Released on May 14, 2007 (internationally) and May 15, 2007 (U.S.), Minutes to Midnight marked a major turning point for Linkin Park. Moving away from the nu metal formula of their first two albums, the band embraced alternative rock, electronic textures, political themes, and a broader sonic palette.
The title refers to the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic clock created by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists representing how close humanity is to global catastrophe.
Album Credits
Band Members
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Chester Bennington – lead vocals
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Mike Shinoda – vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards
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Brad Delson – lead guitar
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Dave “Phoenix” Farrell – bass
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Joe Hahn (Mr. Hahn) – turntables, sampling, programming
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Rob Bourdon – drums
Production Team
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Producers: Rick Rubin & Mike Shinoda
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Mixing: Neal Avron
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Mastering: Brian “Big Bass” Gardner
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Label: Warner Bros. Records / Machine Shop Recordings
Rick Rubin’s involvement helped push the band into a more stripped-down, mature sound.
Album Tracklist
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Wake (instrumental intro)
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Given Up
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Leave Out All the Rest
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Bleed It Out
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Shadow of the Day
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What I’ve Done
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Hands Held High
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No More Sorrow
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Valentine’s Day
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In Between
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In Pieces
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The Little Things Give You Away
Major Singles
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What I’ve Done
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Bleed It Out
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Shadow of the Day
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Given Up
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Leave Out All the Rest
Album Cover Art & Design
The cover features a minimalist black-and-white photograph of the band standing on a shoreline. The muted, washed-out aesthetic reflects the album’s somber and reflective tone.
Design Elements:
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Clean, simple typography.
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Monochrome color palette to emphasize maturity and seriousness.
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The ocean backdrop symbolizes uncertainty, transition, and vast emotional space.
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The understated visual approach contrasts sharply with the stylized artwork of Hybrid Theory and Meteora.
The cover visually signals a new era for the band.
Commercial Success (Grossing & Sales)
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Debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200
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Sold approximately 625,000 copies in its first week (U.S.)
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Over 8 million copies sold worldwide
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Certified 4× Platinum in the U.S.
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What I’ve Done became a global hit and was featured in the 2007 film Transformers
The album topped charts in more than 15 countries.
Awards & Recognition
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🏆 American Music Award nominations
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🏆 MTV Video Music Award nominations
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What I’ve Done received Grammy nominations
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Frequently listed among important 2000s rock albums
Musical Shift & Themes
Unlike their earlier records, Minutes to Midnight:
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Reduced rap-metal elements
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Emphasized traditional song structures
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Explored political themes (Hands Held High, No More Sorrow)
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Showcased emotional ballads (Shadow of the Day, Leave Out All the Rest)
The album reflects post-9/11 anxieties, war-era political frustration, and personal introspection.
Fun Facts & Trivia
🎤 1. 17-Second Scream
Chester Bennington performs a legendary 17-second scream in Given Up—one of the longest sustained screams in mainstream rock.
🎬 2. Transformers Connection
What I’ve Done was featured in the end credits of Transformers (2007), introducing the band to an even broader audience.
🎛️ 3. 100+ Songs Written
The band reportedly wrote over 100 songs during the recording sessions before narrowing it down to 12.
🧭 4. A Risky Move
Many fans were surprised by the shift away from nu metal. However, the move demonstrated the band’s willingness to evolve.
🎸 5. Rick Rubin’s Influence
Rubin encouraged the band to simplify arrangements and focus more on melody and dynamics.
Legacy
Minutes to Midnight represents Linkin Park’s artistic evolution. While divisive at first among longtime fans, it ultimately proved the band could transcend genre boundaries.
The album remains a key chapter in Linkin Park’s discography—bridging their early nu metal roots with the experimental and electronic directions they would explore in later releases.