Muse, formed in 2004, are a rock trio straight outta Teignmouth, Devon, fronted by main songwriter and classically trained multi-instrumentalist Matt Bellamy, drummer Dom Howard and bassist Chris Wolstenholme complete the line-up.
While having a uniquely ‘Muse’ sound, they often show flashes of the influence they received from the likes of Queen, Depeche Mode, Jimi Hendrix, and even Prince.
They have, so far, released nine genre-bending studio albums that bounce between straight-up rock, prog rock, classical, dubstep, and electronic. They are also renowned for their exemplary musicianship and outstanding live performances. Having been to see them on numerous occasions, I can say they’re easily one of the best live acts I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot.
Here we’ll take you through our Muse top 10, which will take you on a journey across almost two decades of their timeless music. Enjoy!
10 Best Muse Songs
10. Panic Station – The 2nd Law (2012)
Muse stepped away from their more serious tone to show a quirkier side with this track. Panic Station features stabbing horn samples and a Nile Rodgers-esqe choppy disco guitar. Bellamy also shows his crazier side with some whacky backing vocals that provide answers to the main vocal line.
It’s the middle section where the song takes off, with a rousing guitar solo that plays out the remaining choruses. Good for a singalong.
9. Uprising – Resistance (2009)
This is a somewhat obvious choice as it’s one of their biggest hits to date, but it’s still a great song. It’s all a bit rock Doctor Who at the start before going into fuzz-bass lead verses; very glam rock.
The track booms along with some spacey synths swirling through the mix, complete with anti-establishment lyrics, which is one of Muse’s signatures, that are also great to sing along to. If you like this, its glam rock sister song, the title track from the 2022 Will Of The People album, is also a must-listen.
8. Mk Ultra – Resistance (2009)
An album track from 2009’s Resistance, this is the deep dive track of the list. The song, which is about mind control, starts with a high-pitched guitar & keyboard riff. This is definitely a more old skool Muse song: punky, fast, and complex, but it also has string and electronic parts throughout. It barrels through the verses into wild middle sections before rocking out to finish with a perfectly Muse outro.
7. Supermassive Black Hole – Black Holes & Revelations (2006)
The lead single from the 2006 album Blackholes & Revelations, this was quite a new sound for Muse at the time with programmed, distorted drums. Bellamy was quoted as saying that he took inspiration from Prince for this track.
The vocals, and the space sonically in the mix, are both definite hat tips to Minnesotan legend. Bellamy delivers a stunning falsetto, as usual, and the main guitar riff is bold, punchy and drives the song forward.
6. Exogenesis Symphony Part 3 (Redemption) – Resistance (2009)
This classical piece, showing Bellamy’s full range as a musician, is the final piece of a three-part symphony on the Resistance album. This is stunning. Lots of piano and sweeping string lines build to a rousing middle section which culminates in a soft piano outro.
Bellamy sings, soaringly, about starting over, which is ironic as it closes the album. If you like this, I recommend listening to all three parts together, it’s beautiful.
5. Verona – Will Of The People (2022)
Muse’s ballads are often underrated, they shouldn’t be ignored (also see Ghosts from the same album). This is a stunningly emotional power ballad with epic twinkling arpeggiated synths.
You’d be mistaken to think the main guitar riff was played by U2’s The Edge himself, it’s not, but it’s a perfect tribute. Bellamy’s ghostly backing vocals are also worth paying attention to. By the time Dom’s drums kick In, halfway through the track, you’ll be in power ballad heaven.
4. Stockholm Syndrome – Absolution (2004)
This was the first song that got my attention from Muse back in 2004. Fast-paced riffs and verses that lead to a sparkling, gorgeous chorus that wonderfully counters the previous madness. There’s a banging middle section with a flanging guitar solo too – it’s got everything!
Poor Chris Wolstenholme’s fingers must have been on fire after playing this bass track, sixteenths almost all the way through. Oh, did I mention the down-tempo outro? It takes you by surprise and closes off the song in the most rock way possible.
3. Undisclosed Desires – Resistance (2009)
During Muse’s flirtations with electronica, a highlight, among some really great work, is Undisclosed Desires. Something about the chorus of this track always reminds me of Cameo’s ‘Word Up’, with its funky-sounding drums and that slap bass.
This really is a fantastic song. The stunning vocal melody, and backing vocals, during the choruses in particular, are pure perfect pop. There’s a lot going on and this track requires multiple listens to pick everything up. Best enjoyed in headphones!
2. Dead Inside – Drones (2015)
The Drones album was produced to have that full, rich American rock sound and this is the opening track. Big drums, from Dom Howard, dominate the verses, along with Bellamy’s vocals of course, and a stabbing organ.
It’s all very Depeche Mode. Listen out for some stunning drum fills from Dom too around the middle section and the final chorus. Sublime. This track is a creeper, it gets better with each listen. Musically, the middle section is some of Muse’s finest work; emotional, euphoric and just epic.
1. Maps Of The Problematique – Blackholes & Revelations (2006)
Guitars going through synths, tom tom drums, and more sixteenths on the bass. This song has it all. It’s vintage Muse. The track drives and pounds for four penetrative minutes; one listen is never enough. Everyone’s performances are perfeclty on point.
Wolstenholme’s fingers, yet again, must have been on fire after playing this, Howard’s drums are constantly moving, with fills almost every bar, and Bellamy’s signature vocals are as hauntingly brilliant as ever. What a song.
Best Muse Songs – Final Thoughts
We hoped you enjoyed our list of the best Muse songs ever made. I’m sure you’ll have your own opinions, but there is no doubt they’ve made some incredible tunes over the years. Feel free to check out some of our other top 10’s, such as the best Kasabian songs of all time.