We all have them – those songs or albums lurking in our playlists that we might sheepishly skip when friends are around. In the vast landscape of music, it’s easy to develop a taste for genres and artists that align with critical acclaim or perceived “good taste.” But what about those tracks that defy conventional expectations, the ones that burrow into your brain and refuse to leave, despite your inner music snob’s protests? This is where “Shameful Confessions” comes in, a space to explore and, dare I say, celebrate those musical guilty pleasures. And today, my confession revolves around an album and, more specifically, a song that I probably should dislike: My Darkest Days’ self-titled debut, and its unapologetically sleazy hit, “Porn Star Dancing.”
Now, let’s preface this by stating my general musical leanings. I consider myself a connoisseur of sorts, gravitating towards traditional and alt-country, indie rock, soul, quality metal, and top-tier rap. Modern rock, however, often leaves me cold. Bands like Nickelback, Godsmack, and Three Days Grace? Not in my regular rotation, to put it mildly. In fact, my aversion to Nickelback is almost legendary. So, imagine my surprise when I found myself inexplicably drawn to My Darkest Days, a band frequently labeled as “Nickelback-lite.”
The track that initially caught my ear, and the focal point of this confession, is “Porn Star Dancing.” Yes, the title itself is eyebrow-raising. It’s an ode to strippers, dripping with a certain kind of late-night, neon-lit atmosphere. Adding to the intrigue (or perhaps the potential for further judgment) is the fact that the song features none other than Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, and even spawned a remix with Ludacris. On paper, and based on my established musical biases, this should be an instant skip. The album, described as mostly MOR anthemic modern rock, should be musical purgatory at best.
My Darkest Days self-titled album cover featuring the band's name in bold white letters on a black background, representing the modern rock genre and the album containing the song "Porn Star Dancing".
Yet, here’s the truth: I genuinely enjoy “Porn Star Dancing,” and by extension, much of the My Darkest Days album. WTF, indeed? What is the inexplicable allure? “Porn Star Dancing,” despite its potentially cringeworthy premise, is undeniably infectious. It’s naughty, yes, but also undeniably fun. It evokes a sense of unrepentant, almost gleeful debauchery reminiscent of the hair metal bands I secretly adore – bands like L.A. Guns come to mind, with their raw energy and unapologetic attitude. Upon first hearing “Porn Star Dancing,” I immediately sought out the full album. While the rest of the tracks weren’t exactly L.A. Guns territory (more like modern rock than Sunset Strip sleaze), I was surprised to find myself hitting repeat.
While few songs on the album possess the immediate, in-your-face catchiness of “Porn Star Dancing,” they are growers. Perhaps it’s My Darkest Days’ unexpected focus on melody that sets them apart in the often-macho world of modern rock. Many of their songs are essentially pop structures draped in loud guitars and a driving bassline, undeniably ingratiating in their approach. While bravado is present, it doesn’t feel like the primary selling point, unlike some of their contemporaries who seem more concerned with projecting machismo than crafting solid songs. The songs themselves take center stage.
Beyond “Porn Star Dancing,” tracks like “Burn It Down” further cemented my unexpected appreciation. With its reggae-infused rhythm and an earworm melody, it’s like Sublime with a sharper focus. It’s the kind of song that lodges itself in your brain for days. Then there’s “Come Undone,” a surprisingly competent and respectful rendition of the Duran Duran classic from the 90s. Even lyrically, the band shows glimpses of depth, albeit fleetingly, in “Goodbye,” a track about leaving a heroin-addicted partner. While the album opener, “Move Your Body,” might be somewhat generic, the rest of the album avoids outright skips.
Ultimately, there’s nothing groundbreaking about My Darkest Days or their self-titled debut. The lead singer’s voice is pleasant, the guitar work is competent but not revolutionary, and the songwriting, while catchy, isn’t reinventing the wheel. And yet, there’s an undeniable “it” factor, a certain something that makes this album work, at least for me. Perhaps it’s the unapologetic embrace of melody within a modern rock framework, or maybe it’s just the sheer guilty pleasure of belting out “Porn Star Dancing” in the car. Whatever it is, I dig it. And while future me might cringe at this confession, for now, I’m embracing my love for My Darkest Days and their surprisingly addictive brand of modern rock anthems. Hopefully, any mainstream success they achieve will be driven by a continued focus on crafting solid songs, rather than succumbing to the genre’s trappings or the allure of fleeting popularity.
