Expand
  21. DuqueneJustin
    Aug 3, 2020
    9
    Just a breath of new fresh air in Muse's discography that expended even more in that eight album. Many great songs to be noticed like the very innovative Algorithm and the very musy Something Human and Thoughts Contagion.
  22. JavierChile
    Nov 9, 2018
    8
    Probably the best overall album since The Resistance. Yes, I missed big instrumental parts. But you can not hear the songs and deny they experimenting in music and exploring new sounds, as always. As a whole, I feel the album has the same overall flow, high quality production and the song are just cool. I particularly loved "Algorithm"

    In a way I feel it opposed to Drones. For me    Probably the best overall album since The Resistance. Yes, I missed big instrumental parts. But you can not hear the songs and deny they experimenting in music and exploring new sounds, as always. As a whole, I feel the album has the same overall flow, high quality production and the song are just cool. I particularly loved "Algorithm"

    In a way I feel it opposed to Drones. For me Drones has some of the best songs of Muse, but the album is just too uneven in quality (some songs are just bad). The Simulation Theory is just a good and smooth ride from start to finish.    … Expand
  23. frodob18
    Nov 9, 2018
    8
    I went to sleep last night thinking, "The new Muse album will be releasing in the morning but I have a feeling it won't be that good." But after listening to it I was happy to be completely wrong not only is it a solid album but it's also very unique. My favourite songs from Simulation Theory are Break It To Me(it's one of their most weird songs), Propoganda(Muse and Timbaland have comeI went to sleep last night thinking, "The new Muse album will be releasing in the morning but I have a feeling it won't be that good." But after listening to it I was happy to be completely wrong not only is it a solid album but it's also very unique. My favourite songs from Simulation Theory are Break It To Me(it's one of their most weird songs), Propoganda(Muse and Timbaland have come out with a brilliant track) , The Dark Side and Thought Contagion. My least favorite songs are Something Human and Get Up and Fight. Muse have come out with a wicked album once again.… Expand
  24. veldor
    Jan 16, 2019
    8
    This album is great but there are two songs that I don't like. Sometimes the orchestration is too "heavy" but the most of the time it is magnificent and it is a pleasure to listen to this album. It is great but not a hit. I prefer The Resistance and Black Holes and Revelations, Simulation Theory come in third place with Origin of Symmetry. In this album the songs that I really listen aThis album is great but there are two songs that I don't like. Sometimes the orchestration is too "heavy" but the most of the time it is magnificent and it is a pleasure to listen to this album. It is great but not a hit. I prefer The Resistance and Black Holes and Revelations, Simulation Theory come in third place with Origin of Symmetry. In this album the songs that I really listen a lot of times are The Dark Side, Algorithm, and Pressure. Good listening.… Expand
  25. marcosmattheus
    Nov 9, 2018
    8
    Enfim a banda encontrou novamente sua originalidade não ligando muito para o que a indústria recomenda em termos de sonoridade. Você se envolve com a história criada pelo álbum. O MUSE mudou! Claro que essa mudança gera uma estranheza, porém se você esta com mente aberta e deseja escutar algo novo, Simulation Theory é o seu álbum! Um futuro esperançoso nasce para a banda a partir desseEnfim a banda encontrou novamente sua originalidade não ligando muito para o que a indústria recomenda em termos de sonoridade. Você se envolve com a história criada pelo álbum. O MUSE mudou! Claro que essa mudança gera uma estranheza, porém se você esta com mente aberta e deseja escutar algo novo, Simulation Theory é o seu álbum! Um futuro esperançoso nasce para a banda a partir desse álbum.… Expand
  26. EclecticJustice
    Nov 10, 2018
    8
    Simulation Theory is a solid effort. It combines 80's synth and excellent production to create one of Muse's most cohesive albums. There are no immediate radio singles and there is no filler. It's a great listen from start to finish as long you are a fan of Bellamy's out of this world vocals and over the top bombastic musicianship. I'm still amazed that 3 guys can continue to make suchSimulation Theory is a solid effort. It combines 80's synth and excellent production to create one of Muse's most cohesive albums. There are no immediate radio singles and there is no filler. It's a great listen from start to finish as long you are a fan of Bellamy's out of this world vocals and over the top bombastic musicianship. I'm still amazed that 3 guys can continue to make such large scale sound. No one combines Radiohead, Queen, and Prince better.

