Nickelback – Here and Now (2011): Album Review, Tracklist, Credits, and Trivia
Introduction to Here and Now
Here and Now is the seventh studio album by Canadian rock band Nickelback, released on November 21, 2011 through Roadrunner Records. The album followed the commercial success of Dark Horse (2008) and continued the band’s streak of chart-topping rock releases.
The record features Nickelback’s trademark blend of post-grunge, hard rock, and radio-friendly rock, combining powerful guitar riffs with melodic hooks. With several successful singles and worldwide touring, Here and Now maintained the band’s strong presence in mainstream rock during the early 2010s.
Background and Recording
After the extensive touring cycle for Dark Horse, Nickelback returned to the studio to begin work on their next album. The band aimed to create music that reflected both their past sound and their continued evolution as musicians.
The album was produced by Joey Moi, a longtime collaborator who had worked with Nickelback on several previous releases. Recording sessions focused on writing songs that would connect with fans both emotionally and energetically.
Unlike some of their earlier albums that experimented heavily with production styles, Here and Now emphasized a return to the band’s core rock sound.
Musical Style and Sound
Here and Now features a balanced mix of:
-
Hard rock
-
Post-grunge
-
Alternative rock
-
Mainstream rock
The album includes both high-energy rock songs and melodic ballads, maintaining the formula that had brought Nickelback worldwide success.
Lyrical themes explored throughout the album include:
-
Social awareness
-
Relationships and love
-
Personal reflection
-
Living in the moment
The title Here and Now reflects the album’s focus on appreciating the present and addressing contemporary issues.
Here and Now (2011) Tracklist
The album includes 11 tracks:
-
This Means War
-
Bottoms Up
-
When We Stand Together
-
Midnight Queen
-
Gotta Get Me Some
-
Lullaby
-
Kiss It Goodbye
-
Trying Not to Love You
-
Holding On to Heaven
-
Everything I Wanna Do
-
Don't Ever Let It End
Several of these tracks were released as singles and received radio airplay worldwide.
Album Credits
Band Members
-
Chad Kroeger – lead vocals, guitar
-
Ryan Peake – guitar, backing vocals
-
Mike Kroeger – bass
-
Daniel Adair – drums
Production
-
Produced by Joey Moi
-
Recorded in Canada
-
Released by Roadrunner Records
Joey Moi’s production helped maintain the band’s signature polished rock sound while ensuring the album remained accessible to mainstream audiences.
Reception and Commercial Success
Here and Now achieved strong commercial success, debuting high on charts in multiple countries.
Key achievements include:
-
High chart positions internationally
-
Multiple successful singles
-
Extensive worldwide touring
The album continued Nickelback’s reputation as one of the most successful rock bands of the modern era.
Most Popular Songs from the Album
When We Stand Together
One of the album’s most popular singles, this song carries a message about global unity and social responsibility.
Bottoms Up
A high-energy party anthem that became popular at concerts and sporting events.
Lullaby
A powerful ballad offering encouragement and hope to listeners facing difficult moments.
Trying Not to Love You
A melodic rock song that became another successful single from the album.
Fun Facts About Here and Now
-
The album was released simultaneously in multiple countries around the world.
-
Nickelback promoted the album with a large international tour.
-
The band aimed to combine the sounds of their earlier albums with modern rock production.
-
Several songs became staples of Nickelback’s live performances.
Trivia
-
The album title reflects the band’s focus on living in the present moment.
-
Joey Moi continued his long partnership with Nickelback by producing the album.
-
Some songs on the album explore social and humanitarian themes.
-
The album maintained Nickelback’s streak of successful releases throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.
Did You Know?
-
Here and Now debuted at the top of several music charts shortly after release.
-
The song “When We Stand Together” carries a strong message about unity and helping others.
-
Nickelback continued touring worldwide for several years after the album’s release.
-
The album helped keep Nickelback relevant in the modern rock scene of the 2010s.
