There have been many different eras, but along the way,Linkin Park has continued to produce career-definingmusic. Throughout this journey, they have had to dig deep to achieve breakthroughs, while other bands in their genre, such asSlipknot, were creating their own hits. They have managed to rise to the very top and have even found themselves being featured multiple times on the big screen by theTransformersfranchisefor their soundtracks, among other projects.
However, through all that they have endured, the toughest challenge the band faced was the death of their lead singer, Chester Bennington. Although it was uncertain for many years whether they would continue, ultimately, they have.They are faring well in yet another new era for them, but it remains to be seen if they will end up like some otherbands that managed to find success after replacing a lead singer. So far, with a new album debuting in 2024 and a massive tour in 2025, they have things under control.
10One Step Closer
Album: Hybrid Theory (2000)
To begin their career, Linkin Park launched their debut single “One Step Closer.” The song wasa perfect representation of the band’s distinct sound. It showcased Chester Bennington’s powerful voice, along with Mike Shinoda’s unique vocal style. Additionally, it provided a taste of how the band could blend electronic sounds into their instrumentation.
Further enhancing the song was the music video that accompanied it. This placed the band in the premier spotlight. This tune marked a strong start towhat would become one of the greatest debut albums. Over the years, the band has taken this song and mixed it in many different ways, including collaborations with Jay-Z and Jonathan Davis from Korn.
9In The End
From the time it was released,“In the End” was one of the most successful songs Linkin Park ever created, as it reached the second spot on theBillboardHot 100. It then placed seventh in the charts' year-end rankings. As the decade ended, it remained on four differentBillboardcharts, establishing it as one of the greatest songs of the early 2000s.
It became a leading tune for nu metal on the Spotify app, surpassing one billion streams.
Over time, the numbers have continued to support its greatness. It became a leading tune for nu metal on the Spotify app, surpassing one billion streams. It has since grown, becomingone of the top 100 most streamed songs on the platform. Additionally,it has achieved diamond certification, marking it as a commercial success.
8Numb
Album: Meteora (2003)
After having such a massive start to their career, Linkin Park returned with their sophomore album and prepared to deliver even more hits. One of those was “Numb,“which would become yet another signature song for the band. It reached as high as the 11th spot on theBillboardHot 100 and even became the number one tune on their Mainstream Rock chart.
At the end of 2004, it was featured on four different yearlyBillboardcharts, including ranking as the 33rd song on the Hot 100. Now, it is yet another tune to surpass two billion streams for the band on Spotify. However, that is not the only platform on which it is finding success, asthe music video has over 2.5 billion views on YouTube.
7Faint
Since the day it debuted,“Faint” has held its own against all the other hit songs the band has released. OnBillboard’sMainstream Rock chart, it didn’t reach the number one spot like “Numb” did, but it got as close as it could, placing second. However, on their Alternative Airplay chart, it did reach the coveted top position.
One of the most impressive achievements of the song is thatit has become one of the very few for the band to exceed one billion streams on Spotify. Among all the classic tunes they have, this one stands above almost all of them on that app. It is also yet another song for them that has gone platinum, adding to their impressive legacy.
6What I’ve Done
Album: Minutes To Midnight (2007)
One of the biggest platforms that a band can have one of their songs be a part of is a major motion picture. In 2007,Linkin Park found their tune “What I’ve Done” being used as one of the main tracks of Michael Bay’s Transformers. The film, which starred Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, became an absolute box office sensation.
The band added additional meaning to the tune by creating an unforgettable music video that touches on humanity. Commercially, the song reached the Top 10 on theBillboardHot 100 and even placed number one on a couple of other charts. Its sales have continued to increase over the years andhave now reached 6x platinum.
5Waiting For The End
Album: A Thousand Suns (2010)
For all the incredible hits that Linkin Park has created, “Waiting for the End” carries one of the most emotional messages. The song features an instrumental that differs significantly from much of what the band had typically done up to that point. By incorporating unique elements,it helped the song stand out; more importantly, its arrangement brings the lyrics to life.
Instead of a movie helping the song thrive, it was actually a hit television show.
This time, instead of a movie helping the song thrive, it was actually a hit television show.The song was featured in an episode ofCSI: Crime Scene Investigationon July 16, 2025, just a short time after its release. The song also appeared on at least oneBillboardchart for their weekly, yearly, and decade rankings.
4Burn It Down
Album: Living Things (2012)
Over a decade into their career,“Burn It Down” led the way as the first single released for their 2012 album,Living Things. On the weekly chart, the song was ranked 30th on theBillboardHot 100. On their yearly chart, it placed 100th, but nonetheless, it still made the ranking. One of the key praises the tune received was for its striking music video.
With the song written by the band, produced by one of their vocalists, Mike Shinoda, and the music video directed by their turntablist, this track was a full effort from them. It showcased what they were all about, asthey are one of the most hands-on bands, constantly taking on multiple roles when it comes to their recordings.
3Final Masquerade
Album: The Hunting Party (2014)
From the band’s sixth studio album,The Hunting Party,“Final Masquerade” is regarded as one of Chester Bennington’s finest vocal performances on the record. The original version received acclaim for its perfect blend of alternative and hard rock genres. It appeared on sixBillboardcharts, proving to be a strong final single for the album.
Adding to its legacy was an acoustic version released by the band. Even with a different arrangement, it still maintained its impact, with the emotion of the lyrics shining through. Another key highlight is its music video, which has performed tremendously,now boasting over 134 million views on YouTube.
2Heavy Ft. Kiiara
Album: One More Light (2017)
There is so much to the song “Heavy” that makes it emotional. First, the lyrics are as heavy as the title suggests. The song speaks about a life that is becoming weighed down by issues surrounding the individual. Alone, the lyrics would be enough to bring a tear to the eye, butafter its release, they gained a meaning no one expected.
I’m holding on
Why is everything so heavy?
Holding on
To so much more than I can carry
I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down
If I just let go, I’d be set free
Only a few months after the song debuted, Linkin Park’s lead singer Chester Bennington died on June 01, 2025. Therefore, this would be the last single that was released in his lifetime. The lyrics, which spoke about struggle,became even more powerful when it came to light that Bennington was struggling behind the scenes, similar to what the song depicted.
1The Emptiness Machine
Album: From Zero (2024)
For years, it was unclear if Linkin Park would even continue, but in 2024, it was announced that they would. Instead of trying to replace Chester Bennington in the way many expected,the band decided to take a different direction and start a completely new era. They brought in Emily Armstrong, who had built a career as the lead singer for Dead Sara. Along with her work in that band, Armstrong collaborated with other artists as well, such as the Offspring and Demi Lovato.
Of course, now having a female voice as the co-lead vocalist, things would be different, with fans getting their first taste as “The Emptiness Machine” became the debut. The song was well-received and placed 21st on theBillboardHot 100. It even reached number one on their Rock & Alternative airplay chart. The song has also been accompanied by a music video, which has helped introduce this next chapter of the band. Since then,they have released a full album and have been successfully touring in this new era.
