Are You Still Listening to Linkin Park?
Over the years, the music landscape has seen many changes, and with it, the way we listen to music. Today, I find myself in a peculiar state regarding Linkin Park. No, I'm not currently immersed in their latest album releases. The last piece I enjoyed listening to was Mike Shinoda's Post-Traumatic EP. The most recent English song I remember hearing was Prove You Wrong, which was released much later than my regular soundtrack.
Nostalgia and Change
Currently, unless I need to, listening to Linkin Park isn't a daily activity. It's not a break from my usual musical repertoire; rather, it feels more like growing older, growing to respect their music in a different way. I gravitate towards them only when I truly need to connect with their powerful narratives.
But if I hear them somewhere else, like at a concert or on the radio, will I drop everything to listen? Absolutely! There's a magnetic attraction to their music, whether it's Hybrls or Meteora. There's a reason why their music has left an indelible mark on my life, and it's something I can't ignore.
A Timeless Soundtrack
Linkin Park's old albums are epic, each and every one of them. The soundscapes they created are more than just music; they are a soundtrack to memories. Even when Chester's voice brings a few tears to my eyes now, the songs remain timeless and incredibly helpful for getting through tough times.
Their music has always been my go-to source of comfort and resilience. It's like they've been there for me through thick and thin, and that bond isn't something I plan to break. I'm still listening to them and will continue to do so forever.
Preserving the Music
From my early days of discovering Linkin Park on YouTube and Spotify to buying CDs and LPs (yes, I did go that deep), the music has been a constant companion. The CDs and LPs not only hold the songs but also the memories that come with them. Each song, every lyric, and every word carries a story.
Their music has been a part of my life for over a decade, and while the frequency of listening has notably decreased, the emotional connection remains unshaken. There will be months when I don't listen to any song, but then I get a sudden urge to binge an entire album, and the nostalgic rush is more than enough to make goosebumps.
Evolution and Continuity
With the release of One More Light, there was a little unexpected excitement among the fanbase. However, the core of the music remains untouched — it still has the heartbeats and the lives of countless people. The band, even with the loss of Chester, continues to evolve with Mike Shinoda's solo projects and other significant changes. The music, however, remains the same.
As I navigate through life's ups and downs, Linkin Park's music is there to provide strength and solace. It's a journey I am choosing to continue, with no plans to stop. Here's to more years of Linkin Park in my life.