Muse » Tracks » Map of the Problematique

Muse – Map of the Problematique (4:17)

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About This Track

“Map of the Problematique” is a song by English alternative rock band Muse, released on their 2006 fourth studio album, Black Holes and Revelations. It was released as the fifth single from the album on 18 June 2007 as a digital download only. The release date followed the two concerts Muse performed at Wembley Stadium on June 16 and June 17. The song has been closely compared to “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode due to its similar chord progression and arrangement. Muse frontman Matthew Bellamy has also cited Depeche Mode as inspiration for the song in interviews.

The title is a reference to a book called The Limits to Growth (1972) and the Club of Rome think-tank who would create a “map of the problematique” detailing the “global problematique” - a set of likely challenges the world might face in the near future. The Limits to Growth correctly predicted the economic crisis of 2008. In addition, the opening lyric, “fear and panic in the air” may be a reference to Mars, in that the red planet’s two moons are named Phobos and Deimos, who were the Greek gods of Fear and Panic. Such a connection would fit in with numerous references to Mars in the album. It bears similarity with the music of Depeche Mode, especially Enjoy the Silence, and is a rare track in musical terms as it does not use the dominant chord ever in the riff: C minor, E flat major, A flat major, F minor.

“Map of the Problematique” was used in trailers for Children of Men (2006). Also used in the commercial for Prison Break. A short clip of the song was also used during the BBC’s coverage of Rugby Sevens World Series.
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  • Black Holes and Revelations
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  • Map Of The Problematique
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  • Johnny_D

    sounds like The Cure

    Sunday afternoon

  • macarrones

    Yes, favourite Muse song :)

    25 days ago

  • paninctate

    favourite muse song :)

    last month

  • JellFreak

    gergous intro x)

    last month

  • CheezyNoodles

    AMAZING!

    last month

  • Guuy

    THE BEST of Muse

    last month

  • Ultra_DM_

    <3

    last month

  • irapepeople

    This song reminds me of 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' by Joy Division.

    last month

  • redandblu

    AAHH!! This song is BOSS!!

    March 2012

  • jonnyj24

    Good lord what a fantastic song. The music, lyrics, everything. There is not a single lame moment in this one. I don't know if its the best song I've ever heard, but definitely agree without a doubt that it's the best of Muse.

    March 2012

  • kouta55

    sounds like depeche mode

    March 2012

  • eN4ez

    my favorite song of Muse

    March 2012

  • sancezz

    Not just the best song by Muse. The best song I've ever heard.

    March 2012

  • all_the_way

    whenwiwethis loneliness be ova?!

    March 2012

  • SmicTaguer

    favourite

    March 2012

  • majcia7161

    :O

    March 2012

  • xrvolume

    Great Song!

    March 2012

  • BandGenius

    Do Hear Depeche Mode?

    February 2012

  • Creeper212

    Awesome.

    February 2012

  • Amethyst_chick

    This song is so incredible. This and Bliss are my favourites :D

    February 2012
See all 1,116 shouts

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