
theres one essential work
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
As an earlier, fairly mean-spirited review has pointed out already, this is a nu-metal album; heavy riffs with pop hooks, all with a sleek, commercial sound. Say what you like about Linkin Park, but they're the last nu-metal band left standing. Papa Roach had to sell out ('Scars' anyone?) to gain success, KoRn and Limp Bizkit meet with a wall of indifference if they release an album, and just about any other nu-metal band has broken up or disappeared. However, they have descended into self-parody; more than three years since their second studio album, and everyone's still waiting.
No matter how many shoddy filler releases have followed this album - occasionally with some merit; usually just a stall for the next record - and no matter how little it sounds like a band playing together, Hybrid Theory is a well written, affecting pop album. It's short, sharp and no songs stretch over four minutes - truly, this is what pop music is like in the 21st Century.
While not credible in any sense, Linkin Park write good, three-minute pop songs, with simplistic lyrics that certainly speak to teenagers - hence the 32 million sales. The best moments here have each clearly been worked on for months and dozens of takes; 'Papercut,' their opening gambit and one of the few songs they better live; 'One Step Closer,' their single defining song (note the lack of Mike Shinoda's rapping on that particular tune); 'Pushing Me Away,' the closing and most powerful track; or 'Crawling,' a cinematic epic that really broke them into the big time.
Whether their third album will beat this is unknown, but doubtful. Linkin Park are massive sellers, but really not necessary for your collection - outside of this punchy, brief album. Add it to your CD shelf and don't be ashamed to enjoy pop at its best.
Review ID: 10000000003543982

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