What does Meteora sound like?

A fusion of heavy guitar riffs, electronic elements, and introspective lyrics that define the nu-metal era. Rooted in alternative rock and hip-hop. Start with "Somewhere I Belong".

Is Meteora a good place to start with Linkin Park?

Yes, Meteora is recommended as a starting point for new Linkin Park listeners. A fusion of heavy guitar riffs, electronic elements, and introspective lyrics that define the nu-metal era. Released on March 25, 2003, Meteora was Linkin Park's second studio album, following their breakthrough debut Hybrid Theory. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their place in the music scene, experiencing massive commercial success and a growing fan base eager for more of their genre-blending sound.

Meteora works well if you're into steady energetic flow throughout, cathartic release for frustrations and short tracks for quick bites.

How many songs are on Meteora?

Meteora has 13 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Meteora

Linkin Park · 2003

36 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A fusion of heavy guitar riffs, electronic elements, and introspective lyrics that define the nu-metal era.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Somewhere I Belong Start here — This track encapsulates the emotional turmoil and search for identity that permeates the album, blending rap verses with powerful choruses.
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Faint — With its explosive energy and urgent plea for acknowledgment, this song highlights the band's signature sound and lyrical themes of frustration.
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Numb — As one of Linkin Park's most recognizable songs, Numb explores feelings of inadequacy and isolation, resonating deeply with fans across generations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Meteora showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing intensity with melodic hooks typical of its era.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief spoken word track, setting a tone before launching into high-energy songs that maintain a consistent intensity.
Several tracks incorporate electronic elements and samples, which are layered beneath heavy guitar riffs, enhancing the overall sound texture.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady energetic flow throughout
cathartic release for frustrations
short tracks for quick bites
introspective moments amidst intensity

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, sprawling albums
seek light, upbeat vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Follow-up to their debut, solidified Linkin Park's commercial success and recognition.
Themes: alienation and pressure· digital isolation· identity struggle
Career context: Released on March 25, 2003, Meteora was Linkin Park's second studio album, following their breakthrough debut Hybrid Theory. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their place in the music scene, experiencing massive commercial success and a growing fan base eager for more of their genre-blending sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Breaking Benjamin· Three Days Grace· Evanescence