The Making of Living Things by Linkin Park

Introduction

Linkin Park’s fifth studio album, Living Things, released in 2012, marks a significant evolution in the band’s sound, blending electronic, alternative, and rap rock elements. As a testament to the band’s ability to innovate while staying true to their roots, the album stands as a crucial entry in their discography. This article explores the album’s creation, recording process, commercial performance, and its lasting impact on the music industry.

The album’s impact is notable, having debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieving platinum status in several countries. Mike Shinoda described the album as a blend of their past work, stating, “It doesn’t lose any of the creativity of the newer stuff and it brings in the energy of the older stuff.” Such remarks underscore the album’s enduring significance.

The Genesis of “Living Things”

In the lead-up to Living Things, Linkin Park was navigating a rapidly changing musical landscape. The band had already made a name for themselves with their unique fusion of rock and hip-hop, but the early 2010s demanded evolution. This period saw a resurgence of electronic music and a shift in rock towards more experimental sounds. Linkin Park, known for their ability to adapt, embraced these changes.

Before Living Things, Linkin Park released A Thousand Suns in 2010, an album that marked a significant departure from their earlier sound, embracing a more experimental and conceptual approach. This experimentation laid the groundwork for Living Things, which sought to combine the experimental nature of A Thousand Suns with the raw energy of their earlier albums like Hybrid Theory.

The primary creative forces behind the album were band members Mike Shinoda and Rick Rubin, who co-produced the record. Shinoda, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping the album’s sound, drawing on his extensive experience as a songwriter and producer. The band members each contributed to the songwriting process, ensuring a cohesive sound that represented their collective vision.

Below is a table listing the band members and their roles during the production of Living Things:

The album’s recording was financed by Warner Bros. and Machine Shop, with a substantial budget that allowed for creative freedom and extensive studio time at NRG Recording Studios. The album’s title, Living Things, was chosen to reflect the personal nature of the lyrics, which focused on human relationships and experiences. The artwork, designed by the band and their creative team, used innovative 360-degree body scans to create a striking visual representation of the album’s themes.

Recording Process

The recording of Living Things was a meticulous process that spanned over a year, from March 2011 to April 2012, at the renowned NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California. This facility, known for its state-of-the-art equipment and acoustics, provided the perfect environment for Linkin Park to experiment and refine their sound.

Key personnel in the recording process included producers Rick Rubin and Mike Shinoda. Rubin, known for his minimalist production style, brought a disciplined approach to the sessions, encouraging the band to focus on the essentials of each track. Shinoda, with his dual role as producer and band member, was instrumental in blending the band’s rock roots with electronic elements.

The studio was equipped with an array of high-end hardware, including Neve mixing consoles and a variety of vintage and modern microphones and amplifiers. While the specific gear used for Living Things is not fully documented, it’s likely that the studio’s extensive collection of Neve consoles, renowned for their warmth and clarity, played a crucial role in shaping the album’s sound.

The recording sessions were not without their challenges. The band aimed to create a cohesive sound that balanced electronic and rock elements, a task that required careful experimentation and iteration. Despite these challenges, the collaborative environment fostered by Rubin and Shinoda enabled the band to push their creative boundaries.

Rick Rubin and Mike Shinoda have both been involved in numerous successful projects. Below is a table of other albums produced by these producers:

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Living Things achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 223,000 copies. This marked Linkin Park’s fourth consecutive number-one album in the United States. The album also topped charts in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, where it sold 41,000 copies in its first week.

The table below highlights the commercial performance of Living Things compared to other Linkin Park albums:

Living Things was certified Platinum by the RIAA in August 2017, further cementing its success. At the time of its release, the album faced competition from other notable albums, including Maroon 5’s Overexposed, which was released the same week. Despite the competition, Living Things managed to secure the top spot on various charts.

