Hannah Turek, LPFCW, Spring 2019
Meteora is an amalgamation of blending genres, heartfelt lyrics and maturity beyond their years, all of which shines through this thirteen-track record.
Singles like Numb and Breaking The Habit have become synonymous with what the majority define the band as, though there is clearly much more to them than these songs. Meteora allowed the band to have a more creative outlet, allowing them to play with textures and tempo, using live strings, piano and a shakuhachi and writing songs paced faster than anything they'd done at the time, like Faint. This record allowed them to appreciate the subtleties of instrumental tracks, too, adding atmosphere and allowing the listener time to reflect. The second of the instrumentals on the album, Session, was nominated for a Grammy under ‘Best Rock Instrumental Performance’ and was used in the Matrix Reloaded Soundtrack compilation CD.
It's evident that Meteora takes the same approach to dealing with negative feelings like its predecessor, but this album allows for moments of optimism and healing. It still uses the same universal language that allows almost anyone to relate to the messages of the songs, but in a more intimate and human way. The innate desire to see the positives is something that comes through and makes for a truly impactful statement on not just us as a species, but the evolution of the band as people, too.
The album went on to win several awards, including MTV’s 2004 Video Music Award for Breaking The Habit, Radio Music’s Song of the Year for Numb and Rockzilla’s Best Album in 2004. Perhaps all of this is why Meteora became one of the biggest albums of the 21st century, but its impact is truly undeniable.
