While the Alternative Metal scene of the early 2000s may have been quite crowded, standing out as heavy weights were Linkin Park. Forming initially in 1996, Linkin Park rose to fame in 2000 with the release of their massive popular debut album Hybrid Theory. Something that put Linkin Park on top rather quickly, songs like “One Step Closer,” “In the End,” “Crawling,” and “Papercut” all received a massive response across the globe. Still their highest grossing album to date, it forged a rock-solid foundation that the band built on with each passing release; leading into 2003’s Meteora, 2007’s Minutes to Midnight, and beyond. In fact, 5 of Linkin Park’s studio albums hit number one on many countries’ charts; save Hybrid Theory which hit number 2 and 2017’s The Hunting Party which hit number 3 in the USA. If that were not enough, Linkin Park has also sold over 70 million albums and 30 million singles worldwide, plus landed 11 number-one singles on the Billboard Alternative Songs charts.
Accomplishments most bands only dream up, now in 2024 they encapsulate it all with a new compilation called Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000-2023). Planned for release on April 12th through Warner Records, the set includes a long list of singles spanning their entire career… plus other special goodies. Among those special bonuses, you have one previously unreleased song “Friendly Fire” (from 2017’s One More Light sessions), the fan-loved “QWERTY,” plus “Lost,” which first emerged on 2023’s 20th anniversary edition of Meteora.
Lasting for well over an hour, Papercuts certainly gives you plenty to reflect on with each of the singles, but the most exciting parts are the aforementioned extras. First, “QWERTY,” which is one of the more popular LPU (Linkin Park Underground), hits hard. This is while “Friendly Fire” strikes you in the heart, and “Lost” sounds absolutely stunning.
Coming out in various forms, including special releases like on vinyl, CD or cassette, of course there will also be streaming options out as well. Additionally, it should be noted that while the songs on Papercuts are not in chronological order of their release date, they still give you great insight to Linkin Park’s story. A journey through time, it is definitely a walk on memory lane for all fans of all types.
So, even though the majority of the songs on Papercuts are not new to your ears, they are nice to listen to in this particular order selection. If anything, it is a reminder that many of Linkin Park’s songs go deeply beneath the surface. Whether that is because the lyrics touch you on a very personal level, or whether each song raises a memory from the past, this compilation is worth a listen, no matter what. And with that, it is hard to believe it has been nearly 7 years since the tragic death of Lead Vocalist Chester Bennington. Something that put Linkin Park on an indefinite hiatus, only time will tell what will happen in the future for the surviving members. That in mind, go ahead and check out this collection, and enjoy the voice of the late Chester Bennington again, because Cryptic Rock gives Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000-2023) 5 out of 5 stars.
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