A Thousand Suns
by Linkin Park
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 511 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 380 out of 511
  2. Mixed: 68 out of 511
  3. Negative: 63 out of 511
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  1. Kostas_Spirou
    Aug 1, 2023
    7
    Very unique and interesting, I didn't appreciate it much at first but it definitely grew on me more and more over time.
  2. darthraptor82
    Jun 21, 2023
    10
    Venturing away from their rap-rock formula that thrust them into the limelight with Hybrid Theory, Meteora and Minutes to Midnight, Linkin Park have embraced creativity on A Thousand Suns and its a gamble that pays off in a big way.
    Gone are the back and forth vocal tradeoffs between Shinoda and Bennington and in their place are carefully pieced together electronic rock songs with an    Venturing away from their rap-rock formula that thrust them into the limelight with Hybrid Theory, Meteora and Minutes to Midnight, Linkin Park have embraced creativity on A Thousand Suns and its a gamble that pays off in a big way.
    Gone are the back and forth vocal tradeoffs between Shinoda and Bennington and in their place are carefully pieced together electronic rock songs with an overarching theme of brooding and impending destruction. A Thousand Suns of course refers to the description of the Manhattan Project and atomic bomb tests - the bombs being "brighter than a thousand suns" and there's an underlying unsettling feeling throughout. It's like we are listening to a musical adaptation of the tension, fear and anticipation during those atomic tests. There's an end of the world feel to songs like Blackout, Waiting For The End and The Catalyst and clever sampling makes the album feel like it could've been written by some musically gifted A.I in response to the events of the atomic bombs being dropped.
    I personally love this album because its different, it's not afraid to stand on its own and it excels in expressing dread. Its ambitious, experimental and a ride that you won't want to get off until it concludes. Chester's voice sounds amazing - especially on Waiting For The End and Iridescent - two of my now all-time favourite LP songs. Just the way these tracks build to a huge conclusion is testament to the group's song-writing prowess.
    I hope this album is remembered for many many years as the wonderful piece of art that it is - not just a band writing by the numbers but letting go of the safety bar and allowing themselves to express their creativity in a big big way.    … Expand
  3. Ridersofredsun
    May 26, 2023
    10
    It's one of the best concept albums in modern rock. The members of the band were not afraid of misunderstanding which could be. They have just made what they wanted to make. The album dives you into unbelievable atmosphere of the imminent apocalypse which depends on what people do and how. Harmonic combination of songs which are calm from despair and songs which are rigid from life'sIt's one of the best concept albums in modern rock. The members of the band were not afraid of misunderstanding which could be. They have just made what they wanted to make. The album dives you into unbelievable atmosphere of the imminent apocalypse which depends on what people do and how. Harmonic combination of songs which are calm from despair and songs which are rigid from life's reality. The best songs, as for me: Wretches and kings, The Catalyst, Burning in the skies.… Expand
  4. Crypticghost
    Dec 28, 2022
    10
    A great album with a great concept definitely one of there best and most misunderstood masterpieces
  5. BlueCobblestone
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have never thought that Chester can rap. That is why you should listen this album.… Expand
  6. Mellowry
    Aug 20, 2021
    7
    The album has some bangers, like "Iridiscent", "Waiting For The End" is definitely one of my favorite LP Songs, though the album has wayy too many skits. I still get uncomfortable knowing that 'Meteora' had the Foreword on it, which is basically just the intro for 'Don't Stay' and here they need 2 skits together almost as long as one song to introduce their record and there is more to go.The album has some bangers, like "Iridiscent", "Waiting For The End" is definitely one of my favorite LP Songs, though the album has wayy too many skits. I still get uncomfortable knowing that 'Meteora' had the Foreword on it, which is basically just the intro for 'Don't Stay' and here they need 2 skits together almost as long as one song to introduce their record and there is more to go. It has bangers, it's definitely not bad as i would say, but i feel like a lot of those skits are useless and try to fill the album, which is kinda disappointing to me. Although i must say, this is quite a step up from "Minutes To MIdnight".… Expand
  7. Codeling
    Aug 7, 2021
    8
    Great underrated album. I liked the experimentation on this one.
    Best songs: Waiting for the End
    Worst songs: -
  8. shoma-
    Apr 25, 2021
    7
    Хороший альбом, мне больше всего запомнились "The Catalyst" и "Burning In The Skies"
  9. uvauvauva
    May 22, 2019
    10
    A masterpiece! Linkin Park experienced with electronic sounds and it payed off.
  10. Redlank
    May 18, 2019
    10
    One of the best album by Linkin Park. The band finally found their own sound and created a truly great album.
  11. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    2
    When I first heard this album back in 2010 I literally cried at how bad it was. Bands evolve and change and that's good, but this? This is evolution? If this is evolution then I'm not surprised there are people that don't believe in it. This is garbage. I'm surprised at people liking this album, but well different people, different strokes. Do not waste yout time on this... better listenWhen I first heard this album back in 2010 I literally cried at how bad it was. Bands evolve and change and that's good, but this? This is evolution? If this is evolution then I'm not surprised there are people that don't believe in it. This is garbage. I'm surprised at people liking this album, but well different people, different strokes. Do not waste yout time on this... better listen to silence... if you're schizophrenic you might even hear better music in the silence. Pickens condemns!… Expand
  12. Jay_Pickens
    Jul 25, 2018
    2
    When I first heard this album back in 2010 I literally cried at how bad it was. Bands evolve and change and that's good, but this? This is evolution? If this is evolution then I'm not surprised there are people that don't believe in it. This is garbage. I'm surprised at people liking this album, but well different people, different strokes. Do not waste yout time on this... better listenWhen I first heard this album back in 2010 I literally cried at how bad it was. Bands evolve and change and that's good, but this? This is evolution? If this is evolution then I'm not surprised there are people that don't believe in it. This is garbage. I'm surprised at people liking this album, but well different people, different strokes. Do not waste yout time on this... better listen to silence... if you're schizophrenic you might even hear better music in the silence. Pickens condemns!… Expand
  13. MysticManiac
    Mar 10, 2018
    8
    Most of my criticisms of this album are of the unnecessary filler instrumentals which have no point to them. Empty Spaces? Come on, that track may as well be called "20 seconds of filler". But the full length tracks are pretty consistently good. Tracks like Wretches & Kings, Blackout, The Catalyst and Waiting for the End show us why Linkin Park is such a great band
  14. Decim
    May 20, 2017
    10
    This album made me almost cry.
    Linkin Park confirms to be one of the most interesting band of our times with this masterpiece, i loved songs like Burning In The skies, Waiting For The End, Robot Boy and Iridescent.
    When They Come For Me, Wretches And Kings and The Catalyst are revolutionary and the whole album should be heard once before you die.
  15. royben14
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    A big experimental change for LinkinPark that came out in their favor, with heavier sound and a big mix of genres in the album and each song for at self. musical capabilities of the band are pushed to their limits and the result is an amazing experience at first and a reliable blast for every other listing.
    A more artistic LinkinPark is what people asked and they got one of the most    A big experimental change for LinkinPark that came out in their favor, with heavier sound and a big mix of genres in the album and each song for at self. musical capabilities of the band are pushed to their limits and the result is an amazing experience at first and a reliable blast for every other listing.
    A more artistic LinkinPark is what people asked and they got one of the most bizarre albums to surface mainstream rock    … Expand
  16. weskergamer
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    since meteora, a thousands suns is the best linkin park album. is not nu metal but is sooooooooooooo great. viva Waiting for the end, blackout, when they come from me,the catalyst,irisdecent,the mesenger, etc,etc
  17. Bryano
    Jan 3, 2017
    6
    Linkin Park prove better their talent in this album than Minutes to Midnight, because they contains some of their greatest songs, but the album is mixed overall. Some tracks such as Burning in the Skies, Waiting for the End are great, other good track like Robot boy or The Catalyst saves the album, but the track The Messenger doesn't fit at all with the rest of the album, and there are tooLinkin Park prove better their talent in this album than Minutes to Midnight, because they contains some of their greatest songs, but the album is mixed overall. Some tracks such as Burning in the Skies, Waiting for the End are great, other good track like Robot boy or The Catalyst saves the album, but the track The Messenger doesn't fit at all with the rest of the album, and there are too much useless instrumental track compared to their previous and later releases. They should have put less instrumental tracks to adopt a standard 11-12 tracks form like their other albums. Taking onto account mediocre tracks and highlights singles, A six out of ten would be suitable.… Expand
  18. blum
    Apr 16, 2016
    8
    It's an artistic album, I enjoyed and found it creative. There are a lot of overcoming songs which are great and catchy, "Waiting For The End" for example, is one of them.
  19. Michalis
    Mar 13, 2016
    2
    If you loved their previous albums with their nu-metal sound, then you can't love this one. If Linkin Park wants more hits, they should stay at their nu-metal sound or make more masterpieces because there is nothing here like In The End, Numb, Crawling e.t.c
  20. CharlieBetterIs
    Jan 11, 2016
    9
    A Thousand Suns é o álbum mais aclamado da crítica e o que tem um maior conceito do linkin Park, o conceito da guerra nuclear. Ele é maravilhoso, com músicas ótimas. É um dos meus três favoritos da banda. Só há uma coisa que ele peca: excesso de faixas curtas.

