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Showing reviews 1-5 of 699
 THE REVIEW CORNER: "Minutes To Midnight" Excellent or Awful? December 28, 2007
Heath Nodine (SC)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful
Linkin Park returned with this lighter touched album that has gotten people wondering "Where has the old Linkin Park gone?" Though at times that Linkin Park is missed deeply after their two outstanding cds "Hybrid Theory" and "Meteroa"...they are far from being completely lost. Chester, Mike, and the boys hit into a different aspect of the bad...one where their producer wanted them to go. They headed into this album knowing one thing "Throw your old ways of doing an album...and try to create something new...fresh...and lively." And after 100 demos for the new album...in lies "Minutes to Midnight."
Mike-less songs, Chester-less songs, and a few slow beats make a lot of fans turning in the other direction. But before you blow this album off completely...take a second, sit down, and listen to the songs deeply as they flow. Has Linkin Park completely lost their touch? Gracious no. With the like of Bleed It Out...Linkin Park can still impress with the Mike & Chester duo. Mike took a less lead part in this album, even with his two solo songs "Hands Held High" and "In Between". Mike is still not lost in the songs, as he supports a softer background mode as he still takes part vocally in the background. This album let the two express themselves better as musicians and showing how creative they can be.
The band still knows how to rock, with a tremendous live tour in 2007...one spot being Atlanta which myself attended...and was blown away. Minutes To Midnight album took a lot of the setlist, but was performed amazingly and improved my liking of the album even more. There will still be haters, dis-likers, and every other kinda if negative critic to this album...just like any other album...but try and do whatever you can to listen to this album. Buy it, borrow it, or do those other things *wink* that will allow you to listen to this CD. Though the "every song hard rock" sound has left a little bit...this CD still shows that they are tremendous musicians.
GRADING SCALE:
Excellent (5 Stars) = 8 - 10
Good (4 Stars) = 6 - 7
Decent (3 Stars) = 4 - 5
Eh... (2 Stars) = 2 - 3
What Did I Just Listen Too? (1 Star) = 0 - 1
SONG REVIEWS
TRACK 1. WAKE
Serves its purpose as the intro to this CD. It tends to pump you up and prepare you for this CD...especially to those listening to it for the first time. When performed live...the crowd certainly was pumped up.
RATING: 10/10
TRACK 2. GIVEN UP
Mike-less song...but Chester performs very well in this solo song. The feeling you get while listening to this track just makes a great start to the album. Chester's long scream at the end will surely give some the chills. Expect this to be a single very soon.
RATING: 10/10
TRACK 3: LEAVE OUT ALL THE REST
The first song to turn the heads of some people. Again, Mike-less. It is indeed a slow paced song, but the lyrical ability Linkin Park has makes up for all the slow paced songs on this album. The songs is performed smoothly, but knocks you off pace from the high energy start to the album.
RATING: 7/10
TRACK 4: BLEED IT OUT
Enter Mike Shinoda...and exit an awesome song. Mike shows his rapping ability, especially after his Fort Minor album...but Chester saves the rockers with his powerful vocals mixing this into a well executed Hip-Hop/Rock song, without over-endulging you with the rap. It has been blaring the air waves, and doing great at it.
RATING: 10/10
TRACK 5: SHADOW OF THE DAY
Exit Mike again, and enter another Chester solo...with the slow paced rhythm. Already released as a single, Shadow Of The Day carries a good lyrical based song that is showing the good out of the slow paced LP in this song. Chester does a very good job all the way through, and even though it is indeed a slow paced song, Linkin Park does very good.
RATING: 8/10
TRACK 6: WHAT I'VE DONE
It has come and gone from the airwaves, while making some think when they first heard it that Mike was gone from the band. He is indeed not gone, just one of many songs he is not strongly featured in. But was a great single when released, and continues to be a great single. Wiping away your past, and starting a-new...and forgiving what you've done. Great song, great opening single.
RATING: 10/10
TRACK 7: HANDS HELD HIGH
Enter Mike, exit Chester. Mike returns to the cd after 2 consecutive songs no playing a vocal spot. This song is all him, and done with a non-rock...slow hip-hop style. The War song meaning behind it makes this song a nice little tune for those Anti-Bush people. I just think the "Amen" parts get a little annoying.
RATING: 7/10
TRACK 8: NO MORE SORROW
Hard rock song led by Chester, and the performance is very solid. This song grows on you more, and it should be a top pick for the next single if it occurs.
RATING: 9/10
TRACK 9: VALENTINE'S DAY
Out of 100+ demos made for this album, I can't find myself seeing how Valentine's Day was chosen. It's a slow-paced Chester only song that I've yet to grow attached to. It's more like a skipping track than anything. It's a decent song, but just not a good choice. This CD could have done with out it.
RATING: 4/10
TRACK 10: IN BETWEEN
Mike knocks out another solo shot but this one much slower than Hands Held High. This non-rap ballad is a decent track, and serves its purpose as a near album ending song...but just nothing you may find yourself listening too over and over again.
RATING: 6/10
TRACK 11: IN PIECES
The second to last song of this CD "In Pieces" is a very good slow paced song. Chester sounds great and the lyrics are rather nice. One of the better slow paced songs on this album. This album would have been much better if two songs like this would have replaced "Valentine's Day" and "In Between."
RATING: 8/10
TRACK 12: LITTLE THINGS GIVE YOU AWAY <---VOTED BEST TRACK ON CD
Being about the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, if you have not heard this song...DO. Great song and a tremendous performance live. Should be higher on this CD, but the meanings and lyrics behind this song is what is slower paced song is all about. Who cares if it isn't heavy, this song is an amazing performance by the LP boys. Breaking over 6-7 minutes, you will be loving every minute of it. If not, remove the wax from your ears and listen again...be amazed.
