There’s perhaps no other rock band in history that’s gotten more shade thrown at them than Nickelback. The Canadian hard rock act have endured more hate and social ridicule than just about any band since their 2001 breakthrough ‘Silver Side Up.’ Yet despite all the negative press and lame ballads, Nickelback have sold millions upon millions of albums. And have forged a loyal hard rockin’ fan base that’s sure to salivate at the new album ‘Get Rollin’.’
While Nickelback are known for their cheesy pop ballads. Their actual truth is a throw down, hard rock band that’s been flying the flag for over 20 years now. Rooted more in Pantera and Metallica than anything else. And the new album ‘Get Rollin” celebrates that side of the band. Old school sleazy and beefy riffs are the order of the day. ‘San Quentin’ kicks things off with typical Nickelback vocal melodies. But with heavier guitar textures and a more prominent drive. ‘Skinny Little Missy’ calls back to the 80’s hard rock days. However, the Panteraesque riffage gives it more of a headbanging vibe than say Ratt or Motley Crue. A style of rock that is more than missed in the mainstream. But here’s Nickelback, once again, flying the flag.
‘Those Days’ goes back to the bands early 2000’s ballad heyday. Where you couldn’t avoid hearing the band in stores such as Hollister and American Eagle. Which is sure to bring a nostalgic feeling to many millennials. ‘High Time’ has a country twang in it. As well as a fun funk vibe. ‘Vegas Bomb’ is the first bomb on the album. It’s heavy march feel just doesn’t hit the sweet spot like it should. ‘Tidal Wave’ is actually a really strong ballad. It’s introspective lyrics and musical feel bring in a certain amount of cerebral elements. Which aren’t always present in Nickelback’s work.
That strength is short lived however because ‘Does Heaven Even Know You’re Missing?’ just might be the corniest ballad ever created. Pure high school nostalgia and cheese ooze out of the track like a fountain. ‘Steel Still Rusts’ is a bit better. A song that’s sure to get middle America Friday night lights excited. Same goes for ‘Horizon.’ And ‘Standing In The Dark.’ In fact, the whole album is really that way. ‘Just One More’ closes things out in modern, mellow fashion. Not the best, but an understandable move to try and stay relevant.
All in all ‘Get Rollin” is classic Nickelback. But with heavier tendencies in certain parts. The first half of the album is actually quite impressive. Groovy, heavy, melodic, simple and fun. Something that’s missing in a lot of modern rock music. However, the record putters out during the back half. Generic songs. Too many ballads. Not enough of the metal direction that’s so prominent in the first half. But overall the album is solid. And it’s sure to get the fan base rallied for a major upcoming tour. A solid effort, 3 out of 5 stars. Never thought I would say that about a Nickelback album.
