Minutes to Midnight Reviews

• Good, but it won't scratch your Linkin Park itch...

  
  By A3OND36Q71G76D on 2007-05-15
  A good number of my friends look at me with mild disgust when I suggest that Linkin Park owns a unique brand of musical genius. But as someone who listens to large quantities of music from mainstream to indie, I contend that no one has mastered the art of rap-rock like they have (Quarashi is the only band I can think of that even belongs in the same neighborhood). There's an almost mathematical perfection to both Hybrid Theory and Meteora, their first two full, non-remix albums. Ultimately, Linkin Park has offered something that I couldn't find anywhere else.
  
  I'm not one to say that bands shouldn't change and mature. But, honestly, I didn't want to see Linkin Park change, because they're already unique. They have changed in Minutes to Midnight, and the metamorphosis isn't a positive one.
  
  Upon a first listen, two things are glaring:
  
  1) Mike Shinoda's rapping presence is minimal. I've always preferred Chester's raspy vocals to Shinoda's rapping, but he's so underutilized on this album that you realize that he's an integral part to the Linkin Park sound. The fusion of his rapping and Chester's vocals combined with excellent beats and melodies makes the band.
  
  2) There are a lot of songs that almost qualify as ballads. The good news is, most of them are pretty pleasant. Chester really does have a great voice- even when he isn't screaming and rasping. The bad news is that they take up slots on the album that I wanted to see filled with the rap-rock-electronica-metal that immediately entranced me on Hybrid Theory and Meteora.
  
  Undoubtedly, this album is the type that grows each time you play it, but it simply doesn't do what fans of the band wanted it to do. There are a few hints of where the band has been. Stand-outs What I've Done, Bleed It Out, Given Up, and No More Sorrow all convince me that this may actually be Linkin Park and not some evil clone band from Mars.
  
  Again, the album isn't bad- I enjoyed it even on the first listen, but most of it doesn't really do anything to distinguish itself from the type of alt-rock that you can find almost anywhere. 3.5 STARS
  
  

• i'm a big fan of LP, but this doesn't quite make the cut

  
  By AAH27NBZ0OLEF on 2007-05-15
  Just got my copy on iTunes and I'm disappointed for the most part.
  
  I loved every second of Hybrid Theory and Meteora. I loved the heavy guitar riffs, the mix of rap + rock. This album lacks the heavyness that characterized its predecessors. Most of the tracks are soft. Gone is the Points of Authority style headbanging except maybe that guitar solo part of What I've Done. I'm not even talking the peaceful serenity of the Easier to Run or In the End intro segments. This is way softer than all that. If you remember jumping up and down to the LP songs of the old days, use these to put you to sleep at night.
  
  What I've Done is probably the only track in the album that still sounds like the old LP. It's got that old feel that distinguished LP from any other rock band. Some other tracks show promise and hints of the old style that endeared LP to the masses of us that rushed to get Meteora, like the intro track (Wake), Bleed it Out, No More Sorrow. In Pieces is an OK track in light of the band's past work. Valentines Day has a decent heavier part near the end but is still quite light and soft overall. But if they did write 50 songs for this album, I wonder how the other 40 or so were like.
  
  I'm still a big fan of LP and will continue to be, but I must admit that their intent to sound different did not produce good results. I hope with the next release they can go back to the old days. I feel kinda bad saying this, but unless you liked "What I've Done", you probably should wait for the next release.
  
  Interpret my 3 star any way you like. The only reason it's a 3 star to me is I can't decide how low to go. Also, I figure that like one or two tracks I deemed unworthy on the predecessors, some of these tracks seem like they could just as well grow on me.
  
  For the meantime, check out End of Silence by RED if you haven't already. The blend of the entire band creates a similar style to LP as we know it without the rapping.
  
  

• What happened?

  
  By A1TDQDHFDOTGNU on 2007-05-17
  I am reminded of the south park episode of faith+1, and also of listening to nickleback or some other pop-rock band all at the same time. Gone is the angry, angst-filled music of the old linkin park. Instead we have songs about how he was alone on valentines day and that made him sad. This change was not a welcome one, and anyone who loved the first two albums should NOT buy this album.
  
  

• At least it made me laugh

  
  By A6RMR7B2VZ6MD on 2007-05-16
  This CD is lowest-common denominator turd, and definitely not up to par with Meteora or Hybrid Theory. Linkin Park is trying to be "cool" by cussing in a couple of songs, but it just makes them seem more pathetic. The rapping, which was one of Linkin Park's best attributes, is almost absent on this CD, and it seems they have just become another emo band. It does get one star for making me laugh once (the lyrics to Valentine's Day made me howl so hard I almost fell off my chair: I never knew what it was like / to be alone on a Valentine's Day,). Seriously, quit whining Chester, nobody cares; quit writing emo music and grow up.
  
  The worst album of 2007 thus far.
  
  

• No "Meteora Theory" here. Though Doomsday this is NOT! LP delivers!!!

  
  By AYZASI8OEMWDP on 2007-05-16
  BEST LINKIN PARK ALBUM TO DATE!
  It can't be compared to Hybrid Theory or Meteora, because it's NOT the "same ol LP!" I've been anticipating this album since I embraced Meteora as one of my all-time favorite albums. I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED. Does that look strange? It may, because "I'm disappointed" is alot of what you'll see in reviews all over the net. It seems like the most close-minded people SADLY are also the most vocal. Get the album and listen to it all the way through, MULTIPLE times. Then YOU decide. I suggest the CD/DVD combo. The "Making Of" documentary is awesome, and really takes you inside the band to show how they arrived at this point. Must see.
  
  FIRST: Throw away everything you think you know about Linkin Park.
  SECOND: Put on some headphones
  THIRD: Press play
  
  1: WAKE- This IMO captures the entire history of the "LP sound" that so many have come to know and love, to show basically that this is the last you'll hear of it because...
  
  2:GIVEN UP: Once this track starts, you're introduced into a ear-catching raw sound. Jingling keys and claps, no synths and electronic tones. It has a punk type vibe to it. Chorus makes it an instant "single" candidate. I won't spoil the surprise in this track. But i'll put it this way: Chester's vocals are not of this Earth. (10/10)
  
  3:LEAVE OUT ALL THE REST: I overlooked this track on my first listen. But once I gave this album a thorough listen, it latched onto me and is now one of my all time favorite LP songs. It is a infectious mid-tempo ballad with a great hip hop drum beat. Chester once again shines on vocals. Simply beautiful. Would make a GREAT single if LP/WB chooses to release any slower songs as singles.(10/10)
  
  4:BLEED IT OUT: It just stands out so boldly. There's just so many different eclectic elements blended together that fuse seamlessly into one of the most grooving, catchy LP songs to date. It features Mike rapping for all those starving for more flows to feel. Chester nails the chorus and bridge. They demonstrated some maturity by not taking this song over the top, and found just the right spots to hit vocally. It's short so it can definitely give the repeat button some use on your stereo. It was performed as the second song on their SNL appearance so I'm betting it's the next single.(10/10)
  
  5:SHADOW OF THE DAY: Initially was the weakest track on the album in IMO. However, just today(I had the leak for two weeks prior :D)it has grabbed me and is one of those songs you can close your eyes and drift away to. Not what you'd expect on an LP CD eh? Though it does confirm those U2 comparisons you're seeing in most reviews. But that doesn't make it bad right? U2 is one of the greatest bands of all time by most people's vote. (Growing on me/10)
  
  6:WHAT I'VE DONE: First single. You've probably already heard it. The song that bridges the gap. Has the classic LP song structure, but a more stripped down classic rock sound to it. Some love it, some hate it. I loved it instantly. I'm glad they went back into the studio and cut this track for the album. The video does a great job of showing what this song is all about.(10/10)
  
  7:HANDS HELD HIGH: If you like George W. Bush, press the skip button. If you despise him as much as most, then the lyrics will really hit home and are some of the best from Shinoda thus far. Features all SIX members on the chorus to create a choir like effect. Very different for LP musically. But the lyrics carry this song to great heights. (9.5/10)
  
  8:NO MORE SORROW: LISTEN TO THIS SONG! I don't have the words to describe it! Even if you don't wanna listen to the political lyrics, the music just pumps you up! The chorus, SMASHING! The refrain at the end will have you trying your hardest to mimic Chester's fantastic vocals. "your time has come to be replaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaced!!!!!" I LOVE IT! (10/10)
  
  9:VALENTINE'S DAY: I don't know what it is, but I like this song. ALOT. Most people criticize this song for being too "pop" or "emo" or whatever. IT IS A GREAT SONG. Period. Great intro, great vocals. Gets heavier as the song progresses. A rockin crescendo.(10/10)
  
  10:IN BETWEEN: Mike gets his sang on! He doesn't try to do things he's not capable of with his voice, so it comes off very well. He has this track all to himself and he does a great job.(8.5/10)
  
  11:IN PIECES: One of my absolute favorites on the album. I am typically not a fan of fast tempo, punky type songs, but LP puts their twist on it and makes it sound very good. Brad hit a nice lil catchy solo on the bridge! This song was stuck in my head after the first listen. Just flat out GREAT! :D (10/10)
  
  12:THE LITTLE THINGS GIVE YOU AWAY: There was so much hype and discussion about this song that I gained some lofty expectations and ideas of what it could sound like.(Brad's first solo, best LP song ever, yada, yada, yada) So when I first heard it and it sounded nothing like what I expected, I was slightly disappointed. However, ONCE AGAIN after a few listens and once expectations and notions were set aside, it quickly grew on me and became one of my favorites on the album. Must hear, another indescribable masterpiece. Great closer to the album. Is indeed the best song LP has done, and a great way to drive home the point that this new sound has arrived and is here to stay.(10/10)
  
  And that's all folks. LP sticks to the 12 track formula.(the foreword on Meteora doesn't count :D) I wanted more immediately. Luckily, Brad said that the finished tracks that didn't make the cut may be released in the future. Keep your eyes open. MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT has the songs to rock out to, the songs to drive to, and the songs to listen to at night on the way to bed. All in all a very versatile album. Most complex, diverse and satisfying Linkin Park album. 5 STARS!!!
  
  What I'm not understanding is why everyone is so shocked that this doesn't sound like "Meteora Theory" or basically a third album in the same vein of the predictable sound of the nu-metal genre. Especially when LP has been telling the media all along that they were looking to expand their horizons and try new things. And if I hear one more person say "I miss Mike's rapping! This sucks!" I'm gonna scream! Can people's memory be THAT bad that they forget... Crawling!(Mike---BACKING VOCALS!!!) Numb!(Mike---BACKING VOCALS!!!) One Step Closer!(Mike---BACKING VOCALS!!!) Breaking The Habit!(Mike---BACKING VOCALS!!!) GET IT? They could only ride that formula of "Mike on verses, Chester on Chorus, Mike and Chester exchange on bridge" for so long... That ride has ended! Jeez! Get over it! QWERTY was an experiment to see what else could be done with their OLD SOUND. The answer? Not much. While it is a good song, it does sound a bit tired. People are so quick to always try and compare things that are nothing alike and put down one thing because the other is what they're used to! So accept it or don't buy the album, there's no use in trying to crucify LP or any band because they didn't make something exactly, specifically, especially for YOU! So if you don't like it, listen to it a few more times. If that doesn't change your outlook, Hybrid Theory is still on the shelves at your local music store. Real LP fans MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT in stores 5.15.07 in the U.S.A. GO PICK IT UP!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• Not a good LP CD, not a good CD in general.
  By A2Q0Y8B2QL1GOE on 2007-05-15
  Be weary of people who rate this album 5 stars. 5 means perfection, music that will stand the test of time. This, citizens of rock; is not even close. I will be honest, I like me some Linkin Park. I have seen them twice in concert and in general, I enjoy their music. I don't worship them or write 8 page diatribes in their defense if someone decides to flame them. This album has to be heard to be believed. I was moved by it, moved to come on here and warn people that this not what you expect. Whatever idea you have of this album it wont be that. There are no punch to the songs. They removed every musical aspect which made them, them. I mean, honestly the songs simply put, the songs aren't any good.
  
