Nickelback are arguably the preeminent bastard children of '90s hard rock. On the Canadian band's sophomore effort, the songs will surely appeal to heavy rockers who were introduced to Metallica as shorthaired rock heroes. Simple, crunchy chord progressions (that insinuate themselves quickly into one's memory) are matched by emotionally charged lyrics on SILVER SIDE UP.

"Never Again" is a chilling description of domestic abuse from the victim's point of view. The radio-bound track "How You Remind Me" puts a cynical new spin on typical motifs usually reserved for 80's pop-metal balladeers. "Money Bought" addresses sexual exploitation while "Just For" shows how the darker side of love can inspire vengeance. On the whole, SILVER SIDE UP is a promising follow-up to THE STATE, closing with the token acoustic-meets-electric track "Good Times Gone."

Nickelback: Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake (vocals, guitar); Mike Kroeger (bass); Ryan "Nik" Vikedal (drums).
Additional personnel: Ian Thornley (slide guitar).
Recorded at Greenhouse Studios, Burnaby, British Colombia, Canada.
"How You Remind Me" was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Record Of The Year.

Format: Vinyl Genre: Rock Black Vinyl

TRACKS

A1 Never Again 4:20
A2 How You Remind Me 3:43
A3 Woke Up This Morning 3:50
A4 Too Bad 3:52
A5 Just For 4:03
B1 Hollywood 3:04
B2 Money Bought 3:24
B3 Where Do I Hide 3:38
B4 Hangnail 3:54
B5 Good Times Gone 5:18