Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Nickelback's Not Too Bad
I actually bought this CD because I enjoyed cranking up the rocking song "Too Bad" in my car. While I, like most others, have heard "How You Remind Me" a million times on the radio, it didn't compell me to buy the album. However, now that I finally have, I have mixed emotions on whether to keep or sell it. While Nickleback doesn't throw out silly pop songs, their work isn't exactly groundbreaking, either. Many reviews have stated that Nickelback is simply re-doing grunge and trying to imitate such bands as Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Soundgarden. Each time I listen to this album, I have to agree with those reviews more and more. There's nothing wrong with Nickleback being influenced by those bands, but it's another when they lay down guitar riffs and drum beats very much like the orginal. Grunge (like my flannel shirts) died in 1996. Why would Nickleback want to bring it back?That being said, I wouldn't call "Silver Side Up" a terribly bad album, yet I wouldn't call it good, either. The rocking "Never Again" opens the album with its buzzing guitar riffs and raw lyrics about domestic violence. The album continues in the same vein with "Woke Up This Morning," which showcases heavy-hitting drums, a hummable melody, and a story about bad relationships. Nickleback continues to rock heavy on the album's second single "Too Bad," but after that, the album simply falls flat. "Hollywood" is a wandering, monotonous song that is barely held together with a few crunching guitar riffs, while "Where Do I Hide" and "Hangnail" are essentially identical with their watered-down melody and loose notes. While "Just For" can rock out at times with sonic guitar hooks, the intro reminds me of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit"--and that same riff keeps popping up throughout the song! While "Silver Side Up" doesn't have a screaming vocalist (lead singer Chad Kroeger actually has a nice, deep baritone) or a multitude of swear words, the lyrics at times can be corny (such as in "Money Bought" and "Where Do I Hide") and the album itself comes up short at under forty minutes. While Nickleback may have a few standout songs to their credit, it's unfortunate to say they will probably end up being another band lost in the music sludgepile.
Rating:  - "A Big Step Up From 'The State'"
Nickelback's second album, "Silver Side Up," shows maturity and growth from the band's first LP, "The State." Not only are the songs on "Silver Side Up" about serious issues, such as the ups and downs of relationships ("Woke Up This Morning"), and abuse ("Never Again"), they are also extremely catchy and radio worthy. The album's first single, "How You Remind Me," is already flowing through stations everywhere and is currently #2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Chart. Nickelback did get some radio play with their breakthrough single, "Leader of Man," but the attention the band is receiving now is nothing compared to their debut success.Nickelback is following the footsteps of bands such as Staind and Linkin Park by introducing their music to a wider audience. If the first week sales for "Silver Side Up" compare to Staind's "Break the Cycle," Nickelback will soon become a household name in alternative music. The ten songs on "Silver Side Up" are all amazing, however "How You Remind Me," "Woke Up This Morning," and "Hollywood" are the tracks that stand out the most. If you purchase this album, and you are a new Nickelback fan, make sure to check out the band's first album, "The State." You will not be disappointed in both efforts.
Rating: - No sophmore blues here...
Nickleback is a coherent bunch of Canucks making fine music... while just a notch below the bands like Creed, Incubus, Staind, & Fuel... they are well above the countless many like Oleander, Default, Lifehouse, 3 Doors Down, etc, infinity plus one. Like the other bands, Nickleback sings of angst, despair, loss, and loneliness. Their sophmore effort is better written and better produced with a much slicker feel to it then their debut ("The State"). Ryan Peake's guitars are crunchy - even on the sweet FM friendly "How You Remind Me". Kroeger's bass is thump-along above average. Nik Vikedal is a fabulous drummer - dare I say he might be the backbone of this Canadian band. Chad Kroeger is the front man - playing guitar, singing, and taking center stage in just about every picture with his bandmates clearly behind him. Self absorbed (can't tell at this young point in the band's career). Musically, not a bad track can be found. Even the middle tracks all the way to track 10 are standouts (check out "Hollywood" and "Money Bought")... this cd rocks. Who hasn't heard "How You Remind Me" and "Too Bad"? The sound is fresh and Chad might sing like someone else, but Nickleback in my opinion has a unique sound - separating them from the pack. I have two problems with this CD. One, it's too short (just over 39 minutes). Two, the lyrics to track 1, "Never Again". Sure, it's supposed to be a song 'against' domestic abuse... but I can see how a vast majority might take it just the opposite way ("He's drunk again, it's time to fight... the living room becomes a boxing ring...just tell the nurse you slipped and fell..."). More times than not, when a band sings about 'something' - it is glorified. Spousal abuse is a very serious topic and should never be considered acceptable or tolerated. There are so many things to sing about (what happened to the good 'ol days of sex, drugs, and rock & roll?)... these explicit lyrics about spousal abuse are totally unnecessary. If Nickleback felt that they absolutely had to have this song on their CD, bury it towards the back and maybe some of us would miss it... but don't lead off with it and make it track 1.
|
