# Absolution (album)

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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox album
| name         = Absolution
| type         = studio
| artist       = [Muse](/source/Muse_(band))
| cover        = Muse - Absolution Cover UK.jpg
| alt          = The album cover depicts a man holding a gas mask looking above as he stands among the shadows of floating figures.
| released     = {{Start date|df=yes|2003|09|22}}
| recorded     = September 2002 – June 2003
| studio       =
*[Grouse Lodge](/source/Grouse_Lodge) ([Rosemount](/source/Rosemount%2C_County_Westmeath))
*[AIR](/source/Air_Lyndhurst) (London)
*[Livingston](/source/Livingston_Recording_Studios) (London)
*[Cello](/source/Cello_Studios) (Los Angeles)
*[Sawmills](/source/Sawmills_Studios) ([Cornwall](/source/Cornwall))
| genre        =
* [Alternative rock](/source/Alternative_rock)
* [progressive rock](/source/progressive_rock)
* [art rock](/source/art_rock)
* [hard rock](/source/hard_rock)
| length       = 52:19
| label        = [Taste](/source/Taste_Media){{efn|Also released through [East West Records](/source/East_West_Records) in the United Kingdom, [PIAS Recordings](/source/PIAS_Recordings) in Benelux, [Motor Music](/source/Motor_Music) in Germany, [Naïve Records](/source/Na%C3%AFve_Records) in France, [Festival Mushroom Records](/source/Festival_Mushroom_Records) in Oceania, [Cutting Edge](/source/Cutting_Edge_(record_label))/maximum10 in Japan, and [Warner Bros. Records](/source/Warner_Bros._Records) in the United States.}}
| producer     =
* John Cornfield
* [Rich Costey](/source/Rich_Costey)
* Muse
* Paul Reeve
| prev_title   = [Hullabaloo Soundtrack](/source/Hullabaloo_Soundtrack)
| prev_year    = 2002
| next_title   = [Black Holes and Revelations](/source/Black_Holes_and_Revelations)
| next_year    = 2006
| misc         = {{Singles
 | name        = Absolution
 | type        = studio
 | single1     = [Stockholm Syndrome](/source/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song))
 | single1date = 14 July 2003
 | single2     = [Time Is Running Out](/source/Time_Is_Running_Out_(Muse_song))
 | single2date = 8 September 2003
 | single3     = [Hysteria](/source/Hysteria_(Muse_song))
 | single3date = 1 December 2003
 | single4     = [Sing for Absolution](/source/Sing_for_Absolution)
 | single4date = 17 May 2004
 | single5     = [Apocalypse Please](/source/Apocalypse_Please)
 | single5date = 23 August 2004
 | single6     = [Butterflies and Hurricanes](/source/Butterflies_and_Hurricanes)
 | single6date = 20 September 2004
}}
}}

'''''Absolution''''' is the third studio album by the English [rock](/source/Rock_music) band [Muse](/source/Muse_(band)), released on 22 September 2003 through [Taste Media](/source/Taste_Media).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/288-2056-2|title=BPI}}</ref> It was produced by Muse and [Rich Costey](/source/Rich_Costey), with additional production by John Cornfield and Paul Reeve.

''Absolution'' incorporates classical influences, with orchestra on tracks such as "[Butterflies and Hurricanes](/source/Butterflies_and_Hurricanes)" and "Blackout", and [apocalyptic](/source/Apocalypse) lyrical themes. Muse used [effects](/source/Effects_unit), synthesisers and software to process many tracks. Most of the album was recorded at [Grouse Lodge](/source/Grouse_Lodge) in [County Westmeath](/source/County_Westmeath), Ireland, with additional sessions at [AIR Studios](/source/Air_Lyndhurst) and [Livingston Recording Studios](/source/Livingston_Recording_Studios) in London, [Cello Studios](/source/Cello_Studios) in Los Angeles, and [Sawmills Studios](/source/Sawmills_Studios) in [Cornwall](/source/Cornwall). Costey aimed to give Muse a bigger, more aggressive sound.

''Absolution'' reached number one on the [UK Albums Chart](/source/UK_Albums_Chart). It also produced Muse's first top-ten single, "[Time Is Running Out](/source/Time_Is_Running_Out_(Muse_song))", which reached number 8 on the [UK singles chart](/source/UK_singles_chart). As of 2018, ''Absolution'' had sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide. A 20th-anniversary version was released in 2023, with remastered audio, unreleased demos and live versions.

==Background==
Muse set aside time to develop their third album, as their previous recording sessions had been rushed.<ref name="seattlepi2">{{cite news |last1=Stout |first1=Gene |date=6 May 2004 |title=''Absolution'' plows the ground for Muse's US following |work=[Seattle Post-Intelligencer](/source/Seattle_Post-Intelligencer) |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/pop/172255_muse07.html |access-date=4 September 2008}}</ref> In early 2002, they rented a country house outside [Brighton](/source/Brighton) for six months to write material.<ref name="XX">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Absolution XX |author=Muse |year=2023 |type=liner notes |publisher=[Warner Records](/source/Warner_Records)}}</ref> During this period, they were dropped by their American record label, [Maverick](/source/Maverick_(company)).<ref name="XX" /> The [System of a Down](/source/System_of_a_Down) singer, [Serj Tankian](/source/Serj_Tankian), attempted to sign Muse to his label, [Serjical Strike](/source/Serjical_Strike_Records), but Maverick asked for half a million dollars to release them from their contract and his attempts to have [Sony](/source/Sony_Music) provide the money failed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alderslade |first=Merlin |date=2024-05-12 |title='They came to my house, we jammed together in my studio, they even played with my dog.' How System Of A Down's Serj Tankian almost signed a young Muse to his own label - but was 'screwed over' |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/how-serj-tankian-almost-signed-muse |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=[Louder](/source/Louder_(magazine)) |language=en}}</ref>

Muse decided to focus on Europe, and embarked on the final leg of their tour for their previous album, ''[Origin of Symmetry](/source/Origin_of_Symmetry)'' (2001), playing the future ''Absolution'' songs "[Hysteria](/source/Hysteria_(Muse_song))" and "The Small Print".<ref name="XX" /> After the tour, Muse resumed writing and recording demos in an unused commercial loft in [Hackney, London](/source/Hackney%2C_London).<ref name="XX" /> The singer and songwriter, [Matt Bellamy](/source/Matt_Bellamy), wrote most of the songs on piano, including guitar-based songs such as "[Stockholm Syndrome](/source/Stockholm_Syndrome)".<ref name="keyboardmag2">{{cite web |last=Gennet |first=Robbie |date=8 June 2005 |title=Innocence and absolution |url=http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/innocence-and-absolution/Jun-05/9880 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125085846/http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/innocence-and-absolution/Jun-05/9880 |archive-date=25 January 2010 |access-date=4 December 2008 |website=[Keyboard](/source/Keyboard_(magazine))}}</ref>

== Recording ==
thumb|Air Studios, London, where Muse recorded "Butterflies and Hurricanes" and "Blackout"
Muse began recording in late 2002 with the producers John Cornfield and Paul Reed at [Air Studios](/source/Air_Studios), London, where they recorded "[Butterflies and Hurricanes](/source/Butterflies_and_Hurricanes)" and "Blackout".<ref name="Buskin-2003">{{Cite web |last=Buskin |first=Richard |date=December 2003 |title=Rich Costey: Producer |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/people/rich-costey-producer |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=[Sound on Sound](/source/Sound_on_Sound)}}</ref> They were joined later by the American producer [Rich Costey](/source/Rich_Costey), who produced the rest of the album. Costey had worked with acts Muse admired, including [Rage Against the Machine](/source/Rage_Against_the_Machine) and [Audioslave](/source/Audioslave), and wanted to give them a bigger, more aggressive sound. According to Costey, Muse wanted to sound like a "colossal, dynamic, epic and powerful rock band".<ref name="Buskin-2003" />

Muse and Costey returned to Air in late 2002 to work on songs including "[Hysteria](/source/Hysteria_(Muse_song))" and "Stockholm Syndrome". Bellamy restructured "Hysteria" after feedback from Costey. For "Stockholm Syndrome", Costey [vocoder](/source/vocoder)ed Bellamy's guitar with a [Nord](/source/Nord_synthesizer) modular synthesiser.<ref name="XX" /> Muse and Costey regrouped in early 2003 for 10 days at [Livingston Recording Studios](/source/Livingston_Recording_Studios), London, completing the recordings they had made at Air.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> 

Muse moved to [Grouse Lodge](/source/Grouse_Lodge), a residential recording studio in [County Westmeath](/source/County_Westmeath), Ireland, where most of the album was recorded.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> The sessions were marred by Muse's strained relationship with their record company and a lawsuit with their production company. When Muse's co-manager arrived to review their progress, they found him disruptive and threw him out of the studio. Bellamy said later that "there was a genuine sense of impending doom for the band".<ref name="XX" /> The bassist, [Chris Wolstenholme](/source/Chris_Wolstenholme), struggled with alcoholism during the sessions.<ref name="XX" />

To create basic tracks, Muse recorded together live, then focused on [overdubs](/source/Overdubbing).<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> Costey minimised editing to preserve the "human touch" and avoid an artificial result.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> He added little [reverb](/source/Reverb_effect), preferring to use the natural ambience recorded by the microphones.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> 

