Thoughts on the heavier-than-hell new song from Nickelback?

I’ve never bought into the idea that Nickelback is the more horrible band in the world. That attitude is grossly unfair. The fact is that they’re an extremely solid mainstream rock band that know how to write arena-rock hits for their millions of fans around the world. There is absolutely no reason for them to have become the punchline to a joke.

Nickelback will release their tenth studio album, Get Rollin’, on November 18. Their first record in five years was introduced this week with a single called “San Quentin,” a song inspired by a conversation Chad Kroeger had with the actual warden of the prison.

The song is wonderfully heavy. Try to listen without prejudice. And remember: Respect all music. Listen to what you like.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

11 thoughts on “Thoughts on the heavier-than-hell new song from Nickelback?

  • September 8, 2022 at 9:50 am
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    I don’t hate it, but I won’t seek it out. It sounds like a Nickelback song, I don’t think it will change any minds in any direction.

    If it plays on the radio, I’ll let it play out. Like all of their songs to be honest.

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  • September 8, 2022 at 10:34 am
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    It’s a nice small turn in the road for Nickelback. I’ve never been a fan and I’ve never been a Nickelback hater and this doesn’t make me want to change that. However this song says something different to me… it says … listen again, which can’t be a bad thing. My only pet peeve is the vocal levels are too high throughout the entire song and drown out some interesting drum and guitar work.

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  • September 8, 2022 at 10:47 am
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    Mr. Diplomat! Dirtbag rock is dirtbag rock is dirtbag rock. Nobody makes fun of Breaking Benjamin like they do Nickelback cause nobody knows who they are. Without Creed in the picture, Nickelback was handed the torch of the “worst band ever.”

    Having said that… I enjoyed all their epic takedowns of people making the easy punchline at their expense. I just don’t want to listen to them ever.

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  • September 8, 2022 at 11:01 am
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    I agree with your assessment – never understood it. That said, love the new song.

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  • September 8, 2022 at 11:42 am
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    I heard the new song yesterday and i like it a lot. I admit to not understanding how or why Nickelback became the object of Canadian Rock dislike. I have liked them ever since, way back when, 100.3 The Bear (CFBR) in Edmonton started to feature them. So when the haters need to hate, I just let them be on their merry way. Do I love all their songs-No. Anymore than I love every song by any other band. But some of that old material was solid. And I really like this new song. Carry on Nickelback.

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  • September 8, 2022 at 12:02 pm
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    From the beginning, I’ve viewed Nickelback as a modern version of AC/DC: 5-chord rock with heavy themes of booze, women and general sin/vice. AC/DC had their haters too (especially critical disdain at the beginning). And both bands became behemoths in the world of Rock. I’m with you, Alan. I don’t get the hate. That said, millions of fans can’t be wrong… so maybe it’s the haters that have it backwards?

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  • September 8, 2022 at 11:28 pm
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    I love it. They have heavy songs on all their albums and I love the heavy drop D with a loud bass drum and they still make it melodic. I can’t wait for the album, and better yet, seeing them live again.

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  • September 10, 2022 at 1:53 am
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    Hardly what you’d call heavy. It’s not really anything new either is it? Catchy schlock rock pop for arenas, which as you mentioned is their forte. Not a hater, just too clean for anything but mainstream radio to trash to death.
    Song is a good romp along but seriously, it’s as cheesy as a double brie on crackers. Bon appetit.

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  • September 10, 2022 at 4:09 pm
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    Sounds like more butt rock to me.

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  • September 13, 2022 at 8:20 pm
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    Love Love Love it!! Nickelback is a very talented group. So glad they put out another album.

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  • September 14, 2022 at 11:49 am
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    I’m old. I love Rock and Roll. This song has classic edge. The first time the hook came around I had to gleefully laugh. Made this old gal get up and dance.

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