Linkin Park’s Meteora - CD/DVD 2 Pack set is really a great deal. Not only do you get the band’s second studio album, but you also get a thirty minute, behind-the-scenes look at the making of Meteora. I actually purchased this box set when it first came out in 2003, but for some reason I’ve avoided watching the video until now. I’ve already written a review on the CD portion of Meteora which you can find here, but since this is a two piece set, I’m going to review the video first, and I’ll copy and paste the important sections of the album review here as well.

For those of you out there that have no idea who or what Linkin Park is, allow me to give you a brief summary… The rap infused rock sensation known as Linkin Park consists of Chester Bennington (vocals), Mike Shinoda (“hip hop” vocals), Brad Delson (guitars), Rob Bourdon (drums), and Joseph Hahn (DJ). The band got their first gig at the hot L.A. club, The Whiskey, and were shortly signed afterwards of Warner Bros. Records. If only counting studio albums, Linkin Park has really only released two albums: Hybrid Theory (2000) and Meteora (2003). They have also, however, released CD singles, a remix-album, and a live recording disc.

The Movie

The movie portion of this two pack set gives the viewer a first-person perspective of everything it takes to make an album – in this case, Meteora. ”The Making of Meteora” is divided into sections, each focusing on one major event that took place while making Meteora. The entire movie is pretty much told through interviews or “confessions” by each of the band members. The movie starts out in 2001, where Linkin Park begins writing songs on their tour bus. As the movie progresses, we go even more in-depth; we get to see the studios in which they record, how the production comes into place, how the artwork for the album cover and liner notes is created, the stress that comes about while making an album, where Meteora got its name, and how spooky photo shoots can be.

The movie is fairly brief, lasting only a half an hour or so, but it really did leave an impact on me; it gave me a new respect for the music business in general. Not only did I see Linkin Park give their blood, sweat, and tears into this album, but they did it without too much of a hitch. Personally, I think recording an album would be fun (that is, if I had the voice), but I just don’t think I could handle the pressure and stress that would come along with it. That’s why I think after watching this video, the viewer would appreciate the album much more.

There weren’t really any dull moments in the video; all of the different segments in the DVD showed a different piece of making the album, AKA: the video didn’t really drag on and on, talking about the same thing over an over. My favorites parts of the video were when the guys were recording/producing the album, the photo shoot in the spooky, run-down hotel which was supposedly “haunted,” and seeing where the band came up with the name, “Meteora.” For any of you wondering, “Meteora” is actually a monastery which sits upon a high mountain in Greece. The band members found the place so awe-inspiring and energetic/powerful, that Mike Shinoda thought it would be a cool name for their album.

Overall, I thought the DVD portion of this set was well worth the extra money. It gave me a better a better perception of what it’s like and what it takes to make an album. Also, it gave me a new respect for musical artists out there, as I know that time, determination, and focus play major roles in any music artist's career. The movie is pretty much a one-time deal (meaning you won’t be watching it over and over unless you’re a Linkin Park fanatic), but even so, this thirty minute video is well worth the viewing.

Rating: 4 Stars

The Music*

Meteora starts out on a high note, with the catchy ”Don’t Stay.” Though this song does sound like something right off of Hybrid Theory, you can tell that Chester’s voice sounds more mature, and that the production has improved a level or two. ”Lying From You” is another good number, proving that Linkin Park has stepped up their game in the lyrics department as well (”I wanna be pushed aside / So let me go / Let me take back my life / I'd rather be all alone / Anywhere on my own / Cause I can see / The very worst part of you /Is me”).

The lead single, “Somewhere I Belong” is a mellower tune that gives Mike an adequate amount of time on the mic, showing off his vocal ability, which in my opinion, is more talented than Chester's. The song is self-explanatory when it comes to its lyrical message; it’s about finding your inner self and discovering where “you belong.” Damn… am I smart or what? The only reason I really enjoy ”Faint” is because of the awesome beginning, which starts out with some catchy synthesizers, followed by an almost hip-hoppish beat. ”Numb” is by far my favorite song on the album, due mainly to the lyrics and vocals. For once, Chester doesn’t sound like he’s on the toilet straining; he actually sings on this track, and it fits perfectly. The lyrics follow the whole developing individuality theme, which is something our society needs more of these days.

”Easier to Run” is another mellow track that follows the main Linkin Park song formula, but that’s not a bad thing. The lyrical hook is the predominant gem found in this particular track – “It’s easier to run / Replacing this pain with something more / It’s so much easier to go / Than face all this pain here all alone.” ”Breaking the Habit” really does break Linkin Park’s habit of singing soft verses followed by loud, sometimes obnoxious choruses. Chester never yells once on this track (which is definitely a plus), and the subtle production in the background fits the song perfectly.

There only song I really don’t find too appealing on Meteora is ”Hit the Floor”. There’s just way too much yelling and screaming for my taste. The one other shortcoming this album has (along with Hybrid Theory) is that after a while the songs start sounding alike and at times it can be hard to remember which song is which.

As you can probably tell, I was quite impressed with Meteora. I especially enjoyed the rap-rock production, the "raw" and "emotional" lyrics, and hell, even Chester's voice was pretty damn good (when he didn't scream). As I mentioned above, the only minor complaint I have is that I wish Linkin Park would sometimes mix up their music a little more, since the songs begin to blend in with one another after a few listenings.

Rating: 4 Stars

*taken from here


Overall, I'd recommend the Meteora – CD/DVD 2 Pack for any Linkin Park fans out there. Not only do you get a good numetal album, but you also get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of it. Definitely recommended.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8