by James Tennant

Created on: November 02, 2009

To try and single out the Best Album of 2009 is an incredibly difficult task. With such a huge range of genres and the difference in musical tastes a discussion such as this one is always going to be highly subjective. However, with that in mind, arguments will still be put forward and that is the case here. I present "The Resistance" as the best album of 2009

The Resistance is Muse's fifth studio album, and one that finds itself up against some stiff competition from the likes of Jay-Z and The Arctic Monkeys who both released highly anticipated albums this year. A mixture of pop, classical, rock and RnB elements, this new album has something for everyone. Whilst longtime Muse fans, and Rock music enthusiasts may be offended by some of the tracks on this album, there is no doubt that Muse have produced their most cohesive album to date.

Muse have proved in the past that they are the leaders in experimentaion and originality, an argument strengthened once more with this new album. Treading new ground Muse have created tracks that would not be out of place on many pop artist's albums. Undisclosed Desires and I Belong to you/mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix are particularly pop based and are very catchy, especially the latter. RnB elements, also found in Undisclosed Desires see Muse delving even further into new territory with success and building on what began with tracks such as Supermassive Black Hole from their last album; Black Holes and Revelations.

The guitar plays less of a part on this album, but is still a vital cog in the Muse machine. It finds its home in tracks such as Unnatural Selection and MK Ultra, both of which should satisfy the rocker in you. Resistance also provides an outlet for the guitar to make itself known in what could possibly be a future single. Its catchy verses and haunting piano make this track a particularly memorable one.

The album's main talking point, is, however, the 15 minute, three part Symphony penned and conducted by Bellamy. A project he has been working on for many years now, it does not fail to astound and mesmerize its listener. Split into the three sections, Overture, Cross-Pollination and Redemption, the symphony tells the story of a society who have ruined their world and now, realising their mistakes, seek new means to survive. As I'm sure many will realise, this story draws parallels to events that are occurring in our lives, possibly trying to teach us what could go wrong should we continue down the same path.

There are many obvious influences that Muse had while making this track, most notably Queen; United States of Eurasia, U2; Guiding Light, and any mixture of great classical composers; Exogenisis I, II, III. Never a group to take themselves too seriously, Muse provide even some comic relief with the ridiculous, United States of Eurasia. Audacious like only Queen could be, one can't help but laugh at the chorus.

Listenable to from start to finish, the album really does feature an eclectic mix of sounds that provide an original but typically "Muse" sound. This album, unlike its predecessor, feels cohesive and blends together well. It provides catchy, relaxing and even thought-provoking tracks, fused with the heavy basslines, raw vocals and punchy guitar solos we have all come to recognise as Muse. This album's success catapults Muse to even higher levels and leaves us wondering what could possibly come next.

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