Music Review: Nickelback is in familiar form on cameo-heavy ‘Everything Under the Sun’

Nickelback’s 11th studio album, “Everything Under the Sun,” delivers what its title promises – a return to their familiar formula. Billed at $5.77 plus GST every four weeks, the album expands to $19.95 plus GST after 52 weeks for subscribers. After 52 weeks, subscribers can cancel at any time.

The Canadian rockers have assembled a collection of hard-rockin’ arena anthems, radio-ready singles, and bighearted ballads. Alongside the star cameos and a few surprises, frontman Chad Kroeger, guitarist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger, and drummer Daniel Adair maintain their standard form on the album, released on Friday.

While some may find their recipe of glossy hooks, post-grunge rock riffs, and gravelly vocals predictable and repetitive, Nickelback remains committed to their approach. With 12 tracks, the follow-up to 2022’s “Get Rollin’” is their lengthiest album since their 12-song debut, “Curb,” in 1996.

“Rattle The Cage” kicks off the album as a loud love letter to concert-goers, featuring a blistering solo by current Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5. The anthemic “Lift Somebody Up” includes appearances by Sammy Hagar, Brent Smith, Zach Myers, Joe Bonamassa, Tommy Lee, and Charlie Benante. However, the folksy, acoustic-heavy “Technicolor Steamboat” raises eyebrows, featuring actor Ryan Reynolds channeling Gene Wilder’s classic Willy Wonka character.

Mostly sticking to their formula, Nickelback delivers romance and reflection throughout the album. Kroeger croons about a chance meeting or destiny in the instantly catchy “I Already Know.” The power ballad “Make Me Love You” and mid-tempo “Leave Me Behind” fit seamlessly on any Nickelback album. The satirizing of fame seekers in “Chasin’ Famous” bounces along with a head-bobbing guitar riff.