For over two decades, Nickelback has consistently produced defining hits that resonate with audiences around the globe. Much like the iconic tracks of legendary bands such as the Rolling Stones, Slipknot, and Green Day, Nickelback has carved out a unique niche in the rock genre. However, breaking into the mainstream music scene was no small feat, especially given the fierce competition from some of the biggest names in rock history. Their rise required immense dedication and faith in their creative process.
Originating from Canada in the mid-1990s, Nickelback embarked on their musical journey during a tumultuous shift in popular music. The ’80s, once dominated by glam metal, gave way to the grunge movement of the ’90s. Faced with evolving musical landscapes, Nickelback chose to adapt their sound to fit the prevailing trends of their time.
Listening to their evolution, it’s evident how Nickelback discovered their signature sound, allowing them to sustain a successful career. While opinions about their music may vary, the band’s enduring appeal is undeniable. Their journey is a remarkable testament to hard work and adaptability.
10
Little Friend
Album: Curb (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaquYFPiMeE
Nickelback’s debut album, released in 1996, features the track “Little Friend”as its opening song. For many listeners, this track introduced them to Nickelback’s unique style. The sound is reminiscent of the grunge era, with vocal and instrumental elements that align with bands like Nirvana. It’s a clear indication of their early influences.
This album and its songs offer a glimpse into a different facet of Nickelback. Over the years, they shifted away from grunge, evolving into a post-grunge sound, characterized by softer tones. Today, their music leans more towards pop-rock, showcasing the band’s diverse talent beyond the mainstream perception of them.
9
Those Days
Album: Get Rollin’ (2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6exsPMM3SR8
Nostalgia is a powerful tool for artists, and Nickelback has mastered this craft. With their 2022 album, Get Rollin’, the track “Those Days”evokes memories across generations. The heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners, especially those who can relate to the ’80s references highlighted in the music video, transforming the song into a nostalgic experience.
The video acts as a visual time capsule, featuring the band amidst various tributes to their youth, from classic posters to vintage cassette players. It remains to be seen if they will create another nostalgic anthem like this, but this track proves that Nickelback knows how to evoke powerful memories.
8
Song On Fire
Album: Feed The Machine (2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFzTdmZywK8
Nickelback has a talent for crafting catchy rock tracks that resonate with audiences. “Song on Fire”exemplifies this with memorable lyrics that fans find themselves singing along to at concerts. The song’s infectious nature is coupled with a poignant storyline told through its music video, which enhances the emotions already present in the lyrics.
This combination of engaging audio and compelling visuals showcases Nickelback’s storytelling abilities, demonstrating that they can seamlessly merge entertainment with heartfelt narratives.
7
What Are You Waiting For?
Album: No Fixed Address (2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Ng5muAAcg
Nickelback is often recognized for their ballads, and “What Are You Waiting For?”is a prime example of their ability to create moving love songs. During the conception of their 2014 album, No Fixed Address, lead vocalist Chad Kroeger was inspired by personal experiences, particularly his then-marriage to Avril Lavigne, influencing the romantic vibe embedded in the track.
This song encourages listeners to follow their hearts and personal desires, aligning it with their previous hits like “Gotta Be Somebody.”While many may instantly think of pop artists for love songs, Nickelback demonstrates that they excel in crafting heartfelt ballads.
6
Lullaby
Album: Here And Now (2011)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OjiOn5s8s8
“Lullaby”is hailed as one of Nickelback’s most emotionally charged songs, offering listeners a blend of sadness and hope. It may not be the most played party track, but its emotional depth provides solace in times of need. While upbeat songs are a staple in their repertoire, this track represents a more reflective side of the band.
The accompanying music video enhances the song’s narrative, presenting a heartbreaking tale that resonates with listeners, making it an essential part of Nickelback’s discography. Although it may not appear on summer playlists, its emotional resonance is significant.
5
Someday
Album: The Long Road (2003)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VMFdpdDYYA
Following the immense popularity of their album Silver Side Up in 2001, Nickelback faced the challenge of replicating that success. “Someday”stands out as a quintessential example, characterized by a memorable acoustic opening that captivates listeners from the start. This track has become a staple in their live performances, boasting over 600 live renditions according to setlist.fm.
The song’s Gold certification is a testament to its popularity, significantly contributing to The Long Road’s 3x Platinum status in the United States. Their 2003 achievements have firmly established Nickelback as a powerhouse in the music industry.
4
Rockstar
Album: All The Right Reasons (2005)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1hgVcNzvzY
By 2005, Nickelback had undeniably solidified their status as rock icons with “Rockstar,”a catchy anthem that invites listeners to dream about the rock star lifestyle. While the song has faced criticism, its enduring popularity cannot be overlooked.
The collaboration with Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top added credibility, and the accompanying music video featured an array of notable personalities, illustrating the aspirational narrative of the song. It painted a picture of a glamorous life, one that Nickelback worked hard to achieve.
3
Burn It To The Ground
Album: Dark Horse (2008)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSf_cs4-E-I
“Burn It To The Ground”is an explosive hard rock anthem that captivates listeners from the outset with its electrifying guitar riffs and powerful lyrics. The essence of the song echoes the carefree spirit of rock and roll, depicting the band’s life on the road. This high-energy track also found success as a theme song for WWE Monday Night Raw from 2009 to 2012, significantly amplifying its exposure.
In addition to its association with professional wrestling, the song featured across various sports events and was included in the soundtrack of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Nickelback performed it at the 2010 Winter Olympics, further cementing its status and earning a Grammy nomination.
2
Photograph
Album: All The Right Reasons (2005)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB0DU4DoPP4
When pondering the song “Photograph,”most listeners instantly associate it with Nickelback. This anthem of reminiscence has transcended its original context, often referenced in countless memes across social media. The memorable opening line, “Look at this photograph,”solidifies its cultural importance.
This track boasts impressive streaming numbers, having amassed over 240 million views on YouTube alone. Its nostalgic appeal continues to resonate, reinforcing its position as one of Nickelback’s hallmark songs. Interestingly, Chad Kroeger has remarked on the luck behind the song’s creation, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of songwriting.
1
How You Remind Me
Album: Silver Side Up (2001)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cQh1ccqu8M
The track “How You Remind Me”marked Nickelback’s significant breakthrough into the mainstream rock scene in 2001. This hit not only secured the band’s place in music history but also went on to achieve 4x Platinum status, with over a billion streams on Spotify, affirming its lasting appeal. The song has garnered more than 579 million views on Nickelback’s YouTube channel alone.
For those familiar with rock music, the opening lyrics are instantly recognizable. With over 750 live performances, this iconic anthem stands as the band’s most performed song, defining their legacy in the rock genre. While Nickelback may write new hits, replicating the phenomenon of this track will be a formidable challenge.