Why So Much Nickelback Hate?!
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- Опубліковано 22 чер 2022
- Why does everyone hate Nickelback?! It can't be everyone after you realise how commercially successful they are. What is about them that rubs people or maybe even you up the wrong way? How You Remind Me was a HUGE hit, yet it seemed to be ridiculed immensely at the same time. Nickelback have been lauded as one of the best and also one of the worst bands of our time! How can this be? Do they really deserve the hate? Comment below, let's debate.
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Had a roommate in college who was in a "Creed, Hinder, and Nickelback tribute band" called Crindleback, that really leaned into the more ridiculous side of things. It was both horrible and hilarious.
@Who GAF Tremonti's solo band is really great!
oh my fucking god
@@badesee5653 he is great in alter bridge too
this comment made my year..thank you.
This is the only way I could ever truly listen to Nickelback
Chad Kroeger actually said in an interview that he studied successful pop songs and broke down the formulas for exactly what made them successful, and applied those formulas to his songwriting.
So really a lot of people hate Nickelback so much for this and two other key reasons:
1. They are formulaic and they admit to being formulaic, and it's obvious from listening to a lot of their music that they are formulaic (see "How You Remind Me Of Someday")
2. They were *trying* to be big from the beginning, and they come across as a band that was *trying* to be big from the beginning. And to be fair, a lot of bands who actually are trying to be big from the beginning are good at coming across like they weren't. People tend to gravitate toward bands that either got big by accident or are at least good at covering up the fact that they were trying to be big from jumpstreet.
3. Chad Kroeger's lyric writing style is very on the nose. There's very little subtlety in it - see "Animals" or "Photograph". A lot of people don't like on-the-nose songwriting and prefer some subtlety and coding.
That said, there are way worse bands out there than Nickleback and a lot of the hate for them is excessive and unwarranted. They may be generic formulaic post-grunge, but there are far worse things out there than a generic formulaic post-grunge band.
Also, the actual story of the way Nickelback got their name is way less cool than what you came up with. One of the band members worked at a coffee shop at a time when coffee was 45 cents and when customers would come in and pay for their coffee with two quarters he would give them... wait for it... a nickel back.
Et alors ??
The last paragraph doesn’t even say anything, that’s a more interesting backstory for a name than most artists have anyway wtf 😭 and everything you said was subjective af
@@Garrillagamer
Well said.
It's easy to say the things that one feels or believes is supposedly wrong about Nickelback.
And claim that "a lot of people" are against them for this reason and that reason.
Whilst on the other hand, there are also "a lot of people" who don't feel and think the same way and would totally disagree.
Which does makes the OP's opinions purely subjective.
To relentlessly attack the members of Nickelback for supposedly only being "generic" or "mainstream" or "formulaic", just comes from people who only ever hear and harshly judge the band from their most popular songs, the ones that were flogged to death on the radio.
The haters clearly haven't listened to much (or any) of their other songs, to make a more genuinely fairer assessment of the band overall.
Heck, I'm pretty sure even Justin has attempted to make music that is "formulaic" for one reason or another. You can see it in the way he talks about music and the formula to making music, popular or otherwise.
So, just because someone happens to openly admit to attempting that style of music, doesn't make them bad musicians, at all. I simply just see that as them being extremely honest.
After all, you KNOW that so many other bands have done the exact same thing, whilst they actually pretend that they weren't trying to achieve any sort of fame in the process or they happen to word it differently.
Most of the huge and classic rock bands over the decades were all about wanting to "hit the big time", "become rich and famous", "be like The Beatles", etc. (Ironically, "Rockstar" is just what that is all about).
Yet, the Nickelback haters seem to forget all of those many other bands, simply because those other bands didn't go into details about how they tried to become famous, how THEY TOO formulated their music to be more appealing to a more mainstream &/or wider audience. Or they just conveniently ignore what many in those bands have also said during interviews over the years.
As for the OP's first (so-called) reason why the band are so disliked. Well, that was actually covered by the OP in their first paragraph.
So it amuses me to read the OP make that look like yet another reason, that is apparently different from their opening paragraph.
I love them for rocking up for one of the last gigs Vinnie Paul did in memory of his passed away brother Dimebag Darrell and Chad Kroeger even jumped in when Vinnie offered him to play the drums on one song. They got my respect for that for eternity, because not a lot of people outside of hardcore Pantera fans showed up actually. And their latest song has a riff in it played by Chad Kroeger that got strong Pantera influences. R.I.P. Dimebag and Vinnie
4:40 I had a little chuckle to my self and thought I reckon Justin went back to these chords after he had finnished with this video jamming around with them possibly to see if he could get a song from it.. just the way he was playing the chords he was getting into it... Love these videos they really are good for the soul in such strange times. Thanks for taking the time to make these
Justin I just found you & The Darkness a week or so ago...fucking love everything you do! I find you wildly entertaining, compelling...extremely difficult to stop watching and or listening to....and WOW The Darkness live looks & sounds like what a rock band should look and sound like. Your songs are written so well. There's line after line and phrases that other artist word the same....the message might be similar but you guys word it better or different, you know. I love watching each band member play.....its awesome how the crowds are 100% into it👍👍👍👏👏👏. I really don't want to sound like I'm gushing TOO MUCH....but its not everyday you find something this fucking enjoyable. I shared some of you guys to a friend...who replied. "EURO ROCK" HELL YEA ... he didn't know I didn't know...so he's thinking back and telling me his favorite, too. OK I'll stop but yea....I FUCKING LOVE IT ALL. and fully subscribed, alerted, etc etc. BIG FAN OF YOU AND THE DARKNESS!
You're all in, baby!
Have you heard "heart explodes"? It's awesomely beautiful and fantastic! I just discovered that one, been listening to all their albums since I discovered this channel. J.h. is so talented and an absolute wealth of information! 😍 Him!
@@maryfields1111 Mary....I too LOVE Heart Explodes...it was my 1st as well....once I watched their live old and new performances....HOOKED...I AM HOOKED!
@@lorriedmussett4692 likewise ! I started listening to them a long time ago, when permission to land came out, but thru this channel I've discovered they are much more than I ever saw before! Love all of their material, isn't it awesome?! Glad to have met you thru this platform...music....bringing people together is always great! Cheers to j.h. for bringing that about!
@@maryfields1111 It really is all due to JH. I may have mentioned it but it was his analysis ( by request ) of Bon Jovi .....my high school, full door poster, heart throb where JH was my 1st baby step towards this all. It doesnt hurt that JH is about as sexy as they come...add to that he absolutely knows what hes talking about, then the ACTUAL MUSIC FROM THE DARKNESS is sonically amazing to hear. i hate i never heard of them til now...but also super excited they got back together when they did...and still touring. They sound as good live resently and just as fucking great at the 2004 and 2011 live gigs they have on their YT channel. So cool to connect with another, here on his channel, which is what he seems to really thrive on....your right....music brings us together...i love it all...CAN NOT STOP WATCHING THEM PLAY. Other favs at this moment is Open Fire...he looks so fucking badass in that video. Love Is Only A Feeling...is outstanding sound..his voice gets a bit raspy which i love. great vocals, Soild Gold...fantastic......Mary you take care and maybe we will cross messages again!!!!! THANK YOU JUSTIN HAWKINS
The channel just gets better and better. Thanks for all of the work that you & your producer put into this for our entertainment.
Thank you!!
I hope it's actually Justin who replies. That would be cool.
amazing how many people give money to this guy..already rich and just telling that everything's great you know because the guy is up there so he swims in positive energy and want to be sure that every one is a witness of this... You want a real real real entertainment by a super duper musician?>>>> Pat Finnerty, this guy is a jewel of youtube.
@@adlabbio and that’s your opinion - which you are entitled to. Myself? I’ll enjoy whoever’s content (and support them however) I please. Have a great day.
@@adlabbio geeeez
I'd argue they're divisive for the wrong reason. Their music comes across as a calculated product rather than coming from someplace personal. You have fans who love the dependability of the product and you have those who despise the perceived artificiality and hollowness of it all. And the self-seriousness brooding manliness of their image didn't help. To be fair, a lot of Nickelback hate is kind of a cultural pile-on phenomenon where hating Nickelback becomes more of a communal bonding activity than anything else.
Yes, they came off as a Corporate Band and that implies soulless. I do not like them, but I just do not like the songwriting, nothing else. The can play and sing though. The Darkness are good players too, but I do not like all of their songs. I love Justin here more than his band. He has a warm soul, a great talent, and is thoughtful young man.
@@teedee2689 They just replaced Creed as the most hated rock band primarily due to popularity/exposure. Creed had some genuinely well crafted songs, and so did Nickelback. I never got into Nickelback and I kinda despised them before it was trendy. Looking back, there was no justification for outright hate. They had some solid bangers like "Animals" and "Rock Star."
@@pluckyduck11y I agree. It may not be "hatred", as that term has been used and abused for political aims and social engineering. I think "annoying" is a little better. Creed had some good riffs etc. The singer, apparently later found to be Bi-Polar, was over the top and now we know why. The industry did exploit that though. Poor bloke was bonkers. Yikes! Cheers mate!
Well said
@@pluckyduck11y "despised them before it was trendy"....... you absolute plonker
This channel has become my “feel good” channel. Whenever I’m feeling down, or a bit off, I check out one of these videos and it’s an escape for a few minutes. Thank you Justin, and keep doing what you do!
Me too.
Even after the Nickleback episode? ;)
@@theburntcrumpet8371 haha yes, Justin Hawkins is an international treasure and I’ll forgive him for subjecting me to Nickelback 😂
Same here, I also like that he genuinely knows what he’s talking about and what he says is so articulately delivered
The live of "Burn it to the ground" is flawless! Amazingly good guitar riffs.
i'm in the burn it to the ground video. it was filmed at the 02 concert i was at :o)
Seen them 4 times in concert. They always put on a great show. Vocals everything on point. Always chant we want our Nickle Back at the end of the show for them to come out for an encore. Never had a bad experience. If they toured again I would buy a ticket in a heart beat.
Yeaaaa, see that's kinda wholesome ngl
Went to see Stabbing Westward at the Starfish Room in Vancouver in the late 90s. Opening band was Nickelback and I'd never heard of them. They played hard and raw and blew away Stabbing Westward. My buddy and I could tell they were going somewhere big. Been a fan ever since and ignore all the haters. And they supported another great Vancouver band Default.
Bravo bien dit 👍
Justin, I love you! I just found your channel this month. I love how, by ear, you're able to pick up your guitar and play whatever song you may be discussing. I've found your few discussions on topics other than music/musicians also quite good as well. I had a dream last week in which the word parlance was used and I realized I had heard it on your show earlier that day. Highly enjoyable and educational, I look forward to each new one you put out. Cheers!
Hey dude, honestly i love you! I saw you by accident in 2003 at Leeds and just loved the image, the sound and the vocals! Haha i used to love Nickelback back in the day, they kinda hit me with where i was in my life at the time. 'Too Bad' kinda resinanted with me and my emotional state in life. But the way i see it people can enjoy what they like and others should just get on with it. Cheers for the years of joy! Much love dude!
Great video and commentary, as usual, Justin. You are as entertaining speaking as you are performing music.
As far as Nickleback; I feel the same way about them as I do about bands like Foo Fighters and Staind, etc. I don't like them but I don't hate them. I just don't want to hear them. Sometimes I feel people hate these bands because they can hear there is something catchy but they don't necessarily like it. They get sick of hearing it all the time on the radio and it turns to hate. Just a theory.
I believe your theory is right
I think it's honestly just that people are miserable looking for something to hate. The same goes for all the internet trolls. "Misery Loves company".
I've never understood the hatred towards Nickleback. I had the opportunity to see them live in concert a few years back and was completely blown away. For one thing Chad is an incredible vocalist. He was perfectly on pitch and effortlessly hitting all of the high notes the entire two hour show. I mean not one sour note. And his band mates played oh so well. I say to all of the naysayers to check them out live and they will most likely appreciate what a great band they are.
They mix a lead vocal track under his voice via pro tools. It gets mixed in louder some nights than others.
@@Fearzero oh dear. I see. Well that's a shame. But he did sound good whatever the reason.
@@jenniferrichardson8474 Most artists do this. In the era of UA-cam too much damage can be done to a brand if a bad performance leaks.
@@Fearzero well that wasn't the case when I twice saw them. He frequently dropped out to absolute silence from the lead vocal track, I'm not saying it doesn't happen but it is perhaps implemented whenever he is feeling a little tired or for high profile shows. As an aside I am a vocal coach/touring singer and I personally feel that he is a fabulous vocalist with a great voice, but like everything it is down to personal taste.
@@mav4578 He came to one of my gigs here in BC. He's friends with the bar manager there. I heard him up close after on my acoustic guitar with about 7 of us after the bar had cleared out. Not good lol. My wife said after 'that guy has a record dea'l lol! So ya little smoke and mirrors going on live vs LIVE.
As a 32 year old Brit, I find it astonishing that anyone hasn’t heard of the darkness - I keep seeing people just discovering you in the comments. Truly you were the soundtrack to my youth and have continued into adulthood. Love The Darkness - saw you in Margate in 2019 and it was just as awesome as when I saw you at reading in 2003 (I think it was 3…).
The Darkness "I believe in a thing called love" was the music bed of my wedding video (done by the Branches for its tempo) but excellent band and great music and of course Justin is incredible for many reasons.
@sarahdenyer5423
Perhaps they're younger people.
Or anyone who simply wasn't around, comes from a country that didn't play their music on the radio or was not into listening to the radio at all back when The Darkness first became globally known.
There's many reasons why people don't always know about so many artists that have ever existed. Heck, I'm almost 50 and still finding new music that appeals to me, that was once really popular and I was unaware.
And thanks to things like UA-cam, so many more people get to discover things they'd never heard of before.
For that, we can be grateful.
Saw them live twice here in South Africa around 10 years ago. They killed it. Also met Chad and his brother, Mike. Down to earth. They nicest guys and they really really know what they're doing. If you see a live show you'll see it's a proper hard rock show. LOUD.
I agree.. saw them live in 2006 n was blown away. Saw them again 12 years n they did not lose a step. If ppl would just get over this “hate on them” mentality n give them a chance, they’d be pleasantly surprised
nickleback.. hard rock?? are you sure you know what hard rock is? not trying to be a dick, but if there is one thing i know in this world, is that Nickleback aint nothin to do with no hard rock. The only way you can link it to "Rock" is by inserting the word "Pop" in front of "Rock" because that is truly what Nickleback is, easy listening, "Pop Rock" ..
@@raidermaxx2324 Their live shows are hard rock.
@@raidermaxx2324 Obviously spoken by someone who has never listened to anything outside of the "radio songs".
@@neilsherer1766
Spot on.
Clearly, @raidermaxx2324 knows nothing about Nickelback's catalogue of music beyond the realm of their mainstream radio stuff.
And therefore, cannot claim to know anything in this world about rock music.
'Burn It To The Ground' and 'The Betrayal Act III' are just a couple of examples of their hard rock style.
Along with some covers they've done by other great rock and metal bands over the years. Not saying the covers are their own music, just what they're truly capable of.
I think Justin hit the nail on the head: familiarity breeds contempt; they were on the radio every time I turned it on for years - if you know someone or something very well, you can easily become bored with them and stop treating them with respect. For me, they have always been a little goofy - trying hard to be cool. I like performers with natural charisma that don't have to try so hard, like Justin Hawkins.
I hated it the first time I heard it. Still hate it.
I think it just showed you how bad the state of Rock was in when this was the only decent rock tracks radio worthy. It was not a great time for Rock N Roll. Over exposure and overplayed to death when their music wasn't bad but not rock stadium worthy.
@@bartsullivan4866
If you actually think that Nickelback's music is not "rock stadium worthy", then you clearly haven't seen them live amongst a massive crowd.
@eddieoiler2958
And if you think that the guys in Nickelback are all about "trying to be cool", you clearly know nothing about the band and have not seen them during many of their interviews.
Chad and the guys are the first to admit that they don't think they're "cool", at all.
And certainly don't want to appear like they're trying to be cool, nor take their own band so seriously.
Chad has told interviewers several times that he gets annoyed when the band do things like photoshoots and they're just being themselves, the goofballs they like to be, laughing at themselves, joking around, etc.
But when it's near the end of the shoot, the photographer will ask them to give them a bit of attitude. And then that is the pic the photographers, magazine editors, etc, always end up going with.
Chad has said it time and again, that it's a massive misrepresentation of their band.
And sadly, it's people like you that have been sucked in and bought into all of that.
Honestly, check out some of their interviews.
The guys in Nickelback are certainly not as pretentious and such, that so many of the haters tend to think they are.
I'm not saying that you'll begin to like or love them, you don't have to.
Just saying, check them out properly and fairly, that's all. You may even be a little bit surprised with how they really are.
I have seen them live and actually do enjoy their music. Compared to all the rap/rock bands of that era not a lot of stuff compares to the rock bands of the 80s and early 90s. Hell I love 70's stadium rock as well. I think Nickelback is decent but lets not put them up there was Aerosmith, AC/DC, Van Halen, The Scorpions etc. I saw them in a small club before they really made it big and thought they had potential. I actually think The Darkness should be playing in stadiums because they are a blast live IMO. @@mebeme007
You better always keep your theme riff intro. The instant I see a thumbnail of your videos, I sing your theme in my head (aloud sometimes too). Love your channel so much.
Justin love your videos! Keep them coming!
I really have no idea why they get so much hate. Their first album was very good and they have continued to make hits over the years. When ACDC makes the same sounding songs over and over nobody complains, but when Nickelback does it they get all the hate...
I agree with your take on AC/DC. And I dislike them for the same reason I dislike Nickelback
@@donpietruk1517 fair
They definitely have a formula for songwriting. I wouldn't mind being so "unsuccessful" in the music business. Thanks, Justin.
Who ever said they weren’t successful? The reason why so many Canadians, like me, hate them… is entirely because of their success. They were constantly being played on everything. The song Justin plays here is their best song, easily.
I’ve never seen anyone say they aren’t successful. It’s more the opposite.
@@krusher181 I was responding to what Justin said and I was being sarcastic.
all songwriters study their songwriting heroes.... Chad even alluded to obsessing on his songwriting heroes.... this isn't anything new....
