Review Summary: Schmaltzy signatures still shine so subconsciously
If you ever been in a relationship before, you definitely know how it feels to be in love. It's one of the greatest feelings in the world. Having a loving companion is a huge assist in living a happy life, from the first date, to the honeymoon phase, and eventually; marriage. With this strong companionship, most would feel on top of the world. Everyone's standards are different. Some look for a good looking body appearance. Then there are others who value inside beauty. Linkin Park’s ‘Meteora’ is that hot chick refined and matured into an intelligent, but still elegant girl from previous years, akin ‘Hybrid Theory’. As a young one hearkening the ‘Meteora’ songs from first to last, I held this on a high pedestal. Even though my mindset is always changing both musically and morally as I get older, an emotional attachment is never unrequited with this album. And I could never get rid of it, no matter how hard I try.
‘Meteora’ to me, is the woman of my dreams: accessible, attractive, sentimentally sound, and an easy/fun piece of art to listen to that passes the test of time with flying colors; not to mention, it is as alluring on the inside as much as its exterior. But like any romance, there will be moments where outcomes won't replicate what you see in movies. How could a simple, formulaic “nu-metal” album be compared to a pretty girl? Usually, most critics would look at this, and consider negative critique. But in order to love anything, one must accept both the good, and the bad, and still be satisfied with who this person or object is, no matter what. This is how I feel jamming to Linkin Park’s sophomore effort. Maybe my nostalgic eyes deceive me. Or maybe I'm still an angst-filled kid, but I honestly think this is something spectacular, despite what the majority believe.
Like many others who stood before me, this was the record that sprung my interest in music sky high. It was this moment in time when I realized music is much more than catchy choruses, and mindless sing-a-longs. Discovering this band for the first time in my first year of high school, I came into the music scene pretty late. But there was a certain charismatic energy I felt that made this album a crush at first sight. It was possibly the easily relatable angst from the vocal section, or the simple, but effective instrumentals that anyone can learn in minutes and feel like guitar gods. Even the DJ, hip-hop beats play a part in making a unique listening experience. This was my best friend, an album that catered to that lonely, anxiety filled freshman I once was. And quickly, Linkin Park became the spokesmen of my pre-college career, and the soundtrack to roaming the hallways, quietly singing the lyrics to myself.
‘Meteora’ is a record that blinds you with brilliance. After the thirteen second intro, ‘Don't Stay’ kicks in. And despite its title, it sure leaves an impression. The guitar playing through the record is an anchor support to a boat. The man responsible is Brad Delson. He plays easy, down-tuned riffs to stir the musical hooks and get the listeners attention in a somewhat heavy manner. The credits for the drumming belong to Rob Bourdon. He does a good enough job of keeping time, and acting as the engine for the band. Bass guitar follows suit, and the remaining layers of the music belong to DJ/turntable player Joe Hahn.
The vocal chemistry between vocalists Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda is husband and wife; boyfriend and girlfriend; mother and father. Obviously, that is NOT their literal relationship, but throughout ‘Meteora’, it seems they are both comfortable with each other in their role, and voice their words with confidence, and emotion. This develops an honest, interesting album lyrically/vocal wise. Could anyone imagine this band with anyone else on vocal duties? I think not. The vocal work also include much variety, featuring Mike, handling the rap/hip-hop verses, followed by Chester’s sung, and occasional screamed passages. These two vocalists hands down make the album what it is, for the better or the worse. An example of this role play lies in the tenth track, ‘From The Inside’. The excellence found on this track is splendid. From the croons of bottled up betrayal in ‘From the Inside’, to the cries of discontent in ‘Somewhere I Belong’; where there are vocals, there are flirts of perfection. The singing is the greatest character of ‘Meteora’.
One aspect that must be pointed out is the repetition of structures. In general, the bulk of the songs consists of the typical verse/chorus/verse/bridge/end formula. Hearing this same blueprint on repeat is like doing math homework. Sooner or later, things blend in, and eventually, it tires you. This record is mostly basic. Depending on you, this could be good, or bad. But if there is something we all can agree on, it's that Dave Farrell’s bass playing is the musical equivalent of school pupil trying to fit in with the “cool” kids; a sheep, stuck in the patterns of conformity, following the trends. Basically, the bass lines just follows the guitar the whole time. This does not help combat the stereotype of bassists being “failed guitarist”.
With the entertainment industry, the ones who succeed the most are either one of two things: mythical, or relatable. Even though the Linkin Park musicians portray themselves as normal human beings, the mythology is still conceived by making relatable music that's fetching and not too hard to interpret. Because of this, even the casual music listener can dig them. Even if I didn't exactly gel with most of my peers, I had this record which identified with my very soul. This was my own therapeutic clique.
In the end, ‘Meteora’ is that affectionate, compassionately relatable person with many redeeming qualities. This is an album that has gotten me through some tough times during my youth. Many state that high school relationships don't last, but this still puts a smile on my face to this day. It understands; it listens; it relates. This combines the appeal of a popular high school student, with the creative mind of a young artistic outsider; an overall easily appealing, accessible piece of work that is also different from the typical rock genre. Some will question my fondness toward Linkin Park. After all, I know this band better than my own family! But with them being the gateway towards my newfound passion in the art of music, its only necessary to defend its honor. And it's a risk I'm willing to take. You know what they say; love can conquer anything; right?
