Review: Linkin Park – Step Up (Rock)

This review covers the nu metal track Linkin Park – Step Up.

This track was released in 1999 on the Hybrid Theory EP.

The track starts off with a guitar and effect. From there, the vocals come in. A drum kit then joins the track.

The rock guitars then take over as the vocals take the track into the main chorus. This winds up being rather short.

After that, the guitars drop out as the vocals take the track into the next verse. This is capped off with a vocal sample with some EQ filtering.

From there, the vocals take the track into the main chorus, joined by the lead guitars. This is capped off with a more acoustic guitar and some scratching. An effect is also present. Non-lyrical vocals also make an appearance here as the drum kit returns.

Another vocal sample is added, backed by a synth. Right after, the main vocals return to take the track into another round in the main chorus. As usual, this is backed by the lead guitars. This is capped off with some scratching. It’s also backed by a harp. The track ends with a stretched voice sample.

This artist is, of course, known for blending rap and rock at least in the early years. With this track being released prior to their first major album on a major record label, this track is no exception. It winds up working quite well here.

The DJ effects and synths also give this track a nice touch, giving this track that added dimension throughout.

Overall, this track has nice energy, good vocals, an interesting mix of genre influences, and good dimension. It’s actually hard to really think of anything negative here, so I’d call it a very solid track all around.

Score
7.5/10

Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.

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