11 Underrated Linkin Park Songs: Rare Tracks

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, your go-to DJ and die-hard music fan. Today, I’m super excited to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart – the often overlooked gems of Linkin Park.

As a DJ, I’ve spun countless tracks from this iconic band, but I’ve noticed that some of their best songs tend to fly under the radar. So, I’ve decided to put together a list of 11 underrated Linkin Park songs that deserve more love and attention.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just getting into their music, these tracks will show you a different side of the band that you might have missed. Get ready to explore the depth and versatility of Linkin Park’s music with me!

Here are the Underrated Linkin Park songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Linkin Park Songs

Underrated Linkin Park songs in a list format:

1. “With You” (from “Hybrid Theory”, 2000, Warner Bros. Records)

Written by the talented Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington, “With You” is a powerful track from their debut album “Hybrid Theory.” Released in 2000 under Warner Bros. Records, this song showcases the band’s early nu-metal sound with a perfect blend of electronic elements. The raw emotion in Chester’s voice, coupled with Mike’s rhythmic rap verses, creates a dynamic and intense experience. I chose this song for its electrifying energy and the way it encapsulates the essence of Linkin Park’s initial style.

2. “Easier to Run” (from “Meteora”, 2003, Warner Bros. Records)

“Easier to Run,” from their 2003 album “Meteora,” is a testament to the band’s evolving sound. Authored by Linkin Park members, this track features a more introspective and melodic approach. The song deals with themes of regret and the desire to escape one’s past, showcasing Chester’s vocal range and emotional depth. Released by Warner Bros. Records, it’s a song I’ve picked for its hauntingly beautiful composition and the way it resonates with anyone seeking solace from their inner turmoil.

3. “Nobody’s Listening” (from “Meteora”, 2003, Warner Bros. Records)

Another gem from “Meteora,” “Nobody’s Listening” stands out for its unique incorporation of East Asian influences, particularly in the flute melody. Written by the band, this track is a departure from their usual style, demonstrating their willingness to experiment. The song features Mike Shinoda’s thought-provoking rap and Chester’s complementary vocals. Released in 2003 by Warner Bros. Records, I chose this track for its innovative sound and the way it showcases the band’s versatility.

4. “The Little Things Give You Away” (from “Minutes to Midnight”, 2007, Warner Bros. Records)

From their 2007 album “Minutes to Midnight,” this song is a poignant reflection on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Authored by the band, it’s a departure from their heavier sound, leaning more towards a progressive rock style. The song builds up from a gentle beginning to a powerful climax, highlighting Chester’s incredible vocal prowess. Released under Warner Bros. Records, it’s on my list for its emotional impact and the way it addresses a significant real-world issue.

5. “In Pieces” (from “Minutes to Midnight”, 2007, Warner Bros. Records)

“In Pieces,” also from “Minutes to Midnight,” is a lyrical masterpiece penned by the band. This song stands out for its fusion of electronic elements with a more traditional rock sound. Chester’s vocals, filled with vulnerability and passion, make this track particularly memorable. The guitar work by Brad Delson adds a layer of complexity to the song. Released in 2007 by Warner Bros. Records, I love this song for its emotional depth and the seamless blend of different musical styles.

6. “Wretches and Kings” (from “A Thousand Suns”, 2010, Warner Bros. Records)

A highlight from their 2010 album “A Thousand Suns,” “Wretches and Kings” is a powerful anthem that combines heavy electronic beats with aggressive vocals. Written by the band, this track features a sample from Mario Savio’s “Bodies upon the gears” speech, adding a revolutionary feel to the song. The energy in Mike’s rap and Chester’s intense delivery makes this an unforgettable track. Released under Warner Bros. Records, I chose it for its raw power and the way it captures the spirit of rebellion.

7. “Robot Boy” (from “A Thousand Suns”, 2010, Warner Bros. Records)

“Robot Boy” is a beautifully crafted song from “A Thousand Suns,” showcasing a different, more experimental side of Linkin Park. Authored by the band, it features layered vocals and a melodic, almost ethereal sound. The song explores themes of perseverance and not losing one’s identity. Released in 2010 by Warner Bros. Records, it’s a favorite of mine for its haunting melody and the emotional resonance of its lyrics.

8. “I’ll Be Gone” (from “Living Things”, 2012, Warner Bros. Records)

From their 2012 album “Living Things,” “I’ll Be Gone” is a testament to the band’s ability to evolve their sound. Written by the members of Linkin Park, this track blends electronic elements with a classic rock sound. Chester’s soaring vocals and the song’s poignant lyrics about moving on and resilience make it stand out. Released by Warner Bros. Records, I appreciate this song for its uplifting message and catchy yet deep composition.

