Minutes To Midnight (Limited Edition/Parental Advisory) [Digipak] [PA] - Linkin Park > Reviews > More than just your average Linkin Park album!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	New approach with their distinct flavour
Disadvantages:	Won't be for all Linkin Park fans

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

First of all, I have to say that I am a complete Linkin Park fan so I was waiting for "Minutes To Midnight" with eager anticipation. Having said that I know a bad song when I hear it and likewise, a bad album. This is not one.

My initial response to Linkin Park's newest album was lukewarm, to say the least. I had expected something different but with the Linkin Park sound thoroughly threaded through each song like veins of familiarity. To a certain extent that is still the case, however, this is not your typical Linkin Park album. You truly need repeat listens to fully soak in all of the work they have put in.

It's obvious from the outset that they have tried something new with their style and it is wise to listen with an open mind. I think it is naive to think that a band will continue to churn out the same stuff time and time again. It is actually preferable, in my opinion, for an artist to explore new avenues in order to give their music new life.

This is how the album breaks down in terms of the tracks ...

"Wake" - A short album opener and one of the tracks that will sound the most familiar. It kicks in just after half way and really gives a nice taster of what's to come.

"Given Up" - This is the song where you first realise that there is a definite turn towards a more rock orientated sound. In fact, it is quite a head banger bursting with life from the start. Chester's vocals are used to their maximum with no input from the rapping talents of Mike Shinoda and it doesn't suffer because of it. It’s a real solid track with masses of energy.

"Leave Out All The Rest" - This is where the pace slows down considerably. Some fans would jolt at the sound of a slow Linkin Park song but there is a nice kick to the chorus that really reminds you of who you are listening to. Like most of this album, there is a sense of self reflection whether it is of the individual or society as a whole. This has those in bags with a taste of, dare I say it, love thrown in. It really has a positive feel to it and is all about growing for the better.

"Bleed It Out" - This is a real foot stomper and almost conjures up the sense of a hoedown on first listen. The fact is, this is an uplifting track and I can imagine it will be perfect for live events with the whole crowd stomping or jumping at the same time. It's also the shortest song on the album barring "Wake" and includes the first introduction of Mike Shinoda's rap. It ends all too quickly for my liking.

"Shadow Of The Day" - Another slow down of pace and another song that appears to be about relationships. The lyrics, in fact, seem quite melancholy but the sound underneath really doesn’t have that feel. A steadier and more louder beat kicks in half way and there is a turn towards their familiar epic sound. Overall, this song has a really excellent quality to it and is one of the stronger tracks.

"What I've Done" - The first single and one you will no doubt be familiar with. Again, self reflection through society rears its head but played out against, what I believe, to be close to the Linkin Park sound.

"Hands Held High" - Blatant political message from the start and unfortunately, it's one of the tracks that I skip the most when listening on an MP3 player. Not because of the message itself but mainly because of the pace of the track. For me, unlike some of the other slow songs on this album, this one really brings down your mood. Mike is wonderful on this track and even produces some solo singing near the end which really gives it that extra something. Even though I can enjoy this song, sometimes, you just want to hear Linkin Park for the energy that their songs hold. Be aware that this song is something quite different.

"No More Sorrow" - Another head banger and one that really has the feel of exorcising all the bad feelings that bring you down … always a great element in their music. Great to listen to at anytime and it really has an edge and energy all of its own.

"Valentine's Day" - Another song to touch on relationships but still with the individual in mind. A great song with a building pace, enjoyable crescendo and some great lyrics but I’ve found it can be left in the dark because of the other songs on the album.

"In Between" - Mike Shinoda vocals and played down instruments. Again, it's another slower paced self reflective track and works to calm the mood. In actuality, it’s quite an endearing track.

"In Pieces" - Subdued vocals from Chester Bennington but with a steady pace. I love the way Linkin Park’s songs usually kick off near the chorus but this song lacks that to a certain extent. It runs along steadily and towards the end, this is remedied after a nice bit of guitar work.

"The Little Things Give You Away" - By far, my favourite track on the album. It is a slow song but the sound of this is much like a journey. The sentiment is endearing and this continues throughout. It starts off very slow and rises to an epic quality that is so satisfying. Especially towards the end after the main vocals appear to have gone and there is purely music ... and then suddenly, you hear Chester's vocals kick in again with a cry that really brings out the full nature of the song and has quite a cathartic effect. This is the longest song on the album and is all the better for it. It really is excellent and seeing it performed on Live Earth just cemented that fact for me.

To sum up, if you go into this expecting the same songs as previous albums, you will be disappointed. I find it refreshing that Linkin Park have opted to explore their artistic abilities and have produced an album that doesn’t pander to all the ‘Linkin Park rules’. As a long term fan, I can identify their signature style within and enjoy the album for what it is. The album does have slow songs and this is in no way a bad thing. Slow doesn’t necessarily translate as boring. They are well written and all of them have something different to say. Plus, there are fast and heavy songs lying within so you get a taste of both worlds. The songs are also longer than you expect which I think is an added bonus because previously they have always been quite short. However, I still feel like I am left wanting more just like those previous albums. When it comes down to it, I enjoyed this album immensely and truly believe that it is worthy of its place next to “Meteora” and the others. Go ahead and give it a chance. Listen to the lyrics … listen to the sounds … soak it up and open your mind to new things. It will be worth it!