A Thousand Suns

A Thousand Suns is the fourth album, on which Linkin Park stepped in its most experimental direction. Rick Rubin and Mike Shinoda produced again, boldly taking in ambient electronics and a conceptual structure. Setting nuclear war and societal crisis as themes, interludes and songs were designed as one continuous story. While surprising fans who expected the usual aggression, it greatly expanded the band's expressive limits. "The Catalyst" declares the direction with firm electronics, and "Waiting for the End" carries a big melody that suggests hope. On songs like "Burning in the Skies" and "Iridescent," quiet and elevation intersect. Though it drew divided responses, the album vividly showed the band's ambition and artistry. Debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200, it is an ambitious work proving Linkin Park was no mere nu-metal band.