    Pontos Altos: Robot Boy, Blackout, The Catalyst
    Pontos Baixos: The Radiance, Jornada Del Muerto, Fallout
  21. ConnorK
    Oct 6, 2015
    5
    The band is trying to expand their sound but overall it just does not work, it seems like there is no direction. I enjoy a few songs here but the majority of the songs on this album are boring. Unlike their previous stuff this is not a rock album, there is not much guitar work here.
  22. Aijixe
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    This is the experimentation that Linkin Park should have done instead of Minutes of Midnight. A Thousand Suns pushes the boundaries for the band, and it's made them stronger than ever.
  23. FakeLies
    Apr 30, 2015
    3
    For me this album is an abomination and the final hit into my face to tell me that they wont come back to the glory of Hybrid Theory...The only memorable tracks were Blackout and Catalyst, the rest was rubbish...its hard to see your once favourite band fade away like that. I respect that a band sometimes has to improve and change over time, I just can not reccomend it anymore.
  24. Tarcar42
    Oct 11, 2014
    10
    An incredibly ambitious and thoughtful album that revolves around nuclear disasters and self-destruction. Linkin Park challenged themselves to create this experimental piece, and have definitely challenged listeners around the world with it. Lyrically its dark and intense, and musically its different than anything you've ever heard. Ambient and electronic alt-rock meets tribal beats,An incredibly ambitious and thoughtful album that revolves around nuclear disasters and self-destruction. Linkin Park challenged themselves to create this experimental piece, and have definitely challenged listeners around the world with it. Lyrically its dark and intense, and musically its different than anything you've ever heard. Ambient and electronic alt-rock meets tribal beats, reggae rhythms and even metal screams in one of the greatest albums of all time.… Expand
  25. Kai82
    Aug 10, 2014
    5
    I wanted to enjoy it like the other Linkin Park albums. I played it many times but it could not win me over. There was no track I can remember or that I started to whistle / sing along. On the other hand there was also no track that I can hate. Overall that means an average score of 5/10.
  26. Steeliosis
    Mar 16, 2014
    2
    A Thousand Suns is almost insulting to Linkin Park fans (at least, true Linkin Park fans). Just seems like a sellout to make an extra buck, and is far from the sound that I (and I'm sure, many other people) loved from Meteora, Hybrid Theory, etc.

    I wouldn't mind a little electronica, but this is too much. Overproduced and dull, could hardly listen through three songs before giving up.    A Thousand Suns is almost insulting to Linkin Park fans (at least, true Linkin Park fans). Just seems like a sellout to make an extra buck, and is far from the sound that I (and I'm sure, many other people) loved from Meteora, Hybrid Theory, etc.

    I wouldn't mind a little electronica, but this is too much. Overproduced and dull, could hardly listen through three songs before giving up. I'll admit it's not all entirely bad, but coming from what used to be metal and hard rock to this is disorienting and angering. It hurts thinking people actually respect this album, and whilst I can't disagree with their opinions, I'm assuming they don't understand what it means to a true metal and post hardcore fan such as myself to have something almost perfect revoked.    … Expand
  27. edvard
    Oct 14, 2013
    9
    Well this is definetaly LP's most controversial album for the fans becuase it throws away the HT and Meteora sound completely and comes in with a completely different. I think this album is really, really good! The Intros or 1 minute tracks is there to boost up the tracks they are connected to for an even more mind blowing experience. What holds this album back is "The Messenger", theWell this is definetaly LP's most controversial album for the fans becuase it throws away the HT and Meteora sound completely and comes in with a completely different. I think this album is really, really good! The Intros or 1 minute tracks is there to boost up the tracks they are connected to for an even more mind blowing experience. What holds this album back is "The Messenger", the closing track. Absolutely HORRIFIC track. The album's second to last song "The Catalyst" would be a perfec closer because it is so epic!! Another unnecesary track n my opinion would be "Robot Boy". It is some piano melody and a line repeated over and over again. It would be cool if it was like 2 minutes but this song is 4:29! Now over to the good songs:

    "Burning In The Skies" is the third track on the album which is connected to the first 2 songs and this is a calm song with chester singing through the whole song. Here is lines repeated again just like "Robot Boy" which I wasnt a huge fan of but the song keeps my interest.

    "When They Come For Me" is another excellent track. It is one of the few times Mike Shinoda really gets to shine along with his rap on

    "Wretches and Kings", his rapping on "Waiting For The End" and singing on "Iridiscent". "When They Come For Me" is very world-music influenced with native bongo drums or something and really cool singing by chester. Aaaahhaahhaaahaa!

    Jornada Del Muerto is the only track under 2:00 minutes i would want to touch on. It is definetly my favorite of the under 2:00 minute songs on this album if I choose one because it has a cool guitar solo or something and Mike's voice sounds really cool while he sings in a foreign language. It is a perfect transition to my second favorite song on this album "Waiting For The End" which is a close second to the lead single "The Catalyst".

    "Waiting For The End" is a really epic 4 minute song that for some reason reminds me a lot of M.I.A's classic: "Paper Planes". Rob's drumming is very good and I hear a cowbell sond or something frequently. Chester's singing is really good.f tones on it. What I think make's this such an outstanding track is the multilayered acapella's that you hear along with all the little details and effects in this song which makes this song quite a masterpiece. Also Mike's rap is really good.

    "Blackout" is the next song and I would say this is one of the most upbeat songs on this war influenced concept album. It has a really catchy melody that is played throughout the song and Chester is almost rapping in this song and it sounds really cool. Also Mr.Hahn's remix of the song that comes in the second half is really well done and is a blast to listen to and is one of the few times where Mr.Hahn really gets to shine and embrace his excellent scratcing and mixing skills.

    "Wretches and Kings" is the next song which starts of with another reference from some old recording. He talks about how the machines are talking over. The Main Riff by Brad with a lot of effects on it is really unique and makes this track really stand out and this song is also another time where Mr.Hahn really gets to shine on his turntable.

    "Iridiscent" is the next song I want to talk about. Featured in Transformers 3. It is basically a ballad with Mike and Chester singing back and forth. Not the most interesting on the album but is definetaly a very good song.

    "The Catalyst" is the last song I want to talk about. I remember back in 2010 when I heard this for the first time. At that time I had been listening to LP for about 2 years and I had no Idea they were gonna release a new album. I logged in to spotify and went to Linkin Park's discography page and I saw this song "The Catalyst". I listened to it and my mind was blown. This song was truly epic. It was'nt traditional 3:30 minute LP this was something completely different. I could not stop listening to it.

    Well this has been my review and I enjoyed writing it while listening through the whole album. Overall score: 9.4/10    … Expand
  28. Micox
    Sep 29, 2013
    9
    At the beginning of the listening of this album, I was a little divided good or bad album Good or bad come back I've found my answer this album is an experimental album, this album is a concept album, this album is the best (from the Linkin Park discography).

    All the tracks are worked, the writing is very high, the group had mix Rock with Experimental and it fuc*ing works ! So    At the beginning of the listening of this album, I was a little divided good or bad album Good or bad come back I've found my answer this album is an experimental album, this album is a concept album, this album is the best (from the Linkin Park discography).

    All the tracks are worked, the writing is very high, the group had mix Rock with Experimental and it fuc*ing works !
    So well appreciate this album at its first listening isn't really easy, maybe not possible But this album is probably the best Linkin Park album, I wish Linkin Park will return to this composition style and work, because even if I like A LIGHT THAT NEVER COMES or LIVING THINGS well, the landing was difficult after the take-off which was A Thousand Suns.

