Band vs. Band: Linkin Park, Hoobastank, and P.O.D.

Back in the days of MySpace, Windows 2000, and Napster, little 11 to 14 year old me was playing real time strategy games like Command and Conquer and Age of Empires, coming out of a long-running LEGO phase (which has since been revitalized by the way), and moving away from the music I grew up listening to which includes but is not limited to: Parliament Funkadelic, James Brown, Paul Wilbur, CCM in general, the local radio station B97.5 that played at the local public pool. I started getting into something heavy and rebellious, where heavy hard-rock post-grunge guitars met rapped and sung vocals, with themes of inner turmoil and heartbreak.

I will be comparing 3 hit songs from the late 90s/early 00s by the bands Linkin Park, Hoobastank, and P.O.D. and declaring a winner based on rankings in 3 categories. If you know these bands, you have probably already guessed that the songs are: “In the End”, “The Reason”, and “Alive”. Whether you love them or hate them, you cannot deny that they were absolute bangers in their day.

Let’s jump in to the first category called “the first 20”, where we will discuss the first 20 seconds of each song - I highly recommend listening or re-listening to them if it's been a minute.

Up first is “In the End” by Linkin Park - we’ve got a glitchy programmed drum pattern, with strings supporting what is arguably the catchiest and most well-known piano line of the rap-rock genre. The words “it starts with one” are sung as the 1st rapped verse begins with “ONE THING” and acoustic drums, bass, and guitar harmonics enter. I give the first 20 an 8/10.

Next we have “The Reason” by probably the worst-named band of the 3, Hoobastank. A single note on piano is supported by the simplest possible rock drum groove, and absolutely the catchiest lead guitar line we’ll encounter among the three - and then the haunted vocal comes in saying “I’m not a perfect person”. Certainly a little more boring then LP, so I’ll give the first 20 here a 6/10.

And last, we have the heaviest hitting intro with “Alive” by P.O.D. which by the way stands for “Payable on Death”. Whatever nonsense these four have gotten into on earth is apparently going to haunt them in the afterlife, or maybe I misinterpreted that…in any case, what a way to start a song! 9.5/10 from me as the full band comes in with distorted guitars, heavy hitting drums, and epic low-end. And then the vocals come crooning in with the hopeful line “every day is a new day” followed by the rapped next line, “I’m thankful for every breath I take”.

Now for the next category, “overstaying your welcome at a dinner party”.

“In the End”, clocking in at 3:35, has plenty of interesting twists and turns, and an arrangement that introduces new elements and keeps things fresh throughout. Plus, the bridge, with lyrics “I’ve put my trust in you, pushed as far as I can go…” we’ve all been there. It’s the relatable guest who everyone enjoys, leaves on time, and in the end, everyone enjoyed their company. Only one chorus at the end leaves everyone wanting more. 9/10

“The Reason” stands at 3:50, and while initially catchy, overstays its welcome by a few minutes, leaving the door open and bugs flying in without realizing it. It’s the dinner guest who starts strong but gets extremely emotional after 2 drinks. While you enjoy the conversation, you wish it was a bit shorter and with slightly less detail and more self-awareness. All in all, though, a good friend. 6/10.

“Alive” struts a pseudo-guitar solo midway through, giving way to a mouth-breathing bridge that seems to go on for an eternity before a tripled-up chorus and outro. On paper, 3:22 doesn’t seem that long, but it comes across as the person at the dinner party who left on time but was a LOT to handle - one who may have yelled about whatever it is they’re passionate about. 6.5/10.

It’s time for our final category, “comparing each song to my current knowledge of wines”:

“In the End” comes across like a fine Rose, which is a mix of red and white wine - it can be any red mixed with any white, but the point is that it’s the best of both worlds. The rap and sung vocals swirl around in your glass creating a perfect concoction. 9/10.

“The Reason” is a pink moscato. It seems like a good, sweet idea initially, but once you’re 3 glasses in, your head is already hurting. The good news is that your new physical hurt is taking your mind off of the emotional hurt that drove you to pink moscato in the first place. 7/10.

“Alive” is clearly a $3.00 red blend from Trader Joe’s mixed with any riesling. You tell the smiling cashier about your plans to mix them together at room temperature, and as all Trader Joe’s employees do, they continue smiling and tell you what a great choice you’ve made. This drink is loud and keeps the party going, but it hurts your head after the 15th sip. 6/10.

Finally, let’s tally up and divide the scores:

Linkin Park’s “In the End” ends up with an 87%, Hoobastank’s “The Reason” has a low 63%, and P.O.D.’s “Alive” stands on the silver platform with 73%.