Nickelback is one of my all-time favorite rock bands. Ever since they bursted out with their mega-hit "How You Remind Me" in 2001, they've had me and with their latest release "Dark Horse", I'm here to stay. It's amazing how you watch bands grow right before your eyes. Sure, Nickelback is your modern and typical rock band that is commercial and will have tons of radio-play that will make you sick of them, but in the end, you got to love them. Dark Horse is a different Nickelback sound; it's a little darker and a lot sexual and crude. However, they still maintain their commercial standards just to get by with. Personally, I like the fact they are much darker on this release. They have been progressing a new sound when they released "The Long Road" in 2003 and continued to progress on their hugely successful 2005 record, "All The Right Reasons". Both records I found addictive and this time around, there is no change for Dark Horse.
I'll start off with the darker songs not to mention some of the crude ones that I can't help but to sing along to. "Somethin' In Your Mouth" has to be one of the most catchiest track off this record. The track should literally be played in strip clubs and bars because it has that dance-rock beat that gets in your head. I also love Chad's vocals on this one; very demanding and quite blunt with his words. 'You tease them all by sucking on your thumb, you're so much cooler when you never pull it out, you look so much better with something in your mouth.' Another track that makes references to sex is "Shakin' Hands". This one is more on the grudge side of things and it demands your respect when it mentions 'Well, she ain't no cinderella when she's getting undressed, because she rocks it like she's the naughty wicked witch of the west!'. It's another addictive track just like SIYM and it's one of my many favorites off this record. Obviously, "S.E.X." ia what it is. This track is a little like SIYM with it's dance-vibe, but it isn't as great. However, it still makes a very catchy track that demands your attention. I mean, seriously, what would be the first track you'd listen to after looking at the track listing? The final song that goes along with the sexual references is "Next Go Round". This one is my least favorite of the four because it has too much going on. However, I do love the semi-heavy metal thrashing, but the vocals don't work for me. Still, it is a decent song.
Sure, those tracks will probably never get radio-play since Nickelback is more of a commercialized rock group. Perhaps you've heard of "Gotta Be Somebody"? I thought so. I actually enjoy this track and it is a good choice for the first single. It is a feel-good track about there's always somebody out there for everyone and that is where Nickelback wins hearts of their fans--they try to relate to them. Probably their next choice for a single would have to be either "Never Gonna Be Alone" or "I'd Come For You". Both tracks are radio-quality AND friendly. Probably my favorite of the two has to be I'd Come For You simply because Chad's vocals are flawless on it rather than on Never Gonna Be Alone, his high pitch definitely has it's flaws. However, both are among my many favorites off this record. I think both of them would do decent on the radio and the fans would appreciate them. The last track that would be brought up to become a single would have to be "If Today Was Your Last". It's very similar to all three of the above tracks and although, I really don't see this track getting picked among those, it is still one that fans would appreciate.
For a track that goes in between the middle, "Just To Get High" is a really good track. It is a post-grudge track that has a catchy chorus and heavy notes by the bass and guitar.
Dark Horse is almost flawless except a few tracks that I don't care too much for. "Burn It To The Ground" does everything wrong. The crunchy guitars and pummeling bass are horribly wrong with Chad's vocals on this one. It simply overpowers Chad and it makes it a not very entertaining listen. "This Afternoon" is a track that I think the band did for fun because the country-style of the song doesn't fit their image. Think "Rockstars" but with a little bit more country and you get This Afternoon. It thinks itself is catchy, but it isn't and it is just an annoying Kid-Rock wanna-be track.
Dark Horse is the band's sixth studio album and it shows that they aren't going to slow down anytime soon. Dark Horse is a really good album and it surprised me. The band has crafted a brillant album with plenty of catchy hooks and post-grudge sounds that fans will eat up. Granted, a few of you will be turned off by the band's more darker image, but be aware that the band hasn't forgotten what makes us love them--their ballads. I, personally, think it is a little better than their last record, All The Right Reasons. Dark Horse is an addictive piece that is up their with Hinder's second album, "Take It To The Limit". Track Listing: 1. Somethin' In Your Mouth 2. Burn It To The Ground 3. Gotta Be Somebody 4. I'd Come For You 5. Next Go Round 6. Just To Get High 7. Never Gonna Be Alone 8. Shakin' Hands 9. S.E.X. 10. If Today Was Your Last 11. This Afternoon
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