It’s time for a confession. As a purveyor of “good” music – think classic country, soulful melodies, and cutting-edge indie rock – admitting to enjoying certain bands feels… shameful. This is the premise of my recurring feature, “Shameful Confessions,” where I delve into musical territories I probably shouldn’t admit to liking. Because let’s be honest, we all have those tunes that defy our usual taste, the ones we crank up in private but might not blast at a hipster coffee shop.
Take my wife, for instance. Her musical spectrum ranges from musicals (questionable) to modern rock (debatable), with pit stops at Josh Groban (umm?) and hair metal (redemption!). She balances the questionable with the cool, proving that diverse tastes are the spice of life. And while I pride myself on my refined musical palate, even I have my weaknesses. My Darkest Days, specifically their self-titled debut album and the ridiculously catchy single “Porn Star Dancing,” is one such guilty pleasure.
Energetic crowd at a rock concert, representing the live music experience discussed in the ‘Shameful Confessions’ review of My Darkest Days’ album and their song ‘Porn Star Dancing’.
Let’s preface this by stating my well-documented disdain for Nickelback. I can identify a Nickelback song within three notes, giving me ample time to switch the station. My aversion extends to much of modern rock – Godsmack, Three Days Grace, Disturbed, Chevelle – bands that generally leave me cold. Therefore, discovering a fondness for My Darkest Days feels like a betrayal of my own musical principles.
My Darkest Days, often unfairly labeled as “Nickelback-lite,” delivered a breakout hit with “Porn Star Dancing.” This track, a somewhat sleazy yet undeniably catchy ode to strippers, even features Chad Kroeger of Nickelback himself, and boasts a remix with Ludacris. The rest of their self-titled album largely treads the familiar territory of modern rock anthems, offering nothing groundbreaking lyrically or musically. On paper, this album should be my sonic kryptonite.
Yet, against all odds, I genuinely enjoy it. A lot.
“Porn Star Dancing”: The Irresistible Anthem
What’s the appeal? “Porn Star Dancing” is undeniably infectious. It’s naughty, fun, and evokes the spirit of unrepentant, joyous debauchery reminiscent of my beloved hair metal days. LA Guns, with their raw energy and catchy hooks, immediately came to mind when I first heard it. Intrigued, I sought out the full album, hoping for more of that raw, energetic rock. While the rest of the album didn’t quite deliver the LA Guns vibe, it still held a surprising allure.
Beyond the Single: Discovering Album Gems
While few tracks on the album possess the immediate grab of “Porn Star Dancing,” they undeniably grew on me. Perhaps it’s My Darkest Days’ emphasis on melody over manufactured attitude that sets them apart. Many songs are essentially pop structures dressed in loud guitars and a driving bassline, making them surprisingly engaging. Despite some lyrical bravado, the focus remains on the songs themselves, not contrived image-building, a stark contrast to bands like Nickelback whose persona often overshadows their music.
“Burn It Down” stands out as another favorite. Its reggae-tinged rhythm and earworm melody are reminiscent of Sublime, but with a more focused direction. It’s the kind of song that lodges itself in your brain and replays relentlessly. Their rendition of Duran Duran’s “Come Undone” is surprisingly skillful, showcasing the band’s ability to handle a classic with respect and energy. “Goodbye” reveals a rare glimpse of lyrical depth, narrating a poignant tale of leaving a heroin-addicted partner for self-preservation. While “Move Your Body” is a somewhat generic opener, the album as a whole avoids being a skippable affair.
The Undeniable “It” Factor
Objectively, “My Darkest Days” isn’t groundbreaking. The lead singer’s voice is pleasant but not exceptional. The guitar work is competent but not virtuosic. The songs are far from revolutionary. Yet, there’s an undeniable “it” factor at play. Perhaps it’s the band’s knack for crafting catchy melodies, their unpretentious approach, or simply the sheer enjoyment factor of “Porn Star Dancing” bleeding into the rest of the album. Whatever it is, I find myself genuinely digging this album.
Maybe in a month, I’ll cringe at writing this. But for now, I’m embracing my guilty pleasure. Hopefully, My Darkest Days’ success won’t lead them astray. If they continue to prioritize songwriting and melody over genre clichés and fleeting trends, they might just have staying power. And I, for one, will be secretly listening, maybe even humming along to “Porn Star Dancing.”
