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NICKELBACK - The Long Road
The astronomic global success of Silver Side Up has placed the
band under the scrutinizing spyglass to produce one equally accomplished,
if not superior. But, if the brothers Kroeger and their band do not top
the catchy power ballad essence of How You Remind Me, we wouldn't
want them to replicate it for the sake of replication either. Here the
Canadians draw upon the life changing experiences and ups & downs due
to the previous album's achievement. This is reflected in the album title.
It not only refers to the figurative travel of life's route and the trials
& tribulations a band encounters along the way to get to the top, but
also the physical road of the touring band and all that goes along with
it. That chosen lifestyle becoming an all-consuming beast that can make
or break you. Relationships can crumble and disintegrate, its subject
often materializing on this album. Sacrifices have to be made and basic
personal things get neglected - this ending up as subject matter within
the bigger picture of success - its symbiotic relationship often conflicting.
Fake people cross your path and the fans become your lifeblood (as on
the closer, See You At The Show). Songs like Figured You Out
takes a look at temporary gratification (sexual or otherwise) and the
thrill of excess and fame which soon grows stale. In stead of toning it
down, they crank it even more in places. Together with Joey Moi, Nickelback
has produced a solid rock album that will appeal to both radio listeners
and commercial despising rock fans alike.
4 / B
- Paul Blom
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