OSC works on the level of a punk nu-metal similar to how Given Up's lyrics work on the level of a punk song. Don't Stay, however, wallows too much in angst to be punky and that's where I think it falls short.
If I had to pick, I would say Cure for the Itch or Session. I was never a fan of the instrumentals, and I still am not a very big fan of TINFOIL off of LIVING THINGS, but I like it more than the other two. If I had to pick an actual song, it would be In Between. Mike just really seems to struggle on it, and it really shows on the album and especially live.
Yes, Don't Stay is angsty. But I don't know, I just like the lyrics anyway. The repeated "sometimes" in the verses just makes me think of those situations where you're totally stressed, and where your thoughs repeat in cycles. This with Chester briefly screaming, and then going "sometimes" again, with the agressive riff behind it, creates a full-of-tension atmosphere. And then, BAM, it explodes with the chorus and the "Fuck all of this" kind of lyrics. But instead of litterally saying "fuck this, fuck you, ...", it explores an other way of saying the same thing. Even if I can't fully relate to them, I think Don't Stay lyrics are really good at getting rid of its negative energy. Then, I'm not saying they're are genius or anything. But, to me, they're far from being totally crappy.
I look at TINFOIL as an extended intro for POWERLESS. I think the reason the two songs were split is because of the possibility of POWERLESS being a radio single. With how music on the radio, having an intro to a song longer than 30 seconds seems to be pushing the limit now a days.
Here's the thing though, you can hear elements from TINFOIL in POWERLESS. Behind the verses and choruses of POWERLESS, you can still hear parts of TINFOIL. Both songs are written in the same tempo, time and key. Also, the working title for POWERLESS was TINFOIL. I'm convinced that they were/are one in the same. When I listen to one or the other seperately, it feels like they are missing each other... Like they are incomplete. Reading the Wiki about POWERLESS and TINFOIL, pretty much confirms everything that I've said as well.
I'm stymied that people really hate H! Vltg3. I thought Pharoahe Monch had an awesome verse and the beat reminds me of something DJ Premier would make. If you think H! Vltg3 is worse than some of the straight-up embarrassments that Linkin Park have released as singles, I'd hate to see you guys sit through a Gang Starr or Dilated Peoples album.
I am a very musically oriented person (as opposed to lyrics) and those tracks just don't do it for me. UIB almost made my list if it weren't for Brad's part at the end. I much prefer the High Voltage (Reprise) that they do.
I'm not a huge fan of many of the songs on Minutes To Midnight. For me, it's a toss up between the last 5 songs on that album.
I'll say Robot Boy. I am trying to love it but it's not happening. Also Don't Stay and Session. Personally I like Somewhere I Belong, unlike many of the people.
Very true - while "H! Vltg3" is by no means my favourite track on "Reanimation", Pharoahe Monch's verse is one of the best on the album. Hell, most of the guest raps on that album are great. I definitely get why many Linkin Park fans might not be into the track, though
I don't know, just the whole instrumental of the song is irritating to me. I really don't like it. But I don't have problems with the track itself.