Meteora [Special  Edition w/ Bonus DVD]
Linkin Park’s second studio effort (not counting the 2002 remix albumReanimation) overflows with glossy production values and Big Rock oomph, fully embracing the pop instincts of theirHybrid Theorydebut. For many,Theorysounded inexcusably corporate, from its too-timely rap-rock sound to the long list of product endorsements included in the liner notes.Meteorawill only amplify those complaints, but this album is actually truer to the band’s nature. It’s still impossible not to hear strains ofLimp Bizkit,Korn,Rage Against the Machine, and the like. None of those acts, however, would try something as blatantly anthemic as "Easier to Run," which would sound fine to aDef Leppardfan, or as borderline danceable as "Breaking the Habit" and "Session." Linkin Park is what Trent Reznor was always afraid of becoming, but if you ever wished he would drop the pretenses and just make a hair-metal record, you'll findMeteorato your liking. --Matthew Cooke