Just recently got in to this band and I am in love with their music. I know they have been around awhile and I am late to the party. I couldn’t agree more with the OP, as they bring in elements of other great bands into their music and certainly have their own style. They remind me of Rush in the aspect of having a very unique style and only being three person band. Waiting patiently for their next tour, I am going no matter where it is.
I don't care what anyone says, that piano riff is one of the most uplifting things I've ever heard and the vocals are pretty dream-like too. Solid song.
I've taken my son to Muse shows all through his teenage years, and this is the one song where we put our arms around each other and sing the whole song together. He's 22 now, and we look forward to the Muse tour for '19. And he's not too old to continue our tradition. Thanks for this eye opening breakdown, Rick!
I don't understand why huge acts aren't seeking this guy out to produce them. I've looked at his credits and I really only recognized one or two names. The level and breadth of this man's knowledge and his ability to explain it - and translate it on any instrument in the studio is staggering. Not to mention he just seems like a person you'd want to spend time with on a project; confident but no ego, likable as hell. Just the learning experience would be worth it. I don't know if he actively pursues projects or if he's really just happier teaching and doing the YT channel, but I am so glad I subbed.
Thank you Robert! I am not interested in producing anymore so I turn down every project I’m offered. Talking about great songs is very different than producing bands which have in most cases mediocre songs I’m sorry to say. I am much happier to be here on TH-cam or teaching in general.
Rick is right, in the sense that people like myself who had early training, but learned most everything by ear, just feel stupid when someone brings the depth and breadth of knowledge he has. i can hear when anything is off, but i couldn't tell you in technical terms, still, i would have never called my band mediocre. 20 yrs of playing together brings a communication you get with time.
Muse is : -3 aliens who play their instruments like gods, since the beginning (first WONDERFUL album at 21 and some EPIC song written at 16, Uno for example) -accompanied by an INCREDIBLE compositor to link their virtuosity to incredible compositions -authenticity BUT an authenticity accessible to all -a MAGIC main vocal -BEAUTIFUL chorus -a leader who seems interested in everything around him -3 guys who express themselves with music and dedicated their live with passion to it -a band who share their deepest emotions with us -strongs messages -musicians who take risks, experience things and always do incredibly well -a band sometimes better in live than in studio -AMAZING lives -3 guys who seems rather pleasant and humble That is, in short, why Muse is the greatest band from the 2000. (In my, and many people, opinion)
Hidden sometimes bands may use something that’s barely audible (especially muse, did you know that Matt actually sings the solo in survival along with the guitar? It’s barely audible). He probably just turned it up to show it off
One of the best things I ever did was to see Muse on the Absolution tour in a medium-small venue - it was like watching 3 aliens land, deal the goods and then leave. They were so tight.
@@verpeiler089 Oh tell me about it!! Saw them Feb 2000 at a max-300 venue and I was right in the front about 10ft away from Matt virtually the whole gig!!! Simply awesome! Saw them again this time last year - few more people that time though!!! ;-)
This song is so full, so satisfying for lack of a better word. More than a song, it's like a movie! It swells so beautifully it is dizzying. Matt Bellamy sings with so much emotion. It is hard to believe so much sound comes out of so few people. This song makes me cry.
His vocals during the crescendo of the song are incredible. The exasperated sounding “yaaaa” after “black holes and revelations” is powerful to me and the variation of the melody for “hold you in my arms” part is gorgeous, and we only get it once. Then he sings it one last time with the original melody and then A great sustained note that’s held after the instruments are done with power and vibrato. Epic vocal performance.
This band is so talented they’re the reason I wanted to play an instrument and Chris Wolstenholmes riffs are the reason I went with the bass. Love this song, maybe next time you do a Muse song you can do Newborn or Knights of Cydonia ;) Thanks again Rick, great vid
Muse uses melodies and arpeggios like none other. They create this ethereal sound unique to them and others are wise to copy but it truly defines every song they create.
Man, I'm so glad you did Muse! They're one of my favourite bands! I had no idea Starlight had so much nuance in it. I would've expected that more from songs like Stockholm Syndrome, Hysteria, Citizen Erased and City of Delusion. Then again, you can always count on Muse to blow your mind with seemingly simple songs.
“Black holes and revelations” over the space-y synth arpeggios is one of the coolest parts of any song ever. It sounds epic, for lack of a better word.
Man, I love Muse. They can make a complex song so easy to get into. Like I love prog rock, but most of my friends don't like the bands I like (Rush, Genesis, Yes, Radiohead, etc.) but Muse can be super easy to get into, especially with their newer stuff. Origin of Symmetry and Absolution could be a little weird though. I love music that can be complex and still have a fun easy quality about them.
@Project-awesome customs and music, Prog rock fan myself and Rick helped me understand why. Shame he can't use real examples from the bands anymore. If you haven't seen his video on Bach, check it out.
Muse is like a bridge between the weird, complex & proggy side of rock to the more mainstream, pop & easy to the ears of casual listeners. They offer songs from both worlds, & that is why they are relevant to this day.
Can you do City of Delusion by Muse? I always thought that was an interesting and undermentioned Muse song with lots of cool, layered composition going on. I would love to hear your take/breakdown. If not, just keep up the good work on whatever you do! Love it.
This is one of those songs I used to love, but I overplayed it, got bored, and kind of forgot how great it was for years. This video is an awesome breakdown and a needed reminder of how cool this song is.
I don't have any kind of knowledge in music so I don't understand many things you explain here, but I'm impressed how deep you were able to dig into this beautiful song and getting all its details. It's like when a mechanic dismount a whole machine and extracts all its components. (Sorry for my English)
Gold. Gold. Gold.........Rick is such a masterful teacher, and I am THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINED!!!!!!!! When Rick isolates to where you can only hear certain parts. It's magic. ESPECIALLY, when it's POWERFUL VOCALS. There's nothing like it, like in his Bohemian Rhapsody breakdown and the isolated parts of ONLY HEARING FREDDY'S VOICE. Massive Eternal Respect, Rick.
I’m very familiar with this song. The album version doesn’t have any synth in the intro. All the intricacies definitely further my appreciation for Matt Bellamy’s genius.
This is wonderful. I was listening to the song in memory of my brother who died three years ago. I can still hear him sing this song , he was a huge fan of Muse . Then your video came up , fantastic . Thank you my friend ❤
Yes! More Muse! They just came out with a new song called Won't Stand Down which would make a great breakdown video. Pisses me off that these guys aren't on more Top 10 charts for you to interact with. I think you'd dig the chorus guitar riff.
I always liked Starlight but I never thought that it's a great song until I watch this video. thank you Rick for showing me that this is a real musical masterpiece
Oh man I’m so ready for this one! I saw the drones tour, it was amazing. They had huge holograms and actual drones. I like to mix songs from black holes and revelations and resistance together to make a super sci fi album. I put a touch screen in my guitar to connect to midi effects like Matt. Muse really got me into synth, and not just guitar
Muse is one of the best newer bands comparable to someone like Rush, Kansas, even Led Zeppelin in complexity and musical excellence. Thanks for doing this one and I echo the idea of having some more Muse. Watch some of the live Muse from last year on TH-cam for an amazing view into their performance excellence. Such a tight band.
Rick, Muse is one of the best bands out there. There use of orchestration combined with their rock style is great. I know bands like the Beatles also combined the orchestra with their rock, but not like Muse.
@@jccanizal6410 why does everyone have to say this when someone says they like muse. Nobody cares if you think that muse aren't as good as radiohead, just let people enjoy the music without comparing them.
@@wattson451 not all of their songs are depressing, at least for me, for me their music is very specific, not necessarily depressing, check out in rainbows, it's not depressing, it just feels good ✌️
Just saw Muse on Saturday. The show was amazing. Who is doing there live production has STEPPED THEIR GAME UP. by the way the drums on the record are different. The bassist is amazing they use synth in ways I’ve never seen with generators on their guitars; STUNNING.
Rick seems like a well studied man who like all who have become successful has busted his ass and overcome people who may have been more obstacle than coddler. His passion is infectious and helps me understand why some songs transend.
As much as I sincerely love this series on what makes a song great, I do feel that one missing component is an analysis on the lyrics of every song you've covered. They are just as important as everything else involved in the composition of a great song.
With so many bands content to sound like Joshua Tree era U2, it's refreshing to hear bands like Muse and Coldplay stretching out to sound very much like 1991-2000 era U2. Credit to you boys....
I think Muse are making classical music for the modern age. in order to really understand their music, you have to be with great ears and musically talented and educated. There are so many parts and layers in their songs that a non-true passionate musician will never gonna get. Bach and Rachmaninoff and other giants would be proud.
Everytime I hear the piano line I think of the chorus to ABC's "Be Near Me": "All my dreams came true last night, all my hopes and fears..." Even the chord motion (using substitutions) is quite similar.
Thank you! I was just uploading the video and was going to comment, but you beat me to it. It's pretty much the EXACT SAME. But, like in most music, it's very easy to come up with something organically but have it sound like something else.
I'd be interested to hear a psychological analysis as to why these things are so appealing as well, outside of maybe the simplicity in chord structure and other such tropes. Dunno if that's something you would be able to offer. Very cool, though. Love hearing the synth raw.
Reed Fitzpatrick Considering how much he seems to address chords and riffs and instrument tones, the series would more aptly be named What Makes This Record Great. Good stuff, but yeah, I'm with you in that I'd love to hear more of why people like the song.
This question actually brings in a whole host of cultural considerations rather than musical. These songs are appealing and emotional to us in the western musical tradition because we have been "trained" since the mid 16th century to react and identify with the western music construct and tonal system. This is partly the reason why so many folks just "don't get" or "enjoy" renaissance polyphony, for example. Music was not constructed back then using our modern day western tonal system (I - IV - V)... so it sounds somewhat "foreign" to us, and also does not allow us to make the emotional connections that people back then, when that was all they knew, could make. You literally could spend the rest of your life discussing and talking about why music makes us feel the way we do, or why some songs more than others, and that would be lovely conversation to have. That being said, there are certain things that we know will have an impact on us because of the timbre, tonality, etc. You want to write sad music, for example? Just put it in d minor... it is, after all, "the saddest of all keys" . :-)
Is it cultural or has 'Western' music unlocked a formula that resonates with all humans more emotionally? I say this because I lived in Asia where they haven't had 400 years of Western music but still relate to it quite easily. Western music has exported itself everywhere because it works better. As opposed to the myriad of non-western music which while it has it's merits, never had the same resonance outside their local markets.
