Track five -Let Down- is a little slower in comparison with the previous tracks, with a softer vocal from Bennington. This perfectly matches the nature of the song which speaks of love and the hardship of being let down – referring to Bennington’s painful divorce. Speaking of the fear of going down the same old road again in a new relationship, it offers an insight into Bennington’s past and the difficult decisions which are made from broken trust and broken hearts. You may have to listen to this track a few times to completely take it in, in order to fully appreciate its beauty.
One of my personal favorites from the album is the beautiful Give Me Your Name, a song about being in love. Something about Chester’s soft voice as he begins “Give me a smile/Give me your name girl” seems to completely emulate the dreamlike quality of meeting somebody ‘perfect’ for the first time; the feeling of butterflies and the strong urge to smile constantly. It continues in this way throughout and is almost like a lullaby that entices you to join this fantasy world, to feel this same wonderful emotion that he is feeling.
In the Darkness brings us to the last track on Out Of Ashes which ends with as much power as it began. Deciding to end on a lighter note the track opens up with an acoustic guitar and a slower tempo ready to document the very personal “act of making love with someone you feel deep love for” – as described by the man himself. He speaks of ‘aching at the sight’ of the one he loves in a beautiful display of affection and you can’t help but smile at Bennington’s frank lyrics. I really couldn’t think of a more perfect song to end the album on; after a 12-track journey through the highs and lows of Bennington’s recent years it really does make you glad to see the last track echo the album title as Bennington rises from the ashes with his new love.
Thanks LPTimes! ;)