Bellamy used custom [Manson](/source/Manson_Guitar_Works) guitars and [Marshall](/source/Marshall_Amplification) and [Diezel](/source/Diezel) amps.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> Wolstenholme split his signal into three Marshall amps, one clean and two [distorted](/source/Distortion_(music)), and blended the results.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> For "Fury", Bellamy used a [DigiTech Whammy](/source/DigiTech_Whammy) pedal to rhythmically [pitch-shift](/source/pitch-shift) the guitar riff.<ref name="Lynham-2019">{{Cite web |last=Lynham |first=Alex |date=2019-08-02 |title=The FX files: DigiTech Whammy |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-fx-files-digitech-whammy |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=[MusicRadar](/source/MusicRadar) |language=en}}</ref> Muse and Costey used the sound design system [Kyma](/source/Kyma_(sound_design_language)) to process tracks including "[Time Is Running Out](/source/Time_Is_Running_Out_(Muse_song))", "Hysteria" and "Apocalypse Please". Bellamy said Kyma added an "outrageously hi-fi and bright and futuristic sound"; Costey described it as "the sound of the record".<ref name="XX" />

The group experimented with drum sounds, using a number of microphones. For the introduction to "Apocalypse Please", they recorded two [kick drums](/source/Bass_drum) in the Grouse Lodge swimming pool. They also recorded Wolstenholme diving into the pool, which was used in the bridge of "Thoughts of a Dying Atheist".<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> For "Ruled by Secrecy", they recorded a drum take in the courtyard outdoors, hoping to capture an unusual ambience, but discarded the results.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> On "Falling Away with You", Costey captured the sound of Bellamy's fingers on the guitar strings to create an intimate feeling.<ref name="Buskin-2003" />

For "[Sing for Absolution](/source/Sing_for_Absolution)", Muse used [prepared piano](/source/prepared_piano), laying metal objects such as nails and guitar strings on the piano strings. They also processed the piano with a pitch-shifting [DigiTech Whammy](/source/DigiTech_Whammy) pedal and an [Echloplex](/source/Echoplex) delay effect.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> For "Ruled by Secrecy", they blended piano and a Yamaha CP-80 [electric piano](/source/electric_piano). Costey recorded Bellamy's left and right-hand parts separately, and ran them through guitar amps and an Echoplex.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> "Time Is Running Out" was the most difficult song to record; Muse spent hours working on the bass sound for the introduction, processing Wolstenholme's bass with multiple effects.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> Eventually, they used a [Roland](/source/Roland_Corporation) synthesiser played through a Marshall amp.<ref name="XX" />

"Endlessly" was the last song completed. Muse struggled to improve on the simplicity of Bellamy's demo, recorded with a piano and a [four-to-the-floor](/source/Four_on_the_floor_(music)) drum machine rhythm. Eventually, they used lighter, jazzier drumming and an old [Hammond organ](/source/Hammond_organ).<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> Later in 2003, Muse and Costey spent three weeks in [Cello Studios](/source/Cello_Studios), Los Angeles.<ref name="Buskin-2003" /> They recorded more overdubs, including the marching sounds that open the album, and the final version of "Endlessly", and [mixed](/source/Audio_mixing_(recorded_music)) the album.<ref name="XX" /><ref name="Buskin-2003" /> They also attracted interest from American labels and signed a contract with [Warner Bros. Records](/source/Warner_Bros._Records).<ref name="XX" />

== Music and lyrics ==
''Absolution'' contains elements of [alternative rock](/source/alternative_rock), [progressive rock](/source/progressive_rock),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Tom |date=19 December 2018 |title=Muse Found Solace in Escaping Reality on Their New Record |url=https://www.gq.com/story/muse-found-solace-in-escaping-reality-on-their-new-record |access-date=13 September 2019 |website=[GQ](/source/GQ)}}</ref> [hard rock](/source/hard_rock), and [art rock](/source/art_rock). Its sound is more polished and direct than Muse's previous albums.<ref name="XX2">{{cite news |last1=Trendell |first1=Andrew |date=15 September 2023 |title=Muse announce ''Absolution'' 20th anniversary deluxe reissue |work=[NME](/source/NME) |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/muse-announce-absolution-20th-anniversary-deluxe-reissue-vinyl-artwork-tracklist-buy-3498650 |access-date=15 September 2023}}</ref> In 2020, Wolstenholme described it as a continuation of ''Origin of Symmetry'': "We knew what we wanted to do, and we'd found our feet a little bit, and we felt comfortable with what we did."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beller |first=Bryan |date=2020-01-08 |title=Too much is never enough: Muse's Chris Wolstenholme reinvents art-rock bass for the 21st century |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/too-much-is-never-enough-muses-chris-wolstenholme-reinvents-art-rock-bass-for-the-21st-century |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=[Guitar World](/source/Guitar_World) |language=en}}</ref>

