Customer Reviews

Minutes To Midnight [Explicit]

5 star:		(230)
4 star:		(141)
3 star:		(88)
2 star:		(117)
1 star:		(157)

 

 

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

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.

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.

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

After reading the reviews here over several weeks, I finally bought this CD today.
While I was not expecting much, what with all the negative reviews (I used to trust true music fans to have a pretty good opinion of a long-standing band such as LP), I was not disappointed with it.
I'm not here to bust anyone's chops but some of you don't seem to know how to appreciate music for what it can do.
Minutes to Midnight does not appear to be an attempt to recreate the sounds of Hybrid Theory or Meteora, but then, Meteora did not seem to try to recreate the sounds of Hybrid Theory.
It's sad for me to think that people would want a band's sound to never change. I hear it all too often when I turn on the radio and a guitar riff or drum beat can tell me who the artist is before I even hear a lyric. It's sickening.
Give Linkin Park the props they deserve for delivering something new; something thought provoking, emotional and sincere. This CD has many elements that can be appreciated in and of themselves, not just as a compliation of LP's new work.
Tracks like Leave Out All The Rest, Hands Held High, and The Little Things Give You Away really touched a sensitive spot in my soul for my own personal reasons.
So, no... Minutes may not be another Hybrid Theory or Meteora, but it can stand on its own just like the first two.
Maybe try reading the meaning behind the words and feeling it through the music instead of taking everything at face value.

Being the music-enthusiast that I am, I rarely ever purchase a bad CD. I do my research prior to buying most CDs unless I'm just so in love with the artist/band that it doesn't really matter that much. I'd never even heard a Linkin Park CD prior to buying MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT so it was weird that I'd even pick up the new CD by a band I hadn't followed. The only thing I'd ever heard by Linkin Park was the mash-up that they collaborated with Jay-Z, which was in my mind promising. I liked what I heard of their original songs ("Numb", "Lying From You" among others)so I thought I would try the bands long-awaited follow-up from 2003's massive METEORA. I mean, METEORA had teenagers swooning practically, so why not. If I could go back, I probably wouldn't have bought MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT. It isn't awful or incredibly horrible, but it certainly isn't what I expected or what I would gravitate to as a music CD. I'm a self-proclaimed 'multi-dimensional' musician/music-listener, but if this is true Linkin Park, I have to say they aren't on my radar of musical tastes. To the credit of MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT, there are a couple of great numbers and I wouldn't slight the album of that in the least. As a whole, the album isn't my favorite.

After a pointless intro via "Wake" (aren't all intros and interludes pointless for the most part?), the album starts with a true bang, via the exceptional "Given Up". While I don't advocate screams that seem like they're ever going to end (Bennington vocal cords must be chocked full of vocal nodes/nodules),I appreciate the angst within Bennington's vocals. To call "Given Up's" lyrics are true, potent songwriting would be an overstatement, but angst filled teens and twentysomethings will be singing along: "I've given up... tell me what the f**k is wrong, with me" as wells as "put me out of my f**kin' misery". True, substance filled songwriting right there (sarcasm). "Leave All the Rest" isn't a potent as the screaming match that is "Given Up", but it is OK, which is the general sentiment of MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT. It does features nice production work, which is a positive point. What "Leave All The Rest" lacks is true star-potential, which the proceeding track "Bleed It Out" has written all over it. Thank God for Mike Shinoda's spirited performance here coupled with the second coolest hook of the album, provided by none other than Bennington ("I Bleed It Out just to blow it away"). Still, you worry about those vocal cords of Bennington's.

"Shadow of the Day" isn't bad and it grows on you after a couple of listens. "What I've Done" features the standard Linkin Park production and production-wise it is a standout. Overall, it is a fine track, but I do believed it has been overhyped by everybody. Sure, it went to no. 7 on the Billboard Charts, but is it really as great as everybody makes it out to be? Compared to "Numb", isn't it insubordinate and a bit insignificant? Just my thoughts. It's OK though, but that about all in my eyes. "Hands Held High" is a production standout and once again features the quiet Mike Shinoda, who isn't quite as effective here as he was on "Bleed It Out". However, "Hands Held High" is one of the better tracks of the entire album. By "Hands Held High" (track 7), the general sentiment I get from the album is that it is a bit scattered as opposed to being unified, which in my opinion hurts it a bit. Again though, there are enough promising moments here that I think the notion of unity is counteracted a bit.

"No More Sorrow" wins the production award for the album. The mammoth drums at the beginning are enough to wake any body up from a deep sleep. The instrumental work here is top rate as well, which leads the listener to believe there is hope for MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT. To call "No More Sorrow" and unfaltered hit would be quite the overstatement, but it is middle-of the road minimally. "Valentine's Day" is average at the most and leaves you thinking 'so what?' after you've listened to it. You get the feeling that "Valentine's Day" is the breaking point of MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT. You have to ask yourself how many more predictable songs can Linkin Park produce on this album with the cliché anthemic refrains? "In Between" falls in the trap of being too repetitively bland. Sure, I'm a fan of the production, but after hearing the loop for so long, it utterly bores you.

"In Pieces" revives a bit more interest in the album as the penultimate track, though it is more a production masterpiece than a songwriting marvel. "The Little Things Give You Away" concludes the album showcasing Linkin Park's electro-centric production work coupled with a cool acoustic feel. It is good to hear Bennington a bit more senitive than usual, but then again this is the same man who scream for countless number of seconds on the twice as exciting "Given Up", the gem of the entire album.

Production wise, this album is right on point and if my judgement were based solely on production, I would give this album probably 4 stars. But this is by no means a 4 star album in my mind; there are enough unspired moments and vocal instabilities to shut that notion down quickly. Where hit material and truly stellar tracks are concerned, this album meanders from the best, most exciting or exhilarating ("Given Up", "Bleed It Out") that don't question the credibility of Linkin Park, to the worst, least interesting ("In Between" or the boring "Valentine's Day"). At most this album is average though I've heard much more exciting, well thought out 'average' albums than this disunified affair. 2 stars.

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.

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.

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

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!