Not a revelation, but still the best Muse album in years.
On surface, The WOW! Signal is another venture into a massive exploration of Muse’s sound and what the artistic trio has been creating for decades. The previous few albums before 2026 however have left Muse fans wanting much more than albums that tread water or have a crash landing.
Regardless of the space launch that should have been a much bigger deal for an album announcement than what was covered in music news, Muse return with arguably their best album in years. The biggest factor playing to this feat is Matt Bellamy finally cutting lose and enjoying the music making process again. That joy and energy is heard through The WOW! Signal and is refreshing to hear.
“Nightshift Superstar” is the overly dramatic dance-rock that is begging to be remixed for clubs. “Cryogen” however features endless riffs to the point of becoming a short jam session near the latter third. In both styles, the band is allowed to create a rhythm and have a bit more personality than Muse fans have received in quite a while. “Hexagons” in turn branches into experimental and unhinged creativity resembling a sci-fi adventure with a wholesome ending (amaze amaze amaze indeed).
This is a level of zany that I didn’t think Muse had in them anymore. While there are quieter moments and big album crescendos such as an unexpected collab with Ell Goulding in “Hush”, the entire album doesn’t feel like an album that is begging to be analyzed or proof that Muse are still trying to reinvent the wheel. As a result, Muse have made something much more accessible than previous releases.
The WOW! Signal does not reach the heights of Absolution or Black Holes And Revelations, but it should be commended that this album doesn’t feel phoned in or relying on trends. I’ll take zany Muse over digitized chaotic Muse any day.
Overall: A space ride worth hearing and reminding us that Muse still has something fun after so many years of dead space. 7/10