Initially, Bellamy planned ''Absolution'' as a [concept album](/source/concept_album) about insanity; "Butterflies & Hurricanes" was a remnant of this idea.<ref name="Beaumont-2013">{{Cite web |last=Beaumont |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Beaumont (journalist) |date=2013-09-20 |title=10 geeky facts about Muse's ''Absolution'' |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/10-geeky-facts-about-muses-absolution-10-years-on-760228#:~:text=Unusual%20'instruments'%20the%20band%20play,and%20a%20wagon%20wheel,%20used |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=[NME](/source/NME) |language=en-GB}}</ref> The direction changed following the beginning of the [Iraq War](/source/Iraq_War).<ref name="Beaumont-2013" /><ref name="seattlepi2" /> Bellamy said that the lyrics for "Apocalypse Please" followed naturally from the "epic and in-your-face" chord progression.<ref name="keyboardmag2" /> For "Butterflies and Hurricanes", Bellamy sought to create a heavy rock song using classical piano instead of guitar, with a continuous "mechanical" [paradiddle](/source/paradiddle).<ref name="keyboardmag2" /> "Blackout" features [mandolin](/source/mandolin) and orchestra.<ref name="Buskin-2003" />

The lyrics incorporate themes of fear, mistrust, achievement and joy, and a general theme of "things coming to an end".<ref name="seattlepi2" /> Bellamy was inspired by [9/11 conspiracy theories](/source/9%2F11_conspiracy_theories), which he described as "good subject matter" for songwriting. He later disavowed conspiracy theories as dangerous.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynskey |first=Dorian |date=2022-08-05 |title=Muse's Matt Bellamy: 'I've got to an age where I'm not so titillated by disaster' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/aug/05/muses-matt-bellamy-ive-got-to-an-age-where-im-not-so-titillated-by-disaster |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |language=en}}</ref><ref name="XX" /> The end of Muse's relationship with their American label, Maverick, also influenced the lyrics.<ref name="XX" /> Bellamy said that [absolution](/source/absolution) was "not necessarily a religious word; it has meanings of purity, but it's not necessarily talking from a Christian or any particular religious point of view. I think it's just suggesting that the act of making music is a way of understanding things."<ref>{{cite web |date=3 April 2004 |title=Muse guest program |url=http://www.abc.net.au/rage/guest/2004/muse.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209093855/http://www.abc.net.au/rage/guest/2004/muse.htm |archive-date=9 February 2010 |access-date=24 November 2018 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

==Artwork==
The ''Absolution'' cover was created by [Storm Thorgerson](/source/Storm_Thorgerson), and depicts the shadows of figures either leaving or descending to Earth.<ref name="Griffiths">{{Cite news |last=Griffiths |first=Kris |title=Muse's ''Absolution'' at 20: the making of a prog rock landmark |url=https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/culture/muses-absolution-at-20-the-making-of-a-prog-rock-landmark |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422014824/https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/culture/muses-absolution-at-20-the-making-of-a-prog-rock-landmark |archive-date=22 April 2024 |access-date=2023-09-18 |work=[Reader's Digest](/source/Reader's_Digest) |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-04-19 |title='Pink Floyd' Artist Storm Thorgerson Dies Aged 69: His Greatest Album Covers |url=https://www.contactmusic.com/in-pictures/storm-thorgerson-album-covers_3616279 |access-date=2023-09-18}}</ref> Rather than use software such as [Photoshop](/source/Photoshop), Thorgerson's team cut shapes from hardboard, fixed them to poles and photographed them in a chalk pit to create strong shadows.<ref name="Griffiths" /> The ''[Reader's Digest](/source/Reader's_Digest)'' writer Kris Griffiths likened the image to the 1953 [René Magritte](/source/Ren%C3%A9_Magritte) painting ''[Golconda](/source/Golconda_(Magritte))''.<ref name="Griffiths" /> 

==Release and promotion==
''Absolution'' was presented to the press with a star show at the [London Planetarium](/source/London_Planetarium), followed by a party at [Madame Tussauds](/source/Madame_Tussauds).<ref name="Beaumont-2013" /> It was released on 22 September 2003 on CD and double vinyl.<ref name="muse">{{cite web|url=http://www.muse.mu/index.php|title=Muse (official fansite)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070428205326/http://www.muse.mu/index.php|archive-date=28 April 2007}}</ref> The first single, "Stockholm Syndrome", was released as a [download](/source/Music_download) and was downloaded more than 20,000 times.<ref name="seattlepi2" /> Because of contractual obligations, Muse could not allow it to be downloaded free, so the fee was set at $0.99 in the US.<ref name="seattlepi2" /> On tour for ''Absolution'', Muse performed in arenas for the first time and headlined [Glastonbury Festival](/source/Glastonbury_Festival) in 2004.<ref name="XX2"/> The tour ended with two sold-out nights at [Earls Court](/source/Earls_Court_Exhibition_Centre), London.<ref name="XX" /> Muse also toured the United States, playing in small clubs.<ref name="XX" />

