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Linkin Park hasn’t deviated from their inception with the release of  'Hybrid Theory' and they continue on strong with this sophomore offering.  They also haven't deviated from their commitment to keep explicit language off of their CD’s and have proven they can release a second project that is as good as their multi-platinum baby. 

With the release of 'Meteora', Linkin Park continues the quest of “looking within and letting out emotions" according to Joseph Hahn, Linkin's turntablist. Even the title of the CD emotes reflection. Meteora, a group of six monasteries atop rock pinnacles 1,500 feet above the plains of central Greece, are awe inspiring with their views. 

Linkin Park's six members, vocalists Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda, guitarist Brad Delson, drummer Rob Bourdon, bassist Phoenix, and Hahn, have created twelve tracks that experiment with a wider variety of sounds and styles than 'Hybrid Theory'. 

"Don't Stay" shares anger birthed through a failed relationship in the style Linkin Park has become known for. "'Somewhere I Belong" has been getting consistent airplay probably because of the lyrics, dealing with fear, confusion and solution, as well as the musical style. Bennington and Shinoda have summed up the human condition perfectly in this chorus: 

                 I want to heal 
                 I want to feel 
                 What I thought was never real 
                 I want to let go of the pain I've held so long 
                 Erase all the pain 'til it's gone, I want to heal 
                 I want to feel 
                 Like I'm close to something real 
                 I want to find something I've wanted all along 
                 Somewhere I belong 

“Lying From You” mixes rap with rock and a style a bit like POD with its heavy metal influence. It is about dropping the pretense of hiding who you are. “Hit the Floor” is a rap/heavy metal mix describing what it's like to befriend a liar. “Easier to Run” changes the momentum of the CD with the melodic style of song and rap in which the writers think through the process of running from pain instead of facing it head on. 

Strings and piano were used in “Faint,” along with heavy metal guitar, to bring out the pain in relationship. 'Breaking the Habit' uses strings and piano as well, but in a melodic tune describing the feeling of doing what we don't want to do, not knowing why we feel the way we do and searching for a cure to break the habit. 

"Nobody's Listening" begins with a Japanese flute, called a shakuhachi, and moves on to a more hip-hop tale of an uphill struggle and a heart full of pain. It's a good listen. "Session" is a session with drums, synthesizer, and spinning. The Greek word Meteora literally translates as "hovering in the air" and this song emphasizes the theme of the CD's title. "Numb" is the last track and even though it has the Linkin Park sound, it begins with a boy band feel. The song progresses with a mix of low-key rap, real lyrics, and vocals that display angst.

Meteora displays Linkin Park's growth, both musically and emotionally, since their release of 'Hybrid Theory'.  Though the band's signature sound is paramount their experimentation will help to launch this project into possibly their second platinum release. 

Leslie Bogar 4/30/2003