T and T

Untitled

The title for the third studio album by Linkin Park is currently unknown.

Background information and recent events

This album was produced by both Rick Rubin and Mike Shinoda. It is set to be released in the beginning of 2007, but possibly as late as summer or even the fall months.

The first public glimpse of the third album was when Linkin Park performed the song "QWERTY" live at Summer Sonic 2006, which the band wrote on the way there. Those who have heard it have described the sound of the song as being rather heavy, and rather different than both Hybrid Theory and Meteora. (although it partially shares with them both metal and hip hop roots). Though it shares the same nu metal/rapcore format that most Linkin Park songs follow, the general tone of the song is very heavy, featuring more screaming vocals. It is unknown whether this song will make the final cut or not.

To the dismay of many fans, the album has been delayed many times (first scheduled for Summer 2006, then Fall 2006, and now the beginning of 2007). "When songs are pouring out you don't ever want to stop that. We already have over 100 roughs for songs," said Mike Shinoda, "We've narrowed it down since but we're not ready to commit to those yet."

The most recent edition of Rolling Stone magazine has stated that over 100 songs have been cut from the new album. Bennington has stated that they have at least sixteen tracks for the album. Chester also confirmed this on the Loveline radio show on October 8 2006.

On October 17 2006, Dave Farrell a.k.a 'Phoenix' stated that the band narrowed 30 possible new songs down to 17 to make the final cut for the upcoming album.

Music style

Chester Bennington has said in an interview that it will be very different from the previous Linkin Park albums. "It's dark and spooky, poppy and very melodic," says Bennington. "Not a hard, heavy rock record." Quite unlike the new song QWERTY, which has raised a lot of confusion amongst many fans.

Mike Shinoda recently said this in a Linkin Park Underground Chat, when asked about the genre of the new album, "I just think the styles we're mixing right now are all over the place. We have really been pushing things outside the box. But even like my Fort Minor album--it's a hip hop album, but a lot of the stuff isn't conventional. The LP album won't sound like FM, but it has its own unique sound that still sounds like LP--just different." [1]

In a recent interview with MTV.com, Chester explained that the nu-metal sound from their previous albums is completely gone. He also explained that the new album is a mix of punk, classic rock, and vintage hip-hop beats. Chester also said that it will not be a double album, but wouldn't say how many songs they would record. He also stated that they have a name for the album, but they're keeping it under wraps for now. [2]

Speaking with Rolling Stone while recording their anticipated third release, Linkin Park divulged a few new details concerning the album, slated for a 2007 release. It's been noted in the interview that they would add more songs in their album than in the past. On another interesting note, the guys spoke about a new track called 'Accident', a working title given on account of Brad Delson's accidental riff. "The guitar sounds like AC/DC, the beat sounds like Motown, and there's a Stones-like groove to it. But it's got rapping and Clash-style vocals" remarks co-producer Mike Shinoda, who only hopes their latest will keep people from categorizing the group as rap-rock. "It's so different it may take people a beat to go 'I can't believe it's the same band. But hopefully their next thought will be 'Fuckin' Cool'." [3]

Working song titles

• QWERTY (Temporary title, this title was put down on the setlist when the band played it live)
• Accident