Review Summary: A subjective masterpiece.
Hybrid Theory. What this album will bring to mind varies a lot. Some consider it a classic, while others consider it one of the worst albums ever. A lot of people would put it in the middle. However, you can't deny the massive success it had, selling over 10 million in the U.S. alone, and over 24 million worldwide. It was even the best selling album of 2001 in the States, despite being released the year prior. Well, enough history, let's get on with the review!
Linkin Park (in 2000):
Chester Bennington: Vocals
Mike Shinoda: Vocals, Samples
Brad Delson: Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals
Rob Bourdon: Drums, Backing Vocals
Joseph Hahn: Turntables, Samples, Backing Vocals
This album starts of with the single "Papercut", which is an amazing introduction. It shows the great vocal duo of singer Chester Bennington, and rapper Mike Shinoda. The instruments are fairly simple, but excellent in adding to the atmosphere. The electronics of this album are present, but are more in the background, unlike A Thousand Suns, and Living Things. Another difference is that the guitar and drums are heavier than their newer albums.
Most of the album has a similar sound, however I have no difficulty in telling the songs apart from each other. There are heavier songs ("A Place for my Head", "One Step Closer"), lighter songs ("In the End", "Crawling"), and even an electronic song ("Cure for the Itch.") I think that each of they songs are great at what they do, and the album never lets up.
Another thing I enjoy about this album is the heavy use of harmony, which really does help it. The bits of electronics scattered throughout the album also helps the sound in my opinion. The guitar is pretty basic, but really helps the mood of the song. Same with the drums, which shows that it doesn't have to be complex to be amazing.
The lyrics, for what they are about, are amazing. It is mostly about problems with their young life. I know they aren't the most mature lyrics, but they are good for what they are. The lyrics are pretty comprehensible, and they don't need to rely on use of swear words (although they did go that route with "Minutes to Midnight", and "A Thousand Suns".)
This album clocks in at almost 38 minutes, and has 12 masterpieces. My favourites are probably the 3 final tracks, "Forgotten", "Cure for the Itch", and "Pushing Me Away." The latter track perfectly ends the album, making you crave to listen to it again. But all in all, every song is good to listen to.
After this, Linkin Park decided to use the same Nu Metal genre for their sophomore effort, Meteora, which is also a great listen. However, after that, they decided to experiment, with mixed feelings on my part. But in my personal opinion, this remains as my favourite album made, and an album that I recommend to everyone, no matter who you are. This may garner a lot criticism, but I will stand by that. Have a good day everyone.
