Feed the Machine
Nickelback · 2017
43 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A hard-hitting blend of post-grunge riffs and anthemic choruses, echoing themes of rebellion and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Feed the Machine Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of defiance and resilience, driven by powerful instrumentation that sets a bold tone for the record.
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Song on Fire — With its emotive lyrics and soaring melodies, this track represents a more introspective side of the band, showcasing their range beyond hard rock anthems.
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Silent Majority — Addressing societal issues with pointed commentary, this track stands out for its lyrical depth while maintaining a catchy, accessible sound that exemplifies Nickelback’s style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic rock with introspective moments but lacks standout writing or production.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, establishing a high-energy opening.
- The album includes several slower ballads, with 'Song on Fire' and 'Home' providing contrast to the heavier tracks.
- The last two tracks are more introspective, with 'The Betrayal (Act I)' and 'The Betrayal (Act III)' creating a narrative arc.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo anthems
- themes of disillusionment explored
- hard-hitting riffs for catharsis
- consistent flow for focused listening
- resilient melodies for motivation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking experimental soundscapes
- prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Nickelback's continued commercial viability and evolution after mixed reviews.
- Themes
- societal critique· post-2000 disillusionment· rebellion against conformity
- Career context
- Released on June 16, 2017, Feed the Machine marked Nickelback's ninth studio album and their first since 2014's No Fixed Address. The album came after a period of mixed critical reception for the band, as they sought to redefine their sound amidst ongoing scrutiny and shifting musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Creed· Puddle of Mudd· Default
Tracklist
- 1 Feed the Machine Start here 5:02
- 2 Coin for the Ferryman 4:50
- 3 Song on Fire 3:50
- 4 Must Be Nice 3:42
- 5 After the Rain 3:34
- 6 For the River 3:28
- 7 Home 3:52
- 8 The Betrayal (Act III) 4:20
- 9 Silent Majority 3:52
- 10 Every Time We’re Together 3:52
- 11 The Betrayal (Act I) 2:42
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Attention Attention
Shinedown
Shares themes of resilience and rebellion, with a similar hard rock sound and melodic hooks.
Ember
Breaking Benjamin
Features post-grunge riffs and explores disillusionment with a heavy yet melodic approach.
Outsider
Three Days Grace
Combines hard-hitting rock with themes of societal critique and personal struggle, resonating with Nickelback's tone.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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