@@gooble69 "Western music has exported itself everywhere because it works better." Oooor... because it has much much more marketing power behind it in the hands of the English-speaking record industry. I guess it's difficult to know for sure, and the answer probably lies somewhere in between.
9:50 One of my favorite things that makes this song great is the high vocal line that comes in over the melody at bar 57. It packs a real emotional punch, like the ooh oohs in Where is My Mind by the Pixies.
This is my favorite Muse song 🤓👏😎 Cool to see the breakdown. These guys are brilliant! Looking forward to seeing them live this year for the first time! My wonderful wife bought tickets for “me” (she’s a huge Muse fan herself) for my birthday.
RICK, please get MUSE on for an interview? - Could be interesting for people who don't know MUSE that well to talk about Matt's 'weird' guitars, his songwriting, producing, live shows, influences, the fact their music is so diverse but also always SO classically and typically MUSE etc. - They have been around for such a long time, influencing so many people, but they; Matt, Dom and Chris, are all very VERY grossly underrated as guitarist, drummer and bassist by the general music audience. - I think your channel could be a perfect way for them to connect with (new) fans via a youtube channel that is not part of the 'old school media' channels on here nobody follows anymore. - < LIKE THIS COMMENT IF YOU WANT RICK TO SEE THIS >
I love the hell out of this song, so this was such a fascinating look inside how it all works! It's too bad (in terms of what's available to analyze-nothing wrong with the song itself) that there's not more going on with the drums and bass in "Starlight" because Dom and Chris frequently have more complex parts to play (I'm thinking of songs like "Stockholm Syndrome" and "Hysteria," for example-the bass in "Hysteria" especially).
Been listening to this song regularly since the day this record was released and have never heard most of the buried synth lines in it. What a discovery!
I love this song, I've listened to it so many times, and I can't understand how I never noticed how many interesting things are happening in this song.
Rick, this is a great video! I was a music major and studied vigorous theory courses. Most of my peers were pretentious classical music elitists, which really killed my vibe. What I appreciate about this video is that even in one of Muse's (favorite band) simplest songs, breaking it down you still find complexities within. Forget all these fools complaining about the song choice. There is still a great deal of impressive music theory behind even this simple song. Thanks for the upload!
Btw, I know Starlight is a great song but, imho, there are better songs, take a look at Futurism, Hysteria, Butterflies and Hurricanes, Darkshines, Space Dementia, Screenager (this one is really cool, almost pure disonant chords), Falling Down, etc. It would be really cool if u analyze "Hoodoo", it is a really nice song, cool video still, congratz.
I got really Into researching the mechanics of how map of the problematique was made myself trying to mimic it with guitar gear instead of an automation playing it is fairly easy but the actually setup is pretty interesting and fairly complicated I use midi to control my whammy but man how do you even write a song with that in mind It’s like they wanted an effect that doesn’t really exist so made it happen in production with a fairly complicated live setup I fake it with a molten midi plugged into the whammy so it’s all pedals Also the Laoss pad has a similar effect but the pattern in the actual song changes more times so to be accurate you really need processing but you can do 1 or two patterns and get really close All the songs you mentioned are really great
John Fletcher yeah I just love how he breaks down into parts and layers how things are produced and created it really gives insight into the steps along the way of an idea to a finished song and shows how deep you can really go
Thanks! When I listen to this one, along with the Coldplay video, I get a definite U2 vibe. I don't know much about either band or their music, but it seems they're both somewhat influenced by U2. That's a little strange, of course, because both songs are really keyboard driven. I think it's some more general quality; not sure. Not my taste, but cool breakdowns. Thanks again! Rikki Tikki.
Starlight is Muse’s best song from beginning to end. The arrangement, baselines, drums, vocal melodies, piano, etc is perfect! You could listen to this song as a child and as an old man; it’s a timeless song!
The Only Guvs You could at least explain more what you're arguing. Just saying no doesn't help anything. If you don't agree, either say I don't agree or don't say anything.
You made me really LISTEN to this song. I have listened to it thousands of times, but never so deeply, eyes closed and everything. Enjoyed too much. Thanks.
There are two things that always astonish me about these videos Rick makes: The first is obviously the depth of Rick's knowledge, his insights; his ability to learn and replicate solos; and the enormous work he puts into them. The second is the comments from people who ignore ALL this man's work and either say "this song sucks" or "Do Roundabout by Yes". How about acting like musicians folks? If you and your drummer go for pulled pork nachos and a pitcher and get back back to the rehearsal studio two hours later to find your bass player has figured out The Lemon Song, or written a spectacular middle eight to your latest tune you don't complain! You respect the effort he made, for you, while you were sitting on your ass picking off the jalapeños. Rick could make a video about Muskrat Love and I'd watch it and appreciate it. Let's be pros here guys.