    Every Muse album lands on a scale somewhere between straight alternative rock and electronic, Simulation Theory lands more on the electronic side. The songs are not as memorable right away, but each song is concise with little instrumental meandering as in the past.

    Propaganda and Break it To Me are successful experiments. Everything else on here sounds like Muse of the past tweaked enough to be different. The Dark Side, Pressure, and Blockades are highlights. Weakest Track: The Void    … Expand
  27. Prisci2
    Aug 18, 2019
    8
    Great album from a really great band. This album feels so muse. It's not overly complicated but not simple either. It feels just right. I understand people who thinks this is their weakest but I still thinks this is one of their most MUSE album to date. Again this album feels more like an 8 than anything else. I don't think it will become a classic like Origin of Symmetry has but yup it'sGreat album from a really great band. This album feels so muse. It's not overly complicated but not simple either. It feels just right. I understand people who thinks this is their weakest but I still thinks this is one of their most MUSE album to date. Again this album feels more like an 8 than anything else. I don't think it will become a classic like Origin of Symmetry has but yup it's good.
    My least favorite song on the album is Dig Down...    … Expand
  28. kflorence
    Sep 23, 2022
    8
    I think this is the most cohesive album from Muse. I certainly like many tracks from their early albums better than the tracks on this one, but from start to finish this one just flows so well. Other than "Get Up and Fight", I enjoy every track. There is clearly an 80s synthesizers, dystopian cyberpunk theme going on here and it works quite well. Lots of bass-heavy tracks.

    That said,    I think this is the most cohesive album from Muse. I certainly like many tracks from their early albums better than the tracks on this one, but from start to finish this one just flows so well. Other than "Get Up and Fight", I enjoy every track. There is clearly an 80s synthesizers, dystopian cyberpunk theme going on here and it works quite well. Lots of bass-heavy tracks.

    That said, this album is not perfect. It does suffer from many of the same problems that have plagued other newer Muse albums, most especially Drones, with over-production, questionable lyrical quality and repetition. Still, it's a lot of fun, and a great album to see performed live with one of the best produced concerts I've seen.    … Expand
  29. CarlosPacheco
    Nov 23, 2018
    7
    Big fan of the Music but I usually see them as pioneers in their sound and originality. The 80s themed releases have been a thing for years now. I don't know if people are getting tired of it but it just doesn't feel innovative at this point. Also, Kavinsky wants his album back.
  30. owenrw89
    Oct 21, 2020
    7
    Muse are without a doubt, my favourite band. I saw this tour live too, and it was incredible. The album is very good, there's no denying it. Exciting, polished, rock, electronic. However, personally I'm just not a fan of some of the more experimental tracks (Break It To Me, Propaganda). Overall, it's a good album, it's on par with The Resistance, but much like their last 4 albums, fails toMuse are without a doubt, my favourite band. I saw this tour live too, and it was incredible. The album is very good, there's no denying it. Exciting, polished, rock, electronic. However, personally I'm just not a fan of some of the more experimental tracks (Break It To Me, Propaganda). Overall, it's a good album, it's on par with The Resistance, but much like their last 4 albums, fails to quite hit the Origin/Absolution/BlackHoles heights.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Most Discussed Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Pitchfork
    Nov 15, 2018
    60
    This is a band that has given up on trying to look cool to most anyone, so Muse do here what they have always done and likely will always do—throw money at their latest fancy with the indiscriminate, earnest taste of a teenage boy. ... If there’s anything Muse truly nail here, it’s at last embracing just the right amount of camp.
    Read full review
  2. musicOMH.com
    Nov 14, 2018
    40
    There’s obviously still an audience for Muse, given by the size of the venues they still sell out, and this will definitely please the die-hards, but most of Simulation Theory simply fizzles out without leaving much of an impression.
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  3. The 405
    Nov 12, 2018
    40
    It is like Prince meets The Allman Brothers Band, on an approximate dosage of 40–50ug of acid. ... And that makes it a certified...
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