Here And Now

Nickelback is one my guilty pleasures when it comes to music, they receive a lot of hate but I feel like they released some good albums and music over the years. For the most part they release enjoyable radio-rock and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Music is just that, it creates diverse opinions from different people. I've been a fan since The Long Road in 2003, got the previous albums before that and the follow ups as well. Here And Now is Nickelback's seventh studio album and they return with that slick polished sound that for the most part works just fine. The band decided to produce this album themselves this time around and don't really go too far away from Dark Horse or All The Right Reasons. Some think that the lyrics are too trashy or dirty etc, well Nickelback produces great ballads and catchy tunes but they're also a Rock'N'Roll band who does what they want, think about it. A lot of those songs are about having a good time, and sometimes that involves sexuality and alcohol (ok a LOT of the time).

"This Means War" is a ferocious, heavy opener and one of my favorite tracks here. This is one of the heaviest things they recorded, sounds very powerful a true fist-pumper. "Bottoms Up" is an excellent alcohol-inspired tune; this one is all about filling your cup and drinking the night away until there is nothing left. Maybe not family or radio-aimed but its catchy and very Rock'N'Roll-like. "When We Stand Together" is one of the first singles and has already been receiving quite a bit of airplay in my area. I can't argue because it's a very good radio-friendly song that has strong appeal, it has "made for radio" written all over it and its not new territory. It's been criticized but I can't help but like it. I find "Midnight Queen" to be rather boring and nothing special but that's just me. "Gotta Get Some More" is a girl-hunting track, all about spotting that girl on the dance floor. A slow rocker, I like the breakdown on this track. "Lullaby" can simply be described as beautiful, the lyrics make it somewhat of a comforting ballad. The piano is a nice touch and it stands out, not usual for a Nickelback song. "Kiss It Goodbye" is instantly catchy, it has a strong driving beat and it just works very well. "Trying Not To Love You" is not a bad song but it's too sappy and generic for my taste, it's just not special lyrically or otherwise. "Holding On To Heaven" is slightly better but I think a problem with Here And Now is the ballads. While they worked great on their previous albums here they're a little tiresome and too formulaic even for Nickelback, just my thought. "Don't Ever Let It End" is a great song to close the album, its ballad territory here and basically a feel good song with lyrics about being good friends with someone, wanting more but being afraid of love ending the relationship altogether. I've been there before and the song is very laid back, I quite like it.

Nickelback have always taken heat from critics and haters but somehow, somewhere people must like them because they manage to sell millions of albums when no one (not literally but...) buys CDs. Theirlast four albums Silver Side Up (2001) 6X Platinum, The Long Road (2003) 3X Platinum, All The Right Reasons (2005) 8X Platinum, and Dark Horse (2008) 3X platinum. At this point if someone takes the time to post a review of much they hate Nickelback its getting lame, the band won already give up. I'm still going to bet that Here And Now is going to sell and that it will plenty of airplay on radio just like their other albums, some songs are excellent heavy rockers while there are some more melodic tracks and ballads that have commercial radio appeal. Sales and radio airplay don't necessarily mean the music is good but I always had a soft spot for Nickelback.

If you've enjoyed the past two Nickelback albums in particular I don't see why you wouldn't like this one as well, it's probably not better or as good than either All The Right Reasons or Dark Horse but it comes somewhat close and comes off as another good Nickelback album. If you're a fan you're bound to like at least some of the songs here, if you never liked Nickelback what are you doing reading this? Here And Now has been receiving some criticism and that was to be expected, I don't this is anything musicaly challenging its just good commerical Rock. To me Here And Now is a 4/5, I knew what to expect an for the most part wasn't disappointed, not their greatest but I feel it's a good album worth a listen.

This couldn't be any better, the quality of the pressing in Analog format is awesome. Good 'ole Canadian music! Keep up the work, boys!

This album was great from the first track to the last, very enjoyable, and great Canadian music, a must have for any rock and roll collection.