Living Things
by Linkin Park
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 450 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 357 out of 450
  2. Mixed: 64 out of 450
  3. Negative: 29 out of 450
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  1. r3alz811
    Jul 15, 2012
    10
    Alot of critics these days need to understand that its music that is progressing like any other genre, just look at R&B now a days its all about partying up now, no more love songs to sooth the a broken heart.....Living Things is a great album to all those true Linkin Park fans, but the future a little more head banging wouldn't hurt either
  2. Spot21
    Jun 27, 2012
    10
    Ok. So I'm not sure what the critics are thinking. Its by no means a average album. It is a very good album. There are no songs that are generic or bad. Each one has its own pros. The album itself is like LPs other albums combined into one. There are pieces of each albums sound in it. I would say overall its a 8 or 9 but I gave it a 10 because the critics are taking the score to low.
  3. brujah723
    Jan 7, 2013
    10
    I probably bought about 15 albums last year, and "Living Things" is probably the best album I got that year. Is it like Hybrid Theory? In my opinion no, but thats not a bad thing. It take elements from all past albums and mixed into this one. Many people may be turned away because of the electronic, which I can understand, but it doesn't bother me at all. "Skin to Bones" and "Until itI probably bought about 15 albums last year, and "Living Things" is probably the best album I got that year. Is it like Hybrid Theory? In my opinion no, but thats not a bad thing. It take elements from all past albums and mixed into this one. Many people may be turned away because of the electronic, which I can understand, but it doesn't bother me at all. "Skin to Bones" and "Until it Breaks" are prob my 2 least favorites on it, but I don't hate them. Is the album perfect? Absolutely not, however it is an album I enjoy very deeply and look forward to what else is to come.

    Recommended Tracks: "Lost in the Echo" 'Powerless" "In My Remains"    … Expand
  4. slsoccer7
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    I am a true Linkin Park fan. I love all of their stuff from Minutes to Midnight to Reanimation. This album, topped them all. All of the songs are so beautiful in their own way. Whether it is Roads Untravelled, a depressing, yet somewhat hopeful song, to Powerless, a heartbreak ballad. They are all masterpieces and the group still has it.
  5. RazorEye
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    Living Things would have to be one of the greatest modern albums of all time. Not only did it take what made A Thousand Suns the amazing mind-bending experience that it was, but it also took the band's experimental work like Minutes to Midnight and also took a few hints from the electronic rock medium aswell. Mixed in with choir-tastic lyrics that made A Thousand Suns stand out, anotherLiving Things would have to be one of the greatest modern albums of all time. Not only did it take what made A Thousand Suns the amazing mind-bending experience that it was, but it also took the band's experimental work like Minutes to Midnight and also took a few hints from the electronic rock medium aswell. Mixed in with choir-tastic lyrics that made A Thousand Suns stand out, another concept, this time dealing with communication and breakdowns between relationships (Division bell much? My favourite Pink Floyd album btw), and the abilities of each of the six musically diverse members of the band creates something unique. Something we have never heard before besides A Thousand Suns, but also this sense of emotion and desperation of the song leaping into your head as you listen to the problems echoing within the music and lyrics. This record is something special. This is one to be recorded in history. Whether or not the band will continue with the tremendous electronic rock concept-experience that A Thousand Suns and Living Things produced or go in another direction for their next album is up to the band to decide. Honestly, I don't mind which direction they take next, but if they go for the same sound again, don't be surprised if their next album ends up being even better. This is their sound. They have found it. The champion sound.… Expand
  6. snowcold
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    Living Things is easily one of Linkin Park's best records. Opens big with ''Lost In The Echo'' and continues like that for the next 5 songs, and then slows down in ''Castle of Glass'' which is to me the best song on the album. Next track, ''Victimized'' is a heavy, rap-metal track which proves that LP still rocks. Then is the first ballad on the album, ''Roads Untraveled'' which is aLiving Things is easily one of Linkin Park's best records. Opens big with ''Lost In The Echo'' and continues like that for the next 5 songs, and then slows down in ''Castle of Glass'' which is to me the best song on the album. Next track, ''Victimized'' is a heavy, rap-metal track which proves that LP still rocks. Then is the first ballad on the album, ''Roads Untraveled'' which is a beautiful, slow song. ''Skin to Bone'' is one of my favourites, it's a slow song with electro beats. Then is ''Until it Breaks'', which is an experimental rap track with a sung outro. Tinfoil and Powerless finish the album beautifully, and make you love Living Things. Overall 10/10. Any normal human being would love this album.… Expand
  7. AlexFili
    Jun 28, 2012
    10
    Castle of Glass and Roads Untravelled were my highlights of this album. I was a fan of A Thousand Suns while a lot of people weren't, this album on the other hand was amazing in so many ways. For one thing, there are more songs which feature Mike's rapping skills, something any Linkin Park fan can agree on. With that you also have some more sombre songs by Chester and some great rockCastle of Glass and Roads Untravelled were my highlights of this album. I was a fan of A Thousand Suns while a lot of people weren't, this album on the other hand was amazing in so many ways. For one thing, there are more songs which feature Mike's rapping skills, something any Linkin Park fan can agree on. With that you also have some more sombre songs by Chester and some great rock ballads. There are even some songs which simply bust other genres wide open as they bless your ears with their lovely sound. This is a must have album, whether you are a LP fanatic or just an occasional listener. Best album of 2012 hands down.… Expand
  8. bonyjose
    Jul 2, 2012
    10
    another great album from the greatest band....the new album is better than ats and mim...though not good as hbt and meteora...there are a couple of good songs...
  9. TwisterAce
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    I've been a devout fan of Linkin Park for many years now, and they have yet to disappoint me. While I feel that Hybrid Theory and Meteora were their best albums, I also feel that Minutes to Midnight and A Thousand Suns were excellent and interesting in their own ways. Now, with Living Things, it seems that Linkin Park have blended the best elements of those albums to create a cohesive andI've been a devout fan of Linkin Park for many years now, and they have yet to disappoint me. While I feel that Hybrid Theory and Meteora were their best albums, I also feel that Minutes to Midnight and A Thousand Suns were excellent and interesting in their own ways. Now, with Living Things, it seems that Linkin Park have blended the best elements of those albums to create a cohesive and enjoyable new record. "Lost in the Echo," the opening track, has a Meteora-esque sound that sees Mike Shinoda rapping and Chester Bennington singing against a backdrop of heavy guitar riffs and textured electronics. "In My Remains" reminds me of "New Divide" stylistically, and "Burn It Down" is the catchy electro-rock anthem that was released as the first single from the album. "Lies Greed Misery" and "Victimized" both feature aggressive rapping from Mike and Chester's signature screams. "I'll Be Gone" features a string arrangement by Owen Pallett (longtime Arcade Fire collaborator) and bears a resemblance to "What I've Done" from MTM. "Castle of Glass" is a subdued and atmospheric song that gradually grows heavier, and "Roads Untraveled" is a melodic ballad on which both Mike and Chester sing. "Skin to Bone" is perhaps the most unusual song on the album, with a Depeche Mode kind of sound. "Until It Breaks" is a multi-sectioned, hip-hop-oriented song that mainly features Mike's rapping but also sees guitarist Brad Delson on lead vocals toward the end of the song. "Tinfoil" is an instrumental, similar to "Session" on Meteora. The final track, "Powerless" is a soaring power ballad driven by Chester's wonderful voice.

