CD Review: Linkin Park, Minutes to Midnight

Let's start by giving a brief background leading up to this new album from Linkin Park. Formed in 1996, Linkin Park got their first break into the mainstream with Hybrid Theory, and instantly brandished them the "NuMetal" genre tag. Hybrid Theory has been certified diamond by the RIAA because of its major success. Since then they have toured extensively, put out several other releases including a couple EP's, a sophomore effort entitled Meteora, a few DVD's, and has done charity work around the world. They've also branched off in their own directions with several side projects over the past few years.

There was a period of time, as with most bands, that their relationship with their recording company wasn't going too good. Linkin Park and Warner Bros. Records had some strains due to trust and financial issues. After a time, they mended ties and struck a deal late in 2005. After all their side projects ended, they returned to the studio in 2006 to start work on this latest effort, Minutes to Midnight.

I will start off this review by elaborating on some of the comments I heard about it:

"Linkin Park sold out, man!"

"What is this crap?"

"This is a completely disappointing album!"

While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I must disagree. Angst-filled teenage rock only goes so far....probably until you get to the point of growing out of it. That's exactly what this 6-piece from Agoura Hills, CA has done. They have evolved....but in doing so they haven't abandoned the sound and emotion that makes Linkin Park who they are.

The second track, Given Up, certainly shows they still have that angry sound in them. But then you get to the third and fifth song on the cd, and it shows a different side of them. Shadow of the Day is, in my opinion, a masterpiece. I dare say it is their best song to date. It has emotion, feeling, meaning, and drive. It encompasses everything a good band strives for. The funny thing is, only Linkin Park could have pulled this song off the way they did. Brilliant!

I love the arrangement on this album. The sound is crisp, clean, and produced very well. The bad points of this album are few and far between. I know they have tried to stem away from the NuMetal scene with Minutes to Midnight, but unfortunately they are still there. Yes, they have made strides in growing out of that, but I think this album is just a start. They have succeeded in experimenting with different styles, and getting into that more "grown up" sound. I think this effort is a brilliant step forward and one that every Linkin Park fan should own. However, if you are expecting the same Linkin Park as their previous efforts, you may be disappointed.

A side note to those that believe "They sold out, man!" No, they didn't. They know their roots and so do the true fans. They just grew up and decided to go in another direction. There is nothing wrong with that. Perhaps you critics should expand your horizons a little more, instead of remaining stagnant and "expecting" the same old same old.