Minutes to Midnight - Dark Publications

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Similar Items:

•	Meteora
•	Hybrid Theory
•	It Won't Be Soon Before Long
•	One X
•	Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Minutes to Midnight stands to defend Linkin Park's status as the hardest-rockin' softies in mainstream music. Like its predecessors Hybrid Theory (2000) and Meteroa (2003), Minutes to Midnight flexes plenty of decibel-heavy muscle ("Given Up," "Bleed It Out," "No More Sorrow") and made-to-order, melodic radio fare ("Leave Out All the Rest," "Shadow of the Day," "In Pieces"). But for all its volume, Linkin Park likes to paint its heart openly on its sleeve with suspicious sonic drama, as in the palpably saccharine "Valentine's Day." Fortunately, co-producer Rick Rubin brings all these elements to pinnacle effect with the surprise "Hands Held High." On past efforts, the combination of breezy keyboard, arpeggiated guitar, choral vocals, and a military snare-beat would yield another slab of smarm, here MC Mike Shinoda drops the two best verses of his career, blending vocal styles with singer Chester Bennington for a moving piece that's as welcome a repertorial addition as Linkin Park is ever likely to muster. --Jason Kirk

Amazon.com
Minutes to Midnight is rock's most anticipated album of the year. This album redefines one of today's most adventurous, accomplished and acclaimed bands.

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Customer Reviews: Read 685 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Good, but it won't scratch your Linkin Park itch... May 15, 2007
218 out of 238 found this review helpful

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

3 out of 5 stars

i'm a big fan of LP, but this doesn't quite make the cut May 15, 2007
107 out of 132 found this review helpful

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.

1 out of 5 stars

What happened? May 17, 2007
89 out of 130 found this review helpful

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.

1 out of 5 stars

At least it made me laugh May 16, 2007
21 out of 29 found this review helpful

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.

5 out of 5 stars

No "Meteora Theory" here. Though Doomsday this is NOT! LP delivers!!! May 16, 2007
15 out of 20 found this review helpful

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!!!!!!!!!!

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