"Nearly three years after making their massive, multi-platinum debut with 'Hybrid Theory,' Linkin Park return with this, their sophmore album, which definitely does not disappoint. At the core, its still Linkin Park. They haven't lost that edge, that style and smoothness that made 'Hybrid Theory' such a great listen. However, what you will find on 'Meteora' is a bit more experimental and more diverse. Where Linkin Park used to be just a rap-rock band, they tend to spread things out this time around. Songs like "Don't Stay" are straight-ahead rockers, which are complimented nicely by hip-hop tracks such as "Nobody's Listening" and "Hit The Floor." No doubt, the album is very short and not all of the songs click instantly like the ones on 'Hybrid Theory.' It will take a few listens to get into this one, but once you get it, it's great. With 'Meteora,' Linkin Park prove to not be just a flash-in-the-pan. 'Hybrid Theory' has gotten a little played out, but I get the feeling that this disc will be around a lot longer. All of the songs seem to be tapping in on a deeper emotional level, and with their success, the band seems to have a lot more creative control. The limited edition disc is a great buy. It comes with a DVD documenting the making of the album, a gigantic booklet, with little notes about the making of each song, and the disc itself includes a short film about the art of 'Meteora' (Heck, when I bought my copy, I even got a free t-shirt. It doesn't fit, but that's not the point). If you didn't like Linkin Park before, I doubt this will change your mind, but this should definetly please all of their fans."
Surprising, to say the least.
trebuchetsoldier | Michigan | 04/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I like Hybrid Theory, and I liked Reanimation, though Hybrid Theory's repetitiveness got annoying after a few months.When I heard Somewhere I Belong, I was hooked instantly. I knew this album would at least be solid.When I got it, I at first hated the damn thing. I thought each song was repetitive and boring. I almost took it back. But upon closer examination(as well as listening to the whole album several times), I realized I had no idea what I was talking about.Don't Stay starts the album off nicely, with a nice BPM and Chester's musical range shines.Somewhere I Belong highlights every strength of the band; Shinoda's vocal tone, the drummer's practice habits, everything comes into place. The track truly is the album's anthem.The rest of the track mirrors Hybrid Theory in its theme progression. that is, the idea behind the lyrics tends to mirror how Hybrid Theory's developed. The last song is very cinematic, Linkin Park style. All the songs are quite good, though track 6 wasn't the most creative ever.The tempo in Breaking The habit hooked me; its faster pace sets it apart from traditional Linkin Park, and is welcomeNobody's Listening is one of my favorites; the flute really adds to the ambience of the song, creating an eerie premise for Shinoda's rhymed...Linkin Park's dreaier look at life is taken from a young perspective, and to a band with great strengths.I sometimes questioned whether or not Linkin Park had the creative power to produce a new album. Happily, they do, and do it well.The DVD is a great view. If Linkin Park wants a quick single release to buy time, The Wizard Song is a great choice, long as Chester finishes it.If your a fan, buy it. If your not, I question how much the album may sway you."
Don't listen to any h8rs...BUY THIS!!!
Jason Gomez | West Covina, CA | 05/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"one of linkin parks best compilation of songs, and i have heard every song they've released.1) FORWARD: great intro that intergrates into the second track.
2) DON'T STAY: my second favourite track on this cd, gets right to the point, no boring intro song, lound and rockin'.
3) SOMEWHERE I BELONG: great song, nice and dramatic but still rocks while having great lyrics
4) LYING FROM YOU: favourite song on the album, really loud, has great rappin' and a bad ass chorus.
5) HIT THE FLOOR: has rappin' and a screaming chorus, fairly simple beat but still a great track, and one of the best on the cd.
6) EASIER TO RUN: great melodies by chester, and the best lyrics, in my opinion, on the entire album.
7) FAINT: one of the best reasons to buy the album. this song ROX!!!
8) FIGURE.09: this song kix ass! cool rythm, good lyrics, and just a good track all around.
9) BREAKING THE HABIT: great harmonies once again from chester, and has a very catchy beat, and very meaningful lyrics.
10) FROM THE INSIDE: this song both rocks and is very soft, the way it is mixed is great.
11) NOBODY'S LISTENING: a lot of people don't like this song, but i think that the asian flutes make this song very unique. and the blending of rapping and powerful lyrics make this track a 10.
12) SESSION: if you like any of mr. hahn's previous work, you'll love this track. it is mixed very well, and is the best song that hahn has made.
13) NUMB: some of the most powerful lyrics on the album. i can relate to this song, and the lyrics are just very well put together. another one of my favourites!the dvd features some very cool extras. any linkin park fan would love it. the enhanced features are awsome. so stop reading this and just buy the freakin' album. still reading get out of here and buy it NOW!"
My "Meteora" Review
Dan Thompson | Jackson, TN USA | 03/27/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Meteora" is Linkin Park's follow-up to their successful Hybrid Theory album. I was a big fan of Linkin Park, but after "Reanimation" was released I lost interest. I watched the MTV Making the Video for "Somewhere I Belong" and I still wasn't sure if I would get "Meteora" or not. I thought "Somewhere I Belong" was okay at first, but after hearing it for the 3rd or 4th time, I really started to like it. So I figured I would give "Meteora" a chance.
Some of my favorite tracks on the album are: "Somewhere I Belong" (the first single), "Easier to Run", "Lying From You", "Breaking the Habit", and "Nobody's Listening" "Somewhere I Belong" really grew on me after awhile (I really like the chorus). "Easier to Run" is a mid-tempo mosh-ballad, that is about how hard it is to face your problems. "Breaking the Habit" is a song that Mike Shinoda has been working on for the past 5 years. (you learn that in the "Making of Meteora DVD") It was originally supposed to be an short interlude, but ended up becoming a 3 minute song w/ a live orchestra, Chester handles the vocals. "Nobody's Listening", it is the most "hip-hop" track on the cd, but I still like it (I don't like Rap or hip/hop, so that's a lot coming from me), it features some kind of Japanese flutes in the background. "Meteora" is a solid cd with no "filler", it clocks in at 37 minutes. I probably like it more than "Hybrid Theory" and I'm sure it will be just as successful. The bonus DVD is worth the money and it is very interesting to how they made the album. The cd also includes the "Somewhere I Belong" video and tons of other extras Linkin Park fans will enjoy. So, if you liked what you heard on "Hybrid Theory", get this cd. If you're not a fan of Linkin Park or "Hybrid Theory", you're not going to like this one any better. My rating: 4/5 Stars"