    I have very few complaints with this album. The vocals are great, the instruments are great, the lyrics and composition are great. The final result is a mature and introspective blend of alternative rock, electronica, nu-metal, and hip-hop; and more importantly, Linkin Park's best album in years. In the end, I was once again impressed by Linkin Park, and I hope to see them on tour.    … Expand
  10. Rooh15
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    The album is absolutely amazing. Much better than Minutes to Midnight and a Thousands suns. Linkin Park have merged what everybody first loved them for (ear splitting choruses and heavy beats) with some of the best parts of their new experimental albums (the electronica) to create a best of both world album that easily sits with Hybrid Theory at the top of Linkin Park's albums.
  11. kalamaris
    Oct 15, 2012
    10
    Linkin Park made it! This album is really a pleasant surprise and a proof that Linkin Park deserve their good stature as a rock band. I love all song of this one, it's an album I can listen to over and over again. A perfect job from Linkin Park; this is gonna be one of my top contenders for the best album of 2012.
  12. TJD2
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    While it's not the best album of 2012, it certainly is a return to form for a band who lost their way with their previous release. There are only two bad songs on this record (Lies Greed Misery and Until It Breaks) and one "okay" song (Roads Untravelled). Other than the aforementioned this is a solid release by Linkin Park with a semi-new sound and songs that could have been recordedWhile it's not the best album of 2012, it certainly is a return to form for a band who lost their way with their previous release. There are only two bad songs on this record (Lies Greed Misery and Until It Breaks) and one "okay" song (Roads Untravelled). Other than the aforementioned this is a solid release by Linkin Park with a semi-new sound and songs that could have been recorded during their Meteora days. I thought I would hate this record but I was wrong. I highly recommend this to all Linkin Park fans!… Expand
  13. Talhamid
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    I kept refreshing the page to ensure that I got the first user review in. Guys and gals, IGNORE THE CRITICS. This is LP's best album since Hybrid Theory, and one of the best rock albums EVER. The amazing thing about this album is that not one song is weak or half hearted. All of them have some quality that makes them shine. The melodies are usual LP stuff, nothing out of the ordinary.I kept refreshing the page to ensure that I got the first user review in. Guys and gals, IGNORE THE CRITICS. This is LP's best album since Hybrid Theory, and one of the best rock albums EVER. The amazing thing about this album is that not one song is weak or half hearted. All of them have some quality that makes them shine. The melodies are usual LP stuff, nothing out of the ordinary. What's new is a delicious mixture of electronica which means that every song is in a genre of its own. The deaf and dumb critics, while heaping praise upon smelly, skinny rock bands who can't wear a shirt decently and whose pimples show in their music, have always derided LP. We, the fans know better. I know their lyrics get heavy handed at times - they are not the best lyricists out there. But hey, the music - that INCOMPARABLE mixture of electronica and metal, coupled to earnestness about world and emotional issues, means that even a 33 year old daddy like me can't get enough of them. So go ahead and buy it without fear. LP fans will rejoice, while other rock music fans will find a remarkably consistent album that defies categorization and sounds different from everything else out there. If you're not willing to take that chance, listen to the stream on iTunes or the various videos on YouTube. I can't get myself off this album. The new Smashing Pumpkins album is good too, but the sheer bombast and ambition of Living Things keeps calling me to it. There is something to be said for the incredibly goovy rhythm section that LP have fashioned over the years. This stuff will eat Blink 182's and David Guettas of this world for breakfast. IGNORE THE CRITICS. DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. PLEASE.… Expand
  14. theahsanhaseeb
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    Living Things is easily one of best rock albums ever made. Every song on the record has its own recognition and power. I have been listening to Linkin Park ever since I was a kid and they always sound awesome. DON'T LISTEN TO CRITICS! They don't even understand the intensity of the awesomeness of this album. "Lost in the Echo", "In My Remains", "Castle of Glass", and "Roads Untraveled" areLiving Things is easily one of best rock albums ever made. Every song on the record has its own recognition and power. I have been listening to Linkin Park ever since I was a kid and they always sound awesome. DON'T LISTEN TO CRITICS! They don't even understand the intensity of the awesomeness of this album. "Lost in the Echo", "In My Remains", "Castle of Glass", and "Roads Untraveled" are my favorite on the album. "Lies Greed Misery" is a catchy dubstep/rock/rap track which sounds nothing like Skrillex as reviewed by the critics. "Tinfoil" is an amazing instrumental, literally gives you chills and the way it connects with "Powerless" which closes the album is epic. THIS ALBUM IS A MUST LISTEN. LINKIN PARK, FOR THE WIN!… Expand
  15. Defa
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    Living Things is a combination (A
  16. lozzie64
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    The album starts off with LOST IN THE ECHO, opening with pounding bass, blistering raps, and screaming from Chester. While it does have that classic LP feel to it, it is made different and more modern with the addition of heavy layers of electronics.

    The wonderful thing about LIVING THINGS is that each some has something unique that other songs do not. Aforementioned LOST IN THE ECHO    The album starts off with LOST IN THE ECHO, opening with pounding bass, blistering raps, and screaming from Chester. While it does have that classic LP feel to it, it is made different and more modern with the addition of heavy layers of electronics.

    The wonderful thing about LIVING THINGS is that each some has something unique that other songs do not. Aforementioned LOST IN THE ECHO has that classic LP feel with heavy, almost dubstep-esque, electronics. IN MY REMAINS shifts to a military drum beat as Mike sings 'Like an army falling one by one by one'. BURN IT DOWN is the radio single, while LIES GREED MISERY is the hi-speed track that tries to 'punch you in the face'. I'LL BE GONE has impressive string work by Arcade Fire's Owen Pallett, while CASTLE OF GLASS takes a stark experimental turn which would be best described has 'electro-folk-rock'. VICTIMIZED is an extremely heavy high speed song that has heavy screaming, amazing blast beat drum work, and heavy fast raps.

    The next few tracks deal with more experimentation: ROADS UNTRAVELED features a jingle melody as the track focuses on the interplay of the singing of Chester and Mike. SKIN TO BONE features a long warming melody to best describe it (as in singing one multiple notes on one 'breath' without actual singing). UNTIL IT BREAKS is the heavy, booming, hip-hop song with a goodness of 90s hip-hop references and possibly Mike Shinoda's best work of his career. The album ends with TINFOIL and POWERLESS (the later being the 'intro' instrumental track leading into the next). POWERLESS truly shows that Linkin Park knows how to end an album and displays Chester screaming/shouting/yelling/whatever without any hint of angst or 'growling'.

    LIVING THINGS is not meant to be groundbreaking; it is meant to be a firecracker album that is full of energy and keeps the listener interested the whole way through. Living Things perfectly achieves this goal, with each song keeping the listener 'alive' instead of dragging on.

    But LIVING THIINGS has also achieved something else that its original purpose might not have been: to bring something that all LP fans will love. Many fans deserted the band when they went through the experimental Minutes to Midnight and A Thousand Suns phases. However, this album brings back the 'nu-metalz' that the previous fans loved along with the experimentation, creativity, and 'heart fullness' that were present in the aforementioned albums.

    If you have deserted Linkin Park in the past because you did not like their new style, then you should reconsider, because this album brings everything you love about Linkin Park and concentrates it into one 37-38 minute album. This one is a must buy.    … Expand
  17. Martin90
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    LIVING THINGS, is an AWESOME album, and has to be one of the best rockmainstream album out there.It's so enjoyable,this is Linkin Park in pure form, energy, big choruses, melodies, rap,scream,big beats, wall of sounds, and little of that experimentation that was introduced in A Thousand Suns. This is Awesomeness... This is Linkin Park.
  18. nicrax96
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    Its a brilliant compilation of everything that defines linkin park and combines the new ideas with the emotion and power of their early works. its a instant classic of rock
  19. hiperionsungod
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    lo mejor de Linkin Park es no haberse quedado en el pasado. es dificil para mi entender ciertas criticas de trabajos anteriores pidiendo lo que jamas llegara que es la repeticion de sus primeros trabajos, Linkin park busca seguir un camino y no quedarse atras como lo sucedido con otras bandas de sus inicios y este album es justo el resultado de todo lo anterior y eso me satisface. mi unicalo mejor de Linkin Park es no haberse quedado en el pasado. es dificil para mi entender ciertas criticas de trabajos anteriores pidiendo lo que jamas llegara que es la repeticion de sus primeros trabajos, Linkin park busca seguir un camino y no quedarse atras como lo sucedido con otras bandas de sus inicios y este album es justo el resultado de todo lo anterior y eso me satisface. mi unica critica es que pido mas una vez que termina la ultima cancion y justamente eso dudo que sea negativo.… Expand
  20. lalindu20
    Jun 27, 2012
    10
    I pre ordered this album a month ago boy was it worth it. I ve been a LP fan for over nearly 12 years now, and this comes as possibly the most varied LP record yet. When mike said they ve put all the elements of their past albums in to this i was a bit skeptical, thinking it might be a jumble but hell it is one of the greatest rock albums in years. It has everything that defines LP - raps,I pre ordered this album a month ago boy was it worth it. I ve been a LP fan for over nearly 12 years now, and this comes as possibly the most varied LP record yet. When mike said they ve put all the elements of their past albums in to this i was a bit skeptical, thinking it might be a jumble but hell it is one of the greatest rock albums in years. It has everything that defines LP - raps, riffs, electronica, vocals, screaming vocal, amazing choruses, hip pop beats, heavy drums and even a guitar solo here and there! I have never seen a band or an artist this versatile in their music. never. They can create music from any genre and put them together to final make a rock album. I dont think that theres a band out there that has this talent out their in modern times atleast. Lyrics wise they have improved alot over the last 10 years. Although this album has some weak lyric moments, it also has some amazing strong points as well, for instance Castle of Glass and Roads Untraveled. Critics will never fully appreciate LP, i dont know why. Cos grammys seem to be going out to the beibers, LMFAOs, but they fail to recognize such amazing music. I hope this will change.

    For me this album is beyond amazing. It has everything that i ve ever wanted from a LP album. I just wish that LP keep making such brilliant music and continue to enthrall us in years to come.    … Expand
  21. JFry
    Jun 26, 2012
    10
    CASTLE OF GLASS. Enough said. As a massive LP fan, this is a solid listen. The critics are simply incorrect. This is a modern LP matured Hybrid Theory/Meoteora.
  22. Sylva
    Jun 27, 2012
    10
    At first, I really didn't like this album, but I gave it a chance, because the same thing happened with ATS. The first time I listened to it, I hated it, but now, it might be one of my favorite albums of all time. The same thing happened with Living Things. The only thing I still don't like is the rap part in 'Lost in the Echo', but other than that, I simply love everything. Some songs areAt first, I really didn't like this album, but I gave it a chance, because the same thing happened with ATS. The first time I listened to it, I hated it, but now, it might be one of my favorite albums of all time. The same thing happened with Living Things. The only thing I still don't like is the rap part in 'Lost in the Echo', but other than that, I simply love everything. Some songs are very reminiscent of their older stuff, some songs sound like they could have been on MtM or ATS, and some songs just sound like nothing they've ever done before. It's a great combination of louder and softer songs, and after listening to it at least 50 times since I bought the album, it still doesn't bore me. If you didn't like this cd the first time you listened to it, I suggest you give it some more tries, because the first time I heard this cd, I hated it, but after a few more listens, it really grew on me. I don't think you can judge this album by listening to it only once.… Expand
  23. MillyBS
    Jun 28, 2012
    10
    Living Things no pretende alucinar a sus fans con muchos sonidos nuevos.; solo quiere mantener a los oyentes expectantes de la combinación de los 12 años de carrera de Linkin Park. Cumple el propósito de dejar un tema que te guste, ya sea si te gusta Hybrid Theory, o no te gustó Minutes to Midnight o si te fascinó A Thousand Suns. Living Things es unLiving Things no pretende alucinar a sus fans con muchos sonidos nuevos.; solo quiere mantener a los oyentes expectantes de la combinación de los 12 años de carrera de Linkin Park. Cumple el propósito de dejar un tema que te guste, ya sea si te gusta Hybrid Theory, o no te gustó Minutes to Midnight o si te fascinó A Thousand Suns. Living Things es un regalo para aquellos que anhelaban canciones con más del nü metal de Meteora, pero sin descuidar su estructura experimental.

    En sus concisos 37 minutos de duración, Linkin Park deja con ganas de escuchar mucho más, porque Living Things es un disco maduro que reúne todo lo mejor de la banda, con un rock alternativo más introspectivo que nunca.

    http://negrowhite.net/musica/living-things-el-nuevo-album-introspectivo-de-linkin-park    … Expand
  24. Chardcastle001
    Jun 27, 2012
    10
    Very impressed how they transitioned their sound to accomodate not only their repsected fans, but for future listners. This album will give the same fellings to young fans as Hybrid Theory did for me. These guys work very hard. Although not very pleased with their previous efforts, LP has matured its sound and thoses who grew up with them should be thankfull for that
  25. klanton
    Jun 29, 2012
    10
    the album is a massive linkin park's comeback and tracks like in my remains and roads untravelled and in my remains bring that works of earler rock bands.but tracks like i'll be gone,burn it down,castle of glass and lost in the echo ae the best tracks on the album.powerless is another geat track.In all the album is a very good album and rock fan and linkin park fan must grab it.
  26. Firefox1095
    Jul 3, 2012
    10
    I can't help but give this album nothing less than a 10. The Album is nothing but amazing. I am and I've always been a Freak Linkin Park fan and this album was nothing but amazing. True I was a bit disappointed with the fact that they mixed a lot of electronics in it but still the album is nothing but amazing. I love how they brought back Mike rapping along with Chester screaming. ThisI can't help but give this album nothing less than a 10. The Album is nothing but amazing. I am and I've always been a Freak Linkin Park fan and this album was nothing but amazing. True I was a bit disappointed with the fact that they mixed a lot of electronics in it but still the album is nothing but amazing. I love how they brought back Mike rapping along with Chester screaming. This album just shows their progress throughout the ages. Living Things' = EPIC… Expand
  27. sg457
    Jul 4, 2012
    10
    This album is a pure mixture of their previous albums, like "Lies Greed Misery" and "Victimized" continued the Chester-scream style, while "Roads Untraveled" and "Castle of Glass" are in A Thousand Suns style, pop/rock mixture. "Burn it Down" is the most outstanding song in the album, but I personally think "Powerless" is a masterpiece too. "Lost in the Echo" featured Mike's rap, and theThis album is a pure mixture of their previous albums, like "Lies Greed Misery" and "Victimized" continued the Chester-scream style, while "Roads Untraveled" and "Castle of Glass" are in A Thousand Suns style, pop/rock mixture. "Burn it Down" is the most outstanding song in the album, but I personally think "Powerless" is a masterpiece too. "Lost in the Echo" featured Mike's rap, and the rap is better than previous songs. In my opinion, this is a great album where LP is trying to satisfy both "Hybrid Theory" and "A Thousand Suns"/"Minutes to Midnight" fans, and they've did a great work, so it's a bit sad to see this album's metacritic score being lower than average.… Expand
  28. gigi87
    Jul 4, 2012
    10
    One of the best rock album of the year. Lost in the echo amazing! This album can be considerated one of the best album of entire Linkin Park's career.
  29. razorback
    Jul 4, 2012
    10
    Linkin Park's "Living Things" is a very good album, and i don't understand why the critics are so incorrect with them. They deserve a Grammy Awards this year.
  30. musicfan
    Jul 4, 2012
    10
    I'm a real fan of Linkin Park and i'm very angry with the critics! 57 is a very low rating for this EXCELLENT album. I hope some other critics will increase this metascore.
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Awards & Rankings

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#9 Most Discussed Album of 2012
56
#56 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Q Magazine
    Jul 27, 2012
    80
    Bold stuff and proof Shinoda remains a richly talented creative force. [Aug 2012, p.103]
  2. PopMatters
    Jul 18, 2012
    60
    Living Things is a very good entry that's simply not as special as its precursor. All in all, Linkin Park has always been a bit unique and the best at what they do, and they continue to excel on this album. Just don't expect too much from it.
    Read full review
  3. Kerrang!
    Jul 17, 2012
    60
    Too often, Living Things is the sound of a band with vast talent, but also one that hasn't figured out where to go next. [23 Jun 2012, p.52]
See all critic reviews »