For decades, Nickelback has continuously created career-defining hits. Just like people have come to know the definitive songs of the Rolling Stones, Slipknot, and Green Day, Nickelback has been able to make their own unique impression. However, it isn't a task that has been easy, as the band had to come up alongside some of the biggest names ever in rock and roll. Breaking onto the main stage took a lot of work, and confidence in themselves to trust their own process.
Nickelback began their journey in Canada all the way back in the mid '90s. This was not an easy time in music, as the popular genres were changing. In the '80s, it was ruled by glam metal, but the 1990s saw a rise in grunge.
Nickelback had a choice to make of how they would sound, and early on they definitely went with what was popular. As you look at their career, you witness how the band caught their groove and were able to build a lasting career. They certainly have drawn a lot of opinions, but no one can deny the band's staying power.
10 Little Friend
Album: Curb (1996)
The first album Nickelback released goes back to 1996. For those who listened to Curb, the first song on that record was "Little Friend." For anyone who didn't hear the initial single "Fly," this song was their introduction to the band, as it was track one. As you listen to this, you will hear a sound very reminiscent of Nirvana. Certainly, they were trying to fit in to the grunge-styled era, which shined through with both the vocals and instrumentals.
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If you want to hear a different side to Nickelback, this song and the album as a whole definitely provide that. As time went on, they would get away from being exclusive grunge, and move into being post-grunge. Essentially, the tones would be less intense and not so abrasive. Nowadays, the band is more pop rock, so this is a nice change of pace and shows that they have skills far beyond what the mainstream audience may know them for.
9 Those Days
Album: Get Rollin' (2022)
Nostalgic songs can be great for bands as they connect with a wider audience than just their core. Nickelback have been the kings of these tunes over the years, and with the 2022 album, Get Rollin', they proved they can still transport listeners to a different time. The cool part about "Those Days" is that the lyrics are enough to get people of any generation reminiscing, but for those who watch the music video, it may connect with them on a deeper level if they the '80s.
The video is like a time capsule. As the garage door lifts, you see Nickelback standing there playing the song, and throughout, there are a lot of references to the band's youth - from a classic Guns N' Roses poster to an Elm Street sign representing A Nightmare on Elm Street and even a good old-fashioned cassette player. These days, it remains to be seen if Nickelback will create another song like this going forward, but as they've shown here, they certainly know how to take people on a trip down memory lane.
8 Song On Fire
Album: Feed The Machine (2017)
If you need a catchy rock tune, just call Nickelback and they will make one. Album after album, they find the right words to create choruses that are impossible not to sing to. "Song on Fire" showcases the band's skill, providing another track that is easy to , and one that fans want to shout when they attend a Nickelback concert. Once you hear the initial "I could set this song on fire," it's hard not to be hooked.
If you need a catchy rock tune, just call Nickelback and they will make one.
This is yet another example of how the audio is infectious on its own, but the music video adds another element to it. While Nickelback has plenty of nostalgic videos and humorous videos, this one falls into the category of those where the band tells the story through an emotional mini-movie. As the plot unfolds, it's hard not to be affected by it, and it adds an even stronger sentiment to the already moving lyrics.
7 What Are You Waiting For?
Album: No Fixed Address (2014)
Another key piece to Nickelback's discography is the love songs they are able to craft. They may not be the first band people think of, but truthfully, they have a lot of heartfelt tunes. During the recording of their 2014 album, No Fixed Address, love was in the air. At that time, lead singer Chad Kroeger was married to Avril Lavigne, and had just helped with her 2013 self-titled album. Perhaps this contributed to Kroeger's ingenuity in creating intimate songs.
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Whatever the inspiration was, "What Are You Waiting For?" became another ionate track from the band. The song was actually very inspiring and followed the same style as their past hits, which encouraged people to follow their hearts. This uplifting track aligns perfectly with songs like "Gotta Be Somebody" and "Don't Ever Let It End." Again, many people may go to boy bands or pop stars for love songs, but don't rule out Nickelback; they can create endearment as well.
6 Lullaby
Album: Here And Now (2011)
Every Nickelback album takes listeners on a journey, evoking a wide range of emotions. "Lullaby" is arguably the most emotional song the band has ever recorded. In some respects, it is sad, but it also instills a sense of hope. It may not be a tune that fans will blast on a weekend drive, but it is there when they need . It's not uncommon for bands to want to provide a song like this. Just look at Slipknot with their track "Snuff."
Ultimately, this song fits into the overall concept of Here and Now. While Nickelback does offer a few of the lustful songs they are known for, most of the album is meant to be uplifting, and foster a sense of hope. However, what elevates this track is watching the music video. The story it tells is truly heartbreaking, and the imagery is what makes the song most intense. This probably won't make it onto the Nickelback summer playlist, but it's a crucial part of their history.
5 Someday
Album: The Long Road (2003)
After the band exploded in popularity following their 2001 album, Silver Side Up, they faced a very difficult task of trying to create something equally memorable. Writing a hit song that charted for 50 weeks is an excellent way to do just that. "Someday" has become one of the band's classic songs, as it is an unforgettable track with a great opening. Featuring just an acoustic guitar and the power of Chad's voice to start it off, the song had an immediate impact. This is one tune fans demand to hear at concerts, ensuring it won't be retired anytime soon.
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According to setlist.fm, this is in the band's top three songs they have played live the most. They performed it well over 600 times, and it has become a staple of their live shows. The track itself is Gold-certified, and is a significant reason that The Long Road is a 3x Platinum record in the United States. Their 2003 success would set them up for even bigger achievements going forward, and it reserved them a permanent place among the most sought-after bands.
4 Rockstar
Album: All The Right Reasons (2005)
It had only been nine years since Nickelback released their first album, but when 2005 rolled around, there was no denying that they were certified rock stars. Just to let everyone know, they produced one of the most catchy tracks of all time. It allowed everyone to dream what it would be like to grab a guitar and stand on stage. Some have pushed back on the tune over the years, but there is no denying its staying power.
When 2005 rolled around, there was no denying that they were certified rock stars.
Other factors that made the song a hit were first the fact that it featured spoken words by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Gibbons is one of the greatest rock stars ever, so this lent the track credibility. Secondly, the music video not only featured Gibbons, but also the likes of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Gene Simmons, and the family from the hit show Orange County Choppers. Nickelback made this fantasy look so fun, but the reality was this was the life they built for themselves.
3 Burn It To The Ground
Album: Dark Horse (2008)
This song is a pure hard rock tune. The opening guitar riff immediately catches your attention, and the lyrics cement its place as an anthem. In a lot of ways, it feels reminiscent of songs from the glam metal days. It describes the band's life on the road, and the non-stop good time they are having, although it's not just a party song. The aggressive nature of the instrumentals also helped it become a sporting theme as well.
One of the biggest successes of the track was when it became the theme song for WWE Monday Night Raw from 2009 to 2012.
One of the biggest successes of the track was when it became the theme song for WWE Monday Night Raw from 2009 to 2012. This provided it with weekly promotion as it became synonymous with the show. The song was also used by the NHL, multiple baseball teams, and featured on the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen soundtrack. If all that wasn't enough, the band got to perform the song at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and it got them nominated for a Grammy Award.
2 Photograph
Album: All The Right Reasons (2005)
When people think of the song "Photograph," some may think of Def Leppard, others may think of Ed Sheeran, but the majority will probably go to Nickelback. If someone hasn't heard the song, there's a good chance they have seen a meme of it. The beginning of the video, which shows Chad Kroeger holding a picture saying "Look at this photograph," is iconic, and has been used countless times as a template for others.
The song has become one of the band's most viewed videos on YouTube, with over 240 million views on their own channel and over 83 million on the Roadrunner Records page. It also has over 323 million streams on Spotify, further cementing its legacy as another one of Nickelback's classic nostalgia songs. The crazy part is, the actual writing of the song is something that Kroeger has said the band lucked their way into (via Planet Rock).
1 How You Remind Me
Album: Silver Side Up (2001)
For Nickelback, their mainstream breakthrough happened in 2001 with "How You Remind Me." Prior to this, the band was having success, but this cemented that they wouldn't be a forgotten band of the '90s; they were here to stay as major players in rock and roll. The song has gone 4x Platinum and has over one billion streams on Spotify. On top of that, it has over 579 million views on Nickelback's YouTube channel, and another 271 million views on the Roadrunner Records page.
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For anyone who has listened to this genre of music, chances are they could name the tune when they hear the opening lyrics, "Never made it as a wise man, I couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing." With over 750 performances, this is the band's most played song and the one they're arguably known the best for. Nickelback definitely has the ability to write another hit like this, but it will be hard to replicate the importance of this song.