  In a interview they said they made hundreds of songs and these made pick. Linkin Park, did you even listen to this album before you presented it to us, your fans? This is awful you should be ashamed of yourself, go to your room.
  
  
• Horrible
  By A249H3FEOCAQEN on 2007-05-15
  I can't believe it says they wrote over 150 songs for this album. I wonder how bad the other 135 were. When I first heard the album I thought they put the wrong cd in the case because it sounded like a high-school band.
  
  There is nothing "grown" up about this album.
  
  
• Oh Dear god
  By A147KACZCUY96Z on 2007-05-17
  I am a huge Linkin Park fan, or i should say use to be a huge linkin park fan! I was totally pumped to get this album I didn't even sample it on the net, after all, it was freaking linkin Park! uh, my bad. I totally got dominated. I picked up my copy at best buy and loaded it in my car where the noob ownage began. the Cd was loading in my car as i pulled out of the best buy parking lot. I was so pumped for the CD i turned it on and up sooo loud ready to rock out..... When it started playing i seriously almost crashed my car. I was so entirely surrounded by speakers shooting out Emo music, i momentarily lost consciousness and blacked out. Weakened but not killed by the emo music,i managed to pull over and muster up enough strength to reach over and turn off the radio. It was a close call but i made it home in one piece. I still couldn't decide if what i heard was really linkin park, So i was brave and tried it again on my computer...same thing happened. They should have put a warning sticker on the CD that said "May Kill Nu-Metal Fans!" I guess i am just bummed out that 10 out of 12 songs are very slow and very emo. I do enjoy the 1st track and track number eight, because they are the hardest, but its still not linkin park on any track. It's like linkin park has been noobified for something, I am very sad : (
  
  
• Minutes Till I Slip Into A Coma...
  By A1R7XXHYMKBLE2 on 2007-05-20
  For starters, I'm not Gen-X or Gen-Y, I'm a few years from fifty and a huge Linkin Park fan. I do not have enough praise for Hybrid Theory and Meteora [and Reanimation]. But I have to [reluctantly] say that my reaction on first listen was torn between:
  
  1) Stunned: I listed to the first 4-5 cuts and just couldn't stand it anymore and started cueing each song for 10-30 seconds before cueing the next cut
  
  2) Profound Disappointment: What happened? This is not growing, this is forgetting who you are and from where you came, not to mention how you got there.
  
  I read the booklet while I listened to the few cuts I did and the short samples I could tolerate afterwards. I enjoy reading their notes on their songs and moods and thoughts while recording, writing and mixing. A pattern was developing - many notes contained: "Rick felt we should do this..." or "Rick said we should try that..." or "Rick told us that...". Three words guys - BLAH BLAH BLAH. I finally thought to myself, if Rick Ruben told each of you [or collectively] to jump off a bridge, would you do it?
  
  Being a musician/composer and producer myself, I realize Rick Ruben is a well known, well respected, talented and award-winning producer. With that said, perhaps Mr. Ruben should stick with the Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash and the Beasties and stay away from Linkin Park. Not everything he touches turns to gold and this is both a reminder and visceral proof.
  
  If this new direction is his idea, he has done the band a real disservice. You will not have to read many reviews here to find out that they decided to take a detour in their usual sound and style. Now whether this is due to the perception that rap/nu-metal has seen its heyday, or Mr. Ruben's suggestions, or Warner Brothers legendary A&R paranoia or other demographics I couldn't say. What I do know is that Linkin Park had a unique sound between their hypnotic mix of power metal, Shinoda's rapping & turntable scratching, Bennington's seemingly limitless vocal power and truly amazing and flawless production. They were ALREADY unique and beloved and really had no need to change their sound or follow a different direction, at least not for a while. It IS possible to stay within a niche while still growing and expanding.
  
  One of the few songs that Shinoda does rap on is backed with pipe organ and marching snare drums [PIPE ORGAN AND MARCHING DRUMS? GROAN!] I heard maybe 2 songs plus the intro that were tolerable and reminiscent of the LP sound but the rest were horrible, intolerable or at the very best, not what I was hoping for from their new release.
  
  Again, let me reiterate that I'm not slamming Mr. Ruben - I certainly recognize his long string of successes. Perhaps, Mr. Ruben can dig up Johnny Cash and get into the posthumous album release craze. I'm not slamming the guys either - perhaps you all can give Don Gilmore a call, apologize like you never have before, beg his forgiveness and hire him back as co-producer.
  
  Guys: More scratching, more rap, more of Chester's euphoric wailing, more chunky beats, more slamming bass and more crunchy metal.
  
  DO WHAT YOU DO BEST - IT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE!
  
  It's always nice to aspire to be more, to reach out, to grow. But it's also a crime to lose track of who you are and from where you came, which strikes me as the case with this album.
  
  I sincerely doubt this CD will ever take another spin on any player of mine. I did relent and took it in the car with me a few days after my first disappointing listen, but I could not tolerate much there either and switched it off about 4-5 songs into it.
  
  But I'll give you one more shot guys - I'll buy your next album, without hearing a thing, probably on pre-order once again. But if it's like this one, Ciao-Baby - we officially part paths at that time and I'll just treasure Hybrid Theory, Meteora and Reanimation for the works of art that they are and wish you all the best.
  
  Nuff said-
  Respectfully submitted-
  
  
  
  
• Third Time NOT a Charm!!!!!
  By ASINAKF1T9EGQ on 2007-05-29
  All I can say is WTF??? How could these guys actually think about releasing this stuff. It is awful! Every song is dull, slow and boring, with the exception of the tracks, "What I've Done," and "Given Up." If they would've stuck to the formula of those 2 songs and of there last two albums, which are full of hard driving rockers and crunching guitar, then they would have a winner on there hands. But no, this album is a BIG FAT LOSER!!!! If you want to listen to some music that will put you to sleep, this is the album for you! But if you want to hear some good rocking tunes, look to there previous albums Hybrid Theory and Meteora. You won't find it here. This is probably the worst rock album of 2007.
  
