Limp Bizkit

Editor's Review:

Like it or not, Limp Bizkit is the face of current popular rock. Chocolate Starfish… sold over a million copies in its first week of release. They are to the late 90s and 00s what Nirvana was to the early 90s; purveyors of a previously underground style of music which, in great part thanks to them, has become the standard of acceptance in the broader genre of popular rock. But the major difference between Bizkit and Nirvana is the acceptance of this burden. Kurt Cobain tried as hard as he could to shun the icon label, whereas Fred Durst actively pursues this idea. This is evident in the progression of their studio albums. After Nevermind, Nirvana's subsequent albums became less and less accessible as they tried to undo their own popularity in the name of artistic integrity. Limp Bizkit, on the other hand, are obviously doing everything in their power to remain commercially viable, even at the expense of their musical interests. Chocolate Starfish is basically an extension of the last two Bizkit albums, just a little slicker, with a few more bells and whistles. Same wack rhymes, same alternating soft verse / loud chorus formula, same old Limp Bizkit. If anything, the heavier aspects of their songs, namely Wes Borland's guitar work, has been toned down in favor of more ambience (radio friendliness?). The production is the best money can buy: Terry Date (Pantera, White Zombie), Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam, STP,) Andy Wallace (Helmet) and it shows. This album screams MTV, radio, money, money, money. They're merely doing what Nirvana never could, resist change in the name of popularity. Welcome to the brave new world of pop music.

- Daniel Taylor


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Record Label Interscope Released October 2000

Tracks 1. Intro 2. Hot Dog 3. My Generation 4. Full Nelson 5. My Way 6. Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle) 7. Livin' It Up 8. The One 9. Getcha Groove On 10. Take A Look Around 11. It'll Be OK 12. Boiler 13. Hold On 14. Rollin' (Urban Assault Vehicle) 15. Outro