    The masterpiece The Catalyst
    The best tracks Burning In The Skies, Blackout, When They Come For Me, Wretches And Kings
    The worse track Iridescent    … Expand
  29. BENNEB
    May 11, 2013
    7
    For now, Linkin Park is quite crap. Not for this album. Though quite far away from maintaing its experimental themes of apocalypse (which they are trying to talk about in the album), Linkin Park's shift has gone unnoticed. And by far this is their best album. Not fantastic but not so bad.
  30. sil3nt_nick
    Mar 24, 2013
    2
    This was simply not a good album.
  31. forestville
    Mar 15, 2013
    8
    I thought you would hear another hard disk linkin park, but after Minutes To Midnight, I had high hopes to return with a hard sound and indeed were less hard now.
    Outrage?? Would you buy? Whatever your choice, you certainly will not be left indifferent. A high-level production, some very good songs and others who aspired to be, make this A Thousand Suns in a job that could have given more    I thought you would hear another hard disk linkin park, but after Minutes To Midnight, I had high hopes to return with a hard sound and indeed were less hard now.
    Outrage?? Would you buy? Whatever your choice, you certainly will not be left indifferent. A high-level production, some very good songs and others who aspired to be, make this A Thousand Suns in a job that could have given more of themselves. It's a shame to see that something is halfway, but it's what brings so much experimentation.    … Expand
  32. ricco94
    Mar 9, 2013
    6
    I wonder WTF do these guys think before writing their songs. There are wonderful songs on this album (Waiting for the End, Iridescent) but other songs are awful. Some of them aren't songs. Why don't you write an album made only by good songs?
  33. boojitsu
    Jan 24, 2013
    6
    Overall this is supposed to feel like a concept album. It FELT like that, but didn't have the same punch or draw that some of the best concept albums have. I enjoyed "Waiting for the End" a lot and think that's one of my favorite LP songs. Other than that, the rest of the album is too full of filler and sound effects instead of genuine musical passion. I would not recommend this CD forOverall this is supposed to feel like a concept album. It FELT like that, but didn't have the same punch or draw that some of the best concept albums have. I enjoyed "Waiting for the End" a lot and think that's one of my favorite LP songs. Other than that, the rest of the album is too full of filler and sound effects instead of genuine musical passion. I would not recommend this CD for anyone trying to figure out who Linkin Park is or what they do, as this is a bad representation and mish-mash of styles, which they normally do better at blending together.… Expand
  34. edbezant
    Dec 23, 2012
    2
    1 mark for iredescent, and one mark for the catalyst cos those are the only two decent tracks on the album. the rest sucks! this album is an insult to hybrid theory and meteora!
  35. KoreyLalonde
    Jul 17, 2012
    8
    This is definitely the most organic of Linkin Park's albums. Highly experimental and fully of politically and socially charged lyrics, A Thousand Suns holds up well, but it seems to be lacking much of the heart of the albums before it. It's a good album, but not a very strong one.
  36. ocho858132
    Jun 25, 2012
    10
    Those giving this album a negative review sound ignorant. This is a very conceptual and artistic album. It's not meant to produce hit singles that stand alone while every other track is garbage, it's meant be listened to as a whole. Each song blends into the next. So particular songs may be considered "filler" or "un-linkin park" by themselves, but they all serve a purpose in making theThose giving this album a negative review sound ignorant. This is a very conceptual and artistic album. It's not meant to produce hit singles that stand alone while every other track is garbage, it's meant be listened to as a whole. Each song blends into the next. So particular songs may be considered "filler" or "un-linkin park" by themselves, but they all serve a purpose in making the album as a whole great. Burning in the Skies, Catalyst, Irridescent, and Waiting for the End are the main songs on the album and they are all fantastic. The other inbetween short tracks help build the mood of the album and lead into these climactic and brilliant songs. When looked at as a whole, this album is essentially one long, beautiful song. I challenge any "critic" to sit down and listen the the entire album as a whole, with it's beautifully haunting intro, iconic speeches brilliantly set to music, and epic full songs. Any linkin park fan, or plain old fan of truly good music for that matter, will recognize a masterpiece has been created here. One only needs to take the time.… Expand
  37. dinoslayer6
    Jun 21, 2012
    9
    93/100
    The best album to date(as in before Living Things). Linkin Park outdid themselves and the album is very good. You can't do Nu Metal forever and I very much enjoyed the album, its almost perfect, although The Catalyst will break your ears if your listening through headphones at a loud volume.
  38. TJD2
    Jun 20, 2012
    0
    Overwhelmingly horrid album. The band reformed their sound with Living Things, however that doesn't excuse the atrocity that is A Thousand Suns. This is NOT Linkin Park; it's a collection of filler and sound tracks with a few fully formed songs (that sucked mind you). This is one of those albums, like Metallica's St. Anger, that should never have existed.
  39. Matticus
    Jun 18, 2012
    9
    I thought this album was fantastic. Really showed a new level for LP. It is a much more serious album and you should know that the album is one your going to want to listen to from start to finish. Otherwise your not going to get a good feel for it. This album is not just a bunch of 3-4 minute singles like most of the stuff before it. In summary this is Linkin Park + Depth. Well worthI thought this album was fantastic. Really showed a new level for LP. It is a much more serious album and you should know that the album is one your going to want to listen to from start to finish. Otherwise your not going to get a good feel for it. This album is not just a bunch of 3-4 minute singles like most of the stuff before it. In summary this is Linkin Park + Depth. Well worth a listen.… Expand
  40. DME
    Jun 7, 2012
    8
    A Thousand Suns is a completely original and creative album, but not without flaws. I really wish the interludes and bridges were combined with other tracks rather than standing alone. I also wish there was a couple more heavier songs. Overall, it's an excellent album. The best tracks are When They Come For Me, Blackout, Wretches and Kings, and Waiting For The End.
  41. Dudsound
    Apr 16, 2012
    0
    **** just **** some electronic **** with some unmelodic **** plus some primitive riffs and some VERY primitive solo. it's absolutely primitive. concept album? no, they try to do smth like conception on this album, but "conception" is very simple, for 13 years old boys and girls. THIS SUCKS. 0/10
  42. RedAFX
    Apr 11, 2012
    7
    A moderately enjoyable album, yet very thin musically for Linkin Park's usual standards, gone is the almost iconic band they reforged back in 2007 with Minutes To Midnight, and in it's shadow emerges a pop electronic act who place filler above substance. With such impressive previous efforts, it's easy to mark this one down, but it has to be said that Linkin Park have a hit an all time lowA moderately enjoyable album, yet very thin musically for Linkin Park's usual standards, gone is the almost iconic band they reforged back in 2007 with Minutes To Midnight, and in it's shadow emerges a pop electronic act who place filler above substance. With such impressive previous efforts, it's easy to mark this one down, but it has to be said that Linkin Park have a hit an all time low with this lumpy attempt at a concept album.
    The band are very confused at this point in their career, with Mike Shinoda taking lead and the rest of the group running for cover at the final whistle, the creative differences in the band are stretching it across a bed of thorns, yet fanboys will continue to prop them instead of criticising a band who encourage such conduct.
    The album finds a couple of classics in it's midst however, Waiting For The End, which shows off Chester Bennington's amazing vocal capabilities and breathes new air with Dre-quality percussion, and The Catalyst, probably the most interesting and innovative track the band have produced so far in their career, and though there are classics, there are also plenty of interlude tracks which will bring you into the state of tiredness and frustration that Mike Shinoda faced trying to pull such a polarised band together.
    It has to be noted that any organic sound, live drums, guitars etc are almost non existent on A Thousand Suns, it is the album's digital prominence which seperates it from it's meaningful lyrics, which is a deep shame; coming from a band who built plenty of bridges between genres and sounds so early on in their career.
    I blame two things for the outcome of this album, Linkin Park's laziness and Warner Bros. greediness.    … Expand
  43. KitsGravity
    Apr 6, 2012
    3
    The songs Iridescent and Waiting for the End are really good but many songs in it are fillers and should have been completely omitted, such as Wretches and Kings, When They Come for Me, even the lead single The Catalyst and Blackout. These songs are worse than most band's b-sides to be honest. The album is conceptual not a satisfactory one. It is the most mediocre album LP have recorded so far.
  44. Santi_RHCP
    Mar 11, 2012
    6
    This album could have been much better, but instead it was filled with lots of ambient an random electronic sounds between the real songs. I give a 6 to the album because I still have faith in them.
  45. RazorEye
    Mar 10, 2012
    10
    A concept album is not easy to pull off. Linkin Park, a band I never had great respect for until this point, has probably pulled off not only a great album, but possibly one of the greatest and most beautiful concept albums ever made. I'm serious. It's up on the top of my list with Pink Floyd's The Wall and Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto.

    Everything that makes a great concept album, the setting,    A concept album is not easy to pull off. Linkin Park, a band I never had great respect for until this point, has probably pulled off not only a great album, but possibly one of the greatest and most beautiful concept albums ever made. I'm serious. It's up on the top of my list with Pink Floyd's The Wall and Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto.

    Everything that makes a great concept album, the setting, the theme, the way they are passed over in the music, emotion and flow of the album, plus more, are all there in this album.
    I have to admit, I've never liked Linkin Park much until I listened to this album. In My Opinion, Hybrid Theory and Meteora are decent. Minutes To Midnight was a disaster. A Thousand Suns is a masterpiece.
    It makes me sick inside that I've never heard such great songs like "The Catalyst", "Burning In the Skies", "Iridescent", Oh god, don't get me started on "Iridescent". That song is absolutely beautiful. One of the greatest songs ever written in the modern era.

    Tracks such as "Empty Spaces" and the absolute most powerful piece on the album, "Wisdom, Justice and Love", a haunting rendition of one of Martin Luther King's speeches, shouldn't be panned because they aren't actual songs. This is not your usual Rock album, people. This is a concept album. Get over it.

