LINKIN PARK / A Thousand Suns [2010]

Linkin Park's 2010 album, A Thousand Suns, was not well received when it was first released for being too different from what was expected of them.  I'm guilty of not being thoroughly impressed with it either.
However after a few years, LP's second outing with producer Rick Rubin, has warmed up quite nicely.  Each song, whether it be a straight up rocker, a dance floor thumper, Public Enemy-esque hip-hop or even spacey ambience, is constructed with care and passion.  I think a lot of has to do with Rubin pushing the group to go that extra step they wouldn't normally go but it's apparent the band already knew what they were doing to begin with.  Once a generic nu-metal/rap act, Linkin Park have mutated themselves into something more thoughtful and creative than their dwindling peers.

4 Bhagavad Gita's out of 5

Songs Of Note: When They Come For Me; Iridescent

LINKIN PARK / Living Things [2012]

After a lot of experimentation on their 2 previous albums, Linkin Park return to strengthening up on their straightforward songwriting, instead of dipping into dizzying sounds and bizarre song structures, on 2012's Living Things.

With Rick Rubin back at the producing helm for a third time, LP's sound remains dense, busy and clean without ever getting overly distracting.  Being the only '90's rap/metal act to win a second life, Linkin Park know they need to keep pushing the envelope to remain relevant and they do a fine job at it.  

3½ returns to the instrumental penultimate tracks out of 5

Songs Of Note: Castle Of Glass; Roads Untravelled