Unlimited Music

Since their formation in 1996, Linkin Park has been one of the most unique bands in the nation. Their blend of screaming vocals with cool rapping was original and instantly appealing to millions of fans. Their first two CDs, Hybrid Theory and Meteora, were terrific listens from start to finish. Just about every song on both CDs succeeded in its own merits and had fans asking for more. Even their remix CD, suitably named Reanimation, and their cooperative effort with Jay-Z, Collision Course, were well produced, intelligent releases. With such expectations behind their third studio album, Linkin Park band members assured the public that this effort would be their best yet weeks before the CD came out.

Unfortunately, this promise wasn’t met, not by a long shot. The general premise behind Minutes to Midnight is that it would signal a shift in the traditional “Linkin Park style” and set a map for the future for the group. This was emphasized by the lack of traditional formula songs, featuring Chester Bennington screaming and Mike Shinoda rapping in between. While this departure from the normal can certainly be seen as bold, it simply did not work.

There probably isn’t a Linkin Park fan in the world who wanted to hear Mike Shinoda sing instead of rap. Or for Minutes to Midnight to be dominated by U2-style “issue” tracks and “Breaking the Habit” clones. It is clear that Linkin Park forgot the golden rule of not fixing something that isn’t broken. Just check out this interview here. Why are Bennington and co. so desperate to change their music style?

While their newest album is sure to sell well due to their fanbase and is far from terrible, it is monumentally disappointing. If the band wants to change their image and style, thats fine. No band can survive pumping out the same old over and over again. But make it a slow change, with a good transition in-between.

Grade - C+ - A pretty average CD overall with few memorable tracks and a huge letdown to long-time LP fans.

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