Nickelback – The State (1998): Album Review, Tracklist, Credits, and Trivia
Introduction to The State
The State is the second studio album by Canadian rock band Nickelback. The album was originally released in 1998 through the independent label EMI Canada, before later being reissued internationally in 2000 by Roadrunner Records.
This record marked an important step in Nickelback’s development. While their debut album Curb (1996) introduced the band’s raw sound, The State showed a more refined approach to songwriting and production.
The album helped Nickelback gain recognition beyond Canada and laid the groundwork for the massive success they would achieve a few years later.
Background and Recording
Following the release of their debut album, the band continued touring and writing new material. Their growing experience allowed them to develop a stronger musical direction.
The recording of The State captured Nickelback during their transition from a small independent band into a rising act in the rock scene. Compared with Curb, the album featured improved production quality and tighter performances.
Several songs from the album would later receive radio airplay and help the band reach new audiences.
Musical Style and Sound
The State maintains the band’s post-grunge and alternative rock foundation, but introduces a more polished and accessible sound.
The album includes:
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Heavy guitar riffs
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Catchy vocal melodies
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Energetic rock arrangements
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Lyrical themes about life, relationships, and personal struggles
Many fans consider this album the first true glimpse of the Nickelback sound that would later dominate rock radio in the early 2000s.
The State (1998) Tracklist
The album contains 11 tracks:
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Breathe
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Cowboy Hat
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Leader of Men
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Old Enough
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Worthy to Say
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Diggin’ This
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Deep
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One Last Run
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Not Leavin’ Yet
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Hold Out Your Hand
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Leader of Men (Acoustic)
“Leader of Men” became one of the band’s first songs to gain radio exposure.
Album Credits
Band Members
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Chad Kroeger – lead vocals, guitar
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Ryan Peake – guitar, backing vocals
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Mike Kroeger – bass
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Brandon Kroeger – drums
Production
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Produced by Dale Penner
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Engineered and recorded in Canada
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Released by EMI Canada and later Roadrunner Records
The improved production quality helped give the album a more professional sound than their debut.
Reception and Legacy
Although The State did not initially achieve massive commercial success, it played a key role in Nickelback’s rise.
The album helped the band:
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Gain national attention in Canada
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Receive increased radio airplay
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Secure broader distribution through Roadrunner Records
These developments eventually led to the release of Silver Side Up (2001), which made Nickelback global rock stars.
Today, The State is viewed as the album that bridged the gap between the band’s underground beginnings and their mainstream breakthrough.
Fun Facts About The State
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The album was reissued internationally in 2000 after the band signed with Roadrunner Records.
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“Leader of Men” became Nickelback’s first widely recognized radio single.
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Several songs from the album were staples of the band’s early live shows.
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The record helped Nickelback gain a growing fan base across North America.
Trivia
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This was the last Nickelback album to feature drummer Brandon Kroeger before Daniel Adair joined years later.
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The band spent years touring small venues while promoting the album.
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Some songs from the record were written during the band’s early touring period.
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The album’s success helped Nickelback secure better studio opportunities for their next releases.
Did You Know?
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Nickelback recorded The State while still working hard to establish themselves in the music industry.
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The band’s early success with this album allowed them to expand their touring outside Canada.
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Many fans consider The State one of Nickelback’s most underrated albums.
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The album represents the final step before their major international breakthrough in the early 2000s.
