Although this is the first release on a major label for this Vancouver-based band, and is being promoted as a debut, this is officially the band’s second album.
This time around, they’ve received some help from singer David Draiman and guitarist Dan Donegan of Disturbed. They have now been signed to Intoxication Records (an offshoot of Reprise) that was launched by Donegan and Draiman. Donegan obviously displays some faith in the band, as he produced some of the songs as well.
If you have their self-titled indie album, you’ll notice some songs have been carried over to this one. Six tracks to be exact. These songs have been slightly tweaked by rock super-producer Howard Benson. Essentially, they’re the same songs with some minor guitar changes, different drum fills, added effects etc. The vocals are now slightly more gritty and aggressive as well. This was probably done to have some cohesiveness between the old songs, and the new ones added to this album.
“Get Through This” was always a great song, and should’ve been a hit single for them back in 2007. Maybe it’ll get the recognition it deserves with this release. Adam Gontier of 3 Days Grace provides some guest vocals on “Raining”, which is a perfect fit considering these two bands do share the same DNA. If catchy ballads can bring success for “Hinder”, the tracks “I Will Be There” and “Best I Can” should do the same for these guys. “You Don’t Know Me” really represents this band: catchy choruses, great riffs, and easily accessible songs.
I think quite a few singles could be lifted from this album. It’s very solid, with few filler tracks. It's totally made for rock radio, and I guess that's the point. If mainstream success was what this band wanted, this might just be the album that delivers it. Recommended listening.
The name Nickelback originates from the nickel in change that member Mike Kroeger gave customers at his Starbucks job. He would frequently say "Here´s your nickel back."
