Although album sales aren't really a fair metric any more (they've plummeted since the release of HT), I think we can all agree that Hybrid Theory is by far and away the band's most successful work. And not for no reason, it's possibly their most consistent album, there's nothing I can really see sticking out, as opposed to other albums (ie. I can understand if people think GU and NMS ruin MTM, or that Blackout ruins ATS, etc. even if I don't agree). That being said, I just have a thing about labelling music as "the best" or "better than [x]", I don't believe that you can objectively rate music like that. It's really my only pet peeve. Still love HT, even if I listen to their most recent albums more.
Yeah I agree, rating music is basically all opinion. I actually thought Blackout was one of the best songs off ATS, and it was more ruined by The Messenger. If I could, I would remove The Messenger from ATS and have the Catalyst be the closing track, it just feels like it should be that way, with the Catalyst's lyrics showing up throughout the album.
Its like the calm after the storm. The hopeful melody after a destrction sound of war and desperation... and so on For me it fits perfect thought.
"The Messenger" is a great epilogue to the album, but I think it could have used some more elements to it. Strings, perhaps.
It's like the calm after the... wait. But really, it just feels right to me. The Catalyst concludes in this epic, apocalyptic wall of sound, then a few seconds silence step by, just when The Messenger greets you with open arms, brings you down to Earth again and gives you wisdom to take with you on your further journey. It's perfect! And it has to be a contrast in order to fulfill it's role.
I have mixed feelings about The Messenger. Part of the time, I really enjoy it as the closing track and resolution to the conflict portrayed in ATS. At other times, I find myself being a bit annoyed with the happy and uplifting tone of the track, especially since it's following the atmospheric, brooding tone of The Catalyst. The order of those tracks just seems a bit strange and slightly jarring sometimes. I just can't help but wonder if another interlude could have been placed between those tracks to make for a more natural progression.
I think they're very effective in Roads Untraveled. I think In My Remains and I'll Be Gone could really benefit without the power chords though, I'd love to hear that. Maybe Valentines day's guitar 'drop' could be more interesting as well. Roads Untraveled isn't even really just power chords like there are in IMR, IBG, or KTTK, it's octaves that echo the chorus melody (yes the other songs have some other guitar parts, but you get what i mean).
Maybe, but, considering LP's other songs, I think "Roads Untraveled" is pretty much flawless. I think we should just appreciate it when they come up with a song this good