Nickelback, ‘Bottoms Up,’ Brings the Party – Song Review

2011-10-07

Review by Anne Erickson

Nickelback show off guitar chops and commanding pipes in new single

Industrial-power rock ‘n’ roll takes the limelight on Nickelback’s latest, galloping single, “Bottoms Up.” The track — which comes off the band’s upcoming album, Here and Now, out Nov. 21 on Roadrunner Records — wastes no minutes getting into its mark of party-happy, in-your-face rock. Fans are lapping it up, as “Bottoms Up” is the most added track on active rock radio this week.

“Bottoms Up” starts off with a rollicking drum solo, before high-octane guitars thrust in with Nickelback’s characteristic catchy, upbeat riffing, carrying rocket-fueled strength. Frontman Chad Kroeger — long known for his gritty, commanding pipes — jets in with carefree lyrics about kicking it back with the guys and letting loose, as the musical backdrop jumps and rocks along.

The chorus brings the bash together, with Kroger exclaiming, “This is what it’s all about, no one can slow us down / We ain’t gonna stop until the clock runs out / Bottoms up!” The well-crafted song keeps an even keel intensity, from the introduction’s bare-bones drum pulse to the crescendo-ing bridge. The guitars take the center stage on the bridge, with a guttural, winding solo that’s a bit old-fashioned in its heady showmanship.

From Kroeger’s explosive vocals to the band’s tight recording, “Bottoms Up” is the kind of song many rock fans adore. The track is one of two new tracks made available from the upcoming album, the second song called, “We Stand Together,” a daintier song in the style of “Someday” and “How You Remind Me.”

Ink Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Guitar Gauges

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.

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