  
• Growing in leaps and bounds!!
  By A24N1BAS3CU27H on 2007-05-15
  After a brief guitar intro titled "Wake", Linkin Park's third studio CD is followed by the blistering rocker "Given up" which ensures that you do wake up. And with that, Linkin Park announces their return after about 3 years.
  
  The sound this time pares down the rapping; The dramatic Eminem-like "Bleed it out" and the marching band/organ/choir sound of "Hands held high" (with lyrics like "like this war's really just a different brand of war/like it doesn't cater the rich...") both feature rapping.
  
  The album also features more downtempo songs; "Leave out all the rest" (with lyrics pondering mortality), "Shadow of the day" (similar in feel to U2's "With or without you"), the Greenday-like "Valentine's day", the atmospheric ballad "In between" (with no drums), and "The little things give you away".
  
  "No more sorrow" is another raging rocker (with insistent drumming and bellicose vocals) in the same mould as "Given up", while lead off single "What I've done" is not unlike "Somewhere I belong" or "Numb" from "Meteora".
  
  Standout in my opinion has got to be "In pieces", a tender piano ballad with skittery beats and touching lyrics, which builds to a razor sharp catchy rocker, not unlike "Breaking the habit" from "Meteora".
  
  I know loads of fans have been moaning at the new sound but I find it brilliant!!!!
  
  
  
• Don't bother
  By A2ASAU4Z0JJH2R on 2007-05-27
  I get the fact that bands like to change their sound as they progress, age and adapt to the music industry. Some bands are even successful at this overhaul such as Pink Floyd, Mudvayne, Midnight Oil and the Chili Peppers. Some bands just don't adapt well to change such as Metallica, Korn, Jewel and now Linkin Park. The album is over-produced and far too reliant upon whining vocals and electronics. This is a collection of mostly somber yet mild ballads that lack musical substance as well as meaningful lyrics. The songs all follow a pattern that are trying to say something, but I am having a hard time understanding exactly what. It sounds more like Savage Garden meets Jars of Clay with a rock track thrown in here and there. Sure, they toss in the F-word a couple of times to remind us they're still trying to be edgy, but it comes off as pretentious. This really is an embarrassing attempt from a band that successfully bridged the gap between nu-metal and hip-hop with their previous two albums. All in all, it's really hard to like any of these songs despite my desire to. Thumbs down.
  
  
• 18 Months Of Studio Time For This???
  By A113BK77X864O on 2007-05-29
  What do you get when you reinvest the millions of dollars you made off of your last two smash hit albums and 18 months of studio time with world famous producer Rick Rubin? The answer is Linkin Park's "Minutes to Midnight", which Linkin Park claims is going to be "the new sound" of their album since they "hate nu-metal now".
  
  I expected something amazing, a filled CD of experimental positive upbeat jams such as what 311 did with Transistor back in 1997 or maybe even a double album featuring one disc of Mike and one disc of Chester like what Outkast did with Speakerboxx and The Love Below.
  
  Instead of taking their existing sound, enhancing it and extending it, they decided to scrap nearly everything that made them unique in the first place. Long gone is the dual interchangable vocal attack of Chester and Mike. The proverbial icing on Linkin Park's cake...that of Mr. Hahn's phenomenal turntablism skills have taken away. Perhaps he was out buying a new lab coat and a cowboy hat during the making of this album? In place of these things we get a depressing, slow, emo-like sound that could induce sleep in even the worst insomniacs.
  
  Unnecessary f-bombs are dropped in some of the songs on the album which show a lack of creativity. Some of the songs have political messages which is a plus because it does show some maturity. However, these messages are a few years too late and could have been handled in a more hard-hitting fashion such as how the Beastie Boys did it with To The 5 Boroughs. I understand Linkin Park wanted to change themselves, but this album reeks of incongruency and I think is a result of them no longer "being hungry" like most artists are before getting their first major record deal.
  
  The album isn't an entire failure, as the songs Leave Out All The Rest, No More Sorrow and Bleed It Out seem to have some staying power, but can only be considered b-sides when compared to the masterpieces that were on all of their previous efforts (and that includes everything from Hybrid Theory EP to Shinoda's Fort Minor side project).
  
  I think the best way to sum things up is to refer to "Hit The Floor" from Meteora.
  
  One minute you're on top (Linkin Park with Hybrid Theory and Meteora)
  The next you're not (Minutes to Midnight released)
  Watch it drop (LP's album sales)
  Making your heart stop (Because they spent 18 months on this???)
  Just before you hit the floor (Minutes to Midnight is so depressing you slit your wrists and died on the floor)
  One minute you're on top
  The next you're not
  Missed your shot (at making an amazing new album that will stand the test of time like their other albums)
  Making your heart stop
  You think you won (LP thinks their new sound is great, but it is not)
  
  And then it's all gone (LP's fanbase leaves them...for now...)
  
  
  
• what happened
  By A23LBQ8K0UR44Y on 2007-05-17
  this album is horrible. anyone who thinks this is good obviously is a new linkin park fan and not familiar with their old stuff. people who have not seen them live would like the record. this is horrible. i can't even finish listening to a song and i can still listen to meteora from beginning to finish without a problem. sooooooo many ballads. i thought this was a rock band. i was waiting and waiting for it to get loud after bleed it out. that song even is on the brink of being tolerable. linkin park is ruining their carrer and there is a fat chance i will buy their next record. the cd isn't even worth downloading illegally. i hope to god that they don't grace the stages of the real kick a"" rock bands they used to like metallica, mudvayne. i don't think i would even use this cd to wipe my own a"". to anyone reading this contemplating buying this. forget it. save the money. don't waste your bandwith downloading this either. this is a skidmark of rock. i wish i could give this no stars.
  
  
• Is this the new Porcupine Tree B-sides disc?
  By A2Y613PS0IV8ZT on 2007-05-17
  Linkin Park wanted a new sound on their latest disc. Unfortunately, it seems as though the guys have spent too much time lately listening to Porcupine Tree records. Seeing as Porcupine Tree is a great band, I'm sure it made for some wonderful and uplifting listening experiences. However, Linkin Park apparently took their listening pleasure one step farther. They wanted to make a Porcupine Tree record of their own. The result is MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT.
  