RATING: 10/10
FINAL RATING: 99/120 = 8.25 ("Excellent"/5 Stars)
OUTCOME:
I think the rating for this album fits nicely, with two songs lowering that rating, I think it is just a mere step above just being "Good" and finding a soft spot in the Excellent category. To those in love with the lyrical aspect of music...will love this cd. Those who are expecting Hybrid Theory or Meteroa...this album is not for you. It hits a slow pace, but comes out very good and worth several listenings or even non-stop listening.
This is a great album, regardless of the naysayers June 25, 2007
M. Richardson (Sacramento, CA United States)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
It really is too bad that a lot of people here are slamming this album as being mediocre or worse. I personally think that a lot of that is a failur to open one's mind. I think that if any band is going to be around for a long time, they cannot just keep putting out the same stuff over and over again. It may please the hardcore fan who wants just more of the same, but it shows no growth on the part of the band making the music.
I admit that the first time I listened to this album I had notions of the first two albums in my head and it was more concentration on listening and comparing. However, from the 2nd time through and on I have enjoyed this album more than I thought I would. Tracks 2-7 are downright awesome and if MTV were still relevant at all the video for "what I've done" would be up there with "right here, right now" and "one" as being more than just a video. The rest of the tracks on the album are not as good as 2-7 but still very good.
I think that what people need to do is imagine these songs blended in with the ones from the last two albums in a live show and they will blend just fine. It will not be like when Guns n Roses pulled out the sofas and mood lighting and played unplugged for 30 minutes as an obvious digression from the rest of the show. I cant wait until they come around here for a live show and I will happily be listening to this album and their others
Best Album They Have Created Yet May 15, 2007
Russell the Love Muscle (USA)
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
This is truly an amazing album, not for the pretend fans though that bash it because they tried something different. This album is for fans that are open minded, and can appreciate all kinds of music, as long as it is quality
This album takes two listens: one to get you over the initial shock of the change, and another to get you deeper into the meaning of the music. Song breakdown:
Wake: cool intro, great way to start off. 5/5
Given Up: One of my favorites on the album. The best Chester has ever sounded vocally; great song! Has a punk feel to it, which is not a bad thing at all. 5/5
Leave Out All The Rest: Mellow song, but not bad. This sounds like another single; it is a soothing ballad with clean vocal talent and great musical accompaniment. Not my favorite track, but it is still very well done. 5/5
Bleed It Out: another favorite; you can tell through the music and live performance especially how much LP loves this song (they smile the whole time). No one can argue against the rhythm and greatness the track offers. 5/5
Shadow Of The Day: takes a full listen to enjoy it (don't skip after ten seconds). Really cool string section and guitar work. Absolutely AMAZING song; reminiscent of U2's "With Or Without You," which is also an amazing song. At first, this song is shocking to an Lp listener, because it is so different from the other material, but this song is one of the best ever to be recorded. 5/5
What I've Done: good song, but not the best on the album; took a few listens to get into it. Still, it's a great song. 4.5/5
Hands Held High: I love this song; if I could give more then 5 I would; it;s deep, powerful, and Mike's talent never ceases to amaze me. The band's choice of instruments and vocals are genius. 5/5
No More Sorrow: Arguably the heaviest track here, and it's great. Really solid intro, heavy music and lyrics, fantastic vocal delivery. 5/5
Valentine's Day: This song is kind of blah, not a personal favorite. It does grow on you though, and it does fit into the album's sound. Overall, the song is enjoyable. 4/5
In Between: cool song, but does border on being boring. Music is great, but I like a little drum beat in my music; this song lacks that. Plus, Mike doesn't really sing here, he just kind of talk-sing-whispers; it's not regular singing. Toward the end it begins to redeem itself, and it ends up being a worth-while track. 4/5
In Pieces: another favorite for me. Really cool song, just listen all the way through. Ska guitar, guitar solo, and great vocal delivery. One of the best on the album. 5/5
The Little Things Give You Away: starts off slow with weird sound effects and acoustic guitar. Kinda of weak at first, but after a minute, the track turns for the better. The drums really stand out for me in this track, as well as the rest of the musical accompaniment. This song is really well done, and the end is chilling. The harmonizing by Chester sounds great, as well as the music behind it. This has turned into my favorite song, as well as the best song ever done by them. It is incredible! 10/5
No Roads Left (itunes bonus track): really cool song. Mike is singing, and actually singing this time, unlike in "In Between." The song should be on the regular release, but what are you gonna do? Cool violins, guitar work and great vocal range make this track worth the itunes download. 5/5
Overall, this is a five star album, with a wide range of music and talent. The band has never sounded better, and I look forward to what they make next, hopefully in less then three years. I hope you find this review helpful in determining whether or not you should buy this album. I will say this also; I was not a "die hard LP fan" before this album. I have always enjoyed their work, but I never considered them in my top five; this album has pushed me to the other side, and I can personally say they are now my favorite band, as of right now.
If you look at any of my previous reviews, they are not nearly as extensive, so that should tell you that this album is important to me. The music is deep, and well worth the money. Buy this album, and congratulate Linkin Park on their success for changing for the better by clicking "Yes" for the helpfulness of this review.
P.S. For all of you expecting Meteora pt.2 don't waste your time here bashing this record with your negativity. You are close minded, and are not open to new things that differ from the past. Hybrid Theory and Meteora were cool, but I would not be happy if Minutes To Midnight sounded like those; that genre died a while ago. Don't bash this record because it's different; embrace the changes and see the beauty in the music.
Great Stuff May 15, 2007
DUR! DUR!
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
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!
Great Album June 10, 2007
Marianne E. Sodhi (Springfield, VA)
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
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
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