    Overall, this is one of the ages. One your kids should know about and embrace. A Thousand Suns, as I said before, Is a masterpiece. I honestly don't think Linkin Park can pull this off ever again. Hell, I don't think any artist currently can ever top this album for a long while.    … Expand
  46. Trickyeddy9
    Feb 29, 2012
    10
    this album is so emotional the song songs on this album are just so **** good its just amazing. linkin park is so god damn good its just amazing. my favorite song on this album has to be iridecent
  47. kalamaris
    Jan 18, 2012
    9
    Quite a different sound from Linkin Park, more electronic I'd say. In general "A Thousand Suns" it's a very good album, the lyrics are meaningful, the music is different in a good way, so what else may we ask for?
  48. spadenx
    Jan 13, 2012
    6
    What killed this album was that it consisted a few poor instrumentals and even though it did feature a few good songs (that I liked a lot more then the songs on their previous album), They simply didnt pull through with this album.
  49. jos95
    Jan 12, 2012
    6
    Minutes to Midnight was absolutely unbearable, and this is definitely much better. Lyrically, the album's theme of human fear of technology taking over and nuclear warfare is quite unique and interesting. That being said, I still feel the album didn't live up to its potential. The sound is way too pop in comparison to the other three albums and the amount of interludes on this album isMinutes to Midnight was absolutely unbearable, and this is definitely much better. Lyrically, the album's theme of human fear of technology taking over and nuclear warfare is quite unique and interesting. That being said, I still feel the album didn't live up to its potential. The sound is way too pop in comparison to the other three albums and the amount of interludes on this album is ridiculous. This album is dark and beautifully haunting, unlike Minutes which was depressing and insipid. The highlights, such as Burning in the Skies, Wretches and Kings, Iridescent and The Catalyst are shades of the full potential of this album. The rest seem a bit weird. Not bad, but still not the Linkin Park I fell in love with. Meteora is still their best album :)… Expand
  50. asylumspadez
    Nov 14, 2011
    3
    Wouldnt have been so bad if it wasnt filled with instrumentals. The actual "songs" of the album were actually pretty good and I enjoyed them a lot more then the previous album.
  51. Jai11elas
    Oct 24, 2011
    10
    The Best Album Of The Decade ............................No Doubt Linkin Park Have Created Their Own Beautiful Genre
    This Album is a very special achievement of linkin park ....................................................................
    The Have founded thier best 1.The Requiem/The Riddance The Two Songs A Complete Intro To The Decade Ender 2.Burning In The Skies This Song is    The Best Album Of The Decade ............................No Doubt Linkin Park Have Created Their Own Beautiful Genre
    This Album is a very special achievement of linkin park ....................................................................
    The Have founded thier best
    1.The Requiem/The Riddance The Two Songs A Complete Intro To The Decade Ender
    2.Burning In The Skies
    This Song is personal with some regret and hard feelings 3.Empty Spaces/When They Come For Me
    These songs are percussion Based and have high drumming but still have low voice of Chester
    4.Robot Boy
    GREAT.............. simply great ..........................This song reminds me of the times when i was not welcomed to a place
    5.Jordana Del Muerto]
    The Path of a man after death is described by this song
    6.Waiting For The End
    WOAH.................................................................................The Best Of linkin park EVER
    7.Blackout
    A rock song with Screaming Chester
    8.Wretches And Kings
    Another Pap/Rock Song with elements Of Hybrid Theory
    9.Wisdom Justice And Love/Iridescent
    The Two love songs in A thousand Suns
    10.Fallout
    Robotic Voice of Shinoda with chorus of Burning in the skies
    11.The Catalyst/The Messenger
    The Perfect Album Ender


    Complete BEAUTY    … Expand
  52. Nikos52
    Sep 16, 2011
    5
    I have 2 opinions about this...as an album by a band, it is wonderful. Not groundbreaking, but there is a message to be heard. "Catalyst" is very refreshing, amongst the rest of the album. The melodies stick out in a calm and peaceful way, which is ironic considering the theme of the album.
    As a Linkin Park album, it's weak. It feels sloppy, like they didn't really put a lot of work in    I have 2 opinions about this...as an album by a band, it is wonderful. Not groundbreaking, but there is a message to be heard. "Catalyst" is very refreshing, amongst the rest of the album. The melodies stick out in a calm and peaceful way, which is ironic considering the theme of the album.
    As a Linkin Park album, it's weak. It feels sloppy, like they didn't really put a lot of work in this. I guess they did, i mean, it's LP we're talking about, but it doesn't show. If i didn't love these guys, i'd have to say that they probably needed some money and it's getting hip again making concept albums, so they gather a bunch of b-sides, work with them a little and release it. Very weak efford for Linking Park, considering how they broke new ground with their first 2 records.    … Expand
  53. CME117
    Sep 4, 2011
    10
    Indescribably amazing. This is truly an "album". It is nothing like those other pop artists who just put together a bunch of random songs and then call it an album (when in reality it is merely a collection of songs). Listen to the track "A Thousand Suns: The Full Experience". That plays the entire album in the order it is meant to be played and gives a use to all of those interludes. TheIndescribably amazing. This is truly an "album". It is nothing like those other pop artists who just put together a bunch of random songs and then call it an album (when in reality it is merely a collection of songs). Listen to the track "A Thousand Suns: The Full Experience". That plays the entire album in the order it is meant to be played and gives a use to all of those interludes. The band is growing up and maturing. Just because YOU aren't, that doesn't mean these guys are "sellouts" or any of those other harsh names given to them. Top songs (for those of you who choose not to listen to the entire album as a whole): Iridescent (personally, I see this as the best on the album), When They Come For Me, Waiting For the End, and The Messenger.… Expand
  54. CRL
    Aug 27, 2011
    9
    As a concept album, A Thousand Suns is excellent. As music, A Thousand Suns is still excellent. I can understand why the original Linkin Park fans have their doubts, but on a rainy day there is no better album to listen to than this one. Even the minute-long songs (there purely for the 'concept' side of the album) are good in their own little way, and the way they're interspersed withAs a concept album, A Thousand Suns is excellent. As music, A Thousand Suns is still excellent. I can understand why the original Linkin Park fans have their doubts, but on a rainy day there is no better album to listen to than this one. Even the minute-long songs (there purely for the 'concept' side of the album) are good in their own little way, and the way they're interspersed with the usual full-length songs works perfectly with the tone of the album. It may not be what everyone was expecting, but in no way does that mean it isn't great.… Expand
  55. Atraxotoxin
    Jul 29, 2011
    10
    It's brilliant to see that this band can excell in multiple genre's. I listened to and loved their nu-metal style music on the Hybrid Theory album, as for each one of their next albums, noticing the changes in their style with each one. Everybody complains about how Linkin Park isn't what it used to be and that the new album is terrible, these are the sort of people who listen to bandsIt's brilliant to see that this band can excell in multiple genre's. I listened to and loved their nu-metal style music on the Hybrid Theory album, as for each one of their next albums, noticing the changes in their style with each one. Everybody complains about how Linkin Park isn't what it used to be and that the new album is terrible, these are the sort of people who listen to bands like Everlast, who pump out the same song with a different rythym a few hundred times until they have an album series. Linkin Park changes with each album, nobody else seems to notice this fact and it makes their fuzzy little heads explode when Linkin Park makes an alternative album that is just as good as all the others but in a different genre. It is a change, not for better or for worse. They are keeping their music fresh and I will keep listening to it and loving it, no two songs are the same. Which is more than I could say for the bands that are considered popular in recent times. This album also plays out as a story, each song leading into the next with intermissions every few songs to trasition the theme into a different stage, I have noticed alot of people complaining about this and this is my response: You do not have to listen to the intermissions, or the story of the album. Just play the music, it is a very minute task to put some songs into a playlist. In conclusion, this album is brilliant to me, just like all the others. It saddens me that people never broaden their horizons to music, everyone seems to have such a narrow view and it sickens me to see people bagging this album because of this. Look at it in a different light to the previous songs and you will enjoy it. If not, go back to Miley Cyrus and Flo Rida you sheep.… Expand
  56. slsoccer7
    Jul 11, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is my favorite album from one of my favorite bands Linkin Park. I just love the way A Thousand Suns turned out. They go from a nice gentle song that is sad and raw like The Messenger, and go to a more hard core, heart pumping song like When They Come For Me. It is such a diverse album and it can attract many audiences.… Expand
  57. Venom2286
    Jul 10, 2011
    1
    Linkin Park is no more a Metal band.....The new album doesn't have Guitar Riffs nor beats...Many beats are just electronic and for me they sounded worst than Britney spears.. :(
  58. ReviewerMan44
    Jul 1, 2011
    9
    With every Linkin Park album to release there are usually three things. The fans, the critics, and the fans who respect the bands attempts of change of style and/or genre. I am one of the last, and always will be. To this day I won't understand why so many people dispise Linkin Park, sure "Runaway" isn't the most smartly written tune around but there is always light to be found in theWith every Linkin Park album to release there are usually three things. The fans, the critics, and the fans who respect the bands attempts of change of style and/or genre. I am one of the last, and always will be. To this day I won't understand why so many people dispise Linkin Park, sure "Runaway" isn't the most smartly written tune around but there is always light to be found in the darkness. Besides that your talking to a guy who listens to Four Tet, Yeasayer, Deerhunter, Talking Heads, and Led Zeppelin all in one day. But what A Thousand Suns is and does is superb. It is no less than the next step for this band combining the alternative sense found in Minutes to Midnight and a newly found electronic style. The theme around the album is "endgame" or the apocalypse, armageddon, the end of the world, or whatever you wish to call it. It shows the lives of a group of people who are all living in the real world when this happens, "The burning in the skies of a thousand suns", hence the name. There are 16 tracks on A Thousand Suns. Only 9 are actual "tracks" though, the rest could be described as audio commentary and distorted noises that blend in with the albums mood and atmosphere that amp up the next song, and its just brilliant. A Thousand Suns is the type of album that should be listened to from start to finish without stop for the most positive reactions. It is a story of the end times that we live in today, and beautifully filtered distortions, interferences, and vocals. It truly shows Linkin Park's maturity in their writing and lyrcism, now singing and rapping about topics much more adult, and canon. Not only is A Thousand suns their most smartly written album, it is quite possibly their best, sitting right in line with Meteora and Hybrid Theory. It is a different beast than anything you've heard from the Linkin 6, and is truly wonderful.
    The only problems I can add up is that while the "filler" tracks are great, they take away from the real songs and leaves you wanting a little more in the track department, I mean...9 isn't enough, other than that a perfect record.    … Expand
  59. Raptor-Bird
    Jun 28, 2011
    8
    The album really proves to be something of a kiss-of-death for a lot of fans and even I held my doubts approaching this album. However, A Thousand Suns also proves how much creativity you can get from a somewhat minimal and fairly abstract approach to song writing and conposition. It's melodramitic and silly at times but the album is an easy listen all the way through with its genreThe album really proves to be something of a kiss-of-death for a lot of fans and even I held my doubts approaching this album. However, A Thousand Suns also proves how much creativity you can get from a somewhat minimal and fairly abstract approach to song writing and conposition. It's melodramitic and silly at times but the album is an easy listen all the way through with its genre defining sound.… Expand
  60. ZeonTwoSix
    May 16, 2011
    8
    Might not be as groundbreaking as their debut album, but fills in whatever Minutes to Midnight left empty. Could have used a few more songs, then have the filler tracks integrated into the songs though.

