[xpandnz]

Well, since their has been so many negitive comments and some people with their honest reviews, its my time to start a thread about this album. Here we go.

Wake:
Wow! This song is ambient until we get thrown back into our seats as the guitars come in. Massive wall of sound here, great chord progession, overally used by many bands including mine, but they use the ocatves on the guitar really well. This ends nicely and leads into Given Up.

Given Up:
Seems like most people love this song. It is a great song from LP and really has a rock sound that isnt Meteora or HT. Its them with guitars and rock instruments having a good time. And Chester's scream is fantastic in the middle. I thought to myself, This has to be Pro-Tooled, it goes on so long! But i was amazed to see on the AOL he does it perfectly. I always feel Chester tries to hard with his voice, but not anymore.
The double guitar work from Brad and Mike really makes this track so amazing.

Leave Out All The Rest:
Maybe a little too slow too early on in the album, but these songs give the other ones alot of power.
Chester voice is really shinning now on the album, hes laid back singing how he wants to and about stuff that means alot to the band. I really enjoy this song! Great catchy chorus nice sound of the drums and just overal a catchy and radio friendly song.

Bleed It Out:
For me, this is the most coolest rock song they have. Mikes rap is awesome, he doesnt give a shit about what you expect from him. Hes doing what he wants and I like that. The rock beat underneath is just perfect. Good choice of beat. The guitars are dirty and gritty but not too overally distorted. They fit well. The chorus is a keeper. Catchy and people can easily pick it up and sing it. Sadly, the song ends too soon and just doesnt feel right.

Shadow Of The Day:
Nice intro, very Edge like on the guitar and overal it feels a little too much like U2. But thats cool, its something new again from Linkin Park. Its nice to see that they are using string arrangements well in this song: subtle yet pretty.
Chester's voice is stealing the show here!

What I've Done:
The first single, and really, it doesn't really truely reflect the album which is fine. Its a nice song, a little too short and the verses and chorus and bridge are typical of Linkin Park's writting formula. So when i heard this song initially I was quite dissapointed. But after hearing the album as a whole, I enjoy this and it fits in well.

Hands Held High:
More rapping from Shinoda, but its nice. Nice lyrics, honest. I feel the chorus fits well. The song is quite beautiful and it really shows how Linkin Park feel. Its ok that they sing about Politics. They are allowed too. They have feeling just like me and you. But at least this song has a feeling of hope in it, they are not just whinning about the world. They are considering what is wrong and how we can change it. Call it a rant song, what ever. Its honest. And it seems MTM is all about being honest. Good on you!

No More Sorrow:
This song pleases all the Nu-Metal fans. How? It doesnt even have a nu-metal sound at all. Its got a heavy arse bridge, a catchy chorus. Linkin Park just love rocking out. Again, Mike playing guitar with Brad is making Linkin Park sound bigger and better......and badder.

Valentines Day:
Cool Ballad, nice song. Nice lyrics and good build up. Nothing wrong with this song. I know there are alot of ballads on this album, it doesnt make it bad. Its refreshing in a sense. I mean Meteora and HT were all in your face all the time. This time they taking a step back and figuring out how to use the heavy sound more economically and more approachable to other listeners. This song demonstrates this.

In Between:
Ok. When I heard this song the first time, I didnt like it. After a few listens and coming to terms with how they are being honest, this song is all that. its not the greatest song they have ever done, but its enjoyable if you listen to the album as a whole. it sets the mood for the last two songs and really gives In Pieces more dynamics.

In Pieces:
Wicked beginning. I love the build up. Chester is singing softly and slowly starts getting more emotional. When the ska like guitar kicks in with the rest of the band, this song takes a new turn and it sounds so wicked. A new sound from LP. Im loving it. By now most people dont notice Mr Hann. You get to hear him more in this song. He doesnt just have to scratch records remember! Hes in the album all the time!!

The Little Things That Give You Away:
WOW!!!!!!
I love this song. Firtsly because its the only LP song over like 4.30mins but secondly because its so emotional. Amazing build up. By the end Im always nearly crying. When Brads solo comes to and end and then chester starts wailing over the top, its pure heaven and this is Linkin Park proud of themselves. They are finally free! This songs really proves that feeling. What a fantastic way to finish the album!

Overall, after 6 listens, im giving it 9/10. The only reason im not giving it 10 is because I want more songs.

Mike, keep playing guitar, you rock. The AOL sessions songs sound much better because you have a wall of sound now with the guitars.

LP looks much better now and they sound it too. They have grown up and sound mature and polished. Great going guys!

Peace!

Ben - xpandnz