So, Bring On Mixed Reviews

Nickelback – Dark Horse – Review

Release Date: November 18th, 2008
Record Label: Roadrunner Records
Genre: Alternative Rock

Alternative rock celebrities, Nickelback, have been around the world and back supporting their multiple platinum selling records over the last several years. You might laugh at the fact that as of the writing of this review, “Dark Horse” has already gone platinum in the US. So while I contemplate my reasoning to say whether or not to pick this latest outing up, when you have either already bought it, or laughed it off and gone along with your day. Either way we can all discuss the ins and outs of Nickelback‘s latest album “Dark Horse.”

Now Nickelback has always had that hard rock swagger that shifted between country and rock with topics sung about ranging from lost loves to songs about relaxing. This time around however the “dark” in “Dark Horse” apparently isn’t just a title. It instead plays as a theme for the whole record and shows us how old and pervish these Canadians are. I mean the first track is titled “Something In Your Mouth” and features lyrics that talk about how “you look so much cuter with something in your mouth,” which comes off as a country crunk song in a way. Soulja Boy anyone?

Other themes feature the standard rock life expressed though party anthems about getting drunk and roughty every night, which may be alright for bands like Saliva but is a far fall for this once sentimental band. And even though many have considered Nickelback to be the quintessential hard rock band of this decade, it’s hard to not notice the difference from this record and the efforts such as “Silver Side Up” and “All The Right Reasons,” that stood as defining anthems for those listening to alt-rock stations around North America.

Now of course “Dark Horse” does venture back to familiar pastures of “love” in tracks like “I’d Come For You” and “Never Gonna Be Alone,” but they mirror their past tracks and seek to tug at the heart strings of an audience that don’t mind listening to the same style song for the umpteenth time. Albums that seek to just have fun are fine, but like a partner that looks to keep you confused, “Dark Horse” is all over the place. One thing is for sure, Nickelback is horny and they will use slow songs and party anthems to get what they want, Your Money! (Possibly your virginity) ~Staff

Score: 2/5

Track Listing:
1. Something 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 Day
11. This Afternoon