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BUY THE CD
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Nickelback has just completed the U.S. leg of their Dark Horse Tour, and I have to say that, with four great bands performing, it was one of the most exciting concerts that I’ve been to—and I’ve been to a lot throughout the years. However, there was one band that I couldn’t get enough of: those rockers from Oklahoma City, Hinder. I realize that there are strict curfews for these outdoor venues, but I could have danced to them all night.
So, on the hour-long drive home, I popped in their 2008 CD, Take It to the Limit, and I’ve been playing it ever since—on my computer while working, in my car, on my iPod while working out…anytime, anywhere.
Great hooks and guitar solos, along with quick, rhythmic lyrics and vocals infuse this album. From the single “Use Me” to “Heaven Scent,” “Up All Night,” and the title track, “Take It to the Limit,” you can’t get these choruses out of your head. At their concerts, fans of all ages join in their old-school sing-alongs. And I often receive strange looks as walkers pass me while I’m running and chanting to my iPod.
Influenced by 1980s rock bands such as Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses, Hinder takes partying to the max while adding contemporary guitar and vocals. In fact, “Take It to the Limit” features Mick Mars, the legendary guitarist of Mötley Crüe.
It’s not all about partying, though (well, not completely). Lead singer Austin Winkler slows down his quick vocals in the heartfelt “Without You”—but not at the expense of another skillful guitar solo and yet another chorus that sticks in your head. Partying also gives way to introspection—but don’t take it too seriously—in “The Best Is Yet to Come” and in the ballad, “Loaded and Alone,” which seems to have come right out of the early ‘80s. Whatever the tone, though, Winkler’s distinct rough but passionate voice is the foundation of Hinder’s signature sound.
Take It to the Limit isn’t as popular as the band’s last album, Extreme Behavior. The earlier CD went triple platinum with hits like “Get Stoned” and “Lips of an Angel.” However, overall, it’s just as dynamic—and the partying and the light relationship themes remain the same.
Would I recommend Take It to the Limit over Extreme Behavior? That’s a hard one, as I’m constantly listening to tracks from both. What I can tell you is that if you’re looking for deep, profound lyrics or songs you can meditate to, don’t waste your cash. However, if you enjoy 21st century kick-ass rock and roll, then you can’t have too much Hinder.
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