The Resistance
by Muse
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 500 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 412 out of 500
  2. Mixed: 50 out of 500
  3. Negative: 38 out of 500

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  1. nickp.
    Sep 17, 2009
    10
    Their best album yet. It seems too short, though.
  2. TelmoH.
    Sep 17, 2009
    9
    Great Album, that seems clearly inspired in the 80's kind of music, and goes to show that Muse doesn't really have a Style, they do what they feel, and thats actually what life is all about... We live trough feelings... Thank you Muse for this great work.
  3. Dave
    Sep 17, 2009
    8
    A while since I played a CD twice in a row, but I needed more! It sounds good straight out of the box, but hopefully I won't tire of it too soon!
  4. MichelleW.
    Sep 16, 2009
    9
    I'm giving it a solid 9.5 as I have listened to it all the way through non stop (yes, even while at work at my desk) since Monday night. You really cannot listen to a Muse CD once and make a decision. This album is amazing. The only reason it doesn't get a 10 is because of Guiding Light. That song rates an 8.
  5. BarryJ.
    Sep 16, 2009
    6
    A disappointment compared to previous efforts, Muse seem not to know what they want to be. Their attempts at new stylings don't really suceed, nor do their efforts at recapturing the sound and style of their early works. Really only 'Uprising' is worth a mention. Even the Exogenesis Symphony doesn;t really work: too pretentious and meandering for its own good. For every A disappointment compared to previous efforts, Muse seem not to know what they want to be. Their attempts at new stylings don't really suceed, nor do their efforts at recapturing the sound and style of their early works. Really only 'Uprising' is worth a mention. Even the Exogenesis Symphony doesn;t really work: too pretentious and meandering for its own good. For every song here (perhaps except Uprising), there's a better version of something similar on previous albums. I think Matt Bellamy has got a little lost as to where he wants to go and has made a pretentious, un-subtle, concept album that really doesn't say anything more than previous efforts - and says it less effectively.… Expand
  6. Chris
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    It is rare that I am captured from beginning to end by an album, but this one definitely does just that. A rock symphony that will be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates quality music.
  7. ThibaultT.
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    The song not only pushes the frontiers Muse has set for itself, it's also set a new standard for progressive rock as a music genre.
  8. MickUsher
    Sep 16, 2009
    8
    Steals from so many sources without much of an apology, yet works pretty well overall. Highlight for me was the middle of the album which sounded like a queen/floyd mashup a lot of the time. Still, in 2009, "Dark Side at the Races" is quite a welcome experience.
  9. bv
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    Every song on this album offers up a different style of Muse - all leading up to the epic symphonic finale. While The Resistance is not as focused as previous efforts like Origin of Symmetry or Absolution, this is an album that will reach out to fans of a wide array of musical genres. Highly recommended.
  10. Jason
    Sep 16, 2009
    8
    Mostly great (Uprising, The Resistance), occasionally brilliant (Exogenisis) but sometimes a bit shit (Guiding Light).
  11. jeffs.
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    A full on experience for almost all of the senses.
  12. josha.
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    With this new masterpiece, Muse continue to show why they are the best band in the world today.
  13. CharlieM.
    Sep 16, 2009
    10
    This album has all the trade-mark variety of Muse's past albums, demonstrating their ability to experiment and succeed in a number of genres whilst maintaining their distinctive sound. Despite this variety in sound, the album is cohesive and flowing. In short, Muse have excelled once more in (self)-producing a masterpiece which builds on and goes beyond their past work.
  14. SethA.
    Sep 16, 2009
    8
    I'm a huge Muse fan, and so the reason I only gave it an 8 is that they can do better. Their first 3 albums were phenomenal, but Black Holes and this aren't quite up to par. Notable exceptions are Knights of Cydonia in Black Holes, and the Exogenesis series in this album, which are some of their best work. However, this album is amazing compared to 90 percent of what's out I'm a huge Muse fan, and so the reason I only gave it an 8 is that they can do better. Their first 3 albums were phenomenal, but Black Holes and this aren't quite up to par. Notable exceptions are Knights of Cydonia in Black Holes, and the Exogenesis series in this album, which are some of their best work. However, this album is amazing compared to 90 percent of what's out their! Can't wait to see them live.… Expand
