NICKELBACK
"All
the Right Reasons" (Roadrunner; 2005)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
After listening to Chad Kroeger’s side projects (Theory Of A Deadman, Default) and reviewing them, I thought I would head to the source of
them all.
As stated before by R. Scott and Snidermann, the lyrics on Nickelback's “Silver Side Up” are a bit depressing. The lyrics
here, however, border on psyche profiles and memory seekers. I don’t know the premise behind these songs so I can’t tell if they are true stories or just melodic poems. Either way they rock and should lift your depression if you focus on the music
rather than their therapy sessions. “Photograph” is a story about going back to your youth and all the things you
did ... but can’t do now. It’s a nice portrait painted into a song.
"All the Right Reasons" is full of strong riffs and fast drumming. There are a few slow songs
here that are make-out favorites too. Although there is a ton of muscle flexing guitar,
the solos are scarce; in fact, only “Follow You Home” and “Side Of A Bullet”
feature solos.
“Rockstar” sounds like a Kid Rock song with all the references to booze, drugs and chicks. It also lasts too long.
Still, all in all, the music on “All The Right Reasons” is good driving music, hence the captured picture that graces their CD.
The best cuts are “Follow You Home,” “Photograph,” and “Animals.”
Nickelback: Chad Kroeger – vocals and guitars; Mike Kroeger – bass; Ryan Peake – guitar and vocals; Daniel Adair – drums and vocals.
For more information, check out www.nickelback.com.
Reviewed by Snidermann
Nickelback’s release, "Silver Side Up," is good, tight music, very easy to listen to. That's the good news. The bad news is that the songs, for the most part, have too slow a pace and the lyrics are more than a little depressing, dealing with subject matter better left to the evening news.
The hit here, "How You Remind Me," is getting a lot of MTV (the non-music television network) airplay and, frankly, that's the best cut on this release.
I suggest a little levity to lighten the heavy load that drags down Nickelback and to release some of the suicidal tendencies that haunted me while I listened to this CD.
Nickelback: Chad Kroeger - lead vocals and guitars; Ryan Peake - guitars and vocals; Mike Kroeger - bass; Ryan "Nik" Vikedal - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.nickelback.com.
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I won't disagree with Snidermann on one thing: Nickelback's lyrics are gritty, grim tales of tough times. However, unlike other bands who simply load up on the dark side of life to make themselves look dark, Nickelback really seem to be making a statement. They're not just loading up on the depressing phrases and images; they're telling stories that - sometimes - offer glimpses of redemption. It may not be pretty, but it's not overwhelmingly hopeless.
Musically, Nickelback offer great big chunks of guitar chords, irresistible choruses (both vocal and guitar riff-wise), and song-writing that gives each song its own identity but always sounds like Nickelback.
And I also have to disagree with Snidermann on "How You Remind Me." Although I do like that song, and although it is getting most of the attention at the moment, there are others songs that I like better. The first track, "Never Again," comes to mind, and I really like the winding, rolling rhythm of "Woke Up This Morning."
Nickelback have a fresh sound that stands apart simply because of its confident solidness. They're enjoying a great deal of success with this record and, I say, deservedly so!
Nickelback: Chad Kroeger - lead vocals and guitars; Ryan Peake - guitars and vocals; Mike Kroeger - bass; Ryan "Nik" Vikedal - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.nickelback.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott
Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 23 Oct 2008 01:41:24 -0500
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