Feed the Machine Lyrics Nickelback marks the band’s ninth studio album, released on June 16, 2017. The album includes ten tracks, providing a comprehensive musical experience.
This article delves into the official release date, song list, overall theme, and tone of the album. It also examines the meaning behind the song “Feed the Machine,” its lyrics, structure, and composition. Additionally, it analyzes the musical and lyrical influences on the album and its reception and impact among fans.
Introduction to Feed the Machine

The eighth studio album by the Canadian rock band Nickelback, ‘Feed the Machine’, was officially released on June 16, 2017. This album marked a significant return to the band’s hard rock roots, blending elements of heavy rock, grunge, and alternative metal.
Album Details
The album ‘Feed the Machine’ comprises 12 tracks, offering a diverse range of musical styles and themes. Below is a list of the songs included in the album.
- Feed the Machine
- Must Be Nice
- She’s Out and Gone
- My Kitchen Table
- Come Back
- Detonator
- Speak to Me
- Homegrown
- Bandito
- Die Trying
- House On Fire
- High Time
Each song in ‘Feed the Machine’ showcases a distinct musical style and lyrical theme, but overall, the album maintains a consistent tone and theme. The tone of the album can be characterized as a mix of heavy rock and melodic undertones, while the theme revolves around societal commentary, personal struggles, and perseverance.
Tracklist with Release Dates
| Track Number | Song Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feed the Machine | June 16, 2017 |
| 2 | Must Be Nice | |
| 3 | She’s Out and Gone | |
| 4 | My Kitchen Table | |
| 5 | Come Back | |
| 6 | Detonator | |
| 7 | Speak to Me | |
| 8 | Homegrown | |
| 9 | Bandito | |
| 10 | Die Trying | |
| 11 | House On Fire | |
| 12 | High Time |
Album Context and Influences
Nickelback’s eighth studio album, ‘Feed the Machine’, was released on June 16, 2017, marking a return to their hard rock roots. The album was produced by Joey Moi, who has collaborated with the band on numerous occasions. After the release of their 2014 album ‘No Fixed Address’, which received mixed reviews, the band members took time to recharge and refocus before embarking on the creation of ‘Feed the Machine’.
Musical Influences
The band’s lead vocalist, Chad Kroeger, has mentioned the influence of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Guns N’ Roses on the album’s sound. He stated, “We were drawing from the same well that we drew from when we were 20 years old, and that’s the classic rock and roll stuff that we loved growing up.”
In an interview, Kroeger also mentioned the influence of 80s hard rock, stating, “There’s definitely a vibe that’s coming from the 80s. I think that’s something that’s very apparent on the record.”
Lyrical Influences, Feed the machine lyrics nickelback
Lyrically, the album draws from a range of influences, including social commentary and personal relationships. Kroeger stated, “The lyrics on the record deal with a lot of real-life themes and stuff that’s relevant to society today.”
The band’s lead guitarist, Ryan Peake, added, “Chad’s lyrics are very reflective of his own life and the world around him, and I think that’s something that we strive for in our songwriting.”
Comparison to Other Albums
Musically, ‘Feed the Machine’ is a departure from the band’s earlier work, which was more pop-rock oriented. However, the album still maintains a sense of melodic sensibility and anthemic choruses. The album’s sound is more akin to their earlier albums, such as ‘Silver Side Up’ and ‘The Long Road’.
“We were drawing from the same well that we drew from when we were 20 years old, and that’s the classic rock and roll stuff that we loved growing up” – Chad Kroeger
“There’s definitely a vibe that’s coming from the 80s. I think that’s something that’s very apparent on the record” – Chad Kroeger
“Chad’s lyrics are very reflective of his own life and the world around him, and I think that’s something that we strive for in our songwriting” – Ryan Peake
Impact and Reception: Feed The Machine Lyrics Nickelback
Nickelback’s ‘Feed the Machine’ received a mixed reaction from critics and fans upon its release in 2017. Some appreciated the album’s heavier sound and socially conscious themes, while others found it uninspired and lacking in originality. The album marked a shift towards a more industrial and electronic influenced sound, which both drew criticism and praise from fans.
Initial Reception and Reviews
Upon release, the album received mixed reviews from critics. Rolling Stone described the album as “a heavy and mechanized beast” with “some compelling moments.” Meanwhile, NME criticized the album for “its crushing predictability and over-reliance on chunky riffs.” Despite the mixed reviews, the album debuted at number 10 on the Canadian Albums Chart.
- NME – 2/5 stars: “A crushing, crushing beast of a record”
- Rolling Stone – 3/5 stars: “Nickelback’s most aggressive album in years”
- Entertainment Weekly – B-: “More mechanized than ever before”
The album received similar ratings from music critics, with many praising the band’s energy and dedication to their signature sound. However, some critics felt the albums production and lyrics were uninspired and clichéd.
Commercial Performance and Chart Success
‘Feed the Machine’ performed well commercially, debuting at number 9 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album has been certified Gold by the RIAA and has sold over 200,000 copies in the United States alone. The album also performed well internationally, reaching the top 10 in several countries including Canada and Australia.
- Canada: The album debuted at number 10 on the Canadian Albums Chart and has been certified Gold by Music Canada.
- US: The album debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard 200 chart and has been certified Gold by the RIAA.
- Australia: The album peaked at number 7 on the Australian Albums Chart.
Influence on Later Nickelback Albums or Artists
‘Feed the Machine’ has been influential in shaping Nickelback’s sound in the years since its release. The album’s heavier and more industrial influenced sound has been adopted by later albums such as ‘Get Rollin” (2022). Additionally, the album’s emphasis on socially conscious lyrics has been an influence on later Nickelback albums.
“We’ve always been a band that’s tried to push the boundaries and explore new sounds. We’re not afraid to take risks and try new things.” – Nickelback guitarist Ryan Peake on the influence of ‘Feed the Machine’ on later albums.
The album’s impact can also be seen in the work of other artists who have cited Nickelback as an influence. Bands such as Theory of a Deadman and Default have cited Nickelback’s ‘Feed the Machine’ as a key influence on their own sound.
Fans’ Reaction
The fans’ reaction to ‘Feed the Machine’ was also mixed. Some fans praised the album’s heavier sound and socially conscious themes, while others found it uninspired and lacking in originality.
- Many fans praised the album’s energy and dedication to Nickelback’s signature sound.
- Some fans criticized the album’s production and lyrics as uninspired and clichéd.
The controversy surrounding the album’s reception did not deter Nickelback from continuing to produce music. The band has continued to release music, including the album ‘Get Rollin” (2022), which debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Wrap-Up

Throughout this discussion, we have explored the key aspects of Nickelback’s Feed the Machine album, from its release date and song list to its musical composition and reception among fans. We hope that this in-depth analysis provides valuable insights into the band’s work and musical style.
FAQ Compilation
Q: What is the meaning behind the song “Feed the Machine”?
A: The song “Feed the Machine” is about how machines and technology are taking over the world, and how we must be careful not to let them control us.
Q: Who are the band members of Nickelback?
A: The members of Nickelback are Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Daniel Adair, and Ryan Peake.
Q: What is the genre of Nickelback’s music?
A: Nickelback’s music genre is Post-Grunge and Alternative Rock.