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
<!-- Please don't add reviews unless if you have a link or reference leading to those reviews; they must also be in English. Also, please keep the reviews section from getting past ten reviews.-->
| MC = 72/100<ref name="metacritic2">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/absolution/muse|title=Reviews for Absolution by Muse|website=[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)|access-date=17 September 2011}}</ref>
| rev1 = [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)
| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/absolution-mw0000384478|title=Absolution – Muse|website=[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)|access-date=11 January 2020|last=DiGravina|first=Tim}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[Alternative Press](/source/Alternative_Press_(magazine))''
| rev2score = 5/5<ref name="ap">{{cite journal|title=Muse: Absolution|journal=[Alternative Press](/source/Alternative_Press_(magazine))|location=Cleveland|issue=192|date=July 2004|page=146}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[Blender](/source/Blender_(magazine))''
| rev3score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=2133|title=Muse: Absolution|journal=[Blender](/source/Blender_(magazine))|location=New York|issue=27|date=June–July 2004|access-date=26 June 2016|last=Power|first=Tony|page=140|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205024554/http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=2133|archive-date=5 December 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[Drowned in Sound](/source/Drowned_in_Sound)''
| rev4score = 10/10<ref name="dis"/>
| rev5 = ''[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)''
| rev5score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/sep/19/popandrock.shopping4|title=Muse, Absolution|newspaper=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)|location=London|issn=0261-3077|oclc=60623878|date=19 September 2003|access-date=23 September 2011|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[NME](/source/NME)''
| rev6score = 9/10<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/muse/7168|title=Muse : Absolution|journal=[NME](/source/NME)|location=London|issn=0028-6362|date=10 September 2003|access-date=23 September 2011|last=Martin|first=Dan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226200116/http://www.nme.com/reviews/muse/7168|archive-date=26 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[Q](/source/Q_(magazine))''
| rev7score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite journal|title=Muse: Absolution|journal=[Q](/source/Q_(magazine))|location=London|issue=207|date=October 2003|page=109}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)''
| rev8score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="rollingstone">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/absolution-20040401|title=Absolution|magazine=[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)|location=New York|issn=0035-791X|date=1 April 2004|access-date=23 September 2011|last=Kemp|first=Rob}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[The Scotsman](/source/The_Scotsman)''
| rev9score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-13032596.html|title=Music of the mind|newspaper=[The Scotsman](/source/The_Scotsman)|location=Edinburgh|date=19 September 2003|access-date=23 September 2011|last=Shepherd|first=Fiona|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408210304/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-13032596.html|archive-date=8 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[Uncut](/source/Uncut_(magazine))''
| rev10score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.uncut.co.uk/music/muse/reviews/6255|title=Muse – Absolution|journal=[Uncut](/source/Uncut_(magazine))|location=London|issue=77|date=October 2003|access-date=26 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051111200201/http://www.uncut.co.uk/music/muse/reviews/6255|archive-date=11 November 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}On [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic), ''Absolution'' has a score of 72 of 100 based on 16 reviews, indicating "generally favourable reviews".<ref name="metacritic2" /> ''[Alternative Press](/source/Alternative_Press_(magazine))'' wrote that its "chaotic choruses feel like the triumphant culmination of some earth-shattering undertaking",<ref name="ap"/> while Andrew Future of ''[Drowned in Sound](/source/Drowned_in_Sound)'' called it "a truly elemental opus".<ref name="dis">{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/3456/reviews/7998-|title=Album Review: Muse – Absolution|work=[Drowned in Sound](/source/Drowned_in_Sound)|date=15 September 2003|access-date=17 September 2011|last=Future|first=Andrew|archive-date=14 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814072808/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/3456/reviews/7998-|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tyler Fisher of ''Sputnikmusic'' felt that ''Absolution'' was Muse's most consistent album yet and that it perfected their sound, writing that it "expands on newer sounds and improves on others".<ref name="sputnikmusic">{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/9959/Muse-Absolution/|title=Muse – Absolution|website=Sputnikmusic|date=15 November 2006|access-date=23 September 2011|last=Fisher|first=Tyler}}</ref> [Alexis Petridis](/source/Alexis_Petridis) of ''[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)'' wrote: "Muse sound like a band who are at the top of their game. Their confidence carries you through the album's excesses."<ref name="guardian"/> Rob Kemp of ''[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)'' was less enthusiastic, drawing [Radiohead](/source/Radiohead) comparisons and concluding that Bellamy "doesn't bring as much ingenuity to his singing".<ref name="rollingstone"/>

''Absolution'' was Muse's first album to chart in the US, and is credited with establishing their fan base there.<ref name="seattlepi">{{cite news |last1=Stout |first1=Gene |date=6 May 2004 |title='Absolution' plows the ground for Muse's U.S. following |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/pop/172255_muse07.html |access-date=4 September 2008 |work=[Seattle Post-Intelligencer](/source/Seattle_Post-Intelligencer)}}</ref> It was the second Muse album released in the US, after a dispute with [Maverick Records](/source/Maverick_Records) had canceled the release of ''Origin of Symmetry'' there.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1wIe3FI6TI0C&q=Origin+of+Symmetry+maverick&pg=PA53 |title=Spin Sep 2009 |date=September 2009 |access-date=5 July 2011}}</ref> ''Absolution'' reached No. 1 on the ''[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))'' [Top Heatseekers](/source/Top_Heatseekers) chart and No. 107 on the [''Billboard'' 200](/source/Billboard_200).<ref name="billboardchart">{{cite web |title=Billboard chart history |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=muse|chart=all}} |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614023241/{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=muse|chart=all}} |archive-date=14 June 2008 |access-date=10 June 2008}}</ref> It was certified [gold](/source/Music_recording_sales_certification) in the US in March 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gold and Platinum Database Search | website=[Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America) |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Absolution&artist=muse&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152736/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Absolution&artist=muse&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=16 February 2010}}</ref> "[Time Is Running Out](/source/Time_Is_Running_Out_(Muse_song))" became Muse's first top-10 single on the [UK singles chart](/source/UK_singles_chart) and was certified gold in the US.<ref>{{cite web |title=Search Results |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Muse&perPage=99 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626051113/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS |archive-date=26 June 2007 |access-date=27 January 2008 |work=Gold and Platinum |publisher=[RIAA](/source/RIAA)}}</ref>

===Legacy===
In 2005, ''Absolution'' was ranked number 345 in the ''[Rock Hard](/source/Rock_Hard_(magazine))'' book ''The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time''.<ref>{{cite book |title=Best of Rock & Metal - Die 500 stärksten Scheiben aller Zeiten |publisher=[Rock Hard](/source/Rock_Hard_(magazine)) |year=2005 |isbn=3-89880-517-4 |editor-last=Rensen |editor-first=Michael |page=71 |language=de}}</ref> In 2009, ''[Q](/source/Q_(magazine))'' readers voted it the 23rd-best British album,<ref>{{cite web |date=April 2008 |title=NME 100 Greatest British Albums Ever! – 2006 |url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/nmes_100_best_albums.htm#Greatest%20British%20Albums |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060216032154/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/nmes_100_best_albums.htm#Greatest%20British%20Albums |url-status=usurped |archive-date=16 February 2006 |website=rocklistmusic.co.uk}}
</ref> and in 2009, ''[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)'' readers voted it the second-best album of the century so far.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kerrang Readers 50 Best Albums of the 21st Century |url=http://www.ilxor.com/ILX/ThreadSelectedControllerServlet?boardid=41&threadid=74402 |access-date=24 July 2010 |work=Ilxor}}</ref> 

A remastered 20th-anniversary reissue, ''Absolution XX Anniversary'', featuring bonus tracks, live recordings and demos, was released on 17 November 2023.<ref name="XX2" /> ''[Clash](/source/Clash_(magazine))'' wrote that the reissue was not as "neatly constructed or unique" as the 2021 ''Origin of Symmetry'' reissue, with "largely dispensable" bonus material, but praised the "punchier, cleaner" remaster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winstanley |first=Luke |date=2023-11-28 |title=Muse - Absolution XX Anniversary {{!}} Reviews |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/muse-absolution-xx-anniversary/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=[Clash](/source/Clash_(magazine)) |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Track listing==
{{Track listing
| headline      = ''Absolution'' {{nobold|– Standard edition}}
| all_lyrics    = [Matt Bellamy](/source/Matt_Bellamy)
| all_music     = Bellamy, [Dominic Howard](/source/Dominic_Howard) and [Chris Wolstenholme](/source/Chris_Wolstenholme).<ref name=linernotes>{{Cite AV media notes |title=Absolution |others=[Muse](/source/Muse_(band)) |date=2003 |type=CD liner notes |publisher=[Taste Media](/source/Taste_Media)}}</ref>
| total_length  = 52:19
| title1        = Intro
| length1       = 0:22
| title2        = [Apocalypse Please](/source/Apocalypse_Please)
| length2       = 4:12
| title3        = [Time Is Running Out](/source/Time_Is_Running_Out_(Muse_song))
| length3       = 3:56
| title4        = [Sing for Absolution](/source/Sing_for_Absolution)
| length4       = 4:54
| title5        = [Stockholm Syndrome](/source/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song))
| length5       = 4:58
| title6        = Falling Away with You
| length6       = 4:40
| title7        = Interlude
| length7       = 0:37
| title8        = [Hysteria](/source/Hysteria_(Muse_song))
| length8       = 3:47
| title9        = Blackout
| length9       = 4:22
| title10       = [Butterflies and Hurricanes](/source/Butterflies_and_Hurricanes)
| length10      = 5:01
| title11       = The Small Print
| length11      = 3:28
| title12       = Endlessly
| length12      = 3:49
| title13       = Thoughts of a Dying Atheist
| length13      = 3:11
| title14       = Ruled by Secrecy
| length14      = 4:54
}}

==Personnel==
Personnel adapted from ''Absolution'' liner notes,<ref name=linernotes /> except where noted.

'''Muse'''
*[Matt Bellamy](/source/Matthew_Bellamy)&nbsp;– lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, mandolin on "Blackout",<ref name="Buskin-2003" /><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.guitarplayer.com/players/10-awesome-mandolin-songs |title= 10 Awesome Mandolin Songs|date=September 7, 2024 |website=Guitar Player |access-date=December 16, 2025}}</ref> [programming](/source/Programming_(music)), [string](/source/String_section) arrangements, production
*[Chris Wolstenholme](/source/Chris_Wolstenholme) &nbsp;– bass, backing vocals, production
*[Dominic Howard](/source/Dominic_Howard)&nbsp;– drums, percussion, programming, production
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Production'''
*[Rich Costey](/source/Rich_Costey)&nbsp;– production, [mixing](/source/Audio_mixing_(recorded_music)), [engineering](/source/Audio_engineering), additional production on "Blackout" and "[Butterflies and Hurricanes](/source/Butterflies_and_Hurricanes)"
*Paul Reeve&nbsp;– production and backing vocals on "Blackout" and "Butterflies and Hurricanes", vocal [samples](/source/Sampling_(music)) on "Intro"
*John Cornfield&nbsp;– production and engineering on "Blackout" and "Butterflies and Hurricanes"
*[Wally Gagel](/source/Wally_Gagel)&nbsp;– engineering, digital engineering, additional production on "Butterflies and Hurricanes"
*[Howie Weinberg](/source/Howie_Weinberg)&nbsp;– [mastering](/source/Audio_mastering)
*Roger Lian&nbsp;– [digital editing](/source/Digital_media)
*Ciaran Bradshaw – assistant engineer ([Grouse Lodge](/source/Grouse_Lodge))
*Adam Noble – assistant engineer ([AIR](/source/Associated_Independent_Recording))
*Darren Mora – assistant engineer ([Cello](/source/Cello_Studios))
*Jason Gossman – assistant engineer (Cello)
*Donald Clark – assistant engineer ([Livingston](/source/Livingston_Recording_Studios))
*Tom Joyce – assistant engineer ([Sawmills](/source/Sawmills_Studios))
*Dennis Smith, [Safta Jaffery](/source/Safta_Jaffery)&nbsp;– [executive production](/source/Executive_producer)
{{col-2}}
'''Additional personnel'''
*[Audrey Riley](/source/Audrey_Riley)&nbsp;– string arrangements
*[Spectrasonics](/source/Spectrasonics) Symphony of Voices&nbsp;– vocal samples on "[Stockholm Syndrome](/source/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song))" and "Endlessly"
*[Storm Thorgerson](/source/Storm_Thorgerson), Dan Abbott&nbsp;– [graphic design](/source/graphic_design)
*Rupert Truman, Sean Winstanley&nbsp;– photography
*[Perou](/source/Perou)&nbsp;– band photography
*Lee Baker&nbsp;– layout design
*Sam Winston&nbsp;– [typography](/source/typography)
{{col-end}}

