MSG Me. I'm ready and willing.
Nickelback :: The State
Released: Fall 2000. Roadrunner Records.
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Nickelback is one of those bands that I'd rather see not get very big because they seem like the type of band that huge fame and record execs would ruin. If this band can make their third album of equal caliber to The State they will very likely gain a bigger following and be able to headline a tour. The bassist and drummer aren't very noteworthy; they're utilities. Every band needs them so there they are. What stands out but is understated are the guitar solos permeating the album. I recommend the use of headphones when listening to this album because Chad Kroeger and Ryan Peake are fantastic when it comes to soloing in tandem. If Nickelback becomes big and multi-platinum, it will be because of Chad Kroeger. His voice is simply outstanding. Not outstanding in an Arethra Franklin way but more in a James Hetfield way. He has a voice perfectly suited to a metal band. Ironically, he looks like Jesus. But that doesn't hamper his style. I saw Nickelback open for Three Doors Down at the Bronco Bowl last fall and I thought Nickelback raised the bar too high. This band is very loud and I like that. Leader of Men is a rather unique song on the album. It was a wise choice for a single because it shows the full of range of Kroeger's vocal capabilities. Musically, it's not very impressive, but as usual Kroeger makes it good. The next song, Old Enough, will make you jealous of the guy because of what he can do with his voice. The next three songs in a row have great solos subtly appearing here and there. Worthy to Say is my favorite song on the album and likely the most impressive musicianship-wise. Kroeger's melodies and style of songwriting are very interesting but very rarely contain obsceneties. The vast majority of modern vocalists simply can't express anger or frustration without a slew of insults and curses. Kroeger, therefore, is in the underappreciated minority. Thanks to the far-reaching and tragic influences of Limp Bizkit, we now have to appreciate and commend a band not only for what they do right but what they don't do wrong. The fact that Nickelback isn't among the hordes of bands screaming indignantly at an anonymous wrong-doer simply known as "you" is reason for applause. Diggin' This and One Last Run went over very well with the residents of general admission as I recall. The last two songs, Not Leavin' Yet and Hold Out Your Hand flow together very nicely. The acoustic version of Leader of Men is out of place and excessive I think. It disrupts the flow of the album which was very maintained before. The acoustic version should have just been relegated to be a B-Side released with the single of the original Leader of Men. Its addition to the album is my only problem with the flow of The State. Keep an eye on this band and you will very likely see what would have become of Stone Temple Pilots had Scott Weiland not been a smack addict. The heavy, loud, yet articulate tracks are all good listening (ie - no filler). If you pick up this band now you'll be one of the cool people who liked them before they really got going. |
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