  15. TerryA.
    Sep 16, 2009
    6
    I am a huge MUSE fan and loved all of the last three albums...sure there were a few hits and misses on those..but this album is almost entirely full of misses. I have been waiting for this album to come out for some time and maybe expectations were too high. The lead single " Uprising" is a nice track and I like the feel of " Undisclosed Desires " , the rest of the album just flat out I am a huge MUSE fan and loved all of the last three albums...sure there were a few hits and misses on those..but this album is almost entirely full of misses. I have been waiting for this album to come out for some time and maybe expectations were too high. The lead single " Uprising" is a nice track and I like the feel of " Undisclosed Desires " , the rest of the album just flat out rips off Queen and I have absolutely no idea why?… Expand
  16. SteveP.
    Sep 16, 2009
    5
    Really disappointing. I've loved/liked all of Muse's albums so far, but this just did nothing for me. Regardless of style & ambition, there just weren't the songs to get me listening back again.
  17. WasifH.
    Sep 16, 2009
    9
    I really think Muse has made one of it's best albums yet.
  18. RJO.
    Sep 16, 2009
    3
    It's difficult to judge because this disk is 100% different than most muse CD's. The music is much more pop than rock, the lyrics are much more cliche, and the entire thing feels like a huge departure from the past. As a huge Muse fan of their previous works, this CD feels like a great disappointment.
  19. MattiF
    Sep 16, 2009
    9
    An interesting album with plenty of musical references to both classical music and contemporary pop. The album does suffer from some weak moments, especially Guiding Light seemed to lack anything to make it stand out among the tracks and coupled with I Belong to You could leave fans wishing for a heavier sound disappointed. The pre-hyped 13 minute symphony Exogenesis that finishes of the An interesting album with plenty of musical references to both classical music and contemporary pop. The album does suffer from some weak moments, especially Guiding Light seemed to lack anything to make it stand out among the tracks and coupled with I Belong to You could leave fans wishing for a heavier sound disappointed. The pre-hyped 13 minute symphony Exogenesis that finishes of the album is unfortunately not one of it's strongest moments either but it is quite beautiful in parts and doesn't feel forced or there for just for the sake of it but instead feels very much part of the album. While the over the top theatrics might not suite everyone fans of Muse wanting more prog than rock should not be let down by this album.… Expand
  20. Alasdair
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    Some of Muse's best work to date. Contains a plethora of great tracks, and the epic three part symphony. My favourites are Exogenesis, Unnatural Selection, MK Ultra and Resistance. Overall, a fantastic album.
  21. HardiantoN
    Sep 15, 2009
    9
    Muse delivered a 'classical groove' with this album, a combination of romanticize Chopin and boldly say Queen. The 12min symphony space rock is a story telling dialogue conveyed in their music.
  22. danil
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    Their best work ever!! That's how a band is supposed to progress throuh their career. Ambition is the base of all progress, and I'm glad that they have the balls to prove they're ambitious and can get away with it. Matt Bellamy is a music genius.
  23. BobBob
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    Excellent album. On par with Origin of Symmetry.
  24. TristanB
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    Simply amazing. Muse shows that they can grow and retain their old form at the same time. The Symphony and Unnatural Selection are the standouts from the album.
  25. DanH
    Sep 15, 2009
    9
    They seem to be having fun with the R&B/Pop songs. The rest is brilliant.
  26. MattC.
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    Muse's fifth studio album is without doubt thier most ambitious one yet, as it borrows from themes and styles ranging from early romantic symphonies, to Queen, and even R&B. All the while, Muse maintains thier distinctive flavor in order to create nothing short of a masterpiece. Praiseworthy songs include: Mk Ultra, Resistance,Unnatural Selection, and Exogenesis.
  27. NickB
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    Arguably the best alternative album of the past 5 years, maybe longer.
  28. JoshD
    Sep 15, 2009
    8
    This album takes a few listens to realise it's true genius. A different but beautiful offering, that I think will stand the test of time and will be in my cd player in years to come.
  29. SeanN
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    A masterpiece.
  30. GeriW
    Sep 15, 2009
    10
    It's epic. Especially the Exogenesis Symphony.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2009
34
#34 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. AllMusic
    80
    "Black Holes and Revelations" may be a more commercial record, but The Resistance is Muse's most realized effort to date.
    Read full review
  2. Drowned In Sound
    70
    As it stands it’s an indulgent and, at times, gorgeous listen that merely helps restate your concrete opinions about Muse.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    While not their best, it’s decent enough to ensure there’ll be more-- even though the truly off-the-wall moments are either rare or misguided, meaning the record feels slightly anonymous.
    Read full review
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