Nickleback's sixth album doesn't stake out new ground, but this Canadian post-grunge quartet is known for their allegiance to old-school hard rock values. That allegiance is borne out on 2008's DARK HORSE, a collection of riff-driven rockers and power ballads that thrives on simple chord progressions, distortion-heavy guitars, and lyrics about partying and other carnal delights. The singalong single "Gotta Be Somebody" may flirt with radio-ready pop, but most of DARK HORSE revels in denim-clad, bad boy swagger.
It's hard to forget that Nickleback is a mainstream act, however, especially given the potent, high-gloss sound of the album, courtesy of veteran producer Robert "Mutt" Lang. Like Def Leppard, another Lang-produced band, Nickleback's rock is packaged prettily enough for soccer moms, a truth evident in accessible ballads like "I'd Come for You." But longtime fans needn't despair: the band still packs a punch (see the arena-sized rocker "Burn It To the Ground"), proving Nickleback can have it both ways.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (p.127) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Lange keeps things rolling -- and to his credit, Chad Kroeger gratifyingly comes off as more of a regular guy than a rock star."
Billboard (p.41) - "The bulletproof Nickelback provides affordable fun that promises good returns in hard times....With guitar solos, heavier chops and double-entendres."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.104) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he still rock like a post-grunge Metalica....The best tracks here, such as the Leppard-style anthem 'Shakin' Hands,' bear Lange's indelible signature."
Blender (Magazine) (p.78) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "The casting coup is producer Matt Lange, who runs with the tricks he used on Def Leppard and AC/DC in the '80s: lotsa echo on the drums, lotsa background voices chanting, 'Hey!'"