Rick, i really think you should do a video on a power trio, and show how they made the band sound big, even with the lack of extra instruments( Andy Timmons Band, The Aristocrats, even The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
@RickBeato Awesome! Please please please do another MUSE Song. Like „pressure“ or „hysteria“ or if we want to get bonkers even „New Born“. It’s one of the last talented r e a l musicians you cAn tell: everybody knows their instruments. Please Rick, one of the last talented true versatile Rockbands - they should deserve it ! Thanx ❤️❤️❤️
Great video, but this is an early version of the song. I have the same 4 tracks on my PC. The Vocals and the guitar part are the same as the final version of the song. The bass and drum parts were re-recorded. The drum pattern is slightly different. A "Clap" track was added to the final version, in which the clap pattern when decoded from morse code spells out "tits". The piano/synth parts all mixed together is almost all final. The weird sound effect found in the first 8 seconds, and during the verses was removed or buried deep in the mix on the final version, the rest of it was used in the final mix :)
There's something you actually missed in the bridge, and that's a slight variation in the melody of the vocals one the word "expectations". This kind of tiny changes throughout a song is what often makes me fall in love with it... Great job as always!!
I would have liked to hear more of your commentary about why the song was so great. We mostly just got a chord breakdown. I love the song, but was waiting for more of an explanation.
Muse is probably the greatest band of the last 20 years. Their live shows are legendary.
Couldn't agree more! I've seen them 3x and wish it were 30
Just recently got in to this band and I am in love with their music. I know they have been around awhile and I am late to the party. I couldn’t agree more with the OP, as they bring in elements of other great bands into their music and certainly have their own style. They remind me of Rush in the aspect of having a very unique style and only being three person band. Waiting patiently for their next tour, I am going no matter where it is.
I'm a huge music nerd of the last 70 years and i always say the Muse is the greatest band post 2000
One of my all time favorites
Please please please do another Muse episode in the future
This comment doesn’t have any useless replies so here you go
@@cyan1sh Another one here
Please, please, please let me get what I want
Another one
JKL_147 they are no blockers! What about a more recent song like Break it to me ?
I don't care what anyone says, that piano riff is one of the most uplifting things I've ever heard and the vocals are pretty dream-like too. Solid song.
That's exactly how I would describe this song overall dream like. Absolutely beautiful!
I agree! I understand hardcore Muse fans are not too keen on this song, but I absolutely love it for the reasons you've described.
Agree its a solid song but not one of Muse's best imho
You might say it's "uprising"😉
Look up Nubia by Aly and Fila
I've taken my son to Muse shows all through his teenage years, and this is the one song where we put our arms around each other and sing the whole song together. He's 22 now, and we look forward to the Muse tour for '19. And he's not too old to continue our tradition.
Thanks for this eye opening breakdown, Rick!
Parenting done right! 👍
what a beautiful memory to share man! That's what music is all about!
My Mom took me to my first Muse concert in 2010 and now I'm 26 and have seen them live 24 times. They're the greatest ♥️
Who is cutting all these onions???
Dude. Parent of the decade. Rock on!
Rick naming all those arpeggios during the bridge shows how much I don't know about theory, damn.
I got dizzy
damn! the bridge is the ultimate
You dont know what an arpeggio is? Have you ever taken ANY music class?
Franklin Barnes he didnt say that he doesn’t know what an arpeggio is...
@@mikebarnes7441 We're all always learning so please don't make someone feel less welcome here.
I don't understand why huge acts aren't seeking this guy out to produce them. I've looked at his credits and I really only recognized one or two names. The level and breadth of this man's knowledge and his ability to explain it - and translate it on any instrument in the studio is staggering.
Not to mention he just seems like a person you'd want to spend time with on a project; confident but no ego, likable as hell. Just the learning experience would be worth it. I don't know if he actively pursues projects or if he's really just happier teaching and doing the YT channel, but I am so glad I subbed.
Thank you Robert! I am not interested in producing anymore so I turn down every project I’m offered. Talking about great songs is very different than producing bands which have in most cases mediocre songs I’m sorry to say. I am much happier to be here on TH-cam or teaching in general.
Rick, their loss is our gain. You're a great teacher and I'll continue to recommend your channel to musicians I know.
Rick is right, in the sense that people like myself who had early training, but learned most everything by ear, just feel stupid when someone brings the depth and breadth of knowledge he has. i can hear when anything is off, but i couldn't tell you in technical terms, still, i would have never called my band mediocre. 20 yrs of playing together brings a communication you get with time.
@@theice-nineproject9275 so are you Ace Frehley or Joe Satriani?
I see what you’re saying but you could turn those mediocre songs into hit songs mr beato?
jesus, just shows how amazing these musicians are to layer all that together so it works
Muse is :
-3 aliens who play their instruments like gods, since the beginning (first WONDERFUL album at 21 and some EPIC song written at 16, Uno for example)
-accompanied by an INCREDIBLE compositor to link their virtuosity to incredible compositions
-authenticity BUT an authenticity accessible to all
-a MAGIC main vocal
-BEAUTIFUL chorus
-a leader who seems interested in everything around him
-3 guys who express themselves with music and dedicated their live with passion to it
-a band who share their deepest emotions with us
-strongs messages
-musicians who take risks, experience things and always do incredibly well
-a band sometimes better in live than in studio
-AMAZING lives
-3 guys who seems rather pleasant and humble
That is, in short, why Muse is the greatest band from the 2000. (In my, and many people, opinion)
Totally agree.
Underrated comment
Totally this!!
that is the perfect description
Agree in 2023, still the same super talented, creative and humble guys they always were.