    Fave song: When they Come for Me (Mid-eastern beats for a revitalized rapcore anthem, with lyrics that will probably leave their haters dead in their tracks...) Least fave song (aside    Might not be as groundbreaking as their debut album, but fills in whatever Minutes to Midnight left empty. Could have used a few more songs, then have the filler tracks integrated into the songs though.

    Fave song: When they Come for Me (Mid-eastern beats for a revitalized rapcore anthem, with lyrics that will probably leave their haters dead in their tracks...)

    Least fave song (aside from the filler tracks): Robot Boy (Had me scratching my head as to its message, notwithstanding the epic melody...)

    P.S. Read my so-called track-by-track review here for more details: (http://celestialpreventer.blogspot.com/2010/10/linkin-parks-thousand-suns-full-album.html)    … Expand
  61. solidsnake1994
    Apr 12, 2011
    10
    It is definately a creative album if you listen to it from start to finish youll see that the 9 full length tracks along with the 6 intros tell a story sum up a great album
  62. erf14
    Apr 11, 2011
    6
    If your looking for a good Linkin Park album, you're gonna have to wait awhile, I would only recommend this album if you can get it cheap like I did. I say this because out of the 15 tracks there are only 6 full length songs, the rest are lame filler tracks.
  63. Rust_Bucket888
    Mar 29, 2011
    9
    If there is one word to describe a new release by Linkin Park's expectations, the word is "epic." Well, One Thousand Suns is just that. The band seemed to stray away from all the big producer influences and all the mainstream-song qualities. Like the boring pop-song qualities found in Minutes to Midnight. This album is raw, and experimental. Instead of just making another Linkin ParkIf there is one word to describe a new release by Linkin Park's expectations, the word is "epic." Well, One Thousand Suns is just that. The band seemed to stray away from all the big producer influences and all the mainstream-song qualities. Like the boring pop-song qualities found in Minutes to Midnight. This album is raw, and experimental. Instead of just making another Linkin Park album, they created a new and fresh sound. Maybe they weren't even expecting the album to be a crowd pleaser, but it certainly turned out to be. One Thousand Suns is proof that even a mass-appeal band like Linkin Park can have some great ideas of their own, and they're not afraid of the strict standards of industry. One Thousand Suns could easily be one of the best albums of the year.… Expand
  64. jAbMaN
    Mar 21, 2011
    0
    I like their old music from Hybrid Theory and Meteroa because they were original good at, which is rap rock not just rock with a little rap. I wished that they would just go back to their old ways and make better music than this pop ****
  65. evan7
    Mar 2, 2011
    10
    On every album Linkin Park have there commanding moments and times when it is more experimental. On this album most of the actual songs they nailed (Burning in the Skies, Wretches and Kings, Waiting for the End, The Catalyst and Iridescent). Amazing songs, and with wretches and kings and Waiting for the End it is familiar territory for Linkin Park. Wretches and Kings is an all grown upOn every album Linkin Park have there commanding moments and times when it is more experimental. On this album most of the actual songs they nailed (Burning in the Skies, Wretches and Kings, Waiting for the End, The Catalyst and Iridescent). Amazing songs, and with wretches and kings and Waiting for the End it is familiar territory for Linkin Park. Wretches and Kings is an all grown up version of their old sound, except with they more matured lyrics. Waiting for the End is kind of the same, except its not all angry like Wretches, its a softer and more technified version of their old stuff again with deeper lyrics. Even though the other songs on the album are more experimental (When They Come for Me, the Messenger, Blackout and Robot Boy), doesnt make them bad songs. They have just as much quality as the others but you can tell this is Linkin Park exploring new territory, and thats fine. This album is superb the only bad thing i can say about it is too much interludes, but some of them are pretty good such as the Requiem and Wisdom, Justice and Love. Other than that the did exactly what the wanted to with this one, like me you will probably have to get used to it to enjoy it and hear it as it supposed to be heard, but after that you will love it!… Expand
  66. NicoloBennati
    Feb 23, 2011
    7
    Nicolo Bennati
    Mr. Brennan
    February 14, 2011
    Music Review A Thousand Suns
    This multi-popular wide viewed band has captured the minds of many people; whether theyâ
  67. African_Goddess
    Feb 23, 2011
    7
    In their new album â
  68. lilalindahouse
    Feb 21, 2011
    1
    Linkin Park used to make awesome kick ass stuff. Now there just some f**ked up band it's like they died in 2006 R.I.P. the sound is terrible like the song. It isn't really rock, it's just electronic, droning and alternative The entier album is full of sleepy crap and electronic fused with alternative my dad listens to. The first 2 tracks are just snippets and sh*t and not to mention theLinkin Park used to make awesome kick ass stuff. Now there just some f**ked up band it's like they died in 2006 R.I.P. the sound is terrible like the song. It isn't really rock, it's just electronic, droning and alternative The entier album is full of sleepy crap and electronic fused with alternative my dad listens to. The first 2 tracks are just snippets and sh*t and not to mention the majority of the album are full of crappy pointless skits and snippets. The first one already sounds like Waiting for the End with Justin Bieber signing The Catalyst. The 2nd track is just telephone and nothing but electric random. The 3rd track "Burning in the Skies" is sang lazily by Mike for 3/4 of the song, awesome singing from Chester for 1/4 of the song but still terrible sound and puts me to sleep. 4th track another fail skit. 5th track is already is pretty impressive with Mike's rapping but the chorus sounds like a fail imatation of native american's singing. The 6th track "Robot Boy" is more syncronized singing and more slow crap. 7th track fail skit again. The 8th track "Waiting For The End" already sounds like the 1st track a bit and Shinoda's vocals sound almost like the Black Eyed Peas' "Gone Going". Now if you normally listen to the regular Linkin Park stuff from their previous three albums. You are now officially snoozing or saying "What the f**k is this sh*t". It's not rock, metal, nu metal, rap metal or anything like that. In "Blackout" has some screaming but terrible sound. The bass and electronic destroys the rest of the album. I don't need to explain the rest because it's like the first several tracks repeated over and over. Finally it brings us to the final track "The Catalyst" which is pretty good. And the ending track "The Messenger" is terrible and chester's signing is all over the place.Therefore unless you like U2 and sh*tty bands like them . Pick up a copy of A Thousand Sun and for regular Linkin Park fans comme moi. Don't buy it. It's not even Linkin Park. I can't believe they could make crap like that.… Expand
  69. SCJ1991
    Jan 13, 2011
    9
    This album does sound different than the other albums that's for sure, but to me it's for the better. The lyrical themes are just downright amazing and the way they sound is very unique. But the only down side is how a little over half the tracks are just fillers. But that doesn't stop me from thinking this is a amazing album and definitely worth picking up. I'd give this a high mark ofThis album does sound different than the other albums that's for sure, but to me it's for the better. The lyrical themes are just downright amazing and the way they sound is very unique. But the only down side is how a little over half the tracks are just fillers. But that doesn't stop me from thinking this is a amazing album and definitely worth picking up. I'd give this a high mark of 9/10, and a spot in my top 25 best rock albums of 2010.… Expand
  70. Genesius
    Jan 5, 2011
    3
    When you first listen to this album, you're like, "huh, this sounds cool." Then when you listen to it again, you're like, "okay, this is getting boring." After listening to any song in this album ten times, you get bored of it. I haven't listened to any of the songs in this album since November (it came out in late September), except maybe "Wretches and Kings." My suggestion is to justWhen you first listen to this album, you're like, "huh, this sounds cool." Then when you listen to it again, you're like, "okay, this is getting boring." After listening to any song in this album ten times, you get bored of it. I haven't listened to any of the songs in this album since November (it came out in late September), except maybe "Wretches and Kings." My suggestion is to just listen to this songs on a free site (like YouTube). Don't spend money on this, because you'll regret it.… Expand
  71. zhoomcar
    Jan 4, 2011
    6
    Relatively new listener to Linkin Park, not so much bias here.
    The Requiem: Contains samples of The Catalyst. Nothing special, simply an intro track. 7/10
    The Radiance: Uhhh, what the heck is this? Sounds cool anyway. 6/10 Burning in the Skies: The intro to the song was pretty awesome. Things just went downhill from there. 6/10 Empty Spaces: Pew pew. Enjoy your 18 seconds of noises. ?/10    Relatively new listener to Linkin Park, not so much bias here.
    The Requiem: Contains samples of The Catalyst. Nothing special, simply an intro track. 7/10
    The Radiance: Uhhh, what the heck is this? Sounds cool anyway. 6/10
    Burning in the Skies: The intro to the song was pretty awesome. Things just went downhill from there. 6/10
    Empty Spaces: Pew pew. Enjoy your 18 seconds of noises. ?/10
    When They Come For Me: Okay, things are finally getting interesting! Liking the grittiness of the track, though the cursing in the chorus seems unnecessary. 8/10
    Robot Boy: It's the same phrases. Over and over again. For four minutes. 4/10
    Jornada Del Muerto: Filler track. Once again, nothing much to see here. 5/10
    Waiting for the End: I'm not really a huge fan of the first two-thirds of the song. Things only really get good towards the end. 7/10
    Blackout: Loving the screaming on this one. Probably one of the standout tracks on the album. 9/10
    Wretches and Kings: About 10% of the song is simply a sample, liking the similar style to When They Come for Me. 8/10
    Wisdom, Justice and Love: Filler track. Sounds cool though. 8/10
    Iridescent: Errr... 5/10
    Fallout: Yet another filler track! This time samples Burning in the Skies, and also continues directly into The Catalyst. 5/10
    The Catalyst: It may sound weird to most of you at first listen, but will slowly grow on you later on. 9/10
    The Messenger: Being the last track on the album, I expected something decent. It just made me go "wtf?". 1/10

