Linkin Park
Hybrid Theory


4.5
superb

Review

by Psyclone USER (15 Reviews)
September 30th, 2006 | 18 replies


Release Date: 2000 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Linkin Park's best release, without a doubt. Great emotion, unique mix of rap, nu-metal, and electronica, and effective instruments give Hybrid Theory the recognition it has. Overall, a very, very good album, and one of the most important nu-metal release

Linkin Park can be described like Dream Theater in the sense of what genre they belong in – not really any at all. They’re rap. They’re metal. They’re electronica. Linkin Park is unique. Not Xiu Xiu unique, but you probably know what I mean.

First of all, Chester actually has a great voice, especially compared to the likes of other some nu-metal acts like KoRn, Slipknot, and Limp Bizkit (actually, Fred Durst makes Chester sound like he’s Freddie Mercury). Chester’s tone achieves the mood that the band successfully captures. Not like Slipknot screaming their organs out, but the way he utilizes tone to capture a helpless mood is beautiful. He sings about paranoia. He sings about insanity. He sings about lost friendships. Linkin Park pours out emotion into their tracks. What makes this emotion believable though is that it isn’t cliched, like LP’s later release Meteora. We don’t hear Chester sing about how life is biting him in the ass, or trying to win the girl of his dreams, or rising up against the government. A perfect example of this is the song By Myself. The theme is basically an irrevocable struggle with himself, in which Chester “makes the right moves but is lost within”. Sounds like he’s down on his luck, but what makes this different from the usual “I’m trying so hard but nothing’s going right” songs is that Chester doesn’t actually tell us what’s troubling him. It’s not like “my dad beats me, my mom died, and no one looks out for me”, but Chester only expresses his raw emotions in the song, leaving us in suspense about the things that he’s enduring. Is it a drug addiction? What about losing someone close? We may just keep guessing.

LP’s instrumentation also devotes a great portion to the emotional element of Hybrid Theory. While Chester shows helplessness, Brad’s heavy guitar work exhibits fury. Brad may be criticized on playing simplistic, easy riffs, but the simplicity of his guitar playing actually contributes to the song’s mood. Also, Linkin Park is a simple-natured band, and Brad has stated that his work follows that. Also, Linkin Park isn’t a riff-based band, and generally nu-metal doesn’t have guitar solos. Brad’s style fits in perfectly, and is very well displayed on With You, especially in the chorus. Chester’s singing is echoed during this part of the song, creating a wonderful ambience, but Brad’s melody is what makes it so effective. The tuning gives the chorus that heavy feel, and really supports the song’s theme and mood. Brad’s guitar work does display very good effectiveness throughout the album, but With You is probably where it’s most important.

Remaining on the subject of instrumentation, I might as well talk about one of the key components of the music. Since LP is part rap, an almost necessary thing to have is turntables. Joe Hahn is the man who takes care of that. Joe’s widely regarded as the most talented member of Linkin Park, manning the turntables. This rap element stands out in tracks like With You, but you do have to listen carefully. The scratching and electronic effects are slightly drowned out by Brad and Chester. You could say that the scratching somewhat substitutes the drumming, which doesn’t seem to be that evident.

Some standout tracks on Hybrid Theory are One Step Closer, With You, By Myself, In The End, and Place for My Head. The songs are good for many reasons, but the great blend of instrument and vocals is probably the trick. The mix of emotions, screaming, singing, and rapping that make Hybrid Theory one of the, if not the most important nu-metal release. It’s up there with Mudvayne’s L.D. 50, and it does deserve the recognition that it has. With this album, Linkin Park has secured a spot as one of the best nu-metal bands out there. If you are a fan of hip-hop, metal, or even some mainstream rock, then this is a great album to own. Hope you enjoy.



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user ratings (5992)
3.7
great
other reviews of this album
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Comments:Add a Comment 
Psyclone
September 30th 2006


432 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Could I have my soundoff for this album deleted please? Thanks.

Psyclone
September 30th 2006


432 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Thanks. How was the review?

Wildcatforever
September 30th 2006


441 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Good Review [votes], but a average band at best. Some of the songs on there albums are catchy but there are so many trash songs as well that it makes for a hard time getting into the band.

Brain Dead
September 30th 2006


1150 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

It was a pretty good review, but trying to start a genre debate over LP, as you did in your opening, is futile. They're nu-metal. End of story.

Psyclone
September 30th 2006


432 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

I'm generally bad at introductions though. Does anyone have any tips on how to start my reviews?

Brain Dead
September 30th 2006


1150 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

I always find that to be the hardest part myself. Sorry, but I don't really have any secret to making a good intro. If I can't think up a good one, I just normally do some boring history fact and keep on going.

Psyclone
September 30th 2006


432 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

[quote=Iluvatar]Just rip off Eliminator Jr. intros.[/quote]

What's one of the albums he's reviewed?

Pyramidman
October 1st 2006


1340 Comments


nice review

this was the first album i ever bought

and i loved it to death
i knew every word and ever beat
i even knew all those scrathces in that one song thats all turntables

then i got into different music, and realized how incredibly mediocre it was
but this is still one of the most importnt albums of my life


The Door Mouse
October 1st 2006


2092 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5 | Sound Off

pretty good review. the thing about nu-metal with me is that it is catchy for 1 day and then its like 'what the hell is ths"

Acey
October 1st 2006


2578 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

i dont consider linkin park nu-metal. that is just me, it is more mainstream rock/rap, something like that. any nu-metal band has a good bass guitarist, except LP, if you consider them nu-metal. i can see your point as well Zepdude7, although i tend to disagree somewhat

CanonInD
October 1st 2006


359 Comments


You're wrong.

Acey
October 1st 2006


2578 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

In what way? i was giving my point of view.

Acey
October 1st 2006


2578 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

there is NOTHING METAL about LP, that is why i dont consider them nu-metal

CanonInD
October 2nd 2006


359 Comments


yesssssssss i got mudvaynian's seal of approval

In what way? i was giving my point of view.

I don't care if you were giving your point of view. You're wrong. Linkin Park is most definitely nu-metal.

bassman963
October 2nd 2006


83 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Great review, I used to really like this CD, one of the first I ever truely liked as a whole. But now I look at it and just see how average it is. It has its moments though.

Acey
October 2nd 2006


2578 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

for the last time, there is NOTHING METAL about LP. discussion over.

DMXFAN
May 29th 2007


19 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

One of the best Nu-Metal albums, this made LP a great band.

ANJ45
June 15th 2012


208 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

"actually, Fred Durst makes Chester sound like he’s Freddie Mercury"



This made me pos immediately. Used to love this album, now it's just... good.



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