Linkin Park’s sophomore album, “Meteora,” celebrated its 22nd anniversary on March 25.

This album features many of the band’s best works. “Numb,” “Faint” and “Somewhere I Belong” are among the biggest hits, and you might have heard them on rock stations across the country, since their music still gets a lot of airtime even all these years later.

In 2000, Linkin Park was on top of the world after its first album, “Hybrid Theory,” received critical acclaim and resonated with many edgy teenagers in the early 21st century. For some, it continues to resonate.

“Hybrid Theory” was an overnight success, and the band faced pressure to live up to its previous album, a challenging task.

“Meteora” released in early 2003, and it was equally successful, if not more so, than “Hybrid Theory.” It’s my favorite Linkin Park album and possibly the best album I’ve ever heard in my 21 years on this planet.

“Meteora” is a no-skip album. Every song is emotional, angry, passionate and begs to be screamed at the top of your lungs in the car or at home.

Beyond the incredible songs that explore various aspects of the human experience, the album features excellent production, instrumentals and transitions.

Every song flows seamlessly into the next. That’s why I always listen to “Meteora” in order, and I recommend you do the same.

The album is an epic presentation of angst, heavy guitars, drums, emotional lyrics, powerful screams from Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda’s superb energy and rapping.

Every track on “Meteora,” except “Don’t Stay” and “Breaking The Habit,” features vocals from both Shinoda and Bennington. They often work together on each song, sharing the spotlight, with Shinoda rapping the verses and Bennington singing or screaming the choruses.

However, on a few tracks, Bennington takes the lead, with Shinoda providing breakdowns or background vocals. This is apparent in “Numb,” “From The Inside” and “Easier To Run.”

The album is a quick and a worthwhile listen. At first, the fusion of rap and rock might seem unusual, given their differing content and cultural references. But Bennington and Shinoda make it work in a mystical way.

You might be surprised by how well these genres blend. I urge you to give it a try. In 36 minutes, you might find yourself appreciating its uniqueness and the relatability of Linkin Park’s lyrics, becoming infatuated with their production style, plus it’s a perfect album to work out to.

The album’s energy will hook you, especially if you’re a fan of rock, fast-paced music and well-crafted track lists. I could talk about this album for hours.

My favorite song on “Meteora” is “Faint,” and it’s my favorite Linkin Park song of all time.

The song opens with a distinct electronic sound, followed by a subtle drum beat. After a brief pause, a subtle guitar riff leads into the energetic instrumentals.

Shinoda’s energetic yet desperate raps and Bennington’s powerful and impactful screams demand attention and plead to not be ignored any longer.

Linkin Park is back on tour with new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong and Shinoda. Armstrong has filled the spot of Bennington, who died in July 2017, since September 2024.

The band released a new song, “Up From The Bottom,” on Spotify and Apple Music last Friday and announced a deluxe edition of their newest album, “From Zero,” which I reviewed previously. That’s also a good listen, as well.

Be sure to check out, stream and possibly relive Linkin Park’s “Meteora” and listen to their new song to get ready for the “From Zero” Deluxe Edition set to be released on May 16.

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