Minutes To Midnight (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Linkin Park > Reviews > Linkin Park show no signs of stopping

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Will not disappoint Linkin Park fans
Disadvantages:	A few too many ballads, with the last 4 songs on the album being a bit disappointing .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The album that every Linkin Park fan has been waiting for has finally arrived. And you won't be disappointed! The album from start to finish is simply amazing. The sound is fresh, polished and will satisfy every Linkin Park out there.

Even thought the Nu-Metal sound that the fans are used to is gone, there are still some songs which will make you feel at home.

The first song Wake is a gentle introduction to the album, blending slow drums and mixing. 6/10

Track 2 Given Up has a more punk feel. Although it may take a while to kick in, the transition from Chester singing the verse to screaming the chorus is almost instant, which is the attraction point for this song. A good song and I believe should be their next single. 7/10

Third song Leave Out All The Rest is a slow, haunting ballad which takes some time to kick in, but catches you at the chorus. Very catchy and will have your foot tapping to the beat and Chester’s gentle tone through all the song relaxes and emerses you in the song. Amazing song, as good as Numb on the slower song front. 9/10

Fourth song Bleed It Out is a more pop version of Faint with Mike rapping the verse and Chester screaming and singing the chorus. The song does start off like Leave Me Alone by Pink but as soon as Mike’s vocals begin you will forget the poppy intro and enjoy the song. Chester takes over the chorus in immense fashion, with the drums beating steadily enough to make your head nod. Definitely one of the best songs on the album. 10/10

Fifth song Shadow of the Day is another ballad lined with Hahn's' powerful samples and Chester's smooth vocals which will stay in your head all day. After the first verse and chorus the drumming begins and the song really takes shape. The guitar solo near the end is inspiring and will make you reach for the air guitar. Perfect song for sitting in the garden watching the sunset on a warm summers evening. 10/10

Sixth song is first single What I've Done which introduced the Linkin Park as we now know them. Starting off like the song from Halloween, the dark piano sets the tone for this song, which quickly kicks in with rhythmic drumming and powerful guitars. Chester sets the tone perfect in the verse to build up to the amazing chorus. The main problem with the song is where’s Mike? (Although he is playing guitar in this and harmonises at the end, myself and many other fans are left wondering does he exist). 8/10

However, if What I’ve Done made you think that Mike had run off with Fort Minor for good, seventh song Hands Held High is another slow song which features solely Mike on vocals, rapping his verse and singing the chorus. This will please every fan who thought that there was a lack of the rapping in the album. No Chester in this song, but it’s nice to see Mike in the spotlight for a change and take control of a whole song instead of just a small portion of it. The rap is inspiring and could easily be compared lyrically to the greats of Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. Very emotional song which may even draw a tear as Mike’s powerful rap and gentle singing blend well with the slow drums and gentle guitars. Another amazing song from the album. 9/10

Eighth song No More Sorrow is a guaranteed mosh pit song, darker than some of the other songs on the album. The intro is simple amazing and will get your feet stomping. This song is the type of song which will stay in your head forever, with Chester’s screaming more amazing than ever on the chorus. Every beat and instrument come to life on this song, and it won’t disappoint. 8/10

Ninth song Valentine's Day is good, but is not the best song on the album. Slow ad emotional, this song lacks certain qualities and will leave you feeling like there was something missing from the whole song. It is a grower however, and you will hum the chorus constantly once you listen a few times. 6/10

Tenth song In Between features Mike singing once again, and focuses heavily on Mike and Joe. Good song but again not the best song on the album. Mike’s voice admittedly doesn’t sound the best at the start, but does improve through the song. A slight bit too repetitive too, and not as catchy as any of the other songs on the album. However, the song is like Marmite; You either love it or you hate it. There’s no in between. (No Pun Intended) 5/10

Eleventh song is another haunting song with Chester's vocals drenched all over it, with guitars resembling Lost Prophets when they kick in. Again, feels like something’s missing, and the start sounds terrible and completely random, but once the guitar and drums kick in properly, the song really takes off. 6/10

Twelfth and final song The Little Things Give You Away is another slow song, which considering that the last songs on the previous 2 albums (Pushing Me Away and Numb) were amazing, is a bit of a let down. It is a nice end to the album though.

Overall the album won't disappoint the LP fans out there, and there are some astounding songs on the album which shouldn’t be missed. Despite what most critics say, this album is amazing in almost every aspect. They have changed their style and managed to stay true to the fans by producing this.

Overall: 9/10