Here and Now cover

Here and Now

Nickelback · 2011

39 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A polished blend of hard rock anthems and reflective ballads, showcasing Nickelback's signature sound with commercial flair.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    This Means War Start here — Opening with explosive energy, this track captures the album's aggressive tone and features anthemic choruses that invite listener participation.
  • →
    When We Stand Together — This song serves as a rallying cry for unity and social awareness, encapsulating themes of collective strength while maintaining a catchy melody.
  • →
    Lullaby — A poignant ballad that showcases a softer side of Nickelback, addressing themes of love and reassurance in a melodic format that contrasts with their heavier tracks.
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    Trying Not to Love You — This track delves into the complexities of relationships, combining heartfelt lyrics with a powerful chorus that exemplifies Nickelback's songwriting capabilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic rock with reflective ballads, showcasing familiar elements but lacks standout depth.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks are high-energy anthems that maintain a consistent tempo, while the following tracks introduce slower ballads, creating a noticeable shift in pace.
  • Several songs feature layered guitar riffs and harmonized vocals, typical of Nickelback's style, but also incorporate softer instrumentation in the ballads.
  • The album closes with a track that features a gradual build-up to a climactic finish, contrasting with the more straightforward structures of earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • balance of energy and reflection
  • contemplative moments and anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues Nickelback's commercial success and solidifies their rock appeal.
Themes
social responsibility· celebratory moments· emotional reassurance
Career context
Released in 2011, Here and Now is Nickelback's seventh studio album, following their hugely successful record Dark Horse from 2008. At this point in their career, the band was riding the wave of mainstream popularity, aiming to consolidate their position as one of the leading rock acts of the era.
Stylistic neighbors
Creed· Puddle of Mudd· Default

Tracklist

  • 1 This Means War Start here 3:20
  • 2 Bottoms Up 3:37
  • 3 When We Stand Together 3:10
  • 4 Midnight Queen 3:14
  • 5 Gotta Get Me Some 3:41
  • 6 Lullaby 3:48
  • 7 Kiss It Goodbye 3:35
  • 8 Trying Not to Love You 4:11
  • 9 Holding On to Heaven 3:51
  • 10 Everything I Wanna Do 3:26
  • 11 Don't Ever Let It End 3:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata