From Zero

Every Linkin park album before this has had a very unique and specific sound and theme. Either leaning more into the electronic sound, going poppier or just being unapologetically nu metal. They may not always work but they're always different. This album does not have that at all. From Zero feels like they took a few things that feel "Linkin Park-y" and threw together a collection of songs with a new vocalist. The lyrics feel incredibly sterile and boring, most of the songs don't fit together in any meaningful way, the vocal performances from Shinoda are some of the worst I've heard, and the production and mixing range from mediocre to just bad. It's not necessarily a BAD album, but there's just no personality. A boring and forgettable album in my eyes, though, is worse than a bad one. Comparing this to an album like One More Light shows this very well. One More Light, by most accounts, is a worse album, but it was interesting. It has a personality that is unique to that album. This one just feels like "oh fans will like this and we'll get on the radio." There are a few decent tracks here, specifically the ones that lean more into the Nu Metal side of the band, but overall, it just feels safe and boring. I was hoping it would be a different story, but it looks like this is what the band wants. Rest in Peace Chester Bennington.

Favorite track: Two Faced
Least Favorite: Over Each Other