Review XP One More Light Album - Linkin Park

I'm struggling to get everything on my mind out: into a blog, into my writing, whatever. To that end, and I don't think I've ever used this word before, but I had what can only be described as a visceral reaction to the new Linkin Park album (and I'm not talking about anatomy). The only review I read before listening said it was "unrecognizable" and that reviewer was not shitting us, people.

I had heard "Heavy" on the radio but didn't realize it was from the new album. I thought it was just a collaboration with a pop artist, and so, whatever. But no. The whole album sounds like that. And I hated it. Listened once through and couldn't stomach the thought of doing it again (maybe this IS about anatomy). Even my brother said it was, and I quote, "terrible."

But that's the thing. I'll still listen. And listen, and listen. Why? R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I have respect for this band. They created something (which is hella hard, as we all know) and I will listen. I listened through A Thousand Suns and came to love it, though it garnered harsh criticism when it was released. Living Things was different, but I appreciated it, and it may be my favorite Linkin Park album. Same with The Hunting Party. I'll withhold judgement (visceral reactions aside) until I've heard One More Light at least, oh, 19 times. Nineteen is a good, round number. Or 99. Or 1999.

We do the same thing for our friends and family because we love them, and with that, comes respect (or at least, it should). At work, we listen because we respect our colleagues and we respect that we are getting paid.

If only Linkin Park would pay me to listen. I'd be set for life.

J. L. Dodd