CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE MUSICAL THESIS PLAYLIST

At the center of every album is a musical thesis. This thesis can be the driving force behind the album, a theme that interweaves songs together, or a feeling you are left with after the very last song plays. With some albums, the thesis is easy to find. On others, it is hidden and requires you to be more than a passive listener. These reviews aren’t about rating an album. Instead, it is about uncovering a musical thesis.

I’ve been on the Muse bandwagon for a long time. They are my go-to band when I need some energy, motivation, and renewal. “The Resistance” was released on September 11, 2009, and it made a statement. All the kinetic energy I first fell in love with was now tightly packaged and presented in a series of rebellious songs. After surviving the George W. Bush administration and living through 8 years of the war on terrorism, these were the songs I needed.

They reminded me how much power we surrounded to our government. They used that power to spy on their citizens through the NSA. This album invites the listener to take the power back. It serves as a clarion call for a group of people who are sick and tired of being lied to and manipulated all in the name of national security. With these songs, we were invited to get out in the streets, petition, protest and serve old fashioned civil disobedience.

In the face of all odds, it worked, mostly. From coast to coast and around the globe, protesters of all stripes hit the streets. The Arab Spring was awakened. The see-saw that is politics started shifting back to the people. Now, I don’t think this is the sole responsibility of this album. Not even close, but every movement needs a soundtrack, and this was one of them. For that, it should be commended and studied. It should also be kept at the ready because its services may be needed again soon.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

Last month, 398 people read an article on Natetheworld.com. If you were one of them, please consider supporting this website with a monthly gift. Your support means everything and proves to the world that original content still matters.