ALBUM REVIEW: Linkin Park grabbing at relevance

At one point or another many a person has found themselves screaming out, “I become so numb!’ This war-like affirmation made famous from their collaboration with Jay-Z on “Collision Course” put the band on the radar for most Ugandans. But for the die hard rock fans, no one can forget the high gear, hard-rocking tempo of Hybrid Theory, especially its lead single “In the End.” The rap rock outfit clearly put their stump on rock history with this angry album that seemed to capture the sentiments of the young people all over the world of that time.

The group is less angry today but they have continued to grow from strength to strength, especially with their last two compilations. The deeply moving Minutes to Midnight includes songs like “Shadow of the Day”, “Valentine’s Day” and “Leave Out all the Rest.” The highly political A Thousand Suns includes jams like “Robot Boy”, “Burning in the Skies” and is critically acclaimed as their best album.

Living again
The group fifth’s studio album Living Things is a whole lot more personal than A Thousand Suns and chooses to focus on traumatic dark defining experiences than the political situation in their country. In a way the album is more of a consolidation of their works through the years. You may say it aims to appeal to the original hard rock fans, while not trying to alienate new fans ones gained with the revolution in sound seen on the previous two records.

From the mind blowing sound and lyrically captivating “Castle of Glass”, to the anthem chanting rants on “Burn it Down,” the album only seems to grow bolder with every listen. “Victimised” is another track worthy of mention that hits home with every guitar cord strummed and word uttered.
“Lost in the Echo” is a reminder of how much change the band has gone through after years of experimentation.

It may not have the impact or depth of its previous counterparts but it undoubtedly makes for good listening.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com