Unexpectedly awesome!

So, after almost two years, I have yet decided to zuzulegen the (still) current work of Linkin Park. I was skeptical at first, because I've read a lot of bad comments like "softened" or "atrocious" are me because even in the head. The single "What I've Done" I liked it, but could I be quite simple in the head, because not much is really happening. But since I accidentally saw a few days ago the video for "Given Up", I "Minutes to Midnight" but acquired now.
And I was really surprised. The album was announced that in the words above, turns out to be a mature, creative and varied stunt.
It is clear that die-hard fans of the "Hybrid Theory" / "Meteora" sounds are hereby difficult happiness. The album is characterized by the following:
* Two "boards songs"
* Almost complete disposal of rape
* Many two- / polyphonic vocal lines
* Poppy, catchy melodies
* Partly very unusual arrangements
* A hymn
* Four Highlights
Where "Meteora", which I really think not bad, just repeated after the fifth song has (chords flipped, rape in the stanza, aggressive vocals in the chorus), shines "Minutes to Midnight" with creative and above all varied songwriting. The sound of the album is about the wonderful succeeded, the mix of instruments right and the overall sound is very good.

Here the songs in the single review:
1. Wake - 5/5
As the first notes sounded, I thought, not again such a senseless intro ala "Meteora". But then put the instruments - and I was thrilled. Short but powerful.
2. Given up - 5/5
Here is presented the first of four highlights of the album, at the same time the first "boards-song". The song, I think, speaks to the fans of the first two albums - a total hard Arrangement, a brute Bridge and a catchy chorus rockier. Chester proves here directly that he has a really cool voice and this may set up skillfully. Where he lost earlier in too much screaming, prevails in this song a wonderful mix: Clear vocals in the verses, it is more aggressive in the chorus to (without losing a melody) and at the end of the bridge you will hear a scream, as I have seldom heard him from any Screamer. Very good song!
3. Leave out all the rest - 4/5
Good song, catchy melody, generally a little quieter. No highlight, but a good song.
4. Bleed It Out - 5/5
This song occurs with the most unusual arrangement that I've heard in a long time. First of all, Mr. Shinoda's rapping to hear here. The song has a very good melody in the chorus and generally become very good. The arrangement that would have made the principle of the song really brutal to be is so unusually designed so that the song thus gets something special.
5. Shadow of the Day - 4/5
The song keeps my opinion the fans of the first two albums the red cloth in front of your nose. They are talking about a very pop ballad. Hardly guitars that are only turned up at the end of the song, a lot of melody and absolutely atypical for Linkin Park. At least with respect to the previous period. I like it.
6. What I've Done - 4/5
If the song would not be repeated throughout the same four chords, I would have awarded five. But it is missing here in the necessary creativity. The song is good, catchy and well arranged. But it happens enough that I could give a perfect score.
7. Hands Held High - 5/5
Here I see the above announced anthem and the second highlight of the album. The song is completely quiet - but incredibly awesome. The line of the song really reminds me of a hymn. In itself totally inappropriate form this foundation Mike Shinoda's rape - and in a strange way that fits perfectly into the picture. For the chorus is from the speech flow and allows a Chester polyphonic choir recite that gave me goose bumps. The song leaves a deep in thought back, definitely one of the best songs on the album.
8. No more Sorrow - 5/5
Here, the second and final "stage-Song" Album. Much can not say here, this song will appeal to fans of the first hour anyway. Varied and really well done.
9. Valentine's Day - 4/5
Here we have a song that is similar to "What I've Done", very radio friendly. Very nice to listen to, not a highlight, but a good song fits perfectly into the overall picture of the album.
10. In between - 5/5
The following is a very restrained ballad sung (!) From Mr. Shinoda. He does really well, the song has a great melody and is fast in the head. Linkin Park Very uncharacteristic, but in my opinion very good.
11. In Pieces - 5/5
Here we have the third highlight. The song shines particularly through its resistant structure. It begins very cautious, slow the song builds up and comes in a really brilliant last chorus on. Just this shines through, I think, most ingenious melody (both the chord line, and the vocal melody) of the album. A very, very horny song!
12. The Little Things Give You Away - 5/5
The last song of the album is also presented the final highlight. A better final song could not have been selected. Here, too, started very cautious, but even here the song builds up slowly. The drums here is surprising and creative unerwartend after this start. In general, the drum work in the song is very awesome. Then: The final begins - an epic tune that always takes bombastic proportions in the Arrangement. The solo has very nice melody, but played little love affairs, uncaring. But in addition you can see right away after that. Chester starts with a beautiful melody, then is added one more voice of Mike and a little later the third voice of Chester. The high vocal melody is now in two parts and the two parts form a great cannon-like surface. Then sets of everything, just quiet strings can be heard among the four voices, with whom the album comes to a close, the leaves produces a feeling that you have just experienced something very big.

And that's what I did not expect Linkin Park. A degree track that triggers this feeling in me. Of the twelve songs are only four who get less a star and four songs that are absolutely awesome. The album is consistently awesome, I can not remember a more so. I did not expect that this group develops into a band that can make so sophisticated, beautiful music, while preserving their roots still elements.
Conclusion: It is necessary to take in something new, because it is definitely not a traditional Linkin Park album, but if you get involved in this new style, you will very quickly from "Minutes to Midnight" tied. Absolute buy recommendation!