In my completely unbiased opinion, Linkin Park is one of the best bands to have ever existed (okay, so maybe I’m a little biased.) Still, regardless of a person’s taste in music, it’s hard not to be impressed by the range of styles they incorporated into their songs. An incomplete list of the genres they covered include electronic rock, nu metal, hip hop, rap metal, and pop. Critics and fans alike found themselves surprised by each album, and were left wondering what styles the band would try next. No matter what emotion you are experiencing, I can almost guarantee that there is a Linkin Park song that can match it. If you’re in the mood for some music with a strong beat that will definitely get your head bobbing, try out some of the music from the albums listed below (and if you like those songs, there’s plenty more where they came from)!
Hybrid Theory
“Papercut”
As one of the singles from their debut album, “Papercut” helped to establish the iconic, angry nu metal sound that Hybrid Theory is famous for. It also established the Linkin Park tradition of occasionally giving songs names that are never actually mentioned in the song.
“Crawling”
Lacking Mike Shinoda’s distinctive rapping, “Crawling” has a unique flavor among the songs on Hybrid Theory. It’s the haunting background vocals that really make this song stand out, however.
“In the End”
Undoubtedly their most famous song, “In the End” propelled Linkin Park into the spotlight. With it’s opening piano hook and relatable (though despairing) lyrics, it’s easy to see why “In the End” became a hit.
Meteora
“Somewhere I Belong”
As a whole, Meteora offered more radio friendly variations on similar themes covered in Hybrid Theory. “Somewhere I Belong” epitomizes this with a (slightly) gentler sound that will still rock you.
“Nobody’s Listening”
With an incredibly unique sound thanks to the combination of Mike’s rapping and instrumentals from a Japanese flute, “Nobody’s Listening” is extremely relatable for underdogs and those that feel ignored.
“Numb”
“Numb” is one of the most popular tracks on Meteora, and for good reason. With a combination of incredibly catchy instrumentals and lyrics that are easy to sing along to, “Numb” was always a destined to be a hit.
Minutes to Midnight
“Bleed It Out”
Minutes to Midnight generally has a softer tone than Linkin Park’s previous albums. “Bleed It Out” is one exception to this rule, however. This high energy track will get everyone to “stomp it out” on a dance floor.
“Shadow of the Day”
As one of the aforementioned softer songs, “Shadow of the Day” really captures the bittersweet feeling that can only come from saying goodbye.
“Valentine’s Day”
My favorite part about this song is how misleading the title is. Dark and haunting, this track subverts the usual reaction people expect to have to this holiday.
A Thousand Suns
“When They Come For Me”
While many of the songs on A Thousand Suns lack Mike’s distinctive rapping, “When They Come For Me” utilizes his abilities to the fullest. Plus, there’s a dig hidden in the lyrics that prove just how much fun Linkin Park had trying out different genres of music.
“Wretches And Kings”
Have you ever heard a song and just thought that it would be perfect for an action sequence starring yourself? “Wretches And Kings” is that song for me.
“Iridescent”
While the word “iridescent” is never actually mentioned in the song, it truly is the perfect name. Mike and Chester harmonize beautifully as the two lead vocalists to create an inspired and uplifting track.
The full album
Honestly, though, the best way to enjoy this album is to treat it as one long song. If you find yourself liking what you hear in the tracks above, try listening to all of A Thousand Suns in one sitting. All of the songs blend together, creating an experience that is not soon forgotten.
Living Things
“Castle of Glass”
As the fourth single from Living Things, “Castle of Glass” is an inspiring song for anyone that needs a boost to their day.
“Roads Untraveled”
A rather gentle and calming track, “Roads Untraveled” was written for anyone that feels like they got lost somewhere on the course of their life. Just remember,
“Weep not for roads untraveled.
Weep not for sights unseen.
May your love never end, and if you need a friend,
There’s a seat here alongside me.”
“Skin to Bone”
Though “Skin to Bone” is lyrically rather simple, this track can and will stick in your mind if given the chance.
The Hunting Party
“Guilty All The Same”
With The Hunting Party, Linkin Park decided to go back to their hard rock/metal/hip hop roots. “Guilty All The Same” exhibits this wonderfully, all while still being original in a way that few bands can accomplish when going back to their roots.
“Until It’s Gone”
A track that proves once again not to expect Linkin Park to ever just repeat songs, this brooding goth rock anthem (as described by Wikipedia) is a good reminder not to take things for granted.
“A Line In The Sand”
As the last song in The Hunting Party, “A Line In The Sand” manages what seems to be impossible; it somehow ties together most of the styles of music Linkin Park has experimented with throughout the years. The result is a six-and-a-half-minute musical experience that can only be described as epic.
For those of you familiar with Linkin Park, you will be aware of the fact that they have one more official album I have not mentioned, One More Light. I’m sure it is excellent, and would fully recommend listening to it. I just haven’t been able to bring myself to listen to it yet.
As of July 2017, Linkin Park fundamentally changed when one of their lead vocalists, Chester Bennington, lost his battle with depression. As a bandmember, Chester was crucial in creating the sound that is unique to Linkin Park. As a person, he was beloved by fans and bandmates alike.
Though this article is about the music Linkin Park has created, I would feel remiss if I didn’t bring this up. Please, if you are struggling with depression, know that there are people that want to help. You are loved, and deserve support. Don’t let one more light go out.
#MAKECHESTERPROUD