New effort from radio rockers

Whatever else Linkin Park may be, they are certainly not afraid to try something new.
 
Their latest album, “A Thousand Suns” contains very little of what made them a radio rock powerhouse, exchanging blaring guitars for synthesizers and changing clean but angst-ridden lyrics for edgier, political ones.

Only nine of the album’s 15 tracks are actual songs.  The rest are interludes that often include samples of famous political figures.  The message is clear, and it is all interesting to listen to, but old school fans probably won’t be satisfied. 

Said fans would do well to wait for the second half of the album where songs such as “Blackout” and “Wretches and Kings” mark the return of Chester Bennington’s signature howl and provide a much smoother mix of the new sound with the old attitudes.

Even with its faults, “A Thousand Suns” is evidence of some artistic drive.  It seems likely that few will give it the credit it deserves, but that might make it all the more admirable.