Dark Horse
by Nickelback
User Score
4.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 190 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 190
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 190
  3. Negative: 92 out of 190

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  1. DylanD.
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    I originally gave it an 8, but because of the criminal underrating this album received, I'll give it a ten. Easily the groups best work so far. I'm loving the fact that they tried something different.
  2. ChrisL.
    Nov 25, 2008
    10
    Nickleback delivers yet again. The disk is exactly what you expect. The first two songs are in your face and blow your doors off. It is sometimes comicle sometimes touching and always fun. These guys rock!!!
  3. Barr0918
    Sep 20, 2010
    10
    An album full of fun and relatability. It entertains right from the beginning, mixing up uplifting songs then toning back down to emotional expressions.
  4. cardrey
    Oct 24, 2010
    10
    Nickelback rocks out to a powerful song, â
  5. ChrisWright
    Nov 30, 2011
    9
    I'll start off by saing that, yes, I'm a longtime Nickelback fan. Right, now that 80% of the readers have left, let's get on with it. Dark Horse is a classic Nickelback album - there's no point in pretending that it's wildly different to their previous efforts, because it isn't. Although the instrumentation is less gritty than on the last few records, the basic lyrical themes and coreI'll start off by saing that, yes, I'm a longtime Nickelback fan. Right, now that 80% of the readers have left, let's get on with it. Dark Horse is a classic Nickelback album - there's no point in pretending that it's wildly different to their previous efforts, because it isn't. Although the instrumentation is less gritty than on the last few records, the basic lyrical themes and core musical elements remain largely unchanged. What were you expecting? Nickelback has always been relatively formulaic in their music, and they're not about to change. That's no reason to not like what they produce, and this is more polished than their previous albums, and with the possible exception of All the Right Reasons, their best effort so far. Don't expect musical inspiration from this record - but what it does, it does very well indeed.… Expand
  6. comeandgetit
    May 31, 2012
    8
    This is a proper rock and roll album. No over-production, just pure, powerful rock. From the tongue in cheek sex songs, the meaningful ballads and the hard rock speaker blowing songs this album is sure to wake you up time and time again.
  7. sil3nt_nick
    Mar 24, 2013
    9
    Nickelback sure showed they had what it takes to create a fantastic record. Tracks like "Gotta Be Somebody," "This Afternoon," "If Today Was Your Last Day" were all stand out tracks that made 2008 one of my favorite years in music.
  8. elboots
    Nov 30, 2008
    8
    Not a masterpiece, but surely a great album to put on while on the road or.. simply during doing some house cleanups. way to go Nickelback, proud to be canadian!
  9. AshleyC.
    Dec 25, 2008
    10
    I think this is the best album Nickelback has put out. There's some different stuff on there and "I'd Come for You" is probably the sweetest song I've ever heard & I will have it at my wedding. "Just to Get High" is probably the strongest lyrically & musicaly. The message it portrays brought me to tears and could be eye opening to some of Nickelback's listeners.
  10. MikeH
    Dec 5, 2008
    8
    More of the same from Nickelback. Some nice easy listening, balls out rock and roll. Why change it if it aint broke? Seriously, why do so many people want a band to reinvent the wheel? Look at Motorhead for another good example of a band that sticks to its guns and keeps giving the fans what they expect. If you're not a pretentious tool and you like a bit of good old fashioned rock, More of the same from Nickelback. Some nice easy listening, balls out rock and roll. Why change it if it aint broke? Seriously, why do so many people want a band to reinvent the wheel? Look at Motorhead for another good example of a band that sticks to its guns and keeps giving the fans what they expect. If you're not a pretentious tool and you like a bit of good old fashioned rock, you'll like this!… Expand
  11. CCRocks
    Jun 5, 2009
    6
    Ok, maybe not one of the best albums of all time, but hey given the mediocre post grunge/alt rock offerings in today's music market it's not that bad. Yes the songs are pretty repetitive, but look at bands like Slayer who have rehashed the same old crap since the mid 80's. Stop whining and take it for what it is!! Chad may be the king of cheese, yes he writes some Ok, maybe not one of the best albums of all time, but hey given the mediocre post grunge/alt rock offerings in today's music market it's not that bad. Yes the songs are pretty repetitive, but look at bands like Slayer who have rehashed the same old crap since the mid 80's. Stop whining and take it for what it is!! Chad may be the king of cheese, yes he writes some irritatingly catchy tunes, but if you don't like it go check out some some o' that euro beat dance crap.… Expand
  12. TreyN
    Sep 1, 2009
    10
    Best album they have put out....what amazes me is that so many people dis this, and every other cd, but never offer up a "real artist" to listen to so we can all have a stomping parade on them, mainly because their callow souls cannot take anyone dogging their musical taste, or "lack there-of". If a song sounds the same, they all complain. What do you want....a rock song followed by a Best album they have put out....what amazes me is that so many people dis this, and every other cd, but never offer up a "real artist" to listen to so we can all have a stomping parade on them, mainly because their callow souls cannot take anyone dogging their musical taste, or "lack there-of". If a song sounds the same, they all complain. What do you want....a rock song followed by a piano song, followed by Celtic music, followed by a rap song? Shame on a band to "explore" topics such as sex, drugs, etc, I mean, all artists talk about it, but it is only bad if a mainstream artist does (rolling my eyes)! You would be hard pressed to find any musical act that has not at 1 point or time talked about sex and drugs, unless you are listening to Opera, Classical, Celtic, or Christian! Get a grip and come up with some better excuses to bash Nickelback! Name someone with a better singing voice than Kroger....Cobain, lol!!! I am a singer, and his range is hard to match, but it is pretty easy to sing the candy a$$ songs of so called "artists" that get rave reviews. The people that bash this cd are the same people that wear short sleeved shirts over long sleeved shirts over short sleeved shirts.......grow up and get out of high school!… Expand
  13. 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 lyrics. I love it.
