In their seven years atop the pop metal heap, Linkin Park has rarely strayed from the formula that made them famous in the first place. Almost without exception, their songs are quite suburban: mildly angry, but not always for good reasons; mildly influenced by hip-hop; and artistically safe. Very safe - as if they were crafted in the rec room in the basement under mom and dad's supervision.

Minutes to Midnight, their latest, marks a departure for the group. Despite an uncharacteristically high tally of expletives, the album is decidedly less irate than previous offerings. The rapping is less frequent, the overall sound more melodic, and ultimately it finds the crew in search of artistry rather than their next hit.