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CartLinkin Park "Burn It Down" Song Review — 5 out of 5 stars
Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:42:33
"We can't wait to burn it to the ground," screams Chester Bennington on Linkin Park's brand new single, "Burn it Down".
The first spark from the group's forthcoming fifth album, Living Things [Due out June 26], is one of the most incendiary tracks of 2012. The song is classic Linkin Park, yet there's a new fire. An organ swell mounts in tandem with Joe Hahn's psychedelic keyboard sounds just as drums start to slowly kick in. Brad Delson's riffing weaves in and out of the electronics masterfully as a bass line from Dave "Phoenix" Farrell pulsates underneath. Bennington sounds pristine on the verse following Rob Bourdon's beat with a danceable swagger. "Burn It Down" certainly has its heavy moments but there's a tight rhythm that's like 22nd century funk. After another unforgettable hook from Bennington, Mike Shinoda blasts through a vigorous lyrical jab claiming, "I played soldier, you played king." Shinoda brandishes the finesse of a prizefighter when he's behind the mic and his punch is even more potent than ever.
Like they have since Hybrid Theory, Linkin Park raze the paradigms and erect their own in its place. This is the fieriest they've ever been. If it's any indication, Living Things is already a contender for album of the year.
—Rick Florino
04.17.12
Have you heard "Burn it Down"?
See our exclusive interview with Mike Shinoda here!
Get it on iTunes here!
