Collision Course (by Jay-Z, Linkin Park)

Watching the DVD portion of the COLLISION COURSE package, you can't help but notice a kind of unintentional sweetness that the artists -- Linkin Park and Jay-Z --bring to this collaboration. They are all visibly excited about the project and thrilled to be working together, and that attitude goes a long way toward making everything work. Fans may be disappointed that there are only six songs on the CD; others may feel that six is more than enough for a "mashup" novelty. Despite some strong language, the songs don't seem to really say much of anything lyrically. An edited version, though very clumsily done, is available for younger fans.

The songs themselves are this CD's greatest weekness. Despite everyone's enthusiastic efforts, they sound self-conscious and somewhat forced. The heavy metal/hip-hop combo works well about half the time. The greatest strength is the obvious spirit of cooperation and camaraderie, which comes across vividly in the DVD section. If pop music gave a "Miss Congeniality" award, this CD (or, more accurately, the spirit in which it was recorded) would be a serious contender.

Released on: November 30, 2004
Label: Warner Brothers
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes