Wake- I think right off the bat, LP is trying to distance itself from that nu-metal tag they had when the fusion of rap/rock was ruling the universe because this is just an instrumental without the signature LP scratches and great Mr. Hahn sounds. Boo on this as a lead in to a new cd.-0/5
Given up- Here is really the first track on the new CD and again, LP is going out of its way to get rid of that rap/rock label, but sadly I really liked their rap/rock fusion. This song isn't terrible at the start and even the hook works for me when he actually sings it. The darkness that usually came with LP songs is gone here and they have a very bright sound now. The cool mixing and scratching seems to be gone good, replaced by furious guitars and obnoxious screaming. More screaming than a normal LP song. Also, they are swearing on their songs now.-2.5/5
Leave out all the rest-Before anyone heard of Linkin park they had a song called "My December" and it was a very subtle ballad, but still sounded good. This is another one of those ballad like songs that seems to work for me. The song is about trying to capture only the good moments in your mind. There is a sense of cautious optimism here and Chester has a pretty Good voice, when he chooses to use it.- 4/5
Bleed it out- This song really sounds like a throw away track from a Limp Bizkit album during the introduction and sadly it seems to continue through the opening verse. After that beginning verse the hook opens up and Chester really lets loose on the hook, which I like but it returns quickly to that bad Limp Bizkit impression. 2.5/5
Shadow of the day- While there is still no Mike Shinoda(the rapper) to be found this sounds like vintage LP. There is a beat behind it and Chester is easily understood. The themes fit with the usual LP themes. This could easily be a single with mainstream appeal because it is fairly slow, the hook is easily sung and it just sounds like a good track. It is definitely the soft side of Chester but it seems to work him here.-4/5
What I've done- This song works better with the video. It gives the song meaning because on its own, it just seems to be here. I like, the guitars and even the melody, but with the video and its images of war, protest and other national ills, it just clicks together. The song is about not liking who you have become and trying to get back to who you used to be. 4/5
Hands Held High- Mike Shinoda is finally on the CD! It sets a fire under LP as well. It is a slower song and the haunting "amen" hook is gorgeously placed, especially when you actually listen tot he highly politically charged lyrics. Shinoda is not happy: Like this wars really just a different brand of war/ Like it doesn't cater the rich and the fan and poor/Like they understand you in the back of the jet/When you can't put gas in your tank. Or "Do you see the soldiers they're out today/They brush the guts with bullet proof vests away/It's ironic at times like this you pray/ But a bomb blew up the mosque yesterday." Shinoda is best when he gets to do this and it is the best track on the CD, easily. 5/5
No more sorrow- Another highly political track as LP gets it Bush hating on with lines like "Your crusade's a disguise /Replace freedom with fear/ You trade money for lives. Then on the bridge Chester just screams "Face the Hypocrites" over and over. It is incredibly effective and LP has maybe found their calling as a political band, like Rage.-5/5
Valentine's day- Vintage LP theme of feeling all alone in the world, but they just sound bored, or despondent. It is a boring, morose song and doesn't have any energy behind it. My favorite thing about this band is the energy behind the music and it just feels nonexistent here. I yawn at this track. When the hook comes in at the 2:20 mark it gets a bit more interesting.-1/5
In between- I got this CD illegally so I do not have the liner notes with me, but I believe Shinoda is actually singing here. It is a change of pace for him and it suits him here. Another ballad like song, but it focuses on the lyrics, and while I prefer the rapper Shinoda lyrics this song works for me. It is a subtle song and almost sounds out of place here, but because of that I like it here.- 3.5/5
In Pieces- This is the song I keep humming to myself from the album. To me it is the big hit. It starts off quiet and then speeds up just a little bit but it gives an energy on it and that is a nice addition to a pretty bland album. 4/5
The Little things give you away- Another scathing political track, this time focusing on Katrina. "All you've ever wanted Was someone to truly look up to you/ And six feet under water I Do." It goes on and on like this just brutal stuff, but perfectly done. The music is haunting and Chester's voice sounds amazing on these kinds of tracks, There is a guitar solo that is used with the sound of wind sweeping through the ocean air and it is almost gorgeous how it all comes together. Again, maybe LP needs to stay political.5/5
I wanted so badly to like this album because LP was a group I loved. Shinoda is a very talented rapper and producer and their music always spoke to me and it was interesting. In an attempt to get away from that dying genre, LP has produced a mostly boring album with a few stand out cuts. I wish they had decided to go against the grain and stayed that rap/rock group I grew to love. I wonder if they will continue to work as a band, or least wonder if Shinoda will stay in the band because he has a really good rap thing going on with Fort Minor and he is wasted on this album, big time!
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