I’ve never noticed the synth line in the beginning
there is no synths in the final album version of this song
Yeah they don't exist in the final master. Not sure what stems Rick is using. Doesn't appear he did his research.
Hidden sometimes bands may use something that’s barely audible (especially muse, did you know that Matt actually sings the solo in survival along with the guitar? It’s barely audible). He probably just turned it up to show it off
this is the studio stems/multitrack version that muse released
@@mtrps_ Like, publicly released? Where do you get them?
One of the best things I ever did was to see Muse on the Absolution tour in a medium-small venue - it was like watching 3 aliens land, deal the goods and then leave. They were so tight.
This is my favorite concert of all time. I saw them at the Tabernacle in Atlanta. To this day nothing has topped that concert.
Yeah, saw them back then in Munich. Just fantastic. Been following muse since end of the nineties when they played here in front of 200 people.
@@verpeiler089 Oh tell me about it!! Saw them Feb 2000 at a max-300 venue and I was right in the front about 10ft away from Matt virtually the whole gig!!! Simply awesome! Saw them again this time last year - few more people that time though!!! ;-)
This song is so full, so satisfying for lack of a better word. More than a song, it's like a movie! It swells so beautifully it is dizzying. Matt Bellamy sings with so much emotion. It is hard to believe so much sound comes out of so few people. This song makes me cry.
I agree! This song is absolutely beautiful and an entire experience! It just fills me with so much emotion as well!
I’d love a knights of cydonia break down. Really nifty chord progression I’d like to understand why they did it a bit more
14:31 I cannot hear that last sustain on his voice without expecting the opening roar to supermassive black hole
His vocals during the crescendo of the song are incredible. The exasperated sounding “yaaaa” after “black holes and revelations” is powerful to me and the variation of the melody for “hold you in my arms” part is gorgeous, and we only get it once. Then he sings it one last time with the original melody and then A great sustained note that’s held after the instruments are done with power and vibrato. Epic vocal performance.
This band is so talented they’re the reason I wanted to play an instrument and Chris Wolstenholmes riffs are the reason I went with the bass. Love this song, maybe next time you do a Muse song you can do Newborn or Knights of Cydonia ;)
Thanks again Rick, great vid
Every damn time I hear the bass of Hysteria or Easily I sit there and think "I really want to learn bass."
All hail the bass
Plug In Baby and Hyper Music bass riffs are really under rated IMO. Hysteria is the only thing that comes to people's minds when it comes to Muse
Miguel Pereira futurism too, that bass line is dope af
@@saidmohammadzuhair2509 Yeah that one is badass aswell
Muse uses melodies and arpeggios like none other. They create this ethereal sound unique to them and others are wise to copy but it truly defines every song they create.
Matt Bellamy is such a great musician. So freakin talented. We need more Muse videos from you, Rick!
Man, I'm so glad you did Muse! They're one of my favourite bands! I had no idea Starlight had so much nuance in it. I would've expected that more from songs like Stockholm Syndrome, Hysteria, Citizen Erased and City of Delusion. Then again, you can always count on Muse to blow your mind with seemingly simple songs.
Chris Mouton I know! Muse is great!
Amen to that!
A lot more going on here than I thought.
Agreed! I knew this album had complicated synth lines in it but actually hearing that movement alone is very cool, especially the arpeggios.
Agreed. Same for this whole series tbh
I had no clue about the synth arpeggios at the beggining indeed !
All written by one dude lol
@@abdaniel487 Those arpeggios are awesome!! My old band played this song and I played them all by hand because i'm basically a psychopath hahaha
“Black holes and revelations” over the space-y synth arpeggios is one of the coolest parts of any song ever. It sounds epic, for lack of a better word.
Man, I love Muse. They can make a complex song so easy to get into. Like I love prog rock, but most of my friends don't like the bands I like (Rush, Genesis, Yes, Radiohead, etc.) but Muse can be super easy to get into, especially with their newer stuff. Origin of Symmetry and Absolution could be a little weird though. I love music that can be complex and still have a fun easy quality about them.
@Project-awesome customs and music, Prog rock fan myself and Rick helped me understand why. Shame he can't use real examples from the bands anymore. If you haven't seen his video on Bach, check it out.
Muse is like a bridge between the weird, complex & proggy side of rock to the more mainstream, pop & easy to the ears of casual listeners.
They offer songs from both worlds, & that is why they are relevant to this day.
Dang, I was really hoping for Knights of Cydonia
CORF same
Me too, but most of the time Rick tends to change up what we think the song is going to be. (Or it could be what tracks Rick owns?)
That or Butterflies and Hurricanes. Glad he did some Muse, though!
Same :( maybe even Supermassive Black Hole but Starlight is still wonderful in itself
I really thought it was gonna be New Born, but I still like Starlight
Electrify my life...
As the electric guitar comes in.
Fantastic
yeeeeeeeah
Can you do City of Delusion by Muse? I always thought that was an interesting and undermentioned Muse song with lots of cool, layered composition going on. I would love to hear your take/breakdown.
If not, just keep up the good work on whatever you do! Love it.
This is one of those songs I used to love, but I overplayed it, got bored, and kind of forgot how great it was for years. This video is an awesome breakdown and a needed reminder of how cool this song is.
