NICKELBACK
THE STATE
MARCH 7, 2000
"Breathe", the third single released from this album, is the track that is on the map to letting all listeners know this band is the real deal. The band as a whole has an incredible way of mixing some heavy metal vocals with melodic underbelly pure Rock 'N' Roll. It is in no way over after the first track, as "Cowboy Hat" is the perfect chaser, mixing slower bridges and grabbing the listener in all the quiet moments then pushing the tempo while raising the sound.
Kroeger is a rare breed of lyricist where words come so naturally once a song idea emerges. It could be a crazy concept but I have a feeling he has only begun to tap into his talents. I Once asked Kristy Knight to play one of their early songs on her station 97.7 HITZ FM out of St. Catherine's, ON Canada, but I was denied as the radio station's format is not set up for local music. I Always wondered what song/songs he proposed for her to play at The WhiteHouse of Rock; could this have been one that might have been the big break? Did the song/songs have the potential to propel the band to early stardom? We will never know as the band worked hard and made it on their own. Now the station has to pay them to play NICKELBACK music.
"Deep" draws deep into the feel of what the band is really promoting on this CD. It gives every member a moment to shine and show their worth within the band. I have never been one to accept lead singers doing their own backup vocals, as it does not come across the same at the live shows. Soundboard tweaking becomes the backup singer because it is rare that members of the band can duplicate what is recorded for the CD. Having said that, NICKELBACK's background vocals are often a little buried and sketchy which leaves the door open for anyone to contribute live and duplicate the recordings.
"Not leaving Yet" is a good song that possibly should have appeared a little earlier on the disc but ignites life into the final tracks of the CD. This is just another stepping stone to stardom for this band from Vancouver, Canada, who have their future locked in their own hands. Many bands coming out are unable to continue to write what they want, play how they feel, and have a structured writing process. NICKELBACK seems to have everything they need to keep getting better, but can they see through the fog of time on the road? I for one am a believer.
NICKELBACK is like a hockey or football team who's destiny is in their own hands; if they win they go to the big game but lose and they go home. They are built for greatness, but can they make it to the big game?
11/29/10
RUSTY
3/7/00