Linkin Park
Living Things

"The world asked for a great rock album, and it got it".

When I read this sentence about "Living Things", I hoped with all my heart that it was true, and now, after listening carefully to every single track, I can absolutely confirm this statement. Living Things is a great rock album. It was rightly described as a mix between new and old style because that's exactly what it is. I think it is one of the most complete albums the Californian band has ever made. Without denying the greatness of Hybrid Theory, I believe this latest work is better because it showcases the maturity with which it was realized. The angry guys have grown up, but that doesn't mean they are any less full of anger, as they demonstrate in furious songs like "Victimized". If in Hybrid Theory they showcased their anger through heavy guitars and angry screams, now they do it by writing lyrics that slam reality in your face as it is, without too many words. Living Things is a very personal and, above all, complete album. It has everything: scream, heavy guitars and drums, sharp rap (which we've missed lately), but also sweet melodies. I think I've said everything about this great work. I couldn't have expected anything better. Once again, Linkin Park has hit the mark and given us a great album.

"LOST IN THE ECHO": Already the intro promises well, I tell myself, I'm going to like this a lot. And indeed, it will be so. The song opens with an angry Mike rapping with Chester's voice as background. The chorus is very catchy, one that stays in your head all day even after the first listen. The song follows the typical structure of their songs, which is never unpleasant. Chester's scream comes in unexpectedly and is a pleasure to the ears. This track represents the "new" LP and shows how change isn't always negative. I see it well as the next single release.

"IN MY REMAINS": As soon as the song starts, it immediately reminds me of the old LP, those of Meteora and a bit of Minutes To Midnight. Chester's voice is very clean yet firm and confident. It's nice to hear Rob and Brad very present. Perhaps a final scream was expected, but the song is already beautiful as it is. I think it's one of the best on the album. A great mix between old and new style.

"BURN IT DOWN": Already heard as the first single released some time ago, but that doesn't stop it from being liked. On the contrary, I believe the more you listen to it, the more you like it. Simple lyrics and somewhat short, it has a chorus that stays well imprinted in the mind. The sound is new, and for this reason, it has somewhat divided the public opinion of the six guys' fans. The best part of the song, in my opinion, is the rapped part by Mike. The last chorus is the one that engages the listener the most (with Mike and Chester's voices alternating). But anyway, the song is engaging in itself.

"LIES GREED MISERY": A song that truly divided fans. In this track, some no longer saw the Linkin Park they knew, and there were many criticisms and rejections. I liked the song immediately for this particularity that makes it different from any other song ever made by the band. The sound is especially different. Chester showcases his exceptional vocal talents, proving he can still sing like 10 years ago!

"I'LL BE GONE": Chester's hypnotic voice immediately overwhelms you and guides you to the end. Sound that very much recalls the old Linkin Park. One of the most complete and overwhelming tracks on the album. I find Rob's drumming really engaging, and the guitars are nothing to scoff at. There's nothing more to add other than it's one of my favorites.

"CASTLE OF GLASS": After somewhat "stronger" songs like Lies Greed Misery and I'll Be Gone, you return to calm with this track. Mike and Chester's voices intertwine almost imperceptibly, making the song very pleasant, almost melodic. It reminded me a bit of Robot Boy but is much better. Short but beautiful lyrics. Towards the end, Chester's voice separates from Mike's to give us some chills.

"VICTIMIZED": I had been waiting for it for a long time. From the first time the track was described, it immediately struck me. It was defined as a very "metal" song. I agree, but only partially because it is more than just a simple metal track with some raging scream. It's short but intense; in 1.47 minutes of song, everything that a good rock song (in Linkin Park style) should have is concentrated: rap, scream, bass, heavy drums, and guitars. I would have preferred it a bit longer, but it is still one of the most peculiar tracks of this album.

"ROADS UNTRAVELLED": Intro and, overall, very unique sound. The piano immediately starts giving chills. Mike's voice sounds very sweet and becomes even sweeter when Chester's joins in, seeming to form a single very sweet voice. The drums and the guitar that comes in shortly after are beautiful. The duo Chester-Mike continues to sing together like a choir. Composed of a few simple elements, the song still turns out to be an excellent mix between new and old style.

"SKIN TO BONE": This song will rock, that's the first thing I think as soon as it starts. And it does. The track is an evolution of greatness. The sound is fantastic! This is a real "new style" song and shows how this new style is evolving into something truly extraordinary. Once again, Mike and Chester's voices overlap, making the song even more evocative. One of the best tracks overall.

"UNTIL IT BREAKS": I expected more after hearing the beginning. But the song doesn't have a real evolution. This is Mike's song. Indeed, he dominates for almost all 3.44 minutes, leaving Chester with just a few lines that, in my opinion, conform little to the rest of the song. But I'm sure the LP will make use of it during live performances by adding some lines to the introduction of other songs. But taken on its own, it conveys little to me.

"TINFOIL": As the saying goes, "short but intense," and this perfectly describes this track. I find it very suggestive, one of those instrumental pieces that literally gives you goosebumps. Well-positioned, it perfectly introduces what will be the last track.

"POWERLESS": They couldn't conclude in a better way. The album opens with a great song and concludes with one that is no less, quite the opposite! Chester's voice dominates throughout the song, and it is almost impossible to hold back tears. Whether it's for the intense lyrics or Chester's magical voice, Linkin Park lets go in "sweet" songs like this one without ever completely giving up their habits. In fact, the drums are very present, especially at the end of the song.