American rock legends Linkin Park’s third album ‘Minutes To Midnight’ showed a new direction for the six-piece band which was coldly received by some critics and fans. However, other fans and critics warmly embraced Linkin Park and their new sound. It’s not fair to say that this album changed Linkin Park for the better or worse because they will always remain heroes of the rock genre. 8/10.

     1. Wake

Starts with strings and the beat drops into an incredibly uplifting intro.

     2. Given Up

Hand claps start as the driving force of this song above an amazing bass line. The chorus is definitely one to “air guitar” to in the mirror whilst the bridge makes an unexpected almost screamo turn.

     3. Leave Out All The Rest

A more relaxed, reflective song this time. The lyrics ”When my time comes, forget the wrong that I’ve done. Help me leave some reasons to be missed” are pleadingly sung on the chorus.

     4. Bleed It Out

A bright guitar riff starts the song over another impeccable bass line. The verses are rapped this time and the chorus’ are sung with the word “I bleed it out, dig it deeper just to throw it away”. Although the song builds a sense of an anticipation it neve fully “drops” which is a bit of a shame.

     5. Shadow Of The Day

This song definitely boasts incredible song-writing, the chorus says “the sun will set for you and the shadow of the day will embrace the world in grey”. A very uplifting song, definitely more mellow and melodic than what we are used to by Linkin Park.

     6. What I’ve Done

The lead single from the album and rightly so, a stand out number. A simple piano riff starts off the song and it soon drops into a rhythmic chorus where the rhythm guitars stand out. A laid-back yet effective guitar solo completely rounds off the song.

     7. Hands Held High

An organ and piano backs up the rapping of Mike Shinoda whilst a drum beat similar to that of a marching band is also part of this “fuck you, government” song despite the gospel sounding title.

     8. No More Sorrow

This track starts showing the more heavier metal side of Linkin Park with cutting guitar riffs and head-banging rhythms. Even though the vocals on the chorus are more melodic, the vocals on the bridge show the same screamo aspect seen in ‘Given Up’.

     9. Valentine’s Day

A bit of an odd yet fitting drum beat features in yet another laid-back melodic tune repeating the lyrics “on a Valetine’s day (I used to be my own protection, not now)”.

     10. In Between

Possibly one of my favourites on the album. The simplicity works so well that it cannot go wrong. Simple melodys, vocals and an interesting drum pattern stand out on this track and whilst the lyrics confess, “somehow I got caught up in between my pride and my promise”.

     11. In Pieces

Yet another interesting drum pattern features in this song. Although the song eventually drops, it doesn’t vary much and the drop isn’t as great the song anticipates but there is a clever guitar solo towards the end.

     12. The Little Things Give You Away

The song has a very awkward timing which an acoustic guitar cleverly goes against. The texture slowly builds throughout the track and the eventual drop is absolutely incredible! The outro which rounds off the album can only be described as a definite masterpiece in its own right.