TOP 10 LINKIN PARK SONGS
On July 20, 2017, we lost Chester Bennington, the legendary vocalist of Linkin Park. He was one of the most influential and successful singers of the 21st century, with a loyal fan base and a legacy that spans over two decades. He was also a loving father, husband, friend, and humanitarian, who touched millions of people around the world with his music and his kindness.
Today, on the sixth anniversary of his passing, we will pay tribute to Chester Bennington by ranking the top 10 Linkin Park songs, based on our personal opinion and criteria such as popularity, impact, quality, and originality. Linkin Park has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has won two Grammy Awards. Without further adieu, here’s their Top 10…
10. My December
“My December” is a bonus track from the band’s debut album Hybrid Theory (2000), which was also included in their remix album Reanimation (2002). The song is a slow and melancholic piano ballad, featuring Chester Bennington’s emotional vocals and Mike Shinoda talking gently in a whisper-like manner that blends together perfectly. The lyrics are about feeling lonely and isolated during the winter season, and longing for someone to share the warmth with. Mike Shinoda wrote the song as a gift for the band’s fans, and it depicts his personal sentiment during Hybrid Theory’s frantic traveling schedule. “My December” showcases the band’s versatility and ability to create different moods and atmospheres with their music.
9. Crawling
“Crawling” is the second single from Hybrid Theory, and one of the band’s most iconic songs. The song is a nu-metal anthem, with heavy guitar riffs, electronic beats, and Chester Bennington’s signature screaming vocals. It’s lyrics are about struggling with inner demons and insecurities, and feeling like you are losing control over yourself. It resonated with many fans who related to its message of pain and frustration. “Crawling” won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2002, and was ranked as the 32nd best hard rock song of all time by VH1.
8. One More Light
“One More Light” is the title track and final single from the band’s seventh and last album One More Light (2017), which was released two months before Chester Bennington’s tragic death. The song is a heartfelt acoustic ballad, featuring Chester Bennington’s soft and vulnerable vocals and Mike Shinoda’s backing vocals. It’s about coping with the loss of a loved one, and expressing the hope that they are still shining somewhere in the dark. “One More Light” ended up becoming a tribute to Chester Bennington after his passing, and a source of comfort for many fans who mourned his loss.
7. I’ll Be Gone
“I’ll Be Gone” is the fifth track from the band’s fifth album Living Things (2012), which was also remixed by Schoolboy Q in their remix album Recharged (2013). The song is a rock-electronic hybrid, with distorted guitar chords, synth pads, and drum machines. It’s lyrics, harmonized by both leads on the chorus, are about facing the inevitable end of a relationship, and accepting the fact that you have to move on. Arcade Fire’s Owen Pallett contributes strings to the song, which lend a sense of beauty and passion. “I’ll Be Gone” also showcases the band’s maturity and evolution in Linkin Park’s sound and lyrics.
6. P5hng Me A*wy
“P5hng Me A*wy” is a remix of “Pushing Me Away” from Hybrid Theory, which was featured in their hit remix album Reanimation. It features guest vocals by Stephen Richards from the band Taproot, who adds a new dimension to the song with his melodic singing. The remix also changes the original structure of the song, adding new sections and transitions with a blend of several genres and styles, including rock, metal, rap, and electronic music. It’s a creative reinterpretation of the original song, but with far more emotion and intensity. The lyrics, about feeling betrayed and pushed away by someone you trusted, and they hit way harder in this version.
5. Somewhere I Belong
“Somewhere I Belong” is the first single from the band’s second album Meteora (2003), which was also their third number-one single on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. It is a nu-metal masterpiece, with crunchy guitar riffs, turntable scratches, string samples, and Chester Bennington’s soaring vocals. The song is about finding your place in the world, and overcoming your fears and doubts. Mike Shinoda’s personal struggles with identity and self-esteem inspired the song. The music video furthers the song’s brilliance, set in a surreal dream-like setting that is pretty unforgettable. Joseph Hahn, the band’s DJ and visual artist, directed the video.
4. Robot Boy
“Robot Boy” is the ninth track from the band’s fourth album A Thousand Suns (2010), which was a concept album that explored themes of war, nuclear weapons, and human nature. The song is an electronic-rock fusion, with ambient synths, piano chords, guitar solos, and vocal harmonies. It’s lyrics are about being resilient and hopeful in the face of adversity, and not giving up on your dreams.
“Robot Boy” was dedicated to a fan named Ryu Murakami who suffered from muscular dystrophy. Murakami wrote a letter to the band expressing his admiration and gratitude for their music. He also shared his story of living with muscular dystrophy, and how Linkin Park’s music helped him cope with his condition. The band was moved by his letter, and decided to dedicate “Robot Boy” to him. They also sent him a personalized video message, thanking him for his support and wishing him well. Murakami passed away in 2011, but his memory lives on through the song.
3. Waiting for the End
“Waiting for the End” is the second single from A Thousand Suns, and one of the band’s most experimental and innovative songs. The song is a reggae-rock fusion, with dubstep influences, rap-rock verses, and a catchy chorus. It’s lyrics are about letting go of the past and embracing the present, and finding peace and happiness in the moment. The song ends with the line “The hardest part of ending is starting again”, which acknowledges the difficulty of change, but also the possibility of growth. Critics and fans alike praised the song for its originality and creativity
2. The Little Things Give You Away
“The Little Things Give You Away” is the twelfth and final track from the band’s third album Minutes to Midnight (2007), which was their first album to feature Rick Rubin as a producer. It is a progressive rock epic, with acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, strings, and a choir. The song’s lyrics is about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the failure of the government to help the victims. It’s a powerful and poignant commentary on the social and political issues of the time. Brad Delson’s long and exquisite guitar solo in the song was a unique touch for the band that displayed their musical prowess and range.
1. In the End
“In the End” is the fourth single from Hybrid Theory, and the band’s most successful and popular song to date. The song is a nu-metal classic, with piano loops, guitar riffs, rap verses, and a memorable chorus. “In the End” is about the futility of trying to change someone or something that doesn’t want to change, and realizing that you have wasted your time and energy on something that doesn’t matter. It’s a timeless anthem that has inspired generations of fans and musicians.
In addition, the song set a record by spending 26 weeks at the top of the Alternative Rock charts, surpassing Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Scar Tissue” in 2002. In 2003, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. Although it has been played a million times on the radio, you can’t dispute its impact and general excellence.
Honorable mentions
- “1Stp Klosr”
- “Papercut”
- “Faint”
- “Breaking the Habit”
- “Numb”
- “What I’ve Done”
- “Burn It Down”
- “Roads Untraveled”
- “Heavy”
- “Easier to Run”
Check out this extensive playlist featuring these songs AND several others showcasing the best of Chester Bennington and Linkin Park:
