Waiting for the End cover

Released 16 years ago this October

Waiting for the End

Linkin Park · 2010

8 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of electronic elements and melodic rock, infused with introspective lyrics and a hopeful ambiance.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Waiting for the End — This track epitomizes the album's thematic exploration of hope amidst struggle through its juxtaposition of uplifting melodies with introspective lyrics about acceptance and resilience.
  • →
    Waiting for the End (The Glitch Mob remix) — The remix transforms the original into an energetic reimagining that highlights the song’s danceable qualities, showcasing Linkin Park's versatility in crossing genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The track showcases strong melodic writing and production but is less cohesive as a single with the remix included.

What we noticed

  • The song's structure includes a build-up to a chorus that emphasizes the hopeful lyrics, followed by a drop into a more subdued verse.
  • The remix adds layers of glitchy electronic elements, altering the original's pacing and texture while maintaining its core melody.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a shift towards a more experimental sound in Linkin Park's catalog.
Themes
post-apocalyptic yearning· electronic soundscapes· inner conflict resolution
Career context
Released as part of Linkin Park's fourth studio album, 'Waiting for the End' marked a shift towards a more experimental sound after their commercially successful 'Minutes to Midnight' in 2007. The band was navigating their evolution, integrating more electronic influences while maintaining their signature emotional weight.
New to Linkin Park? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Waiting for the End 3:53
  • 2 Waiting for the End (The Glitch Mob remix) 4:53

What to play next

Living Things
Listen next

Living Things

2012

Continues the blend of electronic and rock with introspective themes.
A Thousand Suns
Go back to

A Thousand Suns

2010

Explores similar experimental sounds and thematic depth preceding 'Waiting for the End'.
Full Linkin Park discography Where to start with Linkin Park Artists like Linkin Park
alternative rock hip-hop pop rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

The Fragile

The Fragile

Nine Inch Nails

Explores themes of inner turmoil and features a blend of electronic elements and rock dynamics.

The Resistance

The Resistance

Muse

Combines orchestral arrangements with electronic textures, echoing post-apocalyptic themes.

Sounds of the Universe

Sounds of the Universe

Depeche Mode

Merges introspective lyrics with atmospheric electronic soundscapes in a similar emotional register.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata