What I find the most interesting about this project is the following: 1.) These songs sound nothing like what we've heard from Linkin Park OR Fort Minor before. There are sounds being explored in these tracks that weren't explored in any of Linkin Park's 7 studio albums, or any of Fort Minor's released tracks, albums or mixtapes. This is a brand new beast soundwise, and it's amazing that even after nearly 20 years Mike is still finding ways to reinvent himself. 2.) Although I hate the reasons behind it (RIP Chester), it is really refreshing to see such a vulnerability and personal honesty in Mike's lyrics. While his sung lyrics have always been more personal, his rap lyrics the past few albums have mostly been filled with bravado, and were more boastful than introspective. To see Mike show signs of self doubt and reflection in his raps, it's showing more of his humanity and I do hope that we can see more 'inward-looking' rhymes from him in the future. I honestly prefer these kind of lyrics to the 'I'm the best and you can't compete' style of rap he's been using the last few years.
Digging "About You". Would've loved a 12-track concept album in this style. Everything blackbear touches is pure gold. Wow, LIFE is totally my jam. Reminds me so much of K.A.A.N. Do you have anything else to recommend?
This. In general, as you say, the reasons behind it are tragic ones but these songs (with one exception) are among the best that Mike has ever done. So as sick/rude/mean/whatever this sounds, on one hand I am grateful for Mike to make these songs (as you say the reason they exist is tragic to say the least) but at the same time I wish it didn't have to come to this
I couldn't agree more, and you know, it's so comforting that Mike's not letting the 'make every album different' mantle drop just because of the circumstances. At the end of the day, this mightn't be my favourite type of music ever, and personally I don't think the songs are the best he's ever written, but to be honest we're spoiled by how easily Mike can drop into a new genre and just make it work. And without thinking too far ahead, it's comforting to think that even in a Chesterless world, Mike will keep pushing himself creatively just as he always has. Now I just hope the others come along for the ride.
I can put together a bigger list if you want me too but I'd also highly suggest "ruiner" by Nothing, Nowhere. It's an Emo Rap album and currently my favorite album of the year.
Someone made a comment on YouTube that said something like: "Push the master of his craft into a corner, and he comes out with guns blazing". And it's so accurate. Yes, some of these songs aren't as perfectly polished as Linkin Park tracks, but what's important is how raw, honest and creative they are. He legitimately bled his heart into these songs, and they're beautiful in their emotional complexity. I also like how he hasn't shied away from approaching the 'anger' side of grieving. That's not something you always see in songs about mourning/death, but it's an emotion that nobody talks about when losing a loved one.
You have more clout as the head of a media empire. Everyone still credits Shinoda for that "dozen roses" quote. This can be like that
Oh my god, that dozen roses quote. That's almost as bad as people attributing every inspirational beauty quote to Marilyn Monroe, when she never said 98% of that shit .
How i would rank the atm: 1. Over Again 2. Watching As I Fall 3. Crossing A Line 4. Nothing Makes Sense Anymore 5. About You 5. Place To Start
Current ranking: 1. Over Again 2. Crossing A Line 3. Watching As I Fall 4. Nothing Makes Sense Anymore 5. Place To Start 6. About You
My current ranking: 1. Place to Start 2. Nothing Makes Sense Anymore 3. About You 4. Over Again 5. Crossing a Line 6. Watching as I Fall