I don't have any kind of knowledge in music so I don't understand many things you explain here, but I'm impressed how deep you were able to dig into this beautiful song and getting all its details. It's like when a mechanic dismount a whole machine and extracts all its components. (Sorry for my English)
I'm here to also ask for another Muse episode, the depth of their songs is incredible and worthy of more of your great breakdowns!
Gold. Gold. Gold.........Rick is such a masterful teacher, and I am THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINED!!!!!!!!
When Rick isolates to where you can only hear certain parts. It's magic.
ESPECIALLY, when it's POWERFUL VOCALS. There's nothing like it, like in his Bohemian Rhapsody breakdown and the isolated parts of ONLY HEARING FREDDY'S VOICE.
Massive Eternal Respect, Rick.
I’m very familiar with this song. The album version doesn’t have any synth in the intro.
All the intricacies definitely further my appreciation for Matt Bellamy’s genius.
YES! and some drum groove variations deleted on the album version
@@disaprimat I prefer the studio version, makes the main keyboard hook hit harder when it comes up
This is wonderful. I was listening to the song in memory of my brother who died three years ago. I can still hear him sing this song , he was a huge fan of Muse . Then your video came up , fantastic . Thank you my friend ❤
Yes! More Muse! They just came out with a new song called Won't Stand Down which would make a great breakdown video. Pisses me off that these guys aren't on more Top 10 charts for you to interact with. I think you'd dig the chorus guitar riff.
My absolute favorite Muse song. Something about it, right from the beginning, pulls you in and carries you along.
I already love this song, but seeing each individual element broken down and played separately gave me a deeper appreciation for it.
I always liked Starlight but I never thought that it's a great song until I watch this video. thank you Rick for showing me that this is a real musical masterpiece
Oh man I’m so ready for this one! I saw the drones tour, it was amazing. They had huge holograms and actual drones.
I like to mix songs from black holes and revelations and resistance together to make a super sci fi album. I put a touch screen in my guitar to connect to midi effects like Matt.
Muse really got me into synth, and not just guitar
sirkreuab
Punctuation?
Orangeboy1345 was all set to leave a crass reply , but just for you friend. Cheers :)
sirkreuab
*for you, friend.
Sorry, I had to ... cheers!
Orangeboy1345 lol
Muse is one of the best newer bands comparable to someone like Rush, Kansas, even Led Zeppelin in complexity and musical excellence. Thanks for doing this one and I echo the idea of having some more Muse. Watch some of the live Muse from last year on TH-cam for an amazing view into their performance excellence. Such a tight band.
God i love those sci fi arpeggios from muse. Never noticed the first keyboard sound from the start of the song though
I can’t read music, nor am I musically inclined, yet I am fascinated by this What Makes This Song Great series. Well done!
Rick, Muse is one of the best bands out there. There use of orchestration combined with their rock style is great. I know bands like the Beatles also combined the orchestra with their rock, but not like Muse.
Check out electric light orchestra the album is Time. Came out in 1980 or 81 and you can hear very similar styles.
Heh Muse doesn't even hold a candle to Radiohead.
@@jccanizal6410 why does everyone have to say this when someone says they like muse. Nobody cares if you think that muse aren't as good as radiohead, just let people enjoy the music without comparing them.
Person Guy I love both Muse and Radiohead, but don't you think Radiohead's songs are depression-inducing?
@@wattson451 not all of their songs are depressing, at least for me, for me their music is very specific, not necessarily depressing, check out in rainbows, it's not depressing, it just feels good ✌️
We need more Muse!!
Just saw Muse on Saturday. The show was amazing. Who is doing there live production has STEPPED THEIR GAME UP.
by the way the drums on the record are different.
The bassist is amazing
they use synth in ways I’ve never seen with generators on their guitars; STUNNING.
wow those vocal harmonies are hauntingly beautiful
Pls do butterflies snd hurricanes!!!!
Rick seems like a well studied man who like all who have become successful has busted his ass and overcome people who may have been more obstacle than coddler. His passion is infectious and helps me understand why some songs transend.
matt bellamys father was the guitarist in the tornados, who had a us number 1 with telstar. knights of cydonia is a bit of a tribute to that song.
❤
As much as I sincerely love this series on what makes a song great, I do feel that one missing component is an analysis on the lyrics of every song you've covered. They are just as important as everything else involved in the composition of a great song.
I can't get enough of Rick breaking down songs. This series is soooooo good!
Matt Bellamy's voice is so expressive.
With so many bands content to sound like Joshua Tree era U2, it's refreshing to hear bands like Muse and Coldplay stretching out to sound very much like 1991-2000 era U2. Credit to you boys....
Muse is like multiple genres basically
@@Kmurd2003
Agree.
Alternative rock, prog rock, some grunge elements, space rock, heavy riff close to metal, pop, ballad, opera rock, & many more!
Saw Muse twice... highly recommend. Wells Fargo in Philly high energy amazing artist !
Love the fact you put Muse on your list!!One Of my new favorites !!
My favorite song by one of my favorite bands. Saw them in concert twice. The Resistance tour show was amazing.
I think Muse are making classical music for the modern age.
in order to really understand their music, you have to be with great ears and musically talented and educated.
There are so many parts and layers in their songs that a non-true passionate musician will never gonna get.
Bach and Rachmaninoff and other giants would be proud.
