Linkin Park has always been one of those bands that makes us wait a couple years in between albums, but also always delivers solid material that is well worth the wait. A Thousand Suns is no exception to this. They still keep their rap-rock style mostly, but there are some deviations from that as well. The many different styles are balanced very well here though, keeping things fresh and interesting. And even though the genre may be the same, this is definitely not just a rehashing of their previous work. You can tell Linkin Park worked hard to make sure this was different than anything they had done before. For one thing, each song blends almost seamlessly with the next, creating a more fluid experience. This isn’t to say every song sounds the same. No, each song is it’s own thing, but while also being part of a larger whole. The work that was put into the album is most evident, however, with their single “The Catalyst” which was created in a very unique way.
I thought the idea of having the fans help contribute to this song was cool and different and really made it so they became part of the music.
Personal favorite: While “Catalyst” is a great song and constantly gets stuck in my jukebox of a brain, gotta say I really loved “Iridescent” – both musically and lyrically.
Do you feel cold and lost in desperation
You build up hope, but failure’s all you’ve known
Remember all the sadness and frustration
and let it go, let it go
The song builds then releases to “Fallout” and finally transitions to “Catalyst.” The album then concludes with “The Messenger,” which is both beautiful and rough at the same time. The lyrics and message are sweet, while the vocals are emotional and raw. Personally I think these last few songs combine to make for a perfect ending to an already exceptional record.
When you’ve suffered enough
And your spirit is breaking
You’re growing desperate from the fight
Remember you’re loved
And you always will be
This melody will bring you right back home