9. “Roads Untraveled” (from “Living Things”, 2012, Warner Bros. Records)

“Roads Untraveled,” also from “Living Things,” features a more subdued, reflective style. Authored by Linkin Park, the song combines piano and electronic sounds to create a somber yet hopeful atmosphere. The lyrics, dealing with the paths not taken and the potential for redemption, are delivered with a sense of longing by Chester. Released in 2012 under Warner Bros. Records, this song made my list for its introspective nature and beautiful melody.

10. “Mark the Graves” (from “The Hunting Party”, 2014, Warner Bros. Records)

From their 2014 album “The Hunting Party,” “Mark the Graves” is an epic track that showcases Linkin Park’s return to a heavier, more raw sound. Written by the band, it features intense guitar riffs and powerful drumming, coupled with Chester’s dynamic vocal range. This song represents the band’s exploration of more complex themes and musical structures. Released by Warner Bros. Records, it’s a personal favorite for its intensity and the way it captures the essence of the band’s rock roots.

11. “Sharp Edges” (from “One More Light”, 2017, Warner Bros. Records)

Lastly, “Sharp Edges” from their 2017 album “One More Light,” is a beautifully crafted acoustic track. Authored by Linkin Park, it showcases a softer side of the band with its gentle guitar strumming and introspective lyrics. Chester’s heartfelt performance gives the song a raw and authentic feel. Released under Warner Bros. Records, I included this song for its simplicity and the emotional depth it conveys, making it a perfect closing to this list of underrated gems.

Fun Facts: Underrated Linkin Park Songs

“With You” (from “Hybrid Theory”)

• Sampling the Streets: The intro of “With You” features a sample of street sounds, including children playing. This was part of the band’s early experimentation with blending everyday sounds into their music.
• Collaborative Genius: The song was co-produced by Mike Shinoda and the legendary Don Gilmore, who helped shape the sound of “Hybrid Theory.”

“Easier to Run” (from “Meteora”)

• Lyrical Depth: “Easier to Run” is known for its introspective lyrics. Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda wrote the song about the regrets and mistakes of their past, a theme that resonates deeply with many fans.
• Musical Fusion: This track is a perfect example of Linkin Park’s fusion of electronic elements with rock, a signature style that they continued to develop in their album “Meteora.”

“Nobody’s Listening” (from “Meteora”)

• East Asian Influence: The prominent flute in “Nobody’s Listening” is inspired by traditional East Asian music, showcasing the band’s interest in diverse musical influences.
• Unique Among Peers: This song stands out in the Linkin Park discography for its distinctive sound, making it a favorite among fans who appreciate the band’s experimental side.

“The Little Things Give You Away” (from “Minutes to Midnight”)

• Addressing Real-world Issues: This song was Linkin Park’s response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It reflects the band’s awareness and sensitivity towards social and political issues.
• Musical Evolution: Featuring a more progressive rock sound, this track marked a significant shift from Linkin Park’s earlier nu-metal style, showing their versatility and willingness to evolve.

“Wretches and Kings” (from “A Thousand Suns”)

• Historical Sample: The song begins with a sample from Mario Savio’s famous 1964 speech during the Free Speech Movement, adding a revolutionary vibe to the track.
• Tribute to the Past: “Wretches and Kings” pays homage to classic hip-hop and rap rock, genres that significantly influenced the band’s early music.

“Robot Boy” (from “A Thousand Suns”)

• Harmonious Layers: One of the most notable features of “Robot Boy” is its use of layered vocals, creating a choir-like effect that adds depth and richness to the song.
• A Message of Hope: The lyrics convey a message of perseverance and maintaining one’s identity, themes that are recurrent in Linkin Park’s music.

“Sharp Edges” (from “One More Light”)

• Acoustic Simplicity: Differing from their usual style, “Sharp Edges” features a predominantly acoustic arrangement, showcasing a softer, more introspective side of the band.
• Personal Reflection: The song’s lyrics are reflective, with Chester Bennington sharing life lessons in a more personal and relatable way than in many of their other tracks.

And there you have it, music lovers! We’ve journeyed through the lesser-known tracks of Linkin Park, uncovering the layers that make their music timeless and impactful. Keep rocking to these underrated tunes and stay tuned for more musical explorations with TBone at Level Tunes!

Thanks for reading.

TBone