2.53 PM Thursday, 28 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:57 06:11 12:27 15:53 18:37 19:51
28 March 2024

High on sound, low on taste

(GETTY IMAGES)

Published
By Hannah Ayres

Expectations are high as Dark Horse (Roadrunner), the sixth studio album from Nickelback, pictured, faces a monumental challenge of repeating the success of their multi-platinum hit, All the Right Reasons, which sold eight million copies.

Their previous outing featured seven number one singles; it will be remarkable if Dark Horse manages four.

Even after roping in the talented producer Mutt Lange (AC/DC, Shania Twain) the only track that stands out on the album is Gotta Be Somebody. But fans expecting another Photograph or Animal are in for a disappointment.

The Canadian post-grunge band seem hung-up on metalheads Metallica, but their sound loses out on depth and the energy. Something in Your Mouth is a perfect example, lacking in taste and captivation. Gotta Meet the Hottie faces a similar fate with meaningless lyrics to match. The stereotypical subject matters for a rock band are present, but yet they get it so wrong. Worse, Chad Kroeger's vocals are scratchier and sound significantly strained in comparison with their earlier work. The band aims for redemption with tracks Just to Get High, I'd Come for You and Never Gonna Be Alone. But it comes a little too late.