Why is Nickelback a Hot AC staple?

[Jeffster]

So, I'm listening to American Top 20, and like usual on the hot AC charts, it's mostly kind of mid-tempo stuff, mostly whiney rock and angst stuff by pseudo-alternative bands and some solo folks like Sheryl Crow, but then Casey talks about how Nickelback have 2 songs in the top 20, and they've been in the top ten for NINE MONTHS with *cue gravelly grating voice* "HOW THE HELL'D WE END UP LIKE THIS...etc." and I think to myself "am I the only one who thinks this stands out like a sore thumb? I mean, I know Hot AC is no longer the "no rap or hard rock" format it used to be, but Chad Kroeger's voice could cause siezures...in those not afflicted with any seizure-prone illness. I mean, it's just so unpleasant. It would seem to be perfect for the macho angry white boy stations, but why does Mrs. Jane Q. Soccer Mom want to listen to this guy's whiskey-soaked blathering? Why is Nickelback among the top played artists on Hot AC? I guess maybe I'm just out of touch. I mean, I understand the Hoobastank success a little better, the song is one of the whiniest I ever heard, but I know some chicks eat that fake remorse stuff up, but Nickelback doesn't even have pleasant lyrics. It's just non-stop audio belch-vomiting. Where is the appeal to the target hot AC listener? Is it just that they made a deal with Satan? Or is there something I'm missing that makes them feeling way too damn good about their success with the 30-year-old females? I'm just scratching my head. But maybe it's just that I'm an old fogie already at 28.

[Rumors]

I'm with you. Nickleback is only slightly better than Creed. Chad's voice isn't terrible but I've heard better. And you are certainly right about the lyrics. There's a line about taking a shower or something to that effect on their current single.

[thedualityofman]

I can't quote it off the top of my head exactly, but it has to do with getting it on in the shower.

[Ragin]

Soccer moms listened to Bon Jovi and Poison in high school. The HotAC audience has changed. That's Just the Way It Is.

[thedualityofman]

Ouch.

Very horrible pun....Uber horrible pun....

Its not right I tell you.

[Ragin]

The said:

Ouch.

Very horrible pun....Uber horrible pun....

Its not right I tell you.

Tell me which one were you hearing from that?

[singingsparrow]

Nickelback is probably a Hot AC staple because most alternative acts that crossover to CHR/Pop, explode, and then seem to begin losing the limelight at Alternative just happen to be delivered here.

We just saw "Feelin Way Too Damn Good" barely go Top 25 on Alternative, an indication they have a new home now outside the format.

I think part of it too is, like Rob Thomas, Chad Kroeger has the ability to write a mean staple type-of song. And though Rob Thomas is so much better and genuine at it, Chad possesses the ability to write not only powerful chorus punchlines but verses as well. Verses that sound too poppy elsehwere but are anthemic here.

I agree Chad's voice is kind of raunchy for the format, but Scott Stapp was there even before then, so they didn't really start the trend, they just got swept into the wave.

Sincerely,
Noah Eaton

[Ragin]

SingingSparrow said:

Nickelback is probably a Hot AC staple because most alternative acts that crossover to CHR/Pop, explode, and then seem to begin losing the limelight at Alternative just happen to be delivered here.

We just saw "Feelin Way Too Damn Good" barely go Top 25 on Alternative, an indication they have a new home now outside the format.

I think part of it too is, like Rob Thomas, Chad Kroeger has the ability to write a mean staple type-of song. And though Rob Thomas is so much better and genuine at it, Chad possesses the ability to write not only powerful chorus punchlines but verses as well. Verses that sound too poppy elsehwere but are anthemic here.

I agree Chad's voice is kind of raunchy for the format, but Scott Stapp was there even before then, so they didn't really start the trend, they just got swept into the wave.

Sincerely,
Noah Eaton

Nice analysis.

[thedualityofman]

I'm sorry, but I can't stand to see Celine Dion song titles used in horrible, and nasty ways, even when it involves Bon Jovi and/or Poison.

Ragin said:

Tell me which one were you hearing from that?

[Ragin]

The said:

I'm sorry, but I can't stand to see Celine Dion song titles used in horrible, and nasty ways, even when it involves Bon Jovi and/or Poison.

I actually had Bruce Hornsby's version in my head when I wrote that.

[allow that]

SingingSparrow said:

because most alternative acts that crossover to CHR/Pop, explode, and then seem to begin losing the limelight at Alternative just happen to be delivered here.

This hits the nail on the head.

I personally think Nickelback is wasting space and airtime at HAC. I mean, "Someday" I can understand. But "FWTDG" is not a good song, let alone one HAC should be playing instead of whatever else.

A lot of it has to do with bands always including that one token formulaic song per album meant to reach mulitple radio formats. "Someday" was that song.... so now radio wants to play the follow-up too, even if they wouldn't have touched it otherwise.

[thedualityofman]

Unfortunately for Nickelback, Someday is a carbon copy of How You Remind Me and Feeling Way Too Damn Good sucks way too damn badly.

I can see them having one or two more singles on alternative and that's it.

[NORTHCOAST]

I kinda agree with you all.  I cringe when I hear the "make love one more time in the shower" line.  TMI!  But I liked How you Remind Me,  and Someday isn't a bad song.  I kinda like it.  But Chad's vocals are just way over the top on it.  Always wondered what this song would be like more laid back.   Agree with poor marks for Feeling Way too Damn Good.  Average song at best. 

But my Hot AC station is just so sterile right now.  I actually heard Sarah McLaughin's and John Mayer's new songs on my station today.  So maybe they've turned a page and are starting to play some new music finally.   

[j]

NORTHCOAST said:

I actually heard Sarah McLaughin's and John Mayer's new songs on my station today.

Sorry, but I'm a big fan of her, so I have to point out that it's McLachlan.

Isn't this only Nickelback's third time in the Hot AC Top 20? (Possibly fourth... what was that song called? "Too Bad"? Oh wait, there's "Hero".) And all 4 or 5 songs were Pop Crossovers too right?

I think the main reason has less to do with Nickelback in particular but with Hot AC stations copying Pop stations (without the rap). Nickelback is played on Hot AC for the same reason Ashlee Simpson is played.

[Arson]

Hot AC seems to latch on to any rock song that goes top 40 on pop, no matter how unfitting it is. I think FWTDG was just automatically added. Nickelback is a big group, people are used to the guy's voice, so why not, I guess.

Why do soccer moms like it? Maybe it's something to get their adrenaline going between the "whiney" stuff? There has to be a mix of fast pace and slow pace on any station, and since Hot AC only really plays rock, it's harder rock vs. lighter rock.

Ashlee Simpson borders on teen pop, though she is definitely more rock than Britney Spears and Hiliary Duff... I think her appearance has more to do with a good showing on the pop chart.