That's exactly the problem. It's a marketing formula that drives the success. Each album is a remix of the previous one and shows no musical growth and little variation. Very similar to bands like AC/DC and Journey from previous generations. There's a target audience that will continue to buy that sound as long as they keep churning it. They found a marketable sound and keep reissuing it ad nauseum. They're basically Spinal Tap in perpetuity.
@@donpietruk1517
Yes, their earlier stuff may have sounded like churned out, mainstream content.
However, you clearly know nothing about Nickelback in the last 10 years or so, if you actually think that Nickelback have shown no musical growth or any variation.
Absolutely my new go-to music related UA-cam channel......thank you!!
I love the way you fairly critique all manner of artists and performances.... and you have earnt the right to do that, after all you've been there, done it (still doing it) and worn the t shirt several times over.
So please can you give some time to my favourite artiste, Sting (of The Police) you may have heard of him. I believe he does not get the credit, from a musical point of view. Let's put the Lute, Shaggy and dodgy Puff Daddy remixes to one side. This man, together with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers created a body of work unlike no other, all done and dusted inside 6 years. Astonishing, there..... I can almost hear your words! Loving your work..........
My dislike stems from the fact that they're derivative "grunge lite" and I am/was a massive fan of the Seattle thing that exploded in my late teens. I look at Nickleback's success and feel that is what Screaming Trees deserved. Snob? Yeah probably. Having said that, they're less likely to make me change radio channel than Coldplay.
The last sentence made me chuckle with agreement.
Grunge itself was derivative. At least Nickelback can hold a tune unlike most of the flannel shirt wearing poseurs from Seattle.
Ugh, grunge lite is just so much ass.
It’s nice to see some appreciation for screaming Trees.
Coldplay ain’t thaaaat bad, they’re just also super derivative. Early stuff is clearly wannabe Radiohead
Loving this series. Saw you guys on the Isle of Man recently. Amazing as always. Please come back. Also I’m a Nickelback fan. 👍
Your videos have become a bit of a highlight of my day. I like your in depth analogy on this kinda topic oh and the recent videos of the vocal range of the older rock signers was really interesting. Keep them coming 😁 oh I don't know if you remember the gig but I seen darkness many years ago as a supporting act along with Linkin Park for metallica on the St Anger in the RDS Dublin. Ye rocked the socks off us that day
I loved your country interpretation. Please let us enjoy more of your improv with these songs. It's so impressive to hear you bring your musical prowess and interpretation to the songs
I’ve been a Nickelback fan since I was 14, so almost 20 years. I prefer the albums before Mutt Lange started working with them, but even so I like them all. When Chad’s on form, which he often is, he writes belter songs. Growing up as a Nickelback fan amongst a load of metalhead boys, I developed a thick skin too!
Nickelback are for me what David Essex is to my mum. The music I loved as a kid that I’ll have a soft spot for forever. I’ve seen them live maybe 8-10 times and they remain one of the best live bands I’ve seen.
In 2020 they announced an imminent documentary which has yet to surface. Should be an interesting watch. They have new music coming too.
As for the name, I think I read an interview once where they said one of the band worked at a Starbucks and would always say ‘here’s your nickel back’ when handing over change!
I have a lot of respect for how quickly Justin figures out these songs on guitar. His ear is phenomenal. I used to say I never had a "guilty pleasure" until I heard that "Rockstar" tune and then all of a sudden I did have a guilty pleasure. Oh well.
I’m sure that when I went to see Nickelback, Chad said that the bands name came from when he worked on a till and was always saying to people “Here’s your Nickel back” when giving change. Might have not got that quite right but, I’m sure it was along those lines.
Great video btw and looking forward to hopefully seeing you with Black Stone Cherry 🤘🤘🤘🎸🎸🎸
Yep, I remember reading this around 20 years ago. I think he worked at Starbucks.
Just got tickets to see you guys in Manchester next year, can’t wait! 🤘🏼
Justin, you are such a breath of positive fresh air. Ever thought of any collaboration videos with other creators? Pat Finnerty has a music-related channel that I also listen to, and although he can be more critical, it would be incredible to hear you two riff on a bit. He does a bit called "Little Stinkers" that you would be the Febreze for 🤣
Hey Justin, love your chanel. My oldest son and I love The Darkness. Looking forward to seeing you guys live next year 🤟
Ash
Cheers Ash!
Going with your "familiarity breeds contempt" makes me instantly think of James Blunt. A wickedly talented guy with real passion for his songs who loads of people hate because of one song with loads of airplay.
Yeah, but that one song was despicable enough to warrant it.
Oh god that name unlocked a long forgotten childhood memory in my brain, that song was everywhere
This is a GREAT example. It goes right to the heart of why some people hate them so much. Over exposure.
And a very good man as well.
Hey Justin, I absolutely love your channel. I'd love to get your perspective on bands/artists who experiment with different genres, sounds and styles. I know that many fans of certain artists get super upset if they stray outside of their normal genre/style of music. But I think that music is definitely a creative endeavor and as such musicians should be able to explore different sounds. They shouldn't be "boxed in". Wondering what your thoughts are on this. THANKS!!
Justin, just Hearing you noodle around with that song was brilliant, I would love to hear you cover that song
It’s rock for the sake of rock basically, better known as ‘butt-rock’. Distortion, hooks, gravelly voices, basically the most generic radio-friendly hard-rock elements that you can think of crammed into one band, and primarily enjoyed by schlubby, uncool dads who drive pickup trucks and miss the 80’s, (minus the flamboyant glam-metal aesthetic in favour of plain blue jeans, t-shirts, and beards). Daughtry also falls into this category as well. All I think of whenever I hear their music is the sound of beer cans opening and fart noises/belches.
It’s not art, it’s a product for people who still want to hear hard rock music for the sake of hearing hard rock music minus the glam campy elements. Sort of like when 80’s hair metal bands tried to go grunge in the early 90’s.
Thanks for the best explanation of this.
SUBSCRIBED! I've watched all this time without subscribing. I didn't want yet another channel to keep up with. Still, I end up watching nearly immediately every single video J.H. posts. I love the guy. My younger brother, who we recently lost way too soon, and I loved J.H. and TheDarkness. I still do. As guitar players from the 80s ourselves, we lost our minds when we first heard them. Who is this? like a lot of folk, we allowed that, as great as they are, they're 20 years too late.. Moving on; My Bro and I were known among fam and friends for using outdated and sometimes just made up phrases and words.. we used "cut of a man's jib" like it was the 1930s. Today when J.H. used the term "Partnershipery" then, just a few sentences later, he said "Sometimes you have a jib the cut if which is not to everybody's liking" it was like my brother was talking through him telling me "Subscribe already". (Though I know he wasn't). So... I did.
Ok, I’m writing this comment whilst watching the video and it’s based on the video title alone.
I think the problem is that they’re just bland. There’s nothing there really, just bog standard rock n roll. No character or anything unique within their music at all. I think that’s why they’re so divisive, I’d put money on the majority of people that don’t like them are probably rock musicians that feel it’s annoying that a band so monumentally average have achieved so much. (I’m one of them).
They are just not exceptional in technique or feel. This leads me nicely into a question for you Justin. Which do you think is more important in a rock band or indeed any music, technique or feel?
Love the channel my guy, thank you for the content.
Love to hear you flesh out that country version you touched on. Full cover. Maybe then I could love this song. Hahaa
You are a pleasure to watch. Thank you for the work and love you put into this channel.
I remember Nickelback's rise and fall and, at the time, loved post-grunge. And to the best of my memory and judgment:
(i) they arrived too late, at a time when post-grunge's popularity had already peaked (~2 years after Creed took over the charts with Human Clay), so ongoing success created tension with mainstream trends, (ii) their biggest hits received too much airplay and oversaturated the market, (iii) Photograph was a truly horrible song, (iv) they released Photograph, and thus achieved peak cringe, when the internet was well-developed, poised to react and remember, and (v) even for the era, Kroeger's haircut was pretty painful.
Edit: added the word "to"
Post Grunge???
I've been thinking about this a lot in the last year or so, and while I haven't been able to fully flesh out all of my thoughts, I keep coming back to the fact that one reason might be that Kroeger's lyrics are often appealing to women.
When Kroger's songs aren't overtly written to evoke emotions (Far Away, If Everyone Cared, Lullaby, I'd Come For You, Someday, Savin' Me, etc...), the more dirty songs are often written *exactly* like a 'bad boy' character in a romance novel or chick flick (S.E.X., Next Contestant, How You Remind Me, Animals, Something In Your Mouth, Home, She Keeps Me Up, etc...).
They're hated because they appealed to a wide enough audience that they went mainstream, but that doesn't make them bad, that makes them successful.
(Like, for research purposes, I would love to know the age and gender demographics for people that love them as well as those that hate them, I think it would be fascinating.)
Hi Justin , love your work on this channel and with the Darkness. About Dad rock , it doesn't get more Dad rock than Jeff Lynne. ELO critique maybe? Can't wait to see you guys in NZ again.
Justin could you do a video on the band Breaking Benjamin? Thanks and love you videos! 🤟
Chaz Kreuger tried to ruin my best friend's band (this is a 100% true story except for the parts I might be misremembering, this happened like 10-12 years ago). He was in a hard rock/stoner metal band that got approached by 604 records, Kroeger's label. they were offered all the benefits you could imagine; marketing, studio time, merch, the whole nine. So they go in to do some demos with a producer 604 set them up with, and he immediately starts to erase everything cool about their sound. Their guitars? re-amped through 5150s and mixed to be washed out and buzzy. Their drums? quantized and given a light telephone filter. Vocals? Over-compressed and too loud in the mix. One of the guitar solos was just straight up removed. Yeah, my friend and his band were not impressed and when they confronted the producer over turning them into 'nickelback-lite', he basically threw up his hands and said that the label have a sound they like. He said that sure, he could change things back to how the band wanted, but they might not fit into 604's plans. The boys were like "then why the fuck did they approach us at all" and, understandably, peaced out.
Devils advocate but Stoner metal is the fucking worst I'd have changed their sound too maybe add some melody & get rid of that 20 minute track not everyone likes dream theatre as much as you guys lol
@@WhatwouldRoddyPiperdo >stoner metal
>dream theatre
kay bud. I defs trust your taste in metal.
@@WhatwouldRoddyPiperdo That's like, totally your opinion, man.
@@vorpalguy Dude I never got into hipster metal I listen to honest shit with no gimmick like Pantera/Machinehead/Biohazard/Suicidal tendencies I'm 40 I don't need gatekept by a kid full transparency. And "Def's" why do you talk so fucking wanky like an 80s valley girl just say definitely.
@@WhatwouldRoddyPiperdo
>shit with no gimmick
I'm sorry you hate fun, also there's no gatekeeping here, just pointing out that you clearly don't understand what sound these dudes were going for if you think fucking dream theatre is an accurate comparison. now there's a bunch of wankers. can't stand dt.
It's very refreshing to get these perspectives, so first off a big thank you for doing this.
But how are you (or are you) avoiding copyright strikes?
Justin, you do a justice to the songs that others may love to hate. You always help to point out the divided opinions when we might otherwise accept the statute quo. If a song like this is popular it's because it communicates well, and that's gotta get respect. Many bands and acts are known best for the work which they'd like to put behind them or not have to bring out on tour. This isn't one of them songs luckily though. Ask the live crowd.
Contrived soulless music for people who like their music from robots. I don't spend any time hating Nickelback, I just ignore them completely and listen to music that has emotion played by human beings. You know, like Kraftwerk.
Nickelback are humans too 🤨😂
Truly sick burn. Well played.
Ah yes, the 'feelings and emotions' argument, typically deployed by snobs with the emotional range of an angler fish.
@@pseudonymlifts2 you sir have made me laugh. I wholeheartedly agree that it is a dumb argument, and it says a lot more about the person using the argument than it does about the music they’re talking about.
Music is subjective, Nickelback had obviously struck a “chord” with millions of people for their time and that’s undeniable. Even if I may not like a certain song or band it doesn’t render it “soulless” or make “me” more superior because I don’t like it.
(Hearing their old stuff makes me feel nostalgic, since I was literally a child at the time when they hit it big, I’ll be damned if someone thinks lesser of me because of petty things)
@@pseudonymlifts2 have you heard nickelback? It sounds auto generated. If anything is emotionless and made to be big on the radio… it was them. As a Canadian, I couldn’t escape this band. They were everywhere all the time.
They maybe have 1-2 decent songs, but even bands like Creed have 1-2 good songs.
The thing I find interesting is Canadian music. It seems they have done really formula based artists, Nickleback, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain and then you have some real innovative and creative souls like Devin Townsend, The Tea Party, Neil Young, Rush and Daniel Lanios. Very interesting.
They don't hate NB. They just like to say they do.
Now before people get up a dander, remember you can't have a guilty pleasure unless it's socially "wrong".
I used to look sideways at them back in the day because it was just more pop music but then when the collaborations started happening you find out that not only is NB a solid group that makes their work drop by the numbers but that CK himself is a great producer.
I bet you that people like Chad Kroeger and Glenn Hughes would totally do coffee chats with you, not because you're a channel but because you're a peer they respect (and those are always great conversations). I think that's kind of why a lot of us tune in, we want the perspective and presentation you lend to it, which if that's what you're attempting to do, you're doing a good job at it. :-) Thanks for making the videos for us.
When you referenced Fly Away and tied the two together, that was profound. Subbed, your content rules man.
You actually gave me an appreciation for how good they are at melodies, but how plain everything else is. That really made me understand why they are so catchy yet ultimately unsatisfying. Really good hooks with no groove, evolution, energy or emotion.
This brings me back to 2003 when 2 of the first songs I learned to play on the guitar were "Love Is Only A Feeling" by the Darkness and "Someday" by Nickleback
I am not ashamed to say that I saw NickelBack way back before that song blew up for them. The Silver Side Up album had just come out and some friends of mine had an extra ticket. I think it was only about $25 if that and they were co-headlining at the Tabernacle in Atlanta with Saliva whom I think was actually the bigger band at the time. It was the day before Thanksgiving (a holiday in the US) my senior year of high school so it was a memorable experience for me.
I had never really paid much attention to NickelBack before, but both bands put on an absolutely energetic show. The opener was a band called Default and they also did well. After that I went and bought the Silver Side Up album and thought it was a pretty good album. I thought they were a great rock band. I even liked that Hero song they did on the Spider-Man soundtrack.
Then they released the follow up album. It really was watered down. I couldn’t listen to it. It felt like heartbreak. They had such good potential. They kept writing middle of the road hits. They could’ve been a rock band for the sake of rocking out. Instead they wrote that song “Rockstar” a trite piece of crap where the vocals never stop. I don’t hate them like everyone else. I’m just disappointed.
Saw them on the same tour, but Saliva was actually the opening band at the time I saw them. They were both amazing, and Saliva should have been a much bigger band than they were/are.
Still remember when Nickleback played in Portugal in a Metal festival and were sharing the day's lineup with Slipknot and Dimmu Borgir and were essentially "thrown" off the stage with bottles and rocks. They still tried to ask "Have we got any Nickelback Fans in Portugal? and Who wants to listen to some Rock & Roll?".
Chad actually took it really well, in an interview he talks about it says it was more the fault of their manager and people responsible for the lineup as to why they were ever booked to a Metal festival. Even said "If I was at a metal festival I wouldn't want to listen to Nickleback either"
Poor guys 😅
I've seen them in concert. I think they do a great show. Chad doesn't take himself too seriously and hosts a great time. My son is a drummer and admires Daniel Adair, who is amazing. It was actually fantastic.
I got dragged along to a Bon Jovi concert years ago - Nickelback were supporting. IMHO, they blew BJ out of the water and were worth the price of admission alone.
Nickelback is one of those bands like Limp Bizkit that is cool to hate. I used to listen to them a lot when I was in university. They surely don't deserve to be named the worst band, that's just redicilous. They are one of the most famous bands for that matter.
@@sermilion_audio I liked one Nickelback album, bought another one and didn't really care for it. Overall I find them to be a slightly below average rock band. Certainly not worthy of the zombie hatred. Especially since there are hundreds upon hundreds of far worse pop groups, pop stars and rappers. I still can't believe that hip hop got to be so popular, especially since it's so, so, SOOOOO much worse than it was in the 90s.
last time i saw them chad spit on a concert goer in the front row. it was not intended as anything other than contemptuous. sorry, but the entire experience was exhausting and unpleasant.
@@sermilion_audio Or it could just be their godawful music and attitudes.
I don't love or hate Nickelback...
...I choose to just ignore them.
Hey Justin, another great video :) have you heard their cover of Saturday nights alright for fighting'? I know its a cover but It absolutely rocks and Dimebag Daryl drops an awesome solo in there too!
I so love the E chord in your intro, and that deep 'again'
Origins of the name = One of them used to work @ Starbucks back in the day...
And a poplular drink with tax came to $4.95. People used to pay with $5 dollar bills and he would always ask "Would you like your Nickle back?
Even the name origin is boring as hell! Sure it was supposed to be something to do with weed.
Based on the snippet we heard I think we need a Justin Hawkin's country version of this song. Love the chicken pickin!
I think that "grid" thing is something that a lot of people don't like. The fact that it's so "perfect", everything being exactly on time and autotuned. The idea of what rock'n'roll is all about, at least for a lot of people, is that it's raw and rough. That seems to be where a lot of the power in rock music comes from. I remember seeing an interview with Status Quo and they talked about how their keyboard player (Andy Bown) had to be slightly drunk to play the intro to "Rockin' All Over The World" to give it that "just about to fall over itself" feel, and I think that's the trick with rock music. Not being drunk, but that feeling that the whole thing could collapse at any minute but it won't (if that makes sense). Rock'n'roll needs to be a little bit loose. It's a problem that goes beyond Nickleback. That's just the way a lot of modern producers seem to like to work. I know the Foo Fighters made a couple of albums with those sorts of producers and they seemed to lose something in that process. Funk on the other hand needs to be tight, and maybe if Nickleback had a funkier sound, that perfectly on the grid thing might not put as many people off. I think the other issue a lot of people have is that they come across as shallow and they don't seem to have any meaning to what they do. Their lyrics can be quite misogynistic too which can be off putting for some. It's like they've taken the spirit of 80s hair metal but without any of the fun or humour and they've muted the colour palette. With that said though, they are one of the highest selling bands in the world, playing to packed stadiums wherever they go, so it's not like it's not working for them. They have their audience so they shouldn't really be too concerned about what the rest of us think about them.
I don't know why, but, everytime i hear your intro the voice of freddie mercury in "my melancholy blues" from jazz comes in my mind.
Well actually i know why, because you're a great singer.
This channel is gold.
I'm surprised nobody answered how they got their name. One of them worked at Starbucks and most of the coffee was 4.95 so they'd get a nickle back. Heard that from an interview with them going way back. Love your channel Justin. Rock on
Many of us dislike them because their music is absolutely soulless and completely formulaic. Chad's writing doesn't come from the heart. He has admitted to researching the formulas that work well for writing hit songs. Artistic types do not take to this line of thinking very well - and rightfully so.
Great vids mate. Been watching a lot lately and am impressed by your knowledge of music in general. Keep it happening. Cheers :)
I didn't see this one out I'm afraid. It turns out not only can I not listen to Nickleback, I can not listen to someone else talk about Nickleback either.
Ok Baz 😂
😂
It used to be cool to hate on them, now it’s cool to say they are actually good. When, in fact, they’ve always been at the forefront of bland mediocrity. Inoffensive radio rock. It’s ambivalence for me.
Amen brotha
What annoyed me was them trying to sound like an edgy rock band when they were just a mediocre, bland formula band. Any bar piano player takes more musical risks on one evening than they have in their entire career.
I'm not sure that I ever felt offended by them, just deeply annoyed.
No it's still not cool to like nickelback
What makes this video is the out of sequence editing at the end then jumping back to sing the theme song!!
Well done Justin!
Hey Justin. Spent the evening listening to the majority of your catalogue. I think your band is Jellyfish from your recent video for many people. Friends of mine who aren’t into the Darky annoy the shit out of me. Please do a video analyzing your (imho) magnum opus “Live till I die”. Best song ever. Many thanks for an awesome UA-cam channel.
"Too Bad" slaps pretty hard. I was given two Nickelback albums when I was in college and though I haven't listened to them much in recent years, they were fine. I wasn't mad. I think the joke/meme that Nickelback sucks is more fun than actually shitting on their music for no reason. People said Creed sucked too, but their music is fine. I've heard much worse out of the music scene lately.
Yep !!!
Silver Side Up is still a kickass album...
@@ThatOddLife yeah that's one of the ones i have
I think what's off about them largely that it just doesn't feel genuine or natural. Too clean, too square, agreed it feels like there's no space or room for "air" in a way.
Much love to you Mr. Hawkins!♡
Very interesting. How do you feel about yoko ono??
Hi Justin, Love your channel. How about your take on Wales's finest, The Manic Street Preachers.
I think when Chad said "The Foo Fighters were Nickleback light." This brought a fair bit of hatred.
It wasn't the Foo Fighters, it was Stone Sour.
Hüsker Dü light if anything.
Both are grunge-lite. Foo Fighters are basically the exact same bland, middle-of-the-road, same-sounding normie rock band Nickelback are, but they avoid the hate because of nice guy Grohl.
I’m a huge nickelback fan. Loved them music for many years after I discovered them as my dad had their all the right reasons album. You either love them or hate them. I absolutely love their music. I personally don’t get the hate, I think it’s unnecessary.
The thing is, if you’re hating on them because you don’t like them or music at all then stay away from them and don’t judge people for listening to them. I’m not a fan of BTS or even Justin bieber but I don’t go around hating on them or judging people because they listen to the music.
Also to a note, one of nickelbacks songs got me through 2020. With all the covid stuff going on and not able to go to college and do all the sorts of stuff I was doing put me into a lot of stress. I wanted to kill myself. Though the song Lullaby (which is based on losing someone/suicide) got me through. If it wasn’t for that song, I most likely wouldn’t be here. Effectfully nickelback saved my life.
HI Justin, love to hear your view on Nothing But Thieves, Conor Mason such a powerful vocalist, excellent tunes, seen them on the last 3 tours, do excellent ballads like Impossible to great rock songs like Take This Lonely Heart and Amsterdam, they from Southend , best British band, since The Darkness.
I love these videos. It's not just great opinions, it's great music theory!
People got sick of Nickelback (myself included) during the "How You Remind Me" phase because it was over played on the radio. Now after years of not hearing it so often, I like that album again. I'm not a Nickelback super fan, I do enjoy some of their stuff. I think the hate was unknowingly created by radio DJs
Same could be said for Creed.
I saw them live once as my wife is a fan. They arent bad musicians, but it all felt so soulless and contrived. They have a handful of OK songs, but their 'rockstar' stage banter came across as overly staged and, well, fake (I'm sure it often is, but even more so with Chad and co)
Are you sure it is not your wife typing, and your wife went to the gig cause YOU are a fan? Mmmh
@@DanUpsLives lmfao good one
@@COSMOKRAT_616 i think it was more nicklesack sucks lol
@@DanUpsLives you got me!
Yes. They are not bad, just boring.
Lyrical gold ✨
I like your pants around your feet
And I like the dirt that's on your knees
And I like the way you still say "Please"
While you're looking up at me
You're like my favorite damn disease
And I love the places that we go
And I love the people that you know
And I love the way you can't say "No"
Too many long lines in a row
I love the powder on your nose
And now I know who you are
It wasn't that hard
Just to figure you out
(Now I did, you wonder why)
And now I know who you are
It wasn't that hard
Just to figure you out
(Now I did, you wonder why)
I like the freckles on your chest
And I like the way you like me best
And I like the way you're not impressed
While you put me to the test
I like the white stains on your dress
And I love the way you pass the check
And I love the good times that you wreck
And I love your lack of self-respect
While you're passed out on the deck
I love my hands around your neck
And now I know who you are
It wasn't that hard
Just to figure you out
(Now I did, you wonder why)
And now I know who you are
It wasn't that hard
Just to figure you out
(Now I did, you wonder why)
(Why not before, you never tried)
(Gone for good and this is it)
I like your pants around your feet
And I like the dirt that's on your knees
And I like the way you still say "Please"
While you're looking up at me
You're like my favorite damn disease
And I hate the places that we go
And I hate the people that you know
And I hate the way you can't say "No"
Too many long lines in a row
I hate the powder on your nose
And now I know who you are
It wasn't that hard
Just to figure you out
(Now I did, you wonder why)
And now I know who you are
It wasn't that hard
Just to figure you out
(Now I did, you wonder why)
(Why not before, you never tried)
(Gone for good and this is it
As opposed to most AC/DC lyrics? 🤔
They made their mark,vast notoriety,for the better and worse.
That down home rock sound was also around in the 70's of course but back then so much more variety..
Nickleback were a different shade of much of the Seattle sound,and there were several prevalent Seattle Sounds,or basically waves of dramatic heavy continuous rhythm guitar played anthemically,in kind of a churning sound fashion.Nickleback was equally a form of Nu or Alt Metal..
All in all they seemed this semi folk roots inspired Nu Metal thing just doing their thing,of churning out Nickleback Metal drama anthems..
I would here they music everywhere in television scenes for dramatic effect and in music playing in stores as I shopped..
Never really followed alot new bands in the 90's.
I'm guessing it had a lot to do with Uk New Wave kind of struggling and many other music types I enjoyed in the 80's and earlier..
No but there were other things brewing too of course but by about the mid 90's I discovered Goth clubs which explored a lot of recent retro unheard by many..
I did listen to great college radio stations too and other alt stations..
Am I a huge let alone basic fan of Nickleback?,"no".
But that's just my taste..
What do I know?
I am my own singer/songwriter but so what..
I can understand their fandom,I can see them being very relatable to many..
Oh and their music did work well in dramatic scenes of shows I heard them in,scenes where ether the characters were working through a challenge,or in summing up the wrap up..
Fun and interesting show as usual Justin,thanks!
I'll stand by my opinion that "Silver Side Up" was a great album. I still listen to "Too Bad" and "Never Again" from time to time. I'm not really a fan of the later stuff but it never screamed terrible to me, just something that doesn't vibe with me.
Great album, actually
Here's a thought: While we talk about "the average person" pretty freely, very few people are really average across the board. We may be average in one way, but decidedly unusual in another. I'm more educated than the average, an average level carpenter, and a definitely sub-average dancer. The tension between likeness and difference makes us interesting. If we are completely different in every way we can't relate, but if everything is the same it's just... blah. Focus group Rock like Nickelback is deliberately average in every way. Even worse, it's hypocritical, because the tropes of excess and rebellion they toss around are mere gestures, calculated to appeal to adolescents. There really isn't anything spontaneous, much less dangerous, about Nickelback. Hence, there's also nothing magical about them. They know this, and they continue to pander. To those of us who look to experience something magical in music, that's cynical and offensive.
"I am more educated than the average, an average level carpenter, and a definitely sub-average dancer", I am stealing this as a description of myself from now on 😂
I have a Darkness question! What was the thinking behind the drum sound for the One Way Ticket era? The drums sound really hot and the snare almost overdriven. Best examples are 'Is it just me?' and Grief Hammer. Was this Ed's choice, a band decision or a producers touch? It jumps out every time and always wondered.
Another wonderful lesson, and another way to look at the approach of music. Justin makes me wanna live!!!
Please do Creed next. Also a band that gets so much hate. Mark Tremonti is a monster guitar player. I wonder what people would think if other vocalists made a cover album of creed and nickelback tunes.
I think their best songs are the songs that didn’t hit the radios as singles lol. I don’t know if it’s Chad or Ryan who writes the bands guitar riffs but they’ve written some great ones. Hangnail,Where Do I Hide, Woke Up This Morning are my favorites. At some point it just became “cool” to hate on the band, they’ve got a lot of fun songs.
Writing a good hook is not the same as writing a good song. They have some snappy guitar hooks but there's far too often no meat under the skin.
Would be good to see you do a video on the motley crue Def Leppard tour more specifically on Brett Michael's of poison and poison in general who are one of the support acts for the headliners! Seen a lot of live footage from those shows in the US doesn't look like they have changed a thing in my opinion especially his voice
I had read an interview with the band years ago where they were asked about the name.
Story goes,, "coffee at somewhere in their town was 95¢
And when you paid with a dollar,, you received a Nickelback".
True story.
Great show, Justin!
🤔
I remember while in high school at the time, my friend had made a “Nickelback triple track” where he put how you remind me, and a few other hits layered on top of each other…. Just a shitty template with the same breakdown every time.
They are a product of mediocrity, and consumerism… and since I regard music as my favorite artistic medium, I can’t help but have a repulsion to this mass produced dog shit…
It’s like eating white bread sandwiches for every meal… why does the public seemingly have no sense of adventure with music??? I wish flavors were allowed in the mainstream 🫤
Always happy when JH rides again
Justin, after your second mention of Tunnel Of Love, I would love it if you would review the Alchemy live performance of that song. Or better still, maybe the whole Alchemy album ;-)
Awesome channel thxs again SIR Justin
I think it's because they came at the end of the Grunge era. It felt like a band riding on the coat-tails of authentic passionate music, offering up a empty mainstream version.
I think this is the biggest reason. Compare Nickelback to Nirvana, Alice in Chains, or Pearl Jam and they come up lacking. Same goes for Puddle of Mudd.
@@Michael_ORourke yes I believe Puddles and Stickleback are genetically identical: born from the same wretched uterus, ewww 😐
Same with Green Day. Fake punk.
@@Michael_ORourke I'd take Nickelback over any of those dull bands you mentioned. Grunge was utter shit and Nickelback at least had the sense to add a bit of melody and fun to it all
LOVE Nickleback--especially 'When We Stand Together. Transports me every time I hear it.
Onya Wendy
A lot of people who hate Nickelback or other popular artists have never bothered to get deeper into their catalogue. They only pay attention to the main singles and tunes that get lots of airplay. Remember buying albums and listening through each song and becoming an educated fan of music? Judging an artist by a few songs is not fair when the catalogue is so large in my opinion. I enjoy all their music, personally, and they are a staple in my every day playlist. Mostly the hidden gems.
Hi Justin, rather off-topic, but I'd love your views on Mike Patton and FNM/etc, loving your critique of music videos! Keep 'em coming! :-) x
Polarizing opinions is admirable when you do something musically polarizing. Nickleback is one of those special cases in which the music polarizes by being as generic as possible, which is not admirable at al. They are the musical equivalent of the PRS guitars they play: perfectly good at what they do, but do so without any personality whatsoever.
I instantly linked PRS to Music is Win, who is endorsed by the brand, given his original music is completely devoid of soul
Perfect description.