Linkin Park really made their mark in music with this CD. It was definitely very original, and changed the nu metal genre of music. I can definitely say that this CD is one that led me to start listening to heavier bands and music with an edge. I remember when my brother and I bought the CD when it came out and we put it into the CD player; it was indescribable. We had never heard anything like it as soon as the first song started playing. I think it can be said that this CD definitely changed the direction of rock music.
This CD is different from any other. It is a mix of many different styles: rap, heavy rock, and electronic. All the instruments on this CD really work as a whole very well. This CD had three hit singles: “One Step Closer,” “Crawling,” and “In the End.” These three tracks were always on the radio, and the three songs were very different from each other. “One Step Closer” was the song that was heavy and in your face. “Crawling” was a song that was very light, but the chorus was very strong because of the powerful vocal performance. “In the End” was the single that was meant to be a soft song with rap styled verses, with very strong and melodic choruses.
“Hybrid Theory” was how Linkin Park made their name. They became something noticeable because of this CD. This CD shows how a variety of styles of music can be organized to create an outstanding end product. The CD is one that you can listen to straight through. Every song is good, and is unique its own way. Every song has some type of edge to it, which is remarkable how they are able to accompany the rhythm of the rhymes of lyrics. Linkin Park definitely created their own style with this CD, and is one that will always be remembered. It was the first CD of its kind, and not many mainstream bands have put out product so gratifying in the years since.
Key Tracks: “Forgotten,” “Papercut,” “Pushing Me Away,” “Be Myself,” and “Points of Authority.” (Really, the whole CD should be listed here)
