Here Is The Only Thing You Need To Read About The New Linkin Park

I'm going to be bold here, and dissect the new music and new lineup from Linkin Park.

Everyone Is Chiming In

Thank goodness everyone has something to talk about that is not politics or whatever the garbage-y topic of the day is. Then again, opinions on music are for the most part, only accurate to the listener. Of course your friends may have similar thoughts, but that's kind of why they are your friends. Now let's Dive in.

It's Not Chester

Every opinion seems to start with "It's not Chester...". Let me say that thought is not necessary. The reason people tend to say that is to couch their opinion in such a way so their friends don't call them out for it. This is especially common among the people who like it. I don't know what's holding you back, but you have permission to like or not like whatever you want and anyone calling you out about it can kick rocks.

Yes It's Linkin Park

Just listening to the musical interludes between the vocals makes it so obvious that the heart and soul of this project is 100% Linkin Park. It sounds like it could fit in anywhere in their vast library of songs.  I will also say that this project, even with a new singer is far more organic than the current Pantera lineup (but that's a whole other can of worms). Lastly, at some point someone will us A.I. to produce a version of this song with a Chester sound alike on it, and that will cement how "Linkin Park" this project really is.

What I Hear

This "new" Linkin Park also sounds a tiny bit like the band is finding their footing. That's completely understandable. The band could have grabbed up Amy Lee, Lzzy Hale, or even my choice Danny Worsnop and done some type of nostalgia tour and sold out stadiums. Instead they put together a unit to make new music and it'll be a while before they completely mesh.

The Song

The song grows on you. It 100% sounds better each time. I'm not the biggest fan of Mike Shinoda vocals and wish he'd stick to the rap parts, but this is the way the band chooses to tell the story of this song. As for Emily Armstrong, she sounds best when she really lets loose as the song progresses.  Here's the ultimate question, "Would this song still be popular if the band names was something other than Linkin Park"?  My answer is yes, it's absolutely solid.

And Finally

You may not be 17 anymore and Chester is gone, but this is great music from a name we know and love.  The band waited more than long enough to heal and present something new to the world. They are going to sell out large venues in seconds and will probably headline any festival they want, or even one of their own by next summer. If you've grown away from them, it's fine, but the sound and band are back and undeniable.