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Dark Horse
by
Dark Horse Image
Metascore
49

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
4.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 190 Ratings

  • Summary: The Canadian rock band releases its sixth album produced with Mutt Lange.

Top Track

Gotta Be Somebody
This time, I wonder what it feels like To find the one in this life, the one we all dream of But dreams just aren't enough So I'll be waiting for the... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 5 out of 15
  1. Rolling Stone
    70
    Lange keeps things rolling--and to his credit, Chad Kroeger gratifyingly comes off as more of a regular guy than a rock star.
  2. Blender
    70
    It’s a steadfast assault, whether he’s brooding over dust in the wind ('If Today Was Your Last Day') or idealizing a girl (“She ain’t no Cinderella when she gettin’ undressed/’Cause she rocks it like the naughty Wicked Witch of the West").
  3. The New York Times
    70
    For the first time Nickelback is produced by Mutt Lange (AC/DC, Shania Twain), who has nudged from the band a tougher sound more suited to its inner louse....But he couldn’t fully jolt the band out of its comfort zone.
  4. Sputnikmusic
    50
    There’s no question about which side of the disc is the more interesting- sleaze beats manufactured sentiment any day--but ultimately it’s the country half that most people will pay attention to, and to that end there is very little to actively criticise.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    50
    The addition of superstar producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange to the mix ensures that everything here is as radio friendly and mainstream minded as heavy guitar rock gets.
  6. Spin
    40
    A familiar blend of big-riff rockers and pseudo-sensitive power ballads, Dark Horse won't win the Canadian band any new fans--or will its hearty endorsements of oral sex disappoint the devoted.
  7. NOW Magazine
    20
    Kroeger’s voice sounds more like a wounded goat than ever before, and their blatantly recycled songs touch on familiar themes like strippers, sex, prostitutes, drugs, sex, drinking and sex.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 69
  3. Negative: 33 out of 69
  1. Playrules
    Jun 12, 2012
    10
    Nickelback's new album, Dark Horse, is arguably one of their best yet. It houses over 10 tremendously good songs with purpose and with reason.Nickelback's new album, Dark Horse, is arguably one of their best yet. It houses over 10 tremendously good songs with purpose and with reason. The songs are all in a beautiful tempo and tone and the music sends a message, it is great if you are not feeling good, it cheers you up. Nickelback have always made music from their heart, and this is no different.… Expand
  2. KayceJ.
    Dec 12, 2008
    10
    Awesome driving music. If you are looking for lovey dovey songs like Far Away, this is not for you. Harder rock, better guitar, sexier Awesome driving music. If you are looking for lovey dovey songs like Far Away, this is not for you. Harder rock, better guitar, sexier lyrics. I love it.… Expand
  4. RonB.
    Dec 12, 2008
    9
    I liked it, but it does have almost predictable rythm and lyrics at times so for that I gave it a 9. But I really am enjoying listening to I liked it, but it does have almost predictable rythm and lyrics at times so for that I gave it a 9. But I really am enjoying listening to it. I did notice some repetitiveness that may get more annoying the more I listen to it. But like all CD's I will end up with a handful of gems that I listen to all the time. Good stuf.… Collapse
  5. michaelk
    Jan 10, 2009
    5
    Nickleback has just gone down hill since Silver Side Up. All the originality is gone and now they just sound like any other mainstream Alt Rock band.
  6. JamesP
    Dec 21, 2008
    1
    I give it one point just because the guitarist uses pinch harmonics in the first song. It surprises me they did those, I thought something I give it one point just because the guitarist uses pinch harmonics in the first song. It surprises me they did those, I thought something like that would be too hard for them.… Expand
  7. MichaelM.
    Nov 18, 2008
    0
    Cookie cutter music fed to those that have no interest in hearing anything unlike they have heard a million times before. Nickelback defines Cookie cutter music fed to those that have no interest in hearing anything unlike they have heard a million times before. Nickelback defines a new category of Rock, Butt Rock, hopeless junk that is spewed without any thought at all given to it.… Expand
  8. SamuelL
    Nov 6, 2009
    0
    I've heard better musicianship from a deathcore band.

See all 69 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2008
44
#44 Most Shared Album of 2008

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