  The problem is, Linkin Park simply cannot hope to match the musicianship, sonic beauty and diversity, or lyrical depth and intensity of Porcupine Tree. As a result, MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT comes off as a record made by a band who wants so badly to be the band they've worshiped since they were kids that they will likely never find a sound of their own.
  
  You expect something like that to happen with a local band destined to go nowhere, but it's unfortunate when it happens to a long established artist like Linkin Park. One has to wonder if this is a band which has stopped believing in itself and its own strengths. Linkin Park is an excellent modern metal band. Next time around they'd do well to remember that fact.
  
  For better listening in this genre, check out:
  * Porcupine Tree- In Absentia
  * Porcupine Tree- Deadwing
  * Porcupine Tree- Fear of a Blank Planet
  * Blackfield- Blackfield
  
  
  
  
• A statement for our times?... don't think so
  By A2C4S9TGC50K1H on 2007-05-17
  I considered myself a fan, but after giving this collection of songs a thorough listening, I came away with the feeling that the band attempts to substitute their personal political viewpoints for music. I, for one, don't buy it. Even though a few tunes rise to their former level of energy, the remainder of these songs run out of gas before the tracks end. Let's not allow today's corporate music juggernaut to say what's quality,... this LP outing is only fair at best. If you want to get on your soapbox guys, CNN & Time magazine would be happy to give you an interview. But as for music?... just return to the drawing board & do what you seem to do best.
  
  
• Give them a little credit...I guess
  By A318SNZRMQCAF5 on 2007-05-20
  I've been a Linkin Park fan since they came out and I was really looking forward to this album. I had heard that they were gonna be changing up their sound quite a bit, and they definitely did, and I commend them for that. I think it's great that they finally took a risk and decided to change, but in doing that they have kind of lost what made them so unique in the first place. Regardless of the new sound, that really isn't the problem with this album, the problem is that the songs just aren't very strong. The lyrics are extremely vague and uninteresting, and they continue to sing and whine about the same topics song after song. Some of the production is lavish and beautiful, but the songs just don't hold up. The melodies aren't great and Shinoda's rapping is very mediocre, especially on "Bleed It Out", he even uses from of the same rhymes that he's used in the past, "doesnt matter how hard I try" - that was used in "In The End" buddy...come on. The only decent songs are Shadow Of The Day (even though it's a complete U2 ripoff and the chorus lyrics are stupid and meaningless), The Little Things Give You Away (even though it's about 3 minutes too long), and No More Sorrow (a decent Anti-Bush song). I'm not sure where they should go from here, I just think they need to take more time to write better songs next time, and not worry so much about changing their sound. They tried too hard and the results are mediocre and generic. Oh well..
  
  
• I'm sorry Linkin Park, I don't listen to "emo"
  By AEA6WHYPH026E on 2007-05-27
  Well I read the SPIN interview with Chester about the new CD, and he said he wanted to let people know that the band was capable of "more than what was shown in Meteora and Hybrid theory." He said the same thing at my local radio station where they previewed six tracks. This of course worried me, I, even as an artist, don't understand the driving need to change somethign that works.
  
  Growing is fine, becoming more experienced and trying new things is fine, but why completely change because you want to show something to people? Especially, in this sense, when your first two albums were amazing and original in themselves? The new album is, without a doubt, "emo." Linkin Park was always a bit emo to begin with, some of the lyrics screamed "emo" but I just chose to ignore it, "They still rock." However, replacing the amazing guitar riffs, Mike Shinoda hiding nearly the entire album, and replacing the hard-hitting drums with simple. The least unbearable songs on the album are "Given Up" "Bleed It Out" "No More Sorrow" and "Hands Held High." Two of which are basically slightly heavy which makes me remember how Linkin Park once was, and the other two where Mike Shinoda actually raps, one of which soudns more like Fort Minor than Linkin Park.
  
  LP went in the wrong direction here, they'll probably loes a huge portion of their fanbase and perhaps gain a whole new one, I don't know. I'm certain I can speak for many fans when I say, "What the hell, Linkin Park?"
  
  Here's to hoping the next CD won't suck.
  
  
• WTF MATE?!
  By A2OCJNB6B46OKP on 2007-06-01
  Linkin Park, probably one of the most origional music acts that I have followed since 'Hybrid Theory'. One of the main acts in the NU Metal movement of the late 90's early 2000's. They were awesome and their songs were great, but for some reason some of the old school metal fans were saying 'oh these guys are just the Backstreet Boys with guitars'. I actually defended LP...until now. What in gods name happened to this group? All the industrial turntables and screaming and heavy metal guitars have been replaced with EMO! Sorry for all you fans of Dashboard Confessionals but I think that EMO has to go. No one wants to listen to songs about being depressed with whinny whinny lyrics, that was The Smashing Pumpkins job and they did it with style. The only song worth listening to is 'What I've Done' because it is the only song on this album that is true LP. I mean I always say that experimenting with new sounds to evolve is a good thing, but if you plan on doing that don't experiment with a style that has been milked for all it is worth for the past 4 years! For Linkin Park's sake I hope they learn a lesson from this disaster.
  
  
• Either They Are Changing Direction Or They Are Losing Their Touch
  By A2JG0Z691ZEC5 on 2007-08-10
  Like everyone here, I was excited when the new album was released. Hybrid Theory and Meteora were really classic albums and I thought Meteora, at the very least, one-upped Hybrid Theory. Reanimation was a good remix album but I wasn't fond of their remixes with Jay-Z. I was hoping Minutes To Midnight would bring back something that has been absent, for us fans, since 2003.
  
  I was way off the mark. What I've Done was almost like a deception for what the album really is: a slower and softer melody by LP. What I've Done, when I listened to it, reminded me of what LP did on Hybrid Theory and I was pretty pumped by it. But I was shocked to find out that the album was on the other side of the spectrum for the two previous entries LP has done.
  
