At the time of writing this, Muse’s latest album “Will Of The People” has just come out – I’m literally making this list after my second full listen. Even though my opinions are bound to change over time, I thought I’d get in early with my song rankings.
Unlike with some of the other Muse albums, “Will Of The People” is fairly consistent across the board. I don’t think there’s a single song I’d outright skip, and that in itself is commendable. I certainly have favourites though – how would I rank all ten songs?
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OK
10 – Compliance
Their second single “Compliance” was easily my least favourite of all the pre-releases, and it turns out it’s also the worst song on the entire album.
I’ve grown to like it a little bit, but the pop choruses just don’t work for me at all. At least the electronic bridge makes it worth a listen.
9 – Euphoria
“Euphoria” reminds me a bit of “Revolt” and “Get Up And Fight” on albums past. That’s not a good thing.
This isn’t nearly as bad as those soppy pop ballads, but I’m still not a huge fan of how “mainstream” this sounds. I imagine it will grow on me over the coming days.
8 – Liberation
The Queen-iest song Muse have ever done, and I can’t really explain why “Liberation” just doesn’t connect with me.
I guess it just sounds too overindulgent and aimless for my liking, and none of the melodies or instrumental parts do it for me.
Good
7 – Won’t Stand Down
The very first single, and it’s decent.
“Won’t Stand Down” is exactly the kind of uproarious crowd-rouser the band have been aiming for, but it lacks the intricacies of their best work. A good head-banger though.
6 – Will Of The People
I think I like the opening track “Will Of The People” more than most people – it’s got a catchy riff, and I love the Glam Rock influences.
If I’m being harsh, this is easily the weakest of all the Muse opening tracks. It sets the tone well enough, but it doesn’t blow your socks off.
5 – Ghosts (How Can I Move On)
A song that Matt Bellamy wrote for his solo piano album, but apparently Dominic Howard liked it so much he pushed for it to be on the final Muse record.
“Ghosts (How Can I Move On)” is the most acoustic and bare-bones track to ever make a Muse album, and I love the vocal melodies.
4 – You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween
“You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween” should be a gimmick and a complete throw-away, but I love how campy and unabashedly 80’s it is.
It sounds like a song straight off of Simulation Theory, with the funky synths and rousing guitar solo near the end. Maybe the charm will wear off over time, but for now it’s loads of fun.
Great
3 – Verona
Easily the song that took me the most by surprise, “Verona” is a song with a pure heart and an uncompromising romantic message.
The lyrics can be a little soppy and underdeveloped, but the sonic landscape and overall vibe of the track are stunning. When it ramps up at the halfway point, I’m completely sold.
2 – Kill Or Be Killed
The single that blew everyone’s nips off on its release, and while I don’t think “Kill Or Be Killed” is the godsend that fans make it out to be I do love how heavy-hitting it is.
It’s Muse at their most visceral and enraged, and every part is phenomenally performed. The shredded guitar solo near the end is some of the best Muse schlock in decades.
Amazing
1 – We Are Fucking Fucked
None of the songs on the album really blew me away … and then “We Are Fucking Fucked” hit like a ton of bricks.
The intro is absolutely gorgeous, and it reminds me of Queens Of The Stone Age a little. Once the final minute gets underway, and with the glorious yells of “Fuck off!” and “Stockpile!“, you know you’re listening to a Muse classic.
Overall Grade – B
Not a travesty like some critics are saying, but not album of the year like the die-hard fanbase are claiming either. “Will Of The People” is a return to form for the band, and whilst there weren’t too many show-stoppers the overall consistency is their best in years. Well worth a listen I’d say.
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