Review: Linkin Park – Breaking the Habit (Rock)

This review covers the nu metal track Linkin Park – Breaking the Habit.

This track was released in 2003 on the album Meteora. We previously reviewed the track Faint from the same album and found the track to be great. Additionally, we also listened to the track Numb and that track also turned out to be great. So, we thought we’d try another track to see if it is also a good one.

The track starts with a minor blast along with a synth-like sound. The drum kit and guitar then kick in. Shortly after, the vocals come in along with a string element. There’s some added stutter effect added to the track.

Shortly after, the vocals take the track into the main chorus. Some subtle stutter effects are added to the vocals. This is capped off with an effect.

Some scratching appears before the vocals come back for another verse. After that, the vocals take the track into the main chorus. Some added piano come in as the vocals hit the bridge. Some additional subtle stutter effects are applied to some element. Right after, the vocals repeats elements of the main chorus and extends them. A thumping effect is added as the track quickly breaks down. Some pitch stretching is applied to the vocals as the track ends with an effect.

A positive in this track is the vocals. They show a fair amount of range even though this track features only one of the two vocalists in the band. While it may not be immediately obvious, there are a lot of subtle effects applied to the vocals. Some of it is added reverberation, others is an added chopped stutter effect. There is even some pitch bending applied towards the end. This actually adds a lot of added dimension to the vocals throughout and it works very well.

Another great element is the string elements. Again, while it may be somewhat subtle to some listeners, it really adds a lot of depth to the track.

In addition to this, the added piano really helped with the flow of the track thanks to that added emphasis in some parts. It works very well.

I also thought the synth melody that plays throughout really adds a nice amount of emotion to the track. It really plays well with the themes found in the lyrics.

In all of this, there is also the guitars. They may not have as big of a presence as you’d expect in a rock track, but not only are they there, but they also add to the depth of the overall track.

Overall, there is a lot in this track that works very well. The vocals and applied effects really makes this a great track. With the strings, synth, and effects, that depth only increases from there. Those guitars and piano gives this track that nice added touch throughout. So, an overall great track.

Score
8/10

Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.

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