Muse’s Mighty Masterpieces: Top 10 Songs That Define the Band’s Legacy

"Starlight" marked Muse’s first overt venture into anthemic pop-rock, delivering soaring piano chords and a hook that resonates long after the final note. As the second single from Black Holes and Revelations, it charted internationally and became a staple on radio stations, showcasing a more melodic side of the band without sacrificing their epic ambition. The song’s emotive lyrics—exploring distance and longing—coupled with Bellamy’s plaintive falsetto elevate "Starlight" into a stadium-ready ballad. Its success highlighted Muse’s ability to craft radio-friendly hits that still maintain depth and complexity, broadening their appeal beyond rock purists to mainstream audiences.

Featuring a propulsive beat, infectious chorus, and political undertones, "Time is Running Out" became Muse’s first top-10 single in the UK. The song’s Orwellian themes—paired with a memorable, chant-like hook—reflect the band’s knack for blending social commentary with pop sensibility. Critically acclaimed for its tight composition and soaring production, "Time is Running Out" elevated Muse to mainstream prominence. Its video—depicting the band inside a leaking, water-filled vessel—further amplified its haunting message and iconic status.

As the definitive showcase of Muse’s guitar-driven virtuosity, "Plug In Baby" remains an enduring fan favorite. With its iconic opening riff and breakneck tempo, the song captures the youthful aggression and technical mastery that defined Muse’s early work. Celebrated by critics for its dynamic structure and by fans for its live intensity, "Plug In Baby" has become one of the band’s most covered tracks. It solidified Muse’s reputation as innovators in the burgeoning 2000s rock scene, laying the foundation for their global ascent.

A six-minute opus blending spaghetti western motifs, sci-fi drama, and stadium-sized choruses, "Knights of Cydonia" stands as Muse’s crowning achievement. Its galloping rhythm, triumphant guitar solos, and rousing refrain of “No one's gonna take me alive” have made it a live show anthem. Critics applaud its ambitious scope and genre-defying structure, while fans herald it as the ultimate Muse spectacle. The accompanying video’s cinematic western narrative further enhances its mythic status, ensuring "Knights of Cydonia" endures as one of modern rock’s most exhilarating anthems.

Sonically divergent yet unmistakably Muse, "Madness" dives into electronic minimalism with a slow-burning bass groove and atmospheric synth layers. Co-written with producer Nero, the song embodies modern electro-rock, allowing Bellamy’s soulful vocals to shine over a hypnotic, looping riff. Critics lauded "Madness" for its refreshing restraint and production sophistication, while fans embraced its danceable yet melancholic tone. The track's live arrangements often feature extended synth breakdowns, turning arenas into pulsating dance floors and demonstrating Muse’s fearless experimentation with new musical territories.

With its hypnotic bassline and raw vocal urgency, "Stockholm Syndrome" stands as one of Muse’s heaviest and most intense tracks. Released as the closing single from Absolution, the song showcases Dominic Howard’s propulsive drumming and Matt Bellamy’s signature guitar riffs, creating a sense of claustrophobic tension that mirrors its themes of emotional captivity. When performed live, “Stockholm Syndrome” often serves as a powerful show-closer, with audiences feeding off its relentless energy. Critics have praised its progressive structure—shifting between quiet, haunting verses and explosive choruses—cementing the track as a fan favorite and a testament to Muse’s versatility in blending metal and alternative rock.