Review – Linkin Park – Meteora 20th Anniversary
Artist: Linkin Park
Album: Meteora 20/20 Year Anniversary
Rating: 9.5/10
Linkin Park’s Meteora is a classic album that has stood the test of time, and its 20th-anniversary edition provides an opportunity to examine how the album was made. Released on March 25, 2003, Meteora was the band’s second studio album, following the success of their debut album, Hybrid Theory. Meteora was produced by Don Gilmore, who had also produced Hybrid Theory, and was recorded at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California.
The making of Meteora began with the band members, including Chester Bennington (vocals), Mike Shinoda (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave “Phoenix” Farrell (bass), Rob Bourdon (drums), and Joe Hahn (turntables, samples), gathering in a rehearsal space to write and develop new material. The band members shared ideas and worked collaboratively to create the songs that would eventually comprise Meteora.
Linkin Park’s Meteora 20 Anniversary album is a tribute to the band’s second studio album, which was released two decades ago. This three-disc collection features remixes of the original tracks, as well as previously unreleased material, and is a must-have for any Linkin Park fan. The album is a celebration of the band’s legacy, and a reminder of the immense talent of the late Chester Bennington.
Throughout all 3 disks, the album remains very Chester heavy. His vocals are as powerful and emotional as ever, reminding us of the immense loss the music industry suffered with his untimely passing. Meteora 20 is definitely an ultimate tribute to one of the most prolific vocalists of all time.
The album features a remastered version of the original Meteora album, as well as bonus tracks, B-sides, remixes, demos and rare live recordings* from Projekt Revolution 2002 and Live LPU Tour 2003
*Note: Deluxe Edition includes:
• Meteora (1 LP)
• Live in Texas (2 LP)
• Live in Nottingham (2 LP)
Tracklist: (Live Rarities) (Disk 2)
01. Lying From You (Live LPU Tour 2003) [3:04]
02. From The Inside (Live LPU Tour 2003) [2:56]
03. Easier To Run (Live LPU Tour 2003) [3:21]
04. Step Up (Live Projekt Revolution 2002) [4:15]
05. My December (Live Projekt Revolution 2002) [4:27]
06. Crawling (Live Reading Festival 2003) [3:35]
07. Breaking The Habit (Live Rock Am Ring 2004) [5:35]
08. Step Up/Nobody’s Listening/It’s Goin’ Down (Live) [4:57]
09. Wish (Live Projekt Revolution 2004) [4:28]
10. One Step Closer featuring Jonathan Davis (Live Projekt Revolution 2004) [3:57]
Tracklist: (LPU Rarities 2.0) (Disk 3)
01. A.06 [0:54]
02. Pretty Birdy (Somewhere I Belong 2002 Demo)[4:05]
03. Sold My Soul To Yo Mama [1:58]
04. Standing In The Middle [3:22]
05. Program (Meteora Demo) [3:32]
06. Faint (Demo 2002) [3:11]
07. Figure.09 (Demo 2002) [3:24]
08. Drawing (Breaking The Habit Demo 2002) [3:32]
09. Cumulus (2002 Demo) [3:04]
10. A-Six (Original Long Version) [3:51]
11. Soundtrack (Meteora Demo) [3:16]
12. Broken Foot (Meteora Demo) [2:43]
13. Ominous (Meteora Demo) [3:08]
14. Unfortunate (Unreleased Demo 2002) [2:07]
15. Pepper (Meteora Demo) [2:56]
16. Breaking The Habit (Original Mike 2002 Demo) [3:18]
17. Halo (Unreleased Demo 2002) [3:42]
18. Rhinocerous (2002 Demo) [3:35]
19. Attached (2003 Demo) [3:29]
One standout track “Massive” features a heavy guitar riff and Chester’s signature screams. The song builds to an explosive chorus that will leave listeners wanting more. This song has a more electronic and experimental feel, with glitchy synths and distorted vocals. The verses are sparse and atmospheric, with Chester’s vocals conveying a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The chorus is more upbeat and catchy, with a driving rhythm and a memorable hook. The bridge section features some interesting vocal effects and a spoken-word section by Mike, which adds to the overall experimental vibe of the track. “Massive” is a departure from Linkin Park’s more traditional rock sound, but it shows their willingness to take risks and explore new sonic territories.
“More The Victim” opens with a heavy guitar riff and pounding drums, setting the tone for a hard-hitting rock song. Chester Bennington’s vocals are powerful and emotional, conveying a sense of frustration and anger. Mike Shinoda’s rap verse adds a nice contrast to the chorus, and the overall energy of the track is intense and relentless. “More The Victim” showcases Linkin Park’s ability to blend different genres and create a unique sound that is both aggressive and melodic.
“Fighting Myself” is a highlight of the album, with its powerful lyrics and catchy chorus. Chester’s vocals are particularly impressive on this track, showcasing his ability to deliver both delicate and powerful moments with ease. The remix adds a new dimension to the song, with a more electronic sound that complements the original. The verses feature some of Mike’s rapping, which adds a nice contrast to the chorus. The bridge section is more stripped-down, with a simple guitar melody and Chester’s vocals building up to a final chorus that is explosive and cathartic.
Finally, “Lost” was the first track on the album to be released and sent to world into a frenzy, nostalgic fans immediately demanded more, and with its haunting melody and heart-wrenching lyrics, who could blame them? Chester’s vocals are particularly moving on this track, reminding us of his immense talent as a songwriter and performer. The lyrics deal with themes of loss and regret, and the melancholy melody perfectly captures the mood of the song. The chorus is simple but effective, with Chester’s voice soaring over the sparse instrumentation. The bridge section features a haunting piano melody and some subtle electronic effects, adding to the atmospheric feel of the track. “Lost” is a beautiful and poignant song that highlights Linkin Park’s ability to create powerful emotional connections through their music.
Linkin Park’s Meteora 20 Anniversary album is a celebration of the band’s legacy and a tribute to the incredible talent of Chester Bennington. Chester Bennington’s life and career were marked by both triumphs and struggles. He overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the most successful and influential musicians of his generation. Although his life was cut tragically short, his music and message continue to inspire and resonate with fans around the world. #makeChesterproud
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