Linkin Park- "Minutes to Midnight"

In my opinion, Linkin Park are one of the most original bands of the last ten years. They burst onto the scene at the height of the rap/rock popularity, and then somehow managed to outlast most of their contemporaries from that time (Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, etc.). Now they have managed to amaze me again.

"Minutes to Midnight" is simply awesome. The majority of the rapping has been replaced with actual verses that are sung harmonically by Chester Bennington. There are a few songs where the rapping remains, such as the fucking incredible "Hands Held High," which has the most un-Linkin Park sounding chorus that will blow your mind. Like that song, the rest of the songs on the album seem to really showcase the band's musical talent. The rapping (the little there is at least) is smooth and aggressive, the screaming is intense (check out "Given Up" for the best scream in the last 20 years!!), and the beats are addictive. "Bleed It Out" has single written all over it. If you're looking for the same old Linkin Park album, you're not going to find it. This is a new direction for the band. They are breaking out of their niche (thank you Rick Rubin, as usual) and have probably made the best rock album of 2007 (so far).