Discover the 10 life-changing songs that shaped Mike Shinoda’s musical journey

Linkin Park may have been late to the nu metal party, but with their debut album Hybrid Theory, they quickly became one of the biggest breakout successes of the genre. Co-vocalists Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington propelled the band to the top, making Linkin Park one of the biggest metal acts of the 21st Century.

Although Linkin Park is currently inactive due to unfortunate circumstances, Mike Shinoda has continued to be a creative force as a solo artist. His most recent release, The Crimson Chapter in 2023, showcases his talent and versatility. In a recent interview with Hammer, Mike Shinoda shared the 10 songs that changed his life, revealing unexpected influences and diverse musical tastes.

1. Public Enemy – Rebel Without A Pause (It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, 1988)

Mike Shinoda expressed his admiration for Public Enemy, citing their album as influential in his music career. The aggressive and political nature of the album, combined with its humor, resonated with him.

2. Nine Inch Nails – The Perfect Drug (Lost Highway OST, 1997)

Shinoda highlighted the impact of Nine Inch Nails’ track, “The Perfect Drug,” on his perception of the band’s music. The track’s experimental nature pushed boundaries and inspired Shinoda to incorporate similar elements into his work with Linkin Park.

3. Beastie Boys – So What’cha Want (Check Your Head, 1992)

The fusion of punk rock and hip hop in Beastie Boys’ “So What’cha Want” left a lasting impression on Shinoda. Their ability to blend genres in an unexpected and exciting way resonated with him.

4. Dr. Dre – Deep Cover (Deep Cover OST, 1992)

Shinoda recalled the impact of Dr. Dre’s “Deep Cover” on his music collection. The track’s dark and aggressive tone, along with the introduction of Snoop Dogg, made it a standout piece for him.

5. Rage Against The Machine – Killing In The Name (Rage Against The Machine, 1992)

“Killing In The Name” by Rage Against The Machine challenged Shinoda’s perception of rock music. The innovative guitar work and powerful vocals of the band captivated him and contributed to his evolving musical tastes.

6. Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Songs From The Big Chair, 1985)

Shinoda shared his love for Tears For Fears’ iconic track, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” citing its uniqueness and timeless appeal.

7. Depeche Mode – Enjoy The Silence (Violator, 1990)

Despite initial resistance, Shinoda developed a deep appreciation for Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence.” The unconventional arrangement of the song intrigued him and influenced his musical journey.

8. Aphex Twin – Come To Daddy (Come To Daddy, 1997)

The groundbreaking track “Come To Daddy” by Aphex Twin revolutionized Shinoda’s approach to music production. The innovative use of technology and sound manipulation inspired him to experiment with new techniques in his own work.

9. Portishead – Biscuit (Dummy, 1994)

Shinoda praised Portishead’s “Biscuit” for its unique and captivating sound. The track’s mysterious vibe and exceptional production quality left a lasting impression on him.

10. Unkle – Guns Blazing (Drums Of Death Part 1) (Psyence Fiction, 1998)

Shinoda concluded the list with UNKLE’s unconventional track, “Guns Blazing (Drums Of Death Part 1).” The dark and alternative nature of the song, coupled with Kool G Rap’s presence, made it a standout piece in his musical journey.

Mike Shinoda’s diverse musical influences reflect his openness to experimentation and his ability to draw inspiration from various genres. As a solo artist, he continues to push boundaries and redefine his sound, captivating audiences with his creativity and passion for music.