"Could Have Been" was in the very first demo recorded with Chester Bennington in early May 1999, soon after the band changed their name to Hybrid Theory. Jeff Blue describes it in his One Step Closer: From Xero to #1: Becoming Linkin Park book: ""Could Have Been" started with Chester singing in a beautifully tortured voice accompanied by a pretty acoustic guitar and simple bass part, followed by a solid electric guitar riff. Mike blasted in with his rap while Chester accented background parts. Chester's chorus again failed to have a good hook. I had pushed for Chester, and he seemed to be the weakest link in these two songs. This was not the magic I had hoped for, and the guys could see it on my face. At the end of the song, a random bass line, à la Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, raced in at breakneck speed, and although it didn't fit whatsoever, I was intrigued." He completes saying it seemed the band was having a hard time finding the right blend.[3]




Could Have Been Demo - Linkin Park