NICKELBACK - review added 10th January 2009
Album Review: Dark Horse (2008)
For fans of: hard rock... and Nickelback being heavier than ever
Full marks to Nickelback for integrating a horse shoe into the cover art of this album. And then making said art 'dark'. Genius.
Dark Horse is Nickelback's 6th studio release and features the huge single 'Gotta Be Somebody'. Most of their albums seem to have one planetary sized track. When they eventually release a greatest-hits package it'll probably swallow the Earth.
The sound builds on what they've done before and adds numerous new ideas to the mix. For your money you get girly pop, manly rock, very heavy metal, and even some rap and dance sections. The majority of the content still revolves around the classic Nickelback sound, but the variety adds plenty of spice. Chad Kroeger's voice remains one of the best in the music industry.
The lyrical content varies from moaning and whining through to verses so seedy you'll need a shower afterwards. Somewhere in the middle are tales of loss and happiness, and need and lust. There's plenty more to hold your interest than on earlier releases. Some of the songs, notably 'Something In Your Mouth' will even bring a big smile to your face.
Dark Horse is one of Nickelback's best albums. The songs are likeable and well judged. There aren't enough memorable hooks or gigantic choruses, but this a fine effort nonetheless.
Check out... The riotously heavy segment in the middle of 'S.E.X.'. Let's hope their next album all sounds like this!
Track List:
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
Label: Roadrunner Records
Band websites: Nickelback , MySpace
