"Map of the Problematique" | ||||
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Single by Muse | ||||
from the album Black Holes and Revelations | ||||
Released | 18 June 2007 | |||
Format | Digital download | |||
Recorded | August – December 2005 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:18 | |||
Label | ||||
Writer(s) | Matthew Bellamy | |||
Producer(s) |
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Muse singles chronology | ||||
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"Map of the Problematique" is a song by English alternative rock band Muse, released as the fifth single from their fourth studio album Black Holes and Revelations on 18 June 2007 as a digital download only. The release date followed the two concerts Muse performed at Wembley Stadium on 16 and 17 June.
The title is a reference to the book 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. 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.
"Map of the Problematique" was used in trailers for Children of Men (2006) and The Tourist (2010), and the commercial for Prison Break. The song was used in whole in the ICRC's short film 'Our world, our challenges'. A short clip of the song was also used during the BBC's coverage of Rugby Sevens World Series. The song was also used as the "countdown" theme at the opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics.
"Map of the Problematique" is an electronic rock song featuring heavy use of synthesizers, distortion, flanging and octave shifting. Written in the key of C minor, it moves in common time at a moderately fast tempo of 130 bpm. Lead singer Matthew Bellamy's displayed vocal range spans from B♭3 to C5. His vocals in the song are overdubbed to create an echo effect.