Linkin Park “Numb” released

Numb Linkin Park

Writer(s): Linkin Park (see lyrics here) Released: September 8, 2003 First Charted: September 30, 2003 Peak: 11 BB, 5 RR, 31 A40, 13 AR, 112 MR, 14 UK, 27 CN, 10 AU, 12 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 4.0 US, 2.40 UK, 8.42 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): 0.40 radio, 2758.56 video, 2590.12 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: Linkin Park formed in 1996 in Agoura Hills, California. By the time of their 2000 debut Hybrid Theory, the lineup had settled into members Chester Bennington (vocals), Rob Bourdon (drums), Brad Delson (guitar), Joe Hahn (turntables, samples), and Mike Shinoda (vocals/rap). Bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell was a founding member who didn’t work on that album but was back for their sophomore album, 2003’s Meteora. “Hybrid Theory had thrown together serrated metal, with electronica, hip-hop and towering pop melodies” LS to become the best-selling album in the world in 2001 LS and the quintessential nu-metal album. Meteora “took their jagged sound to a grander, more polished level.” LS The two albums generated seven songs that reached the top 10 on Billboard’s mainstream rock and/or alternative rock charts. “Numb,” “which stands out as the album’s highlight and Linkin Park’s defining anthem,” LS was one of three songs from Meteora to top the mainstream rock chart. “Opening with an instantly recognisable keyboard refrain that builds into one of the bands most colossal, anthemic cuts, it’s the track that best summed up the epic and cinematic, powerful and dynamic vision the band had for Meteora.” LS That song and the band’s biggest hit, “In the End,” have both passed the two billion mark in streams on Spotify as well as plays on YouTube. Mike Shinoda said the song is about “those times when you’ve got no feeling left or you just don’t care.” LS “For many fans, ‘Numb’ represents vocalist Chester Bennington at his best, both vocally and lyrically.” LS “You can hear his voice splinter under the weight of loneliness, self-loathing and disaffection when the chorus hits.” LS “Numb” charted again in 2004 (#20 BB, 12 RR, 94 RB, 14 UK, 3 CN, 3 AU) when Linkin Park did a mashup of the song with Jay-Z’s “Encore.” MTV was responsible for the union. They approached Jay-Z about doing a collaboration with someone and it was his idea to work with Linkin Park. It resulted in a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Resources: LS LouderSound.com (11/18/2025). “The Story of ‘Numb’ by Linkin Park” by Dannii Leivers Related Links: First posted 1/24/2026.