Average Rating: 
Rating:  - its a decent CD.
I"ll keep this short also. Now dont get me wrong the CD wasn't bad, i'll even admit if i was writing this review the first week i had it i would give it five stars but im afraid that the music gets old after a while. it's not on of those CD's that u never get Tired of. Also, the whole rap/rock thing got kind of annoying after a while. I gave it a 3 because i do respect the band, they work hard and write their own music (unlike Bad Charlotte), and chester is a very talented vocalist. IT's not a bad CD to pick up and if your not sure just buy it and you may still like it a good bit, but be warned you may grow sick of it in the not so distant future.
Thanks for reading,
Zuk
Rating: - An appropriate title
Ignoring some other theories as to the reasons behind Linkin Park shucking their old name, "Hybrid Theory" is indeed an appropriate title for this collection of tracks. Blending metal, rap, and techno together gives them an entirely unique sound, separate from anything else out there now. First and foremost, these guys are talented musicians - that much is clear, and I'm willing to admit that. But for most music fans out there, one question still remains: will I want to listen to it?The answer really depends on your personal musical tastes. If you absolutely cannot stand rap in any form at all, Linkin Park probably isn't for you. There are a few tracks which masquerade as pure rock/metal, but for the most part, the entire CD follows the formula of rhythmic rhymes over growling guitars. Not to say that this is bad - the hooks are extremely catchy. TRACKS 1) Papercuts - The biggest rap song on the album. It was hard to get into, but if you listen through it, you're rewarded with a beautiful lesson on patience when they light into the "the sun goes down" piece. 7/10 2) One Step Closer - This is the first Linkin Park song I ever heard. My initial reaction was "hey, great guitar part." Not only is it a strong, rocking metal song, but there's a dash of humor thrown in as well with the priceless "shut up when I'm talking to you" screaming fit at the end. Why some people don't appreciate this is beyond me. 9/10 3) With You - Extremely catchy song with subtle but clever use of their DJ. Great chorus. 8.5/10 4) Points of Authority - A thumping, rumbling metal tune with angsty lyrics. As one of the "pure" rock songs on this CD, "Points of Authority" is a winner. 8.5/10 5) Crawling - The best song on the CD, bar none. "Crawling" fell victim to overplay and suffered the consequences earlier this year, but taken in small dosages, it is the best example of Linkin Park's eclecticism taking a step into the mainstream, and a solid song, as well. 10/10 6) Runaway - Another great song, sans rap influences. The lyrics stand out if you listen to it a second time through. As usual, the chorus is great, and the song breaks out into a tasty, metallish distortion guitar/drums duet towards the end. 9/10 7) By Myself - The intro is actually somewhat annoying. It has its moments, but overall, one of the worst songs on the album. 6/10 8) In the End - Beautiful, groovy. You'll have to listen for yourself to get the best description. 9/10 9) A Place For My Head - Spanish guitar intro breaks into metal tune with a dark mysticism about it. It doesn't sound like it works, but it does. 9/10 10) Forgotten - Another weak song in that its intro compelled me to skip it numerous times. It gets better if you force yourself through to the first break. 7.5/10 11) Cure for an Itch - Though not exactly musical in the traditional sense, DJ Hahn's break into the flow of the CD is actually welcome, as far as I'm concerned. It's trancy, hypnotic, and drum-laden. Great instrumental break from the rest of the rap metal. 9/10 12) Pushing Me Away - By this point in the CD, you've heard this song before, and it has Linkin Park stamped all over it. Melodic vocals stacked up with background rapping and heavy guitars. 7/10 13) My December - Though not technically on this release, "My December" is worthy of mention because it's so different from the rest of the aforementioned tracks. Showcasing the vocal talents of Linkin Park's lead singer, the song is little more than a piano and singing duet. Quiet and brooding, the lyrics shine and stick out much better here than when they're screamed or rapped. 9.5/10 In the end (no pun intended), Linkin Park's debut shows promise if they can focus on the good aspects of their music, and maybe add in a couple more quiet songs. Three and a half stars.
Rating:  - Five Stars from a Skeptic...
I am 27 years old. I grew up with metal like Black Sabbath, Napalm Death, Megadeth, (early)Metallica, TOOL, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. I avoided Linkin Park like the plague thinking that their all too friendly MTV image would not satisfy my most primal metal urges. I was wrong. It is indeed rare to find a debut album of such complexity and richness. Hybrid Theory plays as a complete album, there are no throw away tracks here. I wasn't sure I liked Chester Bennington's voice at first but after hearing "Crawling" a few times I came to realize that he's got a great voice. He's no Rob Halford or Bruce Dickinson but he's up there amongst today's vocalists (except for Serj from System of a Down). This cd is a true "hybrid" of metal and hip-hop influences. Linkin Park uses two vocalists, one singing and one rapping along with a dj and the results are spectacular. The best two tracks are A Place for My Head and Forgotten but all of the other tracks are way above average. So if you've shown slight interest into this band but have shyed away because of their link to commercial interests, I say take the plunge it's well worth it. Hybrid Theory will be the first of many important releases from this band. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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