Top 10 Muse Songs
Strap on those earphones and get ready for some interstellar melodies. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Muse songs.
For this list, we’ve chosen our entries based on a combination of the artist’s fan favorites and their most commercially successful songs.
#10: “Panic Station”
The 2nd Law (2012)
This is a funky ‘80s throwback track from Muse’s sixth studio album. Featuring musicians who performed with Stevie Wonder on “Superstition,” “Panic Station” found a home on the UK and U.S. rock charts in addition to earning itself a Grammy nod. But what makes the track so great is that it’s underscored throughout by a heavy bass line and intersected with a guitar solo. And let’s not forget Matthew Bellamy’s falsetto during the chorus!
#9: “Starlight”
Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
Featured on the band’s fourth studio album, this track went through several different versions before the final product was decided on. Bellamy conceived “Starlight” at sea during bad conditions and the result is a song that evokes feelings of separation from loved ones. Mixing alternative rock with space rock, the song quickly became a live staple and has made multiple pop culture appearances.
#8: “Time Is Running Out”
Absolution (2003)
On the third track of the band’s third studio album, the band begins with a drawn out intro that gives way to a mounting urgency throughout, then culminates in an abrupt ending. This fits perfectly with the song’s lyrical theme, which is meant to represent the feelings one experiences just before death. Though “Time is Running Out” can also be extended to other every day situations, it’s the track’s blast of energy and alternative rock vibe that made it the band’s first Top 10 UK hit.
#7: “Map of the Problematique”
Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
The title of this single from Muse’s fourth studio album references the potential global challenges the world could face as imagined in a real-life report known as “The Limits to Growth.” With an ‘80s electronic rock sound, special vocal effects and some new prog elements, “Map of the Problematique” hit the UK Top 20 and has been used on TV, in film and more.
#6: “Supermassive Black Hole”
Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
As Black Holes and Revelations’ lead single, “Supermassive Black Hole” allowed the band to try different things with their sound. Though it still has their fusion of alt rock, space rock and new prog, the track also features some electronica and a dance-y beat that helped it reach the fourth spot on the UK Singles chart. Like several other Muse songs, it has found its way into various multimedia formats.
#5: “Stockholm Syndrome”
Absolution (2003)
Taken from Absolution, this alternative and progressive metal number describes a situation in which a victim expresses sympathy with her hostage-taker. As such, it takes its name from a real phenomenon called “Stockholm Syndrome,” and is sung from the point of view of the captor. Thanks to its layered guitars and synthesizers, it’s often extended in live play and performed in conjunction with other Muse tracks.
#4: “Uprising”
The Resistance (2009)
According to Bellamy, the first single off The Resistance was partially inspired by the G20 protests. With its simple song structure and electro undertones, “Uprising” demonstrates the creative and eclectic tendencies of the band. Thanks to its use of synthesizers and its heavy rock sound, it also became their highest charting track in the U.S. by topping the Alternative Songs chart for multiple weeks.
#3: “Plug In Baby”
Origin of Symmetry (2001)
Opening with a killer guitar riff, “Plug In Baby” is considered one of Muse’s most significant tracks. Found on Origin of Symmetry, the single is driven mainly by its guitar and bass elements, but also captivates us with its a propos use of electronic rock and synthesized effects. The top 20 UK hit was accompanied by a memorable music video featuring humanoid women who are literally plugged into electric appliances.
#2: “Knights of Cydonia”
Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
Named after a region of Mars, this Bellamy-penned hit is all about standing up for one’s rights and defending the defenseless. In addition to its inspiring lyrics, “Knights of Cydonia” is the perfect blend of alt rock, space rock, new prog and progressive metal, resulting in a truly epic track. Then there’s the corresponding stylized short film, which is replete with cowboys, robots and laser fights. What more could you ask for?
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “New Born” Origin of Symmetry (2001)
- “Bliss” Origin of Symmetry (2001)
- “Citizen Erased” Origin of Symmetry (2001)
- “Butterflies and Hurricanes” Absolution (2003)
- “Madness” The 2nd Law (2012)
#1: “Hysteria”
Absolution (2003)
This Absolution single is truly one of the band’s greatest creations. Benefiting from a superb bass line, the alt rock and new prog tune also has a kickass melody thanks to Bellamy’s guitar work. It’s loud, it’s rocking and it’s oh-so-Muse. To top things off, it’s got a Pink Floyd-inspired music video that very accurately depicts what it’s like to “lose control.”
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Muse song? For more entertaining Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