  14. MichaelC.
    Dec 14, 2008
    9
    One of their best. Not quite as good as Silver Side Up but much better than All The Right Reasons.
  15. SamH.
    Dec 3, 2008
    8
    I think as NYT puts it the band does move a little away from their comfort zone, but I do enjoy the album, and Kroeger's lack of self gratification.
  16. ScottieS
    Dec 5, 2008
    10
    I think its their best album. Anyone claiming originality to be the problem need to go back about 70 years and/or get shot. Out of so many years of music, what the heck else are you going to right a song about? I think it beat All the Right Reasons, and that was a tough one for me too. Each album gets better, and yea, they're sound has changed over the years. That's what keeps I think its their best album. Anyone claiming originality to be the problem need to go back about 70 years and/or get shot. Out of so many years of music, what the heck else are you going to right a song about? I think it beat All the Right Reasons, and that was a tough one for me too. Each album gets better, and yea, they're sound has changed over the years. That's what keeps them at the top of charts people. Not sounding the same every time.… Expand
  17. SarahA
    Nov 22, 2008
    6
    A respectable album, I'll give it that. "Never Gonna Be Alone" and "Gotta Be Somebody" were my favorites, but "This Afternoon" is worth listening to as well. Problem is, many of the songs just don't feel like Nickelback. They've changed since "All The Right Reasons," that's for sure. But that doesn't mean "Dark Horse" isn't worth listening to. It's an A respectable album, I'll give it that. "Never Gonna Be Alone" and "Gotta Be Somebody" were my favorites, but "This Afternoon" is worth listening to as well. Problem is, many of the songs just don't feel like Nickelback. They've changed since "All The Right Reasons," that's for sure. But that doesn't mean "Dark Horse" isn't worth listening to. It's an album I enjoy, and would recommend to other Nickelback fans as well.… Expand
  18. MarieP.
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    How cruel can these people be? obviously they are do not listen to Nickelback! This is their best album yet hands down!
  19. 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 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.
  20. edbezant
    Dec 23, 2012
    7
    meh, this album isnt as good as all the right reasons but its still pretty good. burn it to the ground is my favourite song, and if today was your last today is cool too
  21. TheQuietGamer
    Mar 7, 2011
    9
    This is in my opinion this is one of Nickelback's best CD yet, while they still have some lame tracks, it will still hold your attention if your into the band.
  22. 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. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. jacko
    Nov 21, 2011
    10
    nickleback are down and dirty with dark horse from loving when there's something in your mouth to hanging out this afternoon and everything in between easily one of there greatest albums
  25. YFinnau
    May 16, 2011
    1
    Kurt is turning in his grave :( 1 mark because they chose an amazing band to imitate badly. Shocking. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  26. JordanK
    Oct 1, 2009
    1
    Horrible album. I've never liked nickelback. If you want to listen to real music, listen to Tool or Breaking Benjamin. Most mainstream sucks. And Nickelback is no exception. If you're going to make a "new album", at least change some of the lyrics up...a big disgrace to rock...
  27. AlanW.
    Nov 25, 2008
    0
    It's either a searing parody of Nickelback's previous albums, or the worst collection of songs ever written. I'm betting on the latter.
  28. IanC.
    Dec 2, 2008
    1
    This album is genuinely terrible. Their last album was bad, but redeemable because of some good songs. Any middle school droput could write this. The riffs are repetitive, and while this wouldn't be a bad thing if the riffs or melodies or anything were actually good, but as it is, they are terrible. There is absolutely no originality in the band or between the songs; they all have This album is genuinely terrible. Their last album was bad, but redeemable because of some good songs. Any middle school droput could write this. The riffs are repetitive, and while this wouldn't be a bad thing if the riffs or melodies or anything were actually good, but as it is, they are terrible. There is absolutely no originality in the band or between the songs; they all have the same feel, the same sound, the same instrumentation. I'll admit that it's not as bad as a lot of what's out there, but that doesn't make it good. There is always the consistent drone of distorted guitar and heavy drums, the chords don't follow any pattern or make any sense, and this is even more bombastic and melody-less than any of their previous releases. Also, the system they use for averaging critics ratings on this site doesn't work with the AllMusic guide ratings, because the lowest rating on there is a 1/5, not a 0/5. Just thought I'd throw that in there.… Expand
  29. RaulV.
    Jan 10, 2009
    0
    When are they going to stop letting horny 8th graders write the lyrics? All their songs sound the same.
  30. thehamster
    Jan 18, 2009
    0
    I think everyone is finally waking up from their deep haze to realize that Nickleback SUCK BALLS! Hello?? They make their music for 12 year old masturbating boys.....There is more talent in Pearl Jam's shit then there is in Nickleback's best moments! Come on everyone! Remember Bush? Thats right, you don't....because Nickleback stepped in and took over the duty of making I think everyone is finally waking up from their deep haze to realize that Nickleback SUCK BALLS! Hello?? They make their music for 12 year old masturbating boys.....There is more talent in Pearl Jam's shit then there is in Nickleback's best moments! Come on everyone! Remember Bush? Thats right, you don't....because Nickleback stepped in and took over the duty of making post grunge wanna be bullshit! Do yourselves a favor and GRADUATE to some better music.....Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and STP for starters......listen to these TRUE musicians and realize who shitty Nickleback and Bush pathetically tried to copy.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
49

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 5 out of 15
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    The band's Beavis- like embrace of rock & roll debauchery is a sort of marvel of low art.
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  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    20
    The hilarious, parodic single 'Rockstar' excepted, Nickelback's music reaffirms every sex-and-stupidity cliche hard rock can offer.
    Read full review
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