I'm not musically talented but I always like their songs. Some songs need several hear before I like it, and realize how actually amazing it is
This is one of those songs I can't help but 'fall into' every time I hear it! Amazing.
Everytime I hear the piano line I think of the chorus to ABC's "Be Near Me": "All my dreams came true last night, all my hopes and fears..." Even the chord motion (using substitutions) is quite similar.
Thank you! I was just uploading the video and was going to comment, but you beat me to it. It's pretty much the EXACT SAME. But, like in most music, it's very easy to come up with something organically but have it sound like something else.
This is the most significant music channel on TH-cam. You can learn so much from him breaking down songs like this
Muse ride that line between alt rock and prog. Love it!
This was fascinating. I didn't actually realise how much was going on in this song. Was great to hear all the different layers
Muse has so many amazing songs to analyze. This is honestly one of the easiest as far as theory. Softball: do City of Delusion
this song acrually makes me into rock music, first time i hear it blown my mind
what a great band, so glad you keep getting these amazing stems
I love those tremolo pick guitar sides. That's really one of Matt's signature guitar moves.
I'd be interested to hear a psychological analysis as to why these things are so appealing as well, outside of maybe the simplicity in chord structure and other such tropes. Dunno if that's something you would be able to offer.
Very cool, though. Love hearing the synth raw.
Reed Fitzpatrick Considering how much he seems to address chords and riffs and instrument tones, the series would more aptly be named What Makes This Record Great.
Good stuff, but yeah, I'm with you in that I'd love to hear more of why people like the song.
This question actually brings in a whole host of cultural considerations rather than musical. These songs are appealing and emotional to us in the western musical tradition because we have been "trained" since the mid 16th century to react and identify with the western music construct and tonal system. This is partly the reason why so many folks just "don't get" or "enjoy" renaissance polyphony, for example. Music was not constructed back then using our modern day western tonal system (I - IV - V)... so it sounds somewhat "foreign" to us, and also does not allow us to make the emotional connections that people back then, when that was all they knew, could make. You literally could spend the rest of your life discussing and talking about why music makes us feel the way we do, or why some songs more than others, and that would be lovely conversation to have. That being said, there are certain things that we know will have an impact on us because of the timbre, tonality, etc. You want to write sad music, for example? Just put it in d minor... it is, after all, "the saddest of all keys" . :-)
Is it cultural or has 'Western' music unlocked a formula that resonates with all humans more emotionally? I say this because I lived in Asia where they haven't had 400 years of Western music but still relate to it quite easily. Western music has exported itself everywhere because it works better. As opposed to the myriad of non-western music which while it has it's merits, never had the same resonance outside their local markets.
@@gooble69 "Western music has exported itself everywhere because it works better." Oooor... because it has much much more marketing power behind it in the hands of the English-speaking record industry. I guess it's difficult to know for sure, and the answer probably lies somewhere in between.
9:50 One of my favorite things that makes this song great is the high vocal line that comes in over the melody at bar 57. It packs a real emotional punch, like the ooh oohs in Where is My Mind by the Pixies.
It's only 1 of 4 rock ballads that brings tears to my eyes. Muse did an exceptional job on this one! :)
Just brilliant. Such an appreciation for that song now. I loved "Time is Running Out". I now like this one just as much. Thanks Rick.
Muse is the one and only make sense rock band after 20's i supposed
This is my favorite Muse song 🤓👏😎 Cool to see the breakdown. These guys are brilliant! Looking forward to seeing them live this year for the first time! My wonderful wife bought tickets for “me” (she’s a huge Muse fan herself) for my birthday.
RICK, please get MUSE on for an interview? - Could be interesting for people who don't know MUSE that well to talk about Matt's 'weird' guitars, his songwriting, producing, live shows, influences, the fact their music is so diverse but also always SO classically and typically MUSE etc. - They have been around for such a long time, influencing so many people, but they; Matt, Dom and Chris, are all very VERY grossly underrated as guitarist, drummer and bassist by the general music audience. - I think your channel could be a perfect way for them to connect with (new) fans via a youtube channel that is not part of the 'old school media' channels on here nobody follows anymore. - < LIKE THIS COMMENT IF YOU WANT RICK TO SEE THIS >
You prove that listening to music is as much of an art is making it. Not everyone can appreciate it.
I love the hell out of this song, so this was such a fascinating look inside how it all works! It's too bad (in terms of what's available to analyze-nothing wrong with the song itself) that there's not more going on with the drums and bass in "Starlight" because Dom and Chris frequently have more complex parts to play (I'm thinking of songs like "Stockholm Syndrome" and "Hysteria," for example-the bass in "Hysteria" especially).
I don’t understand half of what Rick’s talking about but I’m always captivated by these videos and his enthusiasm and knowledge.
Please more Muse!!! Citizen Erased... Bliss... Stockholm Syndrome... Fury... Something Human... Thought Contagion... Algorithm...
Been listening to this song regularly since the day this record was released and have never heard most of the buried synth lines in it. What a discovery!
I could not click this video fast enough. MUSE IS AMAZING
I love this song, I've listened to it so many times, and I can't understand how I never noticed how many interesting things are happening in this song.
thank you for the analysis, i loved this song and didn't know the craft until now :D
Rick, this is a great video! I was a music major and studied vigorous theory courses. Most of my peers were pretentious classical music elitists, which really killed my vibe. What I appreciate about this video is that even in one of Muse's (favorite band) simplest songs, breaking it down you still find complexities within. Forget all these fools complaining about the song choice. There is still a great deal of impressive music theory behind even this simple song. Thanks for the upload!
Btw, I know Starlight is a great song but, imho, there are better songs, take a look at Futurism, Hysteria, Butterflies and Hurricanes, Darkshines, Space Dementia, Screenager (this one is really cool, almost pure disonant chords), Falling Down, etc. It would be really cool if u analyze "Hoodoo", it is a really nice song, cool video still, congratz.
Map Of The Problematic was a dope song too
I got really Into researching the mechanics of how map of the problematique was made myself trying to mimic it with guitar gear instead of an automation playing it is fairly easy but the actually setup is pretty interesting and fairly complicated I use midi to control my whammy but man how do you even write a song with that in mind
It’s like they wanted an effect that doesn’t really exist so made it happen in production with a fairly complicated live setup
I fake it with a molten midi plugged into the whammy so it’s all pedals
Also the Laoss pad has a similar effect but the pattern in the actual song changes more times so to be accurate you really need processing but you can do 1 or two patterns and get really close
All the songs you mentioned are really great
Knights of Cydonia FTW!!
John Fletcher yeah I just love how he breaks down into parts and layers how things are produced and created it really gives insight into the steps along the way of an idea to a finished song and shows how deep you can really go
I was hoping for hysteria.
Knights of Cydonia is SUCH an AWESOME piece of art! You should do a video on it.
Thanks! When I listen to this one, along with the Coldplay video, I get a definite U2 vibe. I don't know much about either band or their music, but it seems they're both somewhat influenced by U2. That's a little strange, of course, because both songs are really keyboard driven. I think it's some more general quality; not sure. Not my taste, but cool breakdowns. Thanks again! Rikki Tikki.
This has been one of my favourite songs performed live and I never knew how complex it actually was
YES ONE OF MY FAV BANDS EVER, Whish you woulda done hysteria, but starlight is also amazing!
Starlight is my all time favorite song. I am so glad I saw this video, I love it even more!
Starlight is Muse’s best song from beginning to end. The arrangement, baselines, drums, vocal melodies, piano, etc is perfect! You could listen to this song as a child and as an old man; it’s a timeless song!
Adam Smith no
Adam Smith ....as a child and as an old men....? Hell yes!
The Only Guvs You could at least explain more what you're arguing. Just saying no doesn't help anything. If you don't agree, either say I don't agree or don't say anything.
You made me really LISTEN to this song. I have listened to it thousands of times, but never so deeply, eyes closed and everything. Enjoyed too much. Thanks.
Now you need to do "Won't Stand Down"
There are two things that always astonish me about these videos Rick makes: The first is obviously the depth of Rick's knowledge, his insights; his ability to learn and replicate solos; and the enormous work he puts into them. The second is the comments from people who ignore ALL this man's work and either say "this song sucks" or "Do Roundabout by Yes". How about acting like musicians folks? If you and your drummer go for pulled pork nachos and a pitcher and get back back to the rehearsal studio two hours later to find your bass player has figured out The Lemon Song, or written a spectacular middle eight to your latest tune you don't complain! You respect the effort he made, for you, while you were sitting on your ass picking off the jalapeños. Rick could make a video about Muskrat Love and I'd watch it and appreciate it. Let's be pros here guys.
Amen!
Rick, i really think you should do a video on a power trio, and show how they made the band sound big, even with the lack of extra instruments( Andy Timmons Band, The Aristocrats, even The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
Wow, this song is even more packed with sounds than I realized. And I already thought it sounded huge and powerful and cool.
I always try to get in early just in case the video gets blocked!
@RickBeato Awesome! Please please please do another MUSE Song. Like „pressure“ or „hysteria“ or if we want to get bonkers even „New Born“. It’s one of the last talented r e a l musicians you cAn tell: everybody knows their instruments. Please Rick, one of the last talented true versatile Rockbands - they should deserve it ! Thanx ❤️❤️❤️
The Killers - Mr. Brightside!!!
Luis Gonzalez that would be nice
Yes!
Yes!!
Omg yes
The killers have made way Better songs
Ok, I’ll say it then. Incredible vocal performance, particularly in the chorus. Just so uplifting.
Great video, but this is an early version of the song. I have the same 4 tracks on my PC. The Vocals and the guitar part are the same as the final version of the song. The bass and drum parts were re-recorded. The drum pattern is slightly different. A "Clap" track was added to the final version, in which the clap pattern when decoded from morse code spells out "tits". The piano/synth parts all mixed together is almost all final. The weird sound effect found in the first 8 seconds, and during the verses was removed or buried deep in the mix on the final version, the rest of it was used in the final mix :)
There's something you actually missed in the bridge, and that's a slight variation in the melody of the vocals one the word "expectations".
This kind of tiny changes throughout a song is what often makes me fall in love with it... Great job as always!!
Chris Wolstenholme is such an amazing bassist.
I would have liked to hear more of your commentary about why the song was so great. We mostly just got a chord breakdown. I love the song, but was waiting for more of an explanation.
7:53 one of my favorite Beato moments
I cried and laughfed in the arpeggio section. It is pure magic!