Linkin who?

It's been a few years since Linkin Park brought us "Meteora", they're stunning second studio album. Yesterday brought us their latest, "Minutes to Midnight" and it is almost shockingly different from their previous efforts. Gone are the scratchy DJ sounds and heavy riffs. Nearly absent also is the rap/rock mix that they mastered. These aren't necessarily negative changes, but they might turn off those who are looking for that signature sound Linkin Park brought to the mainstream.

The CD is almost track for track great. There are probably 2 songs that I could take or leave. The rest are top notch. This album seems much more rife with emotion than the others and being someone who enjoys emotional songs, it works for me.

If you can tolerate the stripped back sound and don't mind hearing Chester take the stage for the majority of the songs you'll be satisfied with the album. It's definitely a great step in the growth of what I've always considered one of my favorite bands.