By Jamie Teibel
Staff Writer

Limp Bizkit was a lot rowdier on previous albums —1999's "Nookie" and 1997's "Faith" prove that — but now they're taking that crudeness and turning it into music that will be remembered for its originality and uniqueness.

With its new CD, "Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water," Limp Bizkit is venturing into some new territory. The band collaborates with a variety of artists: Scott Weiland from the Stone Temple Pilots, and rappers such as DMX, Methodman, Redman and Xzibit.

Limp Bizkit has come a long way since its first album, "Three Dollar Bill Y'all." The style is still rock/rap, but the sound has changed. Listening to the previous albums, listeners hear a group of punks screaming about who knows what. The new Limp Bizkit is making more sense — in turn, making us bop our heads to the beat and want to memorize every word.

It's almost impossible to walk down the street and not hear Limp Bizkit blaring on someone's radio. Songs like "Rollin'" and "Full Nelson" make it difficult to keep the volume turned down.

"This time I'm a-let it all come out / This time I'm a-stand up and shout / I'm a-do things my way / It's my way, my way or the highway." In "My Way," lead singer Fred Durst's confidence and straightforwardness make it seem as though he's looking to take over the world. That wouldn't be too difficult — he would at least have a huge red-hat-wearing crowd right there behind him.

People have to respect Limp Bizkit for being real. Durst writes lyrics and sings songs that mean something to him and probably mean something to the members in his audience. This time Durst put more time and consideration into the lyrics. He's helping listeners understand what Limp Bizkit is all about. In "My Generation," he sings, "Go ahead and talk about my generation / Cause we don't, don't give a f*** and / we won't ever give a f*** until you / you give a f*** about me and my generation." Who can't relate to that?

"The One" and "Hold On" are two examples of the road Limp Bizkit has chosen. The songs are more mellow and Durst is showing his romantic side. It's nice to see that side of him.

"The One" is about a relationship that went wrong and ended, but there is nothing wrong with the way Durst sings about it. He never blames the girl and looks at the situation in a nonviolent light.

"Maybe I've crossed your path to sweep you off your feet / Or maybe I'm the reason why you cry at night before you sleep / But I believe that you and me could be so / Happy and free inside a world of misery." The lyrics are dripping with emotion and delivered with a feeling of sorrow that listeners can relate to. It makes you want to put a Band-Aid on Durst's boo-boo and make it all better. The song shows a softer side of Limp Bizkit that other songs on the album don't convey.

Durst and Weiland both sing "Hold On." This is a combination of opposite singing styles coming together and creating something not usually heard. The lyrics flow in a seductive manner, giving the listeners the impression they are the ones Durst and Weiland are singing to.

"Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water" has a variety of styles; there's something for everyone. Fred Durst has gone above and beyond to create a masterpiece that successfully combines rock and rap. This CD is going to be listened to for a long, long time.