Algorithm
by Muse

Album: Simulation Theory (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • An algorithm is a step-by-step list of procedures used to solve a problem. This can be done by a human but usually they are written to be run by a computer. The word is derived from the 9th-Century Persian mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, (Latinized Algoritmi). Here, Matt Bellamy sings about his anxieties concerning technology and how algorithms "render us obsolete."

    Burn like a slave
    Churn like a cog
    We are caged in simulations
    Algorithms evolve
    Push us aside and render us obsolete


    Speaking with Forbes, Bellamy said he had in mind how the emergence of artificial intelligence is taking away musicians jobs. He explained that in the 20th century musicians beyond spent a lot of time and effort into learning to play instruments. "Suddenly this century starts, you're going to festivals and there are people turning up with laptops, hitting play and headlining festivals."

    "Someone switching on a laptop," he added is "literally putting about 30 people out of a job in terms of musicians."
  • The song's dystopian music video continues the story from the previously released "Pressure" clip. It retains the services of Brooklyn 99's Terry Crews, who plays a cyber scientist.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.