I don’t really listen to rock music, but recently one band got my attention. It’s Nickelback. I randomly saw their MV on internet one day. It was their name which caught my eye. “Nickelback” sounds just like some dirty words in my language! Of course the song and MV were good so that I keep remembering them afterward.

Nickelback is a Canadian rock band formed in 1995 in Alberta. Honestly, I didn’t know they are from Canada(!) until I searched their information for this blog...There are four members in the band now, guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger, and drummer Daniel Adair. 

As for their “amusing” band name, it’s not from dirty words in my language…It was from the story that when band member Mike Kroeger worked at Starbucks, he would frequently say "Here's your nickel back" when he gave customers the nickel in change. (It’s still an interesting anecdote to know.)

The first Nickelback song I listened was “If Everyone Cared.” I was so touched by the MV even before I really understood the lyrics, and the stories they tried to convey was so impressive to me. The song is about if every person would like to care about others, this world will be a better one. It’s a simple thought, but is communicated through some inspired real examples - music journalist Bob Geldof organized the first global charity concert-LIVE AID, the origin of Amnesty International, and the story of late Nelson Mandela, the previous president of South Africa. Sometimes rock music can also be educational!

Nickelback - If Everyone Cared [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

https://youtu.be/-IUSZyjiYuY

The other MV I love is “What are you waiting for.” Just as the title said, what are you waiting for?  You're only living for once; you should just go and fight for your dreams. You should learn to deal with fear, and take the bull by the horns. The most important, everybody's going to make mistakes, but everybody's got a choice to make as well. (I really love the lyrics!) Besides all these serious issues, I think the other reason me really feel the atmosphere of this song is that I’ll stay here for only one more month, so what am I waiting for?! I should go out and explore Toronto for as much as I can! Time flies! (I do feel so…)

Nickelback - What Are You Waiting For? (Lyric Video)

https://youtu.be/w-Ng5muAAcg

Nickelback’s songs are usually categorized as pop rock, but their music kind of reverses my concept that rock band can only be yelling and screaming. Rock music can be meaningful as well, or even tell wonderful stories. It’s always good to learn things from different aspects! I think I will keep following Nickelback, and hope one day I’ll meet them on the street, or even on the concert! :)