'Minutes' departs from band's hybrid origins
Linkin Park's latest album showcases more traditional sound
Joe Nguyen, editor
June 5, 2007

In Linkin Park frontman Mike Shinoda's solo debut, The Rising Tied, he said that there were people who were “tellin' me to quit rappin', just play the keys, the band already had a singer, they didn't need me.”

For whatever reason he decided to listen to that bit of advice in the group's latest album, Minutes to Midnight. Not to say that Shinoda's quips are completely abandoned – he is featured in three songs, including one where he sings – but the overwhelming majority of the tracks rely exclusively on Chester Bennington's vocals. The resulting sound is something that's more mellow and, dare I say, more grown up than their previous efforts.

“What I've Done” shares many attributes of the band's signature sound. It starts with a wavering organ, high horn-like sound, then the ominous piano melody begins and moves into hard guitar riffs. Bennington's lucid vocals take over as deep strings accompany. The song is aesthetically pleasing, but begs for Shinoda's lyrical flow.

As do many of the songs on the album, from “Valentine's Day” to “Leave Out All The Rest.”

“Bleed It Out” is the first song on the CD to showcase Shinoda's rhymes. Quick, head-nodding claps carry the rhythm while subdued cheers in the background give the track an upbeat energy. Poignant guitar riffs and Bennington's catchy hook lend to its sound.

Shinoda's vocals highlight “In Between.” Deep strings acting as the song's bass, while light-tapping drums, electric guitar plucks accompany. Bennington sings harmony as “oohs” are sustained in the background. It's a simple song, but one of the best on the album.

“The Little Things Give You Away” is LP's six-minute epic. It opens with simple acoustic guitar rhythm with spraying snares. The song becomes richer as it continues and ends with a multitude of vocals laid out on top of one another, creating a surreal, robust sound.

When Linkin Park hit the scene, they were innovators, combining hard-rock and hip-hop sounds to produce something that was unique. In Minutes to Midnight, the band produces a more mellow rock album with a couple of songs that feature rap.

Though the group's trademark sound may be not be as prominent, the CD showcases a different face of LP. It's filled with quality music from a band that's more mature and not quite as angst-ridden as they used to be.

Joe Nguyen is the editor in chief for asiaXpress.com. You can contact Joe via e-mail at joe@asiaxpress.com.