On this day nineteen years ago, the third single from Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory would be released to radio stations and reveal more of the mastery that was to follow in that October debut release [Hybrid Theory]. Papercut is arguably one of the band's most iconic songs and has not only an instantly recognisable intro of steady percussion and a distorted synth hook that provides the base melody, but contorted and warped effects on vocals layered over drop-tuned riffs which make this track so unique and captivating. Hahn's DJ capabilities are exceptionally showcased over the bridge of the song while Bennington's doubled vocals add depth and add to the overall theme of the track.
Papercut would go on to open the album, giving listeners an insight as to what would be to come on the record: a distinctive blend of genres, complimentary vocal styles and intense musical ability and help set the standard for Linkin Park's music for years to come. Shinoda once said, “Papercut is one of those songs that pairs up some of my favourite kinds of rock music and some of my favourite kinds of dance music. Chester and I are both rapping, both singing, and it really sums up what our band was all about. That’s why we put it at the start of the record because it was such a great introduction to who we were and who we are. I still love it to this day.”
Although, Papercut was not only known for its musical finesse and lyrical dexterity, but also for its harrowing and expressive video. The visuals help tie the elements of the song together and help wholly express the feelings of paranoia and anxiety. While the song doesn't necessarily rely on the video to demonstrate these emotions, it does reinforce them and the cryptic and somewhat unsettling imagery used gives the audience an additional sense of foreboding, allowing them to empathise with the song and aptly make use of the added context.
Nineteen years on, Papercut still has the lasting impact that it did back when it was released due to the effort that was put into creating the track as a whole. The video currently sits at over 132 million views on YouTube, showing just how much listeners can understand and relate to the song, perhaps explaining its seemingly everlasting popularity. Seemingly backing this up, Delson says that "it best integrates all our influences into one song and does it in a way that's tasteful and cohesive. In other words, one criticism that people have levelled at existing bands is that their songs don't always sound organic, that some of the songs might sound forced. And our goal has always been to integrate these influences in the most seamless way, and I think Papercut does that really well."
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