Linkin Park, 'I'll Be Gone' - Song Review - Audio Ink Radio Audio Ink Radio

Linkin Park, ‘I’ll Be Gone’ – Song Review

2012-11-14

Review by Anne Erickson

Linkin Park show their soft, introspective side on ‘I’ll Be Gone’

Rap-rockers Linkin Park released their latest musical concoction earlier this year: “Living Things,” a 12-track opus of rock and alternative sounds and stylings. The guys scored a No. 1 rock hit in the catchy, electronic “Burn It Down” out the gate, and they’re already in the Top 5 on Nielsen’s BDS Radio active rock chart with empowering rap-rock nugget “Lost in the Echo.” Now, another Linkin Park track has made its way onto a few select radio stations throughout the country, and the song, “I’ll Be Gone,” shows a softer, more introspective Linkin Park.

“I’ll Be Gone,” in a sense, is the “Leave Out All the Rest” of “Living Things.” The song brings a slow, sweeping sonic to an otherwise pretty heavy collection of songs, just like “Leave Out All the Rest” brought a delicate dynamic to Linkin Park’s 2007 album, “Minutes to Midnight.”

The song starts with crunchy beats and distant electronics before exploding into a lush, sweeping array of guitars. Lead singer Chester Bennington soon breaks in with longing lyrics: “Like shining oil, this night is dripping down / Stars are slipping down, glistening / And I’m trying not to think what I’m leaving now / No deceiving now, it’s time you let me know/ Let me know.”

What really shines here is the chorus, with emotional lyrics that get the listener thinking about one’s destiny. “When the lights go out and we open our eyes / Out there in the silence, I’ll be gone, I’ll be gone / Let the sun fade out and another one rise / Climbing through tomorrow / I’ll be gone, I’ll be gone,” Bennington croons. All the while, big, broad guitars wrap Benngington’s vocals in a warm blanket of sound.

“I’ll Be Gone” leaves no question that Linkin Park can deliver not only in-your-face, angst-y rap-rock, but also beautiful, meaningful melodic rock. It’s a perfect soundtrack for fist-pumping rockers who are also comfortable looking into their hearts.

Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.