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Confirmation-bias is a funny thing...

Let's be honest; critics have consistently, historically been all over the place with Muse. Some have long branded them as Spinal Tap come to life; others have claimed they're one of the best bands of this generation, if not the very best; and of course, there are many who have placed themselves between these extremes. Why has there been so much disagreement? Because while every critic has the right to voice his or her opinion, that's all they are - opinions. Musical taste is subjective. One person may love Metallica; the next individual may have a thing for Kenny G; and yet another may have a fantasy of Metallica collaborating with Kenny G. That doesn't make any of the three right or wrong (although I am now kind of curious to hear this hypothetical collaboration). Once again, they're just expressing their own personal viewpoints.

Given that, why is it that some have the seeming need for a critic to see eye-to-eye with their opinion on a song or album, and then share it with the world? Sure, it's fairly commonplace to seek out confirmation-bias, but confirmation-bias doesn't confirm nor deny the validity of said bias. Mark Beaumont has tended to be kind with his reviews on Muse. Does that then mean a positive review by him on the band's latest album is confirmation it's great? No, for it's subjective. Fantano and Pitchfork have never taken too kindly to the band. Does this mean their negative reviews of the aforementioned album mean it's awful? No, for yet again, it's subjective.

The fact of the matter is we all have different tastes in music. For whatever reason, songs hit us differently. One person's garbage is another person's treasure and vice versa. Opinions aren't objective. It's perfectly fine to think Will of the People is the worst album Muse has ever released, but guess what? It's also perfectly reasonable to think it's the best album in their catalog. Don't think the latest record is at the very top or bottom of the band's discography? That works too. There is no right or wrong answer. So, for those who want to show the world a critic or two align with your views that Muse's recently released album is garbage, fine; way to go; congratulations, but stop trying to ruin the experience for those who love it. And for those who allow a critic or two to ruin your album-experience, come on... If you enjoy it, who gives a sh*t what anyone else thinks? Why must we try to convince those who don't see eye-to-eye with us that we're right? Like it or don't like it, our opinions are just that - subjective, not objective. If you enjoy an album, then great, listen to it. If you don't; that's fine too - just listen to something else. Why complain about music we don't like when we could be listening to and enjoying music we do like?

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