About this album
Sound:
"A gritty blend of post-grunge riffs and anthemic choruses that captures the late '90s rock spirit."
Where they were
Released on September 1, 1998, 'The State' was Nickelback's second studio album, following their debut 'Curb' in 1996. At this point, the band was beginning to establish their sound and gain traction in the alternative rock scene, setting the stage for their later commercial success.
Why it matters
'The State' marked a significant step for Nickelback, as it included hits like 'Leader of Men', which helped the band achieve mainstream radio play. The album's success laid the groundwork for their future releases, contributing to the rise of post-grunge in the late '90s and early 2000s.
Essential tracks
- "Leader of Men" — This track embodies Nickelback's early sound, featuring introspective lyrics and a powerful chorus that showcases Chad Kroeger's vocal range.
- "Breathe" — 'Breathe' combines melodic hooks with hard-hitting guitars, demonstrating the band's ability to balance heavy rock with catchy songwriting.
- "Old Enough" — With its driving rhythm and relatable themes of youth and ambition, 'Old Enough' captures the essence of the band's appeal during this era.
Release Date
September 1, 1998
Artist Origin
Canada
Tracklist
- 1 Breathe 3:58
- 2 Cowboy Hat 3:56
- 3 Leader of Men 3:30
- 4 Old Enough 2:45
- 5 Worthy to Say 4:06
- 6 Diggin' This 3:01
- 7 Deep 2:48
- 8 One Last Run 3:30
- 9 Not Leavin' Yet 3:44
- 10 Hold Out Your Hand 4:08
- 11 Leader of Men (acoustic) 3:23