  What I've Done, for the most part, is the only song on here in which LP continues where the left off from the previous two albums. Everything else is much more slower, mellow, and, at times, depressing. What I've Done is a good song. Leave Out All The Rest is slow but has a nice up-beat melody as it progresses and is my favorite song on the album. Valentine's Day has some nice parts to it but it doesn't work as far as melody goes.
  
  To be honest, I found Leave Out All The Rest and What I've Done to be the only enjoyable songs on this album. Why LP decided to go more mellow this time is anyone's guess but all their fans, including myself, know them to be a band of rock mixing it up with some rap. For the most part, that is gone. I was extremely disappointed by this album considering they haven't had a true album release since Meteora (2003), which happens to be my favorite album of theirs.
  
  Hopefully LP is not trying to change direction with this album and trying to make more mellow tunes. While some of those such songs have some decent qualities, for the most part, it just doesn't work. If anyone is considering buying this album, I suggest previewing some of the songs here or on iTunes and make your decision as to whether or not you still want to go through with the purchase. Some of you may enjoy it thoroughly and that's okay. But if you are an LP fan that expects the style that they have been known to produce from their first two albums, like myself, you may end up being disappointed.
  
  
• Right on
  By A3JGX1PUFCZAH3 on 2007-04-13
  To Joe:
  Good catch, also some of the songs are from Chester's old band "Grey Daze." (See my previous review) I, too, am tired of all this claiming to of heard the new album knowing that they are all listening to the fake.
  
  Wait until the album comes out.
  
  
• Losing the heat
  By A2342UGVLCNTU6 on 2007-05-15
  I was actually in disbelief when I heard this album "Minutes to Midnight" I expected so much more out of LP since Hybrid Theory and Meteora. Alot of bands hurt themselves by changing the sound of their music in this case LP put themselves in the mode of self-destruction. No more hard hitting lyrics, powerful vocals, edgy chorus's, dj's and the days of rap rock are gone for LP. Rick Rubin is mostly to blame for the destruction of LP he ruined them like all the other bands he's produced. This album has no replay value what so ever you will get bored with every song on here. The only goods songs are Given Up, What I've Done and No More Sorrow, as for the other songs they are mostly slow songs and aren't very gripping. Alot of my friends bought this album and were disappointed with the outcome and refused to even listen to the album all the way through. LP may have lost the heat we can all hope that they find it again, until then I'll just listen to their old music.
  
  
• A band will need to change over time, but I think LP made too much of a change.
  By A2123FAENYQ3GO on 2007-05-15
  The Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Nine Inch Nails have both enjoyed major success over the years. Both bands have changed dramatically from their first album in the 80s to what they are now with Stadium Arcadium and Year Zero. Both bands have also put out a lot of great records. Even their weakest albums were still great to listen to. With RHCP, they started with sexually-charged funk metal/hard rock music in the 80s and early 90s and slowly evolved into a layed-back funk rock band with By The Way and Stadium Arcadium. The Nine Inch Nails have been the main driving force of industrial music and each album they released has a distinct sound and style (all 5 major releases including the recent Year Zero). However, a sudden change from one album to another can lead to a serious backlash (for example, Metallica moved away from thrash metal to radio-friendly hard rock/heavy metal songs on The Black Album, which was a major backlash to the band and remains as a diving point between Metallica's fanbase).
  
  Now, Linkin Park has fallen victim to this. Their new album Minutes to Midnight is a change away from the nu-metal sound, but a little too much. Hybrid Theory and Meteora were known for angsty rap verses, screaming, and distorted guitar riffs with a mix of hip-hop and electronica. On the new album, the rapping is down to just two songs. The screaming can only be heard on a few tracks (will be discussed below). And the lyrics are much more maturer, even a few politcally charged songs. The problem is the album is much more soft than their previous efforts. A lot of songs are ballads and Mr. Hahn does not use his signature turntabling he's done on HT and Meteora.
  
  Anyways, a runthrough of all 12 songs:
  
  1. Wake
  --This is the introduction to the album. It is an instrumental that sets the tone for the album. However, when compared to their other 2 instrumentals (A Cure for the Itch, Session), this song just doesn't give a catchy and interesting feel to the song. 6/10
  
  2. Given Up
  --This song is similar to their past works on HT and Meteora, only the style is different. Compared to most of their works with HT/Meteora, the song can be described as faster-paced along with the well known distorted guitar sounds. One of the best on the album 9/10
  
  3. Leave Out All The Rest
  --This IMO, might be the song that picks up young bandwagoners in the same fashion as Boulevard of Broken Dreams did for Green Day. This is the first ballad on the album, and feels like a pop song rather than the rock we are all familar with. The song isn't bad though with maybe better lyricism than previous albums, but as an LP song, it's just ok. 7/10
  
  4. Bleed It Out
  --This is one of the only 2 rap songs on the album. The lyrics are more comparable though to Mike Shinoda's work with Fort Minor. The song can be described as a classic rock/AC-DC syled riff with Motown drums, as stated by the bands. The song sounds like something that can be played at a sports arena with the clapping and catchy rhythm. Not too bad....8/10
  
  5. Shadow Of The Day
  --The first thing that will come to mind on this track is the similarity with U2's With or Without You. This is also another pop rock song, but probably one of the best on the album. The song might be about a U.S. soldier leaving for war. 10/10
  
  6. What I've Done
  --We've heard this song for over a month now on the radios. This can be described as a standard alternative rock song, kind of like Breaking the Habit. Mr. Hahn's presence can be felt in the song. The song is a reflection on how the band has changed. Watch the music video too. My only problem is the song is a little too short. I would like to have heard longer verses or a longer instrumental portion after the second verse. 9/10
  
  7. Hands Held High
  --Interesting, I should say. This is a Fort Minor-styled rap song with politcally charged lyrics. You can hear marching drums in the song, kind of like Eminem's Like Toy Soldiers. The refrain though...was kind of lazy...AMEN AMEN AMEN...I think they should have after the AMENS, added in the ending chorus "With Hands Held High..." at the end and as the full chorus. 6/10
  
  8. No More Sorrow
  --This is followed by another politically charged song. The song used the E-Bow from Brad Delson and has a lengthy introduction along with the hard rock guitaring. The instrumentation in the song sounds like it would work well for a military-based video game. The lyrics are clearly an attack on George Bush and his war on Iraq. This is easily the best song on the album. 10/10
  
  9. Valentine's Day
  --Another ballad, and this one is quite forgettable. In fact, I think this could be LP's worst song. The song starts up slow with some electronic elements and ends loud with the song title "On a Valentine's Day". I just didn't enjoy it and honestly, I think it's one I will skip. 2/10
  
  10. In Between
  --Well, Mike Shinoda instead of rapping, sings on this track. In Between is another electronic ballad sounding kind of like the Postal Service. It's interesting to hear Mike singing, and maybe we can look forward to more of it on the later albums, but other than that, it's just an average song. 7/10
  
  11. In Pieces
  --Yet another soft ballad, but like Valentine's Day, it progressively gets loud. Once again, it starts like an electronic-Postal Service styled song, but at the second verse, you can hear a reggae/ska styled beat as the songs feels like it is getting faster. Eventually, Delson puts in a nice guitar solo near the end. The song might be regarding one of Chester Bennington's failed relationships between Meteora and Minutes to Midnight. 9/10
  
  12. The Little Things Give You Away
  --The last song really shows how far Linkin Park has come since Hybrid Theory. The song is their longest work to date, running for over 6 minutes. It's an alternative rock song that has the feel of an older mellow alternative rock song. The song might deal with the events of Hurricane Katrina. The song really builds to it's peak halfway through with a slow but moving guitar solo by Brad Delson and the vocals near the end. Mr. Hahn also has a role with sampling on this track too. Another favorite from this album. 10/10
  
  
  Overall, LP has made a lot of changes from their previous album, but I think LP should have worked more on keeping the rap and some elements of their past work. Remember QWERTY? The major issue was there was too many ballads and a stride towards more pop-rock/synth rock and a move away from hard rock/alternative metal. A lot of people will be dissapointed with this album, but overall, just like with Metallica's Black Album and Green Day's American Idiot, it is still a decent album worth listening to, but I prefer for new LP listeners to start with Meteora and Hybrid Theory instead.
  
  
• Great Stuff
  By A1QCRUQFBVJP4E on 2007-05-16
  I'm going to start this out by saying, do NOT! make a final judgments of this record until you've listened to it a few times all the way through. the first time I listened to this, i was just like a lot of the reviewers and just felt kind of disappointed, but then directly afterwards I listened to it again and got more into it, the 3rd time I started to really enjoy it, the fourth time I found myself singing along to it. In the past five hours I've listened to this record none stop, and I still can not get enough. I almost made the mistake of reviewing it after only a couple of listens, but in reality, this record needs to grow on you, and once it does, you'll realize exactly what they were trying to do.
  
  This record is for people with open minds and that are willing to accept the fact that they are doing something totally different. You will not find hybrid theory or Meteora in this record. That sound is totally gone, but once you give this record a chance, and it grows on you, you'll love it just as much or maybe even more then their last records. I can not believe all of the negative reviews I have seen for this record, but I can't help but think that its because you haven't given the record enough listens. Before you review this thing, just listen to the record a bunch of times.
  
  in my opinion, this record is amazing & it was totally worth the four year wait. There are so many different genres of music in this one little disk that a music freak like me would just totally eat it up. The record goes from metal, to modern rock, to hip-hop, to punk, to ska, and a lot of others. The record is so different but at the same time it still feels like a linkin park record, which is very hard to pull off. i think my only complaints about this record are its too short (but longer then their other two records) and it would be nice to have more Mike and Joe on it.
  
  stand out tracks imo would be: Given Up, one of the heaviest songs on the record if not the heaviest, and will defiantly satisfied old linkin park fans or people that want their heavy stuff i should say. Leave Out All The Rest, a slower song but Chester's voice is just amazing in the song and the music is just so relaxing...this song will grow on you, just give it a few chances. It would make a great single. Bleed It Out, one of the two songs that mike raps on, his rapping skills are amazing, it's a very upbeat song and would make a great single as well. What I've Done, you've heard it, love it or hate it, I've always loved this song. Hands Held High, a song obviously about the bush administration and if you read the lyrics they actually say some pretty humorous stuff about bush. No More Sorrow, another really heavy song and will make older linkin park fans happy. Valentines Day, great ballad that explodes into a very heavy song and is very emotional and great. Probably a lot of people will be able to relate to it. In Pieces, the song I was looking forward to the most. It has really different drumming, ska/clash-like guitars and also a great guitar solo in it. One of the best songs on the whole record. The Little Things Give You Away, amazing song and has the solo that every linkin park fan has been waiting for and its very beautiful and the whole song is just great.
  
  Agree or Disagree, I think this record is amazing and if you give it a few listens I'm sure you'll fall in love with it. If not, that sucks and its too bad you don't like it.
  
  Just like Meteora, I'm dying for their next record already. Hope the next one comes out a little sooner though :P
  
  peace!
  
  
  
• Linkin Stinkin
  By A25CDR7STDQQN0 on 2007-05-17
  Nine days after its release the album is 50% off, need I say more?
  
  R.I.P. L.P.
  
  
• Great Stuff - Linkin Park's Best Album so far
  By A2VNX0EYSO155Y on 2007-05-19
  You know what it is that made the music of the late 60's and even some parts of the 70's so great? it wasn't all about talent although that, of course, played a huge part. It was because music was so creative and bands/artists such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Bob Dylan weren't afraid to go out on limbs and take risks w/ their music. Would The Beatles and Pink Floyd have the same awesome/wow, incredible! factor today if they hadn't ventured from the style of their initial albums? The answer is no, their music wouldn't have been so fantastic if they hadn't taken so many risks and been so daring and creative. For example, the critics mostly hated "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band" by The Beatles when it first came out because it was too different from their previous albums. But now it's regarded by many music buffs as being one of the greatest albums of all time. So why is it that today when a band/artist does something new and different people are so quick to think that they're "selling out" or that their music is bad just because it's not like their previous efforts? I only hope that people will look back on this album and see how much more mature and beautiful it is than Linkin Park's two previous albums. It's an imperfect album but one that is fantastic nonetheless. Haunting, powerful, great melodies and thoughtful, reflective lyrics. I wish that more LP fans would just appreciate this album for what it is and not compare it so much to their other albums. Because I love it and hope that others will too. Or they can hate it; I'd just like to see more fans be more open-minded about it and not simply trash it 'cause it's new and different, that's all.
  
  
• quit now LP
  By A1OTD20VGFY6NC on 2007-05-20
  this band should quit while they still have two amazing albums behind them. new album sounds more like taking back sunday than linkin park. come on! this is garbage.
  
  
• What Happened to this Band?
  By A1DTYL1116K271 on 2007-05-22
  I found this album disappointing and sub-par. On the CD jacket, the band writes that it took them 14 months to complete the album, the other two taking only 3-6. What happened in those extra 8? I have no problem with bands trying to go in different directions, but to completely abandon what made you popular in the first place is unacceptable. Meteora hit you hard with the opening tracks and didn't let up. Still one of my favorite alternative albums, this one didn't sound anything like Linkin Park. The overtly political lyrics and slow soft beats and melodys left me longing for more. I was expecting them to bring it hard in this album like they have in the past, and instead, they brought weak, poor songs that aren't even good by the standards of the genre of music they were trying to replicate in this album.
  
  Extremely disappointing. If you liked the last two LP albums, do yourself a favor and don't purchase this album...it will only change your perception of this once great band.
  
  
• LP is gone and this album sucks.
  By A137RU0N3VFI9T on 2007-05-26
  Ok, so they wanted to change... Too bad because their talent is in what they were doing.
  
  This album is horrible. There is NOTHING to catch you and make you want to come back. The melodies suck, there is no more rap or hard core anything. Its like the Back Street Boys with occassional screaming and a few gratuitous F-bombs to disguise the fact that it sucks.
  
  Too bad fellas. I was looking forward to more of your skill. Wish it would have stuck around. Not only that, but my boys are big fans and can't listen to the album. Why? Because you need to express yourselves with the F-word for some reason. Lame. That isn't growing up guys, its copping out.
  
  DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS GARBAGE. YOU CAN HAVE MINE.
  
  
• Great Album
  By A16P3HGJVSI3LR on 2007-06-10
  Minutes To Midnight is a great Linkin Park album, even if it isn't like the past two. What I've Done truly did not do the album justice and is quite honestly the worst song in my opinion, and not the right song to be a lead single.
  
  Wake - I won't rate this, as it is just an intro. That being said it is a very good one, with a heavy guitar track coming in towards the end.
  
  Given Up - 5/5 This song sounds a bit hip-hopish, with the sounds of clapping and keys jingling through-out. This is one of the fastest, heaviest songs on the album. It's full of energy
  
  Leave Out All The Rest - 4.5/5 This song also has a lot of hip-hop elements to it. While Chester sings the verses, there is not guitar or drums or any live band, just a hip-hop track. The live band comes in during the chorus. It's really melodic and shows off Chester's voice better than a lot of songs.
  
  Bleed It Out - 5/5 The fastest song on the album, Bleed It Out is the first time we hear Mike's rapping and it doesn't disappoint. The whole song sounds made for a party, you can hear the band and Rick Rubin in the background through-out the song yelling and laughing. The funnest track to listen to on Minutes To Midnight
  
  Shadow Of The Day - 5/5 I personally love this song, however many people don't/won't. This song is extremely different from anything LP has done before. When my friends and I first heard it we literally said "wait, what am I listening to?" outloud. That being said I think it is a great song. It builds from the beginning, keyboard and Chester singing, to drums, to one guitar solo, and then another. This is also probably Chester's best vocal performance to-date as far as singing goes. It is an outstanding song, but dont be expecting the old Linkin Park to show up on this one.
  
  What I've Done - 3/5 This is the first part of the album that, in my opinion, begins to not deliver. This song to me is the lowest point of the CD, and as I said does not do the album justice as a lead single.
  
  Hands Held High - 4.5/5 This track is, for the most part, all Mike Shinoda. This is the second, and last time you hear him rap on the album. It sounds a lot like a Fort Minor song. The chorus consists of the entire band (meaning Chester, Mike, Brad, Phoenix, Mr. Hahn, and Rob) singing. The vocals were layered on top of each other to give it the sound of a male choir. Mike's verses are two of his best, and his singing during the bridge is also great. He shows off his talent on this song.
  
  No More Sorrow - 5/5 This song is pretty much loved by every LP fan out there. It is the heaviest song on the album and sounds a lot like the Linkin Park that fans are used to. The intro to this song is WOW, as is the rest of the song. Not much else I can say except its awesome.
  
  Valentine's Day - 4/5 One of the softest songs. Chester's voice at the beginning of the song sounds almost like he is crying, which sets the tone for the entire track. It's very mellow and may not be liked by old-school LP fans.
  
  In Between - 4/5 I like this song, but I will admit that it is a bit boring. Mike sings the lead vocal, and does do a good job, but I dont think that this track gives his singing the credit it deserves. The song is very quiet, so Mike of course, Mike's singing is also quiet and mellow, to fit with the track. This makes the track a bit boring and hard to listen to all the way through without just going on to another song.
  
  In Pieces - 5/5 Interesting track. On the surface, it may not seem like an old-school LP track, but if you listen to it, it really isnt that different from the old Linkin Park. One thing that IS noticable is the guitar solo. GREAT job by Brad on this, it is the highlight of the song.
  
  The Little Things Give You Away - 4.5/5 Longest song by LP ever. It's has a nice melody and is a great way to end the album. Again, the guitar solo is the highlight of the song, along with the whole breakdown with nice drums and guitar, followed by Chester's and Mike's singing to end it.
  
  Overall - 4.5/5
  
  

• Meteora
• Hybrid Theory
• Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces
• One X
• Vena Sera