Linkin Park-Hybrid Theory review

I'm back to review another album that changed the game. An album that showed rap-metal in the mainstream was possible. And it couldn't have been in a better way, than what was shown on Hybrid Theory. Shortly after Linkin Park picked up a new vocalist, Chester Bennington, they returned to the studios after inking a deal with Warner Bros. to put together a debut LP. Commercial expectations were very low, and there wasn't much expected out of the record. Linkin Park would release the album in the fall of 2000, and there wasn't much commercial success right away. That was until, the hit single, "In the End" was released. In the End became a model for commercial rap-metal songs, and it peaked as high as 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Eventually Hybrid Theory would go Diamond in the US. But what about the material? Hybrid Theory features a range of alternative metal and rap-metal throughout, and most of the lyrics deal with Man vs. Self conflicts, and some lyrics also reflect their childhood hardships.( ie: Crawling, Runaway) While the lyrics seem typical, Linkin Park features their own turntablist, two separate vocalists, a rapper and a singer, and a powerful presence that was unmatched to this point. Hybrid Theory would launch Linkin Park, as well as rap-metal into the mainstream and would change the industry forever. Linkin Park displayed innovation in the way they executed the music, and also embraced the DIY work ethic to create a musical powerhouse. Since 2000, Hybrid Theory has become the stepping stone for young nu metal bands across the nation.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

*denotes recommended track:

1. Papercut*
2. One Step Closer
3. With You
4. Points of Authority*
5. Crawling*
6. Runaway
7. By Myself
8. In the End*
9. A Place for My Head*
10. Forgotten
11. Cure for the Itch
12. Pushing Me Away