Other albums released in 2012:

• Overexposed by Maroon 5 [Sales: 2,000,000]
• Blunderbuss by Jack White [Sales: 1,000,000]
• Born and Raised by John Mayer [Sales: 1,500,000]

The album received several awards and recognitions, including nominations for Best Rock Album at various music awards. Its singles also received critical acclaim, further contributing to the album’s legacy.

Singles and Track Analysis

Living Things spawned several successful singles, each contributing to the album’s overall narrative and commercial performance. The lead single, “Burn It Down,” released on April 16, 2012, became a commercial hit, charting in multiple countries and receiving significant airplay. It was followed by “Lost in the Echo,” “Powerless,” and “Castle of Glass,” each showcasing different facets of the album’s sound.

The following table provides an overview of the tracks on Living Things and their respective details:

Note: Tracks marked with * were released as singles. “Burn It Down” reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Castle of Glass” and “Powerless” were featured prominently in media and received considerable attention.

Influences and Legacy

Living Things is a reflection of Linkin Park’s diverse influences, drawing from electronic, alternative, and industrial rock genres. The album’s sound was shaped by the band’s desire to integrate the energy of their earlier work with the experimentation of their more recent albums. Influences included artists like Nine Inch Nails and genres such as electronic rock, which can be heard in the album’s production and instrumentation.

The following table lists the influences on Living Things and artists who were influenced by the album:

Released in 2012, Living Things coincided with several significant cultural and global events. The year saw the re-election of Barack Obama as President of the United States and the London Olympics, which captivated audiences worldwide. In the music industry, 2012 was marked by the rise of electronic dance music, with artists like Skrillex gaining mainstream attention. This cultural backdrop provided a fertile ground for Linkin Park to release an album that blended electronic elements with their signature rock sound.

Five Things about Living Things

Living Things holds a unique place in Linkin Park’s discography, offering several intriguing insights into its creation and impact. Here are five verified facts about the album:

Media and Television Usage

Linkin Park’s music has often been featured in various media, and Living Things is no exception. Below is a table detailing the media usage of songs from the album:

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Upon its release, Living Things received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the album for its energetic blend of electronic and rock elements, others felt it lacked the innovation of Linkin Park’s previous work. Despite this, the album’s commercial success and enduring popularity among fans speak to its lasting impact.

The following table provides an overview of critical reviews and notable quotes about Living Things:

After Living Things

Following the release of Living Things, Linkin Park continued to evolve their sound with subsequent albums. In 2014, they released The Hunting Party, which marked a return to their heavier rock roots. The album received positive reviews for its aggressive sound and marked a departure from the electronic influences of Living Things.

The band faced significant changes in the years following Living Things, most notably the tragic passing of lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017. This event profoundly impacted the band and their fanbase, leading to a hiatus in their activities. Despite this, Linkin Park remains a beloved and influential force in the music industry.

In an exciting development for fans of both Linkin Park and Dead Sara, the iconic nu-metal band has reformed with Emily Armstrong as their new lead vocalist. Armstrong, known for her powerhouse vocals and raw energy, brings a fresh dynamic to the band following the tragic passing of Chester Bennington in 2017.

This collaboration has sparked anticipation as Armstrong’s gritty, emotive style complements Linkin Park’s signature blend of alternative rock, electronic elements, and introspective lyrics. Fans eagerly await their new album, hopeful that this partnership will lead to a reinvention of the band’s sound while honouring their legacy.

Conclusion

Living Things remains a pivotal album in Linkin Park’s career, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate within the ever-changing music landscape. Its blend of electronic and rock elements, coupled with personal and introspective lyrics, ensures its continued relevance and influence.

Further Reading

• Our blog article on Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
• Our blog article on Meteora by Linkin Park
• Our blog article on Minutes to Midnight by Linkin Park
• Our blog article on A Thousand Suns by Linkin Park
• Our podcast on Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
• Wikipedia page for “Living Things”
• Official Linkin Park website
• Warner Records website

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