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2003–2004)
! scope="col"| Peak<br/>position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|21|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Austria|5|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|7|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true|access-date=8 January 2026}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|2|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true|access-date=8 January 2026}}
|-
! scope="row"| [Canadian Albums](/source/Canadian_Albums_Chart) ([Nielsen SoundScan](/source/Nielsen_SoundScan))<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/prev_071504_ALBUMS.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040901212652/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/prev_071504_ALBUMS.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 September 2004|title=Albums : Top 100|website=[Jam!](/source/Jam!)|date=15 July 2004|access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref>
| 74
|-
{{album chart|Denmark|28|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|2|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Finland|12|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|France|1|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany|11|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|id=4657|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"| Irish Albums ([IRMA](/source/Irish_Recorded_Music_Association))
| 3
|-
{{album chart|Italy|4|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"| Japanese Albums ([Oricon](/source/Oricon))
| 22
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|17|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Norway|5|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Portugal|7|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|2|date=20030928|rowheader=true|access-date=14 September 2018}}
|-
!scope="row"|Spanish Albums ([AFYVE](/source/Productores_de_M%C3%BAsica_de_Espa%C3%B1a))<ref>{{cite book|last=Salaverri|first=Fernando|title=Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2012|edition=1st|date=June 2015|publisher=Fundación Autor-SGAE|location=Spain|isbn=978-84-8048-866-2}}</ref>
|align="center"|14
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|3|artist=Muse|album=Absolution|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|UK|1|artist=Muse|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|107|artist=Muse|rowheader=true}}
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2003)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2003&cat=a|title=Jaaroverzichten 2003|publisher=Ultratop|access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
| 83
|-
! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2003&cat=a|title=Rapports Annuels 2003|publisher=Ultratop|access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
| 25
|-
! scope="row"| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2003&cat=a|title=Jaaroverzichten – Album 2003|website=dutchcharts.nl|access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
| 73
|-
! scope="row"| French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-albums-annee/?annee=2003|title=Top de l'année Top Albums 2003|publisher=SNEP|language=fr|access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
| 62
|-
! scope="row"| Italian Albums (FIMI)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fimi.it/top-of-the-music/classifiche.kl#/charts/11/2003/0|title=Classifica Annuale 2003 (dal 30.12.2002 al 28.12.2003) – Album & Compilation|publisher=Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana|language=it|access-date=13 December 2023}}</ref>
| 55
|-
! scope="row"| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hitparade.ch/charts/jahreshitparade/2003|title=Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2003|website=hitparade.ch|access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
| 38
|-
! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/20030105/37502/|title=End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2003|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
| 70
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2004)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-albums-annee/?annee=2004|title=Top de l'année Top Albums 2004|publisher=SNEP|language=fr|access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
| 124
|-
! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/20040104/37502/|title=End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2004|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
| 82
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2005)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2005.pdf|title=ChartsPlusYE2005|work=UKchartsplus.co.uk |publisher=[Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company)|access-date=16 November 2021}}</ref>
| 171
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2006)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2006.pdf|title=2006 UK Albums Chart|publisher=ChartsPlus|access-date=16 November 2021}}</ref>
| 197
|}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|type=album|relyear=2003|certyear=2007}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|award=Gold|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|relyear=2003|certyear=2004}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|award=Gold|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|relyear=2003}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|award=Gold|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|relyear=2003|certyear=2023|access-date=2 May 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|award=Gold|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|certref=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2004/06/12/dai-korn-ai-muse-in-arrivo-due.html|work=[la Repubblica](/source/la_Repubblica)|date=12 June 2004|access-date=9 July 2012|language=it|title=Dai Korn ai Muse in arrivo due giorni ad alta tensione rock|page=16|first=Helmut|last=Failoni}}</ref>|relyear=2003|note=sales in between 2003-2004}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|award=Gold|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|note=sales since 2009|relyear=2009|certyear=2014|id=553|access-date=24 March 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|award=Gold|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|relyear=2003|certyear=2004}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|award=Gold|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|id=2004-09-24|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|relyear=2003}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Russia|award=Gold|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|relyear=2003|certyear=2003|access-date=24 March 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|award=Gold|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|relyear=2003}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Platinum|number=3|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|relyear=2003|salesamount=948,685|salesref=<ref name="UK sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicweek.com/analysis/read/charts-analysis-muse-vs-murs-in-albums-battle/074479|title=Charts analysis: Muse vs Murs in albums battle|last=Jones|first=Alan|date=16 November 2018|work=[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)|access-date=16 November 2018|url-access=subscription }}</ref>|id=288-2056-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|award=Platinum|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|relyear=2003}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Europe|award=Platinum|title=Absolution|type=album|artist=Muse|relyear=2003|certyear=2005}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

==Notes and references==
'''Notes'''
{{Notelist}}

'''References'''
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Discogs master|master=11052|name=Absolution|type=album}}

{{Muse}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2003 albums
Category:Albums produced by John Cornfield
Category:Albums with cover art by Storm Thorgerson
Category:East West Records albums
Category:Muse (band) albums
Category:Warner Records albums
Category:Albums recorded at AIR Studios
Category:Albums produced by Rich Costey

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Absolution (album)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolution_(album)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolution_(album)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.