Limp Bizkit

Interscope Records

FOUR STARS

OK, Rage Against the Machine clearly started the whole heavy metal/rap craze, but Limp Bizkit took it to the next level with Significant Other. Unlike Rage, Limp Bizkit popularized the whole concept of a DJ being part of a rock band, and Significant Other changed the face of modern rock forever. Bizkit's latest album, titled chocolate starfish and the hot dog flavored water, is their most impressive work to date and one of the most solid rock albums released since Pearl Jam's Vs. album.

Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst largely is viewed as an arrogant rock lead singer, but Interscope sees him as a true visionary. In fact, last year, Interscope made Durst a senior vice president in charge of finding talent. Now with this ultimate collection of rap/rock music, Durst is going to set himself apart from the modern music posers such as Trent Reznor and Billy Corgan.

Speaking of Reznor, Durst isn't afraid to sample some lines from pre-Fragile Nails albums. Of course, Durst reworks the lyrics a bit, but it's definitely interesting to hear the infamous animal line from "Closer" on this album's first track, named "Hot Dog." "Hot Dog" sets the tone for the rest of the album with its powerful drums and amazing guitar riffs, not to mention Durst's surprisingly versatile vocal range.

Durst demands respect on this album, especially with his casual forays into "real" singing as opposed to the typical straight-up raps. "My Way" takes off from where "Re-arranged" left off, and it showcases the kind of self-loathing, harrowing lyrics that Durst loves to reciprocate. "Just one more fight about your leadership and I will straight up leave your s----," Durst proclaims on "My Way."

The best aspect of this refreshing new Limp Bizkit album is the band's lack of shyness towards writing catchy, guitar-driven songs. You won't find any new wave synthesizer sounds or an out-of-place orchestra on this album. Durst isn't interested in writing songs about the end of the world (i.e., Reznor), but instead enjoys speaking about what's really on his mind.

Whereas Durst used to rap about love in a crude manner (i.e., "Nookie"), he's decided to be more sentimental on chocolate starfish and the hot dog flavored water. "The One" is not only one of the more impressive instances of Durst actually singing on the album, but it's the kind of sincere love song that nobody ever expected from Limp Bizkit. " I believe that you and me we could be so happy and free inside a world of misery," Durst sings.

You might have heard "Take A Look Around" on the Mission: Impossible II soundtrack, and that song is included on this album and is representative of most of the songs. The only low points are two songs that both share the title "Rollin'" and feature long, drawn-out raps.

Just throw out your preconceived notions about Durst. Go into this album with an open mind and you'll be shocked. Otherwise, continue to live in the past and worship all those Nirvana and Pearl Jam records.

--C.J. Hartman