    Oh, and it's best to listen to the album in it's entirety, as several of the filler tracks connect each of the larger ones. Except maybe for Empty Spaces, WJ&L.

    Final Score: 6    … Expand
  72. Ikarus14
    Jan 3, 2011
    5
    It's pretty much the ultimate kiss of death for any fan base. I know how mixed the reception towards Minutes to Midnight was, and with a thousand suns I'm pretty much on the middle of the fence here (hence the five-out-of-ten rating).
    A Thousand Suns isn't a bad album but not a great one either. I'll always listen to it gladly due to a number of good tracks but there's way too much    It's pretty much the ultimate kiss of death for any fan base. I know how mixed the reception towards Minutes to Midnight was, and with a thousand suns I'm pretty much on the middle of the fence here (hence the five-out-of-ten rating).
    A Thousand Suns isn't a bad album but not a great one either. I'll always listen to it gladly due to a number of good tracks but there's way too much filler to merit a higher rating from me.    … Expand
  73. 251822
    Dec 25, 2010
    10
    Well since this an LP album I would probably be giving infinity out of 10 however 40% of the album is full of fillers. Some of them are bearable but Empty Spaces just ticks me off. When they Come for Me would have been awesome, MINUS the SWEARING. LP, You have fans who are KIDS!!!!!! Don't scare the crap out of them. Leaving all the things mentioned above I loved the album
  74. Gloorp
    Dec 19, 2010
    7
    â
  75. marian1233321
    Dec 12, 2010
    10
    Best album of this year in my opinion , meaningful lyrics with a completely new sound which i never heared before. Rick Rubin showed again that can be a genius at what he does
  76. Film_Fanatic_15
    Nov 22, 2010
    6
    Linkin Parks has shown maturity and some brilliance in their latest studio album, but fans be warned, their songs have become more pop driven than rock and with Rick Rubin producing, it soon feels too overproduced and too distant from their comforting sounds and variety on "Minutes to Midnight".
  77. Miguel826
    Nov 5, 2010
    2
    I'm betting that I'm not the only one that was polarised by this bizarre turn of events for the former Nu Metal juggernauts. This release reaches for the stars in an attempt to combine multiple genres into one cohesive piece. What we get, however, is schizophrenic noise vomit that more often that not is simply 1 or 2 minutes of needless sonic interlude.

    Perhaps the term 'Genre-busting',    I'm betting that I'm not the only one that was polarised by this bizarre turn of events for the former Nu Metal juggernauts. This release reaches for the stars in an attempt to combine multiple genres into one cohesive piece. What we get, however, is schizophrenic noise vomit that more often that not is simply 1 or 2 minutes of needless sonic interlude.

    Perhaps the term 'Genre-busting', as Mike Shinoda says, is apt; but not in the positive sense, this album strikes me as something that started out as a plethora of sonic industrial experiments... and ended as a plethora of sonic industrial experiments. Whatever this record is trying to be, it isn't working. I suggest that if you like the Industrial sound, ignore this and listen to anything by Nine Inch Nails.

    As a conceptual piece, I've heard it be likened to iconic works such as 'The Dark Side of the Moon' by Pink Floyd. If I were a member of Pink Floyd, I would be both ashamed and disgusted that any self-respecting music journalist could compare something so brilliant with something so... unnecessary.

    I don't really know what possessed Linkin Park to take this route musically, and as a long time fan of their earlier material, I do not understand the thought process behind this album. All bands usually follow some form of artistic maturation, taking the form of a continued refinement of their chosen craft. This however, doesn't strike me as a continuation of anything. Where, I would ask the members of Linkin Park, did you come to this result, considering all previous works? They are a rock band, this album sounds like Mike Shinoda playing around with a synthesizer for - apparently - 4 years.

    Honestly, if I was him, I would simply fire everyone else (save Chester), and take all the royalties for myself. All the riffs (if there were any [?]) were inaudible, hidden underneath the irritating noise vomit of the samples and synthesizers. The drum beats were all electronic, which could have been recreated fine with a sampler. And Chester Bennington's input vocally appears to be getting smaller and smaller as this band ventures through their life cycle.

    I've always had a soft spot for Linkin Park, being the first band I ever saw live, but - unlike Minutes to Midnight - do not see any sudden desire to rethink my position on this album any time soon. As for the live setting itself, I can't help but wonder how they plan on integrating this nonsense into their set without it sounding terribly out of place. In this one album they've successfully destroyed their in-studio appeal and live appeal, for me, anyway.

    I don't think I'll be purchasing their next release, if indeed it ever comes about. I can only hope, for the sake of the music industry, that it doesn't. Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to listen to some Nine Inch Nails.    … Expand
  78. tifa_ronaldo
    Nov 4, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I gotta say that when i listened to MTM i was not blown away as usual when i listen to a Linkin Park album, i was like, hey where are the old songs and their typical energy, i was kinda disappointed. But when i listened to A Thousand Suns, i was speechless, i know that they're not the same musically and not have that energy they used to have in their first 2 albums, but the change was so in the right direction with outstanding music and great lyrics, i mean the band is growing up and surely their music should be also, as the music they made in the past was GREAT in its own time, but don't expect them making the same kind of music ( nu metal rap core ) for the rest of their career, so i think that MTM was an experimental album for the new direction and A Thousand Suns is their final project which is PERFECT. Musically in my Point of view the album is kind of a mix between U2 and Coldplay and the old Linkin Park with somehow African beats.
    The highlights of the Album are ; Waiting for the end, Robot Boy, When They Come for Me, Iridescent    … Expand
  79. Ragaboo
    Oct 24, 2010
    10
    I was hoping for something a bit different from Linkin Park for their next album. Minutes to Midnight had strayed from their previous albums to a slight degree, and successfully, I thought. But I wanted more. My favorite bands don't keep putting out the same record with the same sound, they try to reinvent themselves. Sometimes band fail at this (like The Killers, in my opinion), andI was hoping for something a bit different from Linkin Park for their next album. Minutes to Midnight had strayed from their previous albums to a slight degree, and successfully, I thought. But I wanted more. My favorite bands don't keep putting out the same record with the same sound, they try to reinvent themselves. Sometimes band fail at this (like The Killers, in my opinion), and sometimes they succeed. Well, with A Thousand Suns, Linkin Park definitely succeeded. The sound is new, but it's amazing. It represents a more mature Linkin Park. It retains elements of their old style that I liked but twisted enough to make it sound new. This album has been compared to Radiohead's Kid A in that it is so new and out of left field, but nevertheless it is a masterpiece that will alienate some but ultimately lead the band to better, more creative works. Bravo Linkin Park.… Expand
  80. IceMetalPunk
    Oct 21, 2010
    9
    Just finished listening to the album straight through, from 1 to 15, no breaks. It is...amazing.

    Unfortunately, the majority of reviews for this (and Minutes to Midnight) suffer from the same disease as those of Iron Man 2, the Matrix Reloaded, and every other sequential piece of entertainment ever made: Another [Blank] Syndrome. ABS is where the reviewer, or any listener, will think,    Just finished listening to the album straight through, from 1 to 15, no breaks. It is...amazing.

    Unfortunately, the majority of reviews for this (and Minutes to Midnight) suffer from the same disease as those of Iron Man 2, the Matrix Reloaded, and every other sequential piece of entertainment ever made: Another [Blank] Syndrome. ABS is where the reviewer, or any listener, will think, "This is another [blank]" BEFORE forming an opinion of the work itself, which causes the opinion to be filtered and corrupted unfairly.

