Review
Let's take a cruise down Nickelback's "The Long Road." This mid-2000s offering is not just any release—it swerved the band's signature vibe into heavier territory. Dropping on September 23, 2003, it packed in thunderous downtuned guitar riffs and introduced double bass drumming—killer stuff thanks to drummer Ryan Vikedal. With tunes like "Flat on the Floor" and "Because of You," they've jettisoned full-speed into more aggressive soundscapes. But don't sweat, for those who dig the softer side, there are chill moments in tracks such as "Someday" and "Should've Listened" that provide a bit of serenity amidst the storm.
Chad Kroeger didn’t shy away from some intense themes lyrically, hitting on breakup woes, motivations, and other deep thoughts. "Throw Yourself Away" especially stands out, as it touches upon dark subject matter with daring honesty. The album sold like hotcakes, nabbing a triple-platinum status, which isn’t bad for a stroll down "The Long Road," eh? Despite Nickelback getting a mixed bag of reviews concerning lyrics and production, fans continue to amp up their adoration for this standout record. The subsequent tour was top-notch too, rolling out with cool opening acts like Trapt and Three Days Grace before waving goodbye to Vikedal. Definitely a wild ride worth checking out! - Derek