    Most reviewers and Internet trolls will think, "This is another Linkin Park album...now what do I think of it?" And that's just wrong. It's almost...vile to do that. Instead, you should think, "What do I think of this album? It's [whatever opinion here]. OK, now I can think about how it's from Linkin Park". This way, the work gets judged fairly on its own merits.

    And A Thousand Suns has plenty of amazing merits of its own to fall back on. "Burning in the Skies" is my favorite LP song on this album, and somewhere in my top 5 LP songs. It's a beat-and-guitar driven anthem that, while one of Chester's softer works, accentuates his vocals perfectly. Listening to this song without thinking pulls you into the epic, post-apocalyptic world ATS creates, and when you begin to hear the lyrics you wonder just who ATS is about--are we all as doomed to nihilistic abolishment as the beginning of this album, or do we have hope like the end points out?

    On another note, as everyone says but almost no one actually tries to do, listening to this album from beginning to end really gets it point and artistry across a thousand times more strongly than just piecing it together out of order and/or from single alone. Many of those "filler tracks" that are condemned by so many critics really make the album what it is, and without them, it would be "just another rock album".

    With them, though, it's so much more. It morphs from a music album to a lyrical story, one of optimistic realism in the face of seeming hopelessness and destruction. And though some tracks break from that story ("When They Come For Me"), they serve as sort of a meta-reference to listeners, like a storyteller breaking face for a moment to warn the listeners of what they're about to hear. To use that track as an example, it warns the listeners "This is not another LP rock album. This is not an album. This is a story, a story with a beat." If only critics would listen to these warnings before picking up a pen or tapping a keyboard.

    The journey from The Requiem's/The Radiance's apocalypse to the The Messengers's optimistic voice is cleverly executed, and though I'm one of the many "Shufflers" who, these days, listen to songs out of order at completely random times, this is one album I'll never chop up.

    Overall, I'd give this album a 4.5/5. A Thousand Suns is, and should always be considered, a masterpiece.

    -IMP ;) :)    … Expand
  81. AndrewUltimate
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    The Requiem (9/10)
    Interesting epic.
    The Radiance (10/10) The speech goes well with the concept. Burning In The Skies (8/10) Nice experimental sound. Empty Spaces (7/10) War in a backyard. When They Come For Me (9/10) Powerful and huge. Robot Boy (10/10) Perfect harmony. Jornada Del Muerto (10/10) Good experimental abstract sounds. Waiting For The End (10/10) One of their best songs yet.    The Requiem (9/10)
    Interesting epic.
    The Radiance (10/10)
    The speech goes well with the concept.
    Burning In The Skies (8/10)
    Nice experimental sound.
    Empty Spaces (7/10)
    War in a backyard.
    When They Come For Me (9/10)
    Powerful and huge.
    Robot Boy (10/10)
    Perfect harmony.
    Jornada Del Muerto (10/10)
    Good experimental abstract sounds.
    Waiting For The End (10/10)
    One of their best songs yet.
    Blackout (10/10)
    I love Chester's scream. The only scream I actually like.
    Wretches & Kings (8/10)
    Chester's fake accent on this one is funny.
    Wisdom, Justice, & Love (10/10)
    Gotta love Martin Luther King, Jr.
    Iridescent (9/10)
    Cool song. Interesting message.
    Fallout (9/10)
    Great intro to another epic.
    The Catalyst (10/10)
    The album's lead single, and deserving of it.
    The Messenger (10/10)
    Possibly Chester's best singing yet.    … Expand
  82. Jesse89
    Oct 19, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well you all we're partially right linkin park did make this album alot different from any other album they've come out with but it was definitely for the better all of you so called "linkin park fans" out there that are ragging on this song apparently dont know how to listen to music first of all when you listen t this album you have to listen to EVERYTHING they say thru out each song and if you do listen to it you'll realize that every song has a meaning and if you listen to the album as a whole you'll soon realize that this entire album has a hidden meaning and if you do your research you'll figure it out this entire albums' lyrics is about the manhattan project and if you couldnt figure it out then you shouldnt even think about calling yourself a linkin park fan so again they did make this album alot different than any other album this cd actually has a hidden meaning behind it and from reading these reviews it looks like none have you figured it out and im sorry to have to tell you the meaning to this album but it looks like noneof you were going to figure it out so hopefully youll actually listen to this cd and give LP a chance before you start talking **** about it as a matter of fact i like this album so much im listening to it as im writing this every song on ths album is amazing if you actually take the time to listen to it and think about what they say and see the meaning in the lyrics and find the meaning behind the album and on that note im going to end this review by saying Linkin Park is a lyrical **** genius.… Expand
  83. peashooter
    Oct 17, 2010
    4
    I walked pass a audio shop one day and I was like "Woah, Linkin Park's new album is out". It's been a few years since the release of minutes to midnight. I can still recalled my disappointment in that album. What I've done and Leave out all the rest were the only two tracks which allowed me to feel that my money spent was worthwhile (all the tracks in meteora made me felt its worth theI walked pass a audio shop one day and I was like "Woah, Linkin Park's new album is out". It's been a few years since the release of minutes to midnight. I can still recalled my disappointment in that album. What I've done and Leave out all the rest were the only two tracks which allowed me to feel that my money spent was worthwhile (all the tracks in meteora made me felt its worth the money spent). As for A thousand suns, too bad, but it's the same story as Minutes to Midnight. I played the tracks from start to the end once, cursed at my monitor, and closed my media player. Were they trying to base the album on some historical stuff or were they trying to be funny (cause its not)? There's one or two tracks which are alright, such as Iridescent (feels like leave out all the rest without the climax) and the catalyst (the only song which felt like Linkin Park, similar to somewhere I belong/What I've done), but that's it. Seriously, I would really hope that Linkin Park stick to what they have achieved in Meteora. Really, music isn't about being new or old, but being nice or not. I gave a 4, not because I like this album in any way, but because it's LP. And while I'm ending here, I'm still listening to Bennington screaming with only acoustic chords in The Messenger... I want to cry.… Expand
  84. Razv
    Oct 16, 2010
    2
    Highly disappointing. I expected something different but different good, not different bad. It's painful to see so much potential wasted on such poor and uninteresting music. I hope they see what they did wrong and go back to the old style, the real LP, that i used to love.
  85. LongJohnSilver
    Oct 16, 2010
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Never make the mistake of hearing songs by themselves, its an album and it MUST be heard as one - love it. 8/10. For instance the transition between "Wisdom Justice and Love" and 'Iridescent' highlights why it must be heard as an album. "Catalyst" is the jewel in the crown, "Burning in the Skies" tells us why no one does self-pity better than Chester ... and the album ends with "Messenger", a fitting acoustic tribute to Chester's unparalleled pipes. But for me - "Fallout" takes the cake. cheers… Expand
  86. Mupfel
    Oct 13, 2010
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is stunning. Shifting the band forward to a new style. Thank god they did not persist on their former viewpoint of making music.For me it´s nearly perfect. I liked it from the first time i heard it. And I am conscious of the fact, that this is something else.… Expand
  87. VilosiTheRaptor
    Oct 10, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. When I first listened to "A Thousand Suns," I didn't like it one bit. It was not what I expected from Linkin Park, and so I convinced myself that it was a terrible album.
    About the third time I listened through the album, I had the revelation that it was one of the most uniquely brilliant and powerful sonic experiences of my life.
    The album's full-length tracks are all memorable and amazingly well-written. There are several interludes which are the most interesting and powerful interludes I've ever heard. Their spine-chilling simplicity and musical genius are indispensable in holding the album together. I absolutely love how almost all the tracks segue into one another, it creates a sense of continuity and makes the listener never want to stop.
    1. The Requiem. I never would have thought that Linkin Park could record an intro track this awesome. It's almost hauntingly pretty. The vocals are great, and the keyboards create a singularly awesome atmosphere.
    2. The Radiance. I got chills down my spine the first time I listened to this. And every time since. The excerpt from Oppenheimer's speech after viewing the first atomic bomb test combines with the pulsing beats and keyboard effects to create a interlude that is both intelligent and straightforward. It basically says to the listener: "hey, we're talking about nuclear warfare on this album. Intense stuff, right?"
    3. Burning In The Skies. A great first full-length track for ATS. Not amazing on its own, but it definitely fits in the flow of the album.
    4. Empty Spaces. 18 seconds long, but a nice interlude for the sake of flow. nice semi-intro for the next track.
    5. When They Come For Me. Holy Jesus amazing. Awesome guitar and percussion, Mike's rapping is powerful and intense, and Chester's vocal prowess is at its height. The song conveys a sense of almost bursting energy and intensity. The outro with Chester's wild vocal melodies finishes that perfectly.
    6. Robot Boy. Slow, but pretty and emotional. The song builds marvelously and Chester does a great job singing. The piano is eloquent.
    7. Jornada Del Muerto. I have no idea what Chester is saying, but its not in English. Either way, this track is also hauntingly beautiful, and another great interlude.
    8. Waiting for the End. Amazing. The somewhat reggae-sounding rapping and smooth, slurred singing complement each other beautifully. This song is possibly my favorite on ATS.
    9. Blackout. My least favorite on ATS, but still very good. Chester's singing/screaming isn't great, but the instrumental layers of the song make up for it. The outro is awesome too, with an unexpected but interesting melodic vocal part by both Mike and Chester.
    10. Wretches and Kings. Again, the bursting intensity of When They Come For Me. The guitar, despite being semi-atonal, is rather powerful and helps give the song a heavy and agressive edge. Chester's chorus is also very intense.
    11. Wisdom, Justice, And Love. MLK excerpt. Interesting and intelligent, as always.
    12. Iridescent. Another beautiful softer track, somewhat like a combo between Burning in the Skies and Robot Boy. Great clean vocals.
    13. Fallout. This is to Burning in the Skies as The Requiem is to The Catalyst. repeats lines from the song and serves as a great way to convey a recurring theme.
    14. The Catalyst. It's an eargasm.
    15. The Messenger. Very odd ending. Chester's vocals are terrible, but I don't really think the song would have the same emotional intensity with softer, clean vocals. Still, it leaves an impression on the listener.
    Overall, it's a brilliant album. I love it.    … Expand
  88. NewAdrenaline
    Oct 10, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers. I like how everyone uses the term "old Linkin Park". If i remember correctly, and i believe i do, everyone bashed Linkin Park when Meteora came out because "it sounded too much like Hybrid Theory". Linkin Park then dished out Minutes to Midnight. Imagine that, a band that listened to the fans, M2M didn't sound like Hybrid Theory or Meteora for that matter. And now with A Thousand Suns, which everyone is correct, it doesn't sound like their previous stuff yet again. It's something new to sink our teeth in. I can honestly say i like the musical taste of A Thousand Suns. Yeah, it may only have 9 songs out of the 15 tracks, but throughout all of their albums, they have always had instrumentals. I for one thoroughly enjoy the instrumentals. I have been a fan since the Hybrid Theory EP, and Linkin Park has not disappointed me yet. A Thousands Suns may not meet a lot of your expectations, especially if your not acceptive to new ideas. All work in forms of art, whether it be painting, drawing, music, poetry, woodworking, etc., came from someone with an idea. This is Linkin Parks newest idea, and it is art, whether you want to believe it or not. I bought A Thousand Suns on 9/14/10. The best album I have bought all year. I give it a 9 out of 10.… Collapse
  89. nitroemmanuel
    Oct 9, 2010
    6
    ......................................................................................the ten i gave it was a mistake.....................................................................................................................................................
  90. Bhagyesh
    Oct 6, 2010
    9
    Linkin Park is my favorite band, and by hearing thousand suns i could see that they are really trying hard to create their new identity (new kinda music) in music industry. A thousands suns is quite good album. But it do not stand as it has to be. Overall album is fine but not epic, what everyone except from band like Linkin Park.
  91. LostXray
    Oct 5, 2010
    2
    I seriously thought that it was going to be a decent CD but its not like linkin park to crash this kind of success that was of their last CD Minutes to Midnight. i seriously think they could have done far better than this.
  92. Eamy123
    Oct 2, 2010
    10
    I've always liked LP's more calm songs (e.g. Hands held High, Not Alone, Leave Out All The Rest) and I'm finally glad they are starting to play more through their hearts. True, they may have lost many of their fans, but by the same token, have gained far more. I've been a Linkin Park fan for a long time, and this is definitely the best of the albums, IMO. I would agree, that their songsI've always liked LP's more calm songs (e.g. Hands held High, Not Alone, Leave Out All The Rest) and I'm finally glad they are starting to play more through their hearts. True, they may have lost many of their fans, but by the same token, have gained far more. I've been a Linkin Park fan for a long time, and this is definitely the best of the albums, IMO. I would agree, that their songs have great meanings in it, they sing through experience and inspiration, and has just proven to people, that this is truly what they are. Most people, have searched their new songs, like "The Radiance" and "The Requiem" on Youtube, and have questioned, "How is this considered a song?". But if you were to listen to the album as a whole, no pauses between transition of song, You would feel that many of the "filler" tracks, go together. So before you criticize, buy the album, listen, and listen again.… Expand
  93. BootyHunta69
    Oct 2, 2010
    0
    disgrace to be called an album disgrace to be called an album disgrace to be called an album disgrace to be called an album disgrace to be called an album
  94. centurysleuth
    Sep 30, 2010
    0
    Seriously, this is what Linkin Park releases? I'm not even sure what the hell I'm listening to. Certainly it isn't music.
  95. SMScorx89
    Sep 24, 2010
    5
    A Thousand Suns can be considered as a concept album. It is incoherent and does not carry the sound that Linkin Park is famous for, not even the Minutes to Midnight sound. The only good things that were enjoyable were the first two tracks and "The Catalyst". Other than that, this album is not Linkin Park's best work. I am for bands trying to experiment with their sound (let's face it, ifA Thousand Suns can be considered as a concept album. It is incoherent and does not carry the sound that Linkin Park is famous for, not even the Minutes to Midnight sound. The only good things that were enjoyable were the first two tracks and "The Catalyst". Other than that, this album is not Linkin Park's best work. I am for bands trying to experiment with their sound (let's face it, if you listen to the same thing over and over again, it's going to get old), but I don't think Linkin Park headed in the right direction with this one. As a fan, I hope they do not repeat this one and come up with something more enjoyable and less political.… Expand
  96. JordyAtkins
    Sep 24, 2010
    8
    Stepping away from their conventional sense of music, Linkin Parks latest release produces a much more melodic and relaxed vibe. It is more an album so show the bands maturity and development as a whole, to leave behind the nu-metal scene that they were so heavily involved in, and produce something that the knew all along that would not please all their fans. In summary if your open toStepping away from their conventional sense of music, Linkin Parks latest release produces a much more melodic and relaxed vibe. It is more an album so show the bands maturity and development as a whole, to leave behind the nu-metal scene that they were so heavily involved in, and produce something that the knew all along that would not please all their fans. In summary if your open to different music tastes then I suggest you indulge in this absolute pleasure of an album, but please just don't expect to listen to the same music they produced 8 years ago.… Expand
  97. hachor
    Sep 24, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After abandoning its nu metal roots with the somewhat confused Minutes to Midnight back in 2007, Linkin Park has followed through its search for a new defining sound with its latest release A Thousand Suns. The album is the band's the gloomiest, most despondent one ever. And while Suns is supposedly a concept album which runs along the lines of devastation and hope within it, it is ironically the sextetâ… Expand
  98. Rmin
    Sep 22, 2010
    0
    this album is the worst album of this band.nonesense lyrics hard to follow lyrics bad vocal no song meaning this album coul be the worst album of year!!!!!!
  99. Imdamann
    Sep 22, 2010
    1
    Absolutely terrible.

    I have never felt so let down by an album in a long, long time. The first third of the album is all filler, simply clippits of speeches over the top of ambient sounds, with some of the tracks only lasting around 10 seconds. The songs don't really start to kick in until about song 4 or 5, but are nothing to get excited about. Every song on the album is either    Absolutely terrible.

    I have never felt so let down by an album in a long, long time.

    The first third of the album is all filler, simply clippits of speeches over the top of ambient sounds, with some of the tracks only lasting around 10 seconds. The songs don't really start to kick in until about song 4 or 5, but are nothing to get excited about.

    Every song on the album is either rap, hip hop, ambient, filler, weird electronic sounds, or boring piano ballads. The only song which will stay in your head is "The Catalyst" Which is still pretty bad.

    There is a complete lack of electric guitar, excluding one song which is just screaming over a simple song structure. The sheer rock punch, sing-along anthems and spirit of a band I loved has died.

    Not even worth listening to.    … Expand
  100. atsLP4ever
    Sep 21, 2010
    10
    one word:FANTASTIC!!!!
    i love all of the songs of the album:the requiem (10/10) ;the radiance (9/10); burning in the skies (10/10); when they come for me (10/10); robot boy (10/10); jornada del muerto( 8/10); waiting for the end (10/ 10); blackout (10/10); wretches and kings (10/ 10); wisdom,justice and love (7/10) ; iridescent (10/10); fallout (10/ 10); the catalyst (10/10); the    one word:FANTASTIC!!!!
    i love all of the songs of the album:the requiem (10/10) ;the radiance (9/10); burning in the skies (10/10); when they come for me (10/10); robot boy (10/10); jornada del muerto( 8/10); waiting for the end (10/ 10); blackout (10/10); wretches and kings (10/ 10); wisdom,justice and love (7/10) ; iridescent (10/10); fallout (10/ 10); the catalyst (10/10); the messenger (8/10); LINKIN PARK forever!!!

    enjoy the music!!!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2010
19
#19 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    With Rick Rubin co-producing, the band embraces not just synth-pop clamor but also dancehall-style chants and U2's grandiosity. It's the sound of Linkin Park feeling their way toward a new identity, but their skill for melody is obvious.
    Read full review
  2. BBC Music
    60
    They didn't want whatever their next album was to be predictable, and while A Thousand Suns might have emerged by accident compared to previous LPs, it's certainly a far from plays-to-perceived-type affair.
    Read full review
  3. Billboard.com
    75
    On its latest release, A Thousand Suns, the six-piece rock act truly breaks the habit of everything we've heard from it before.
    Read full review
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