We all have those musical guilty pleasures, the songs or albums we secretly love despite knowing they might not be considered “cool” or critically acclaimed. As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of fine musical tastes – leaning towards traditional country, indie rock, soul, and good metal – admitting to enjoying something outside this spectrum feels almost… shameful. Hence, this recurring feature: “Shameful Confessions,” where we delve into those unexpected musical loves. And today, we’re diving deep into the self-titled debut album by My Darkest Days, specifically because of the undeniably catchy track, “Porn Star Dancing.”
Like many, I harbor a deep-seated aversion to Nickelback. It’s beyond dislike; it’s an almost visceral reaction. Three notes are all it takes for me to identify and promptly change the station. This disdain extends to much of modern rock – Godsmack, Three Days Grace, Disturbed, Chevelle – bands that often feel generic and uninspired. So, imagine my surprise when I found myself hooked on My Darkest Days, a band frequently labeled as “Nickelback-lite.” Their breakthrough single, “Porn Star Dancing,” a song celebrating the world of strippers featuring none other than Chad Kroeger of Nickelback himself (and a remix with Ludacris!), seemed like everything I typically avoid. The album, described as mainstream, anthemic modern rock, appeared to be my personal musical hell.
Yet, here’s the confession: I genuinely enjoy it. A lot.
Why? It’s perplexing, even to me. But “Porn Star Dancing” is undeniably infectious. It’s sleazy, yes, but also incredibly fun. It evokes the same unapologetic, debaucherous spirit of hair metal bands like LA Guns, a comparison that immediately sprang to mind upon first listen. Intrigued, I explored the full album, hoping for more of that raw, energetic vibe. While the rest of the album isn’t exactly LA Guns territory (closer to… well, not country, thankfully), it possesses an undeniable appeal. Despite my initial disappointment at the stylistic shift from “Porn Star Dancing,” I kept listening. And it grew on me.
My Darkest Days self-titled album cover art, featuring band members and the album title, for a review discussing "Porn Star Dancing by My Darkest Days".
Unlike many of their contemporaries who prioritize attitude and image over substance, My Darkest Days seems to focus on melody. Many tracks are essentially pop songs dressed in loud guitars and a driving bassline. While some songs lean into bravado and machismo, the core strength lies in the songwriting itself. This is a stark contrast to bands like Nickelback, whose persona often overshadows their music.
“Burn It Down” is another standout track. Its reggae-infused rhythm and ridiculously catchy melody burrow into your brain. Imagine Sublime, but with a tighter, more focused approach. It’s an earworm of the highest order. Then there’s “Come Undone,” a surprisingly well-executed cover of the Duran Duran classic from the 90s, showcasing the band’s ability to handle different styles. And “Goodbye” reveals a glimpse of lyrical depth (a rarity on the album, admittedly), narrating a painful decision to leave a lover battling heroin addiction. While these are the most memorable tracks, even the less immediate songs, excluding the somewhat generic opener “Move Your Body,” are far from skippable.
Objectively, the My Darkest Days debut isn’t groundbreaking. The lead vocalist has a pleasant, if not distinctive, voice. The guitar work is competent but not exceptional. The songs, while catchy, aren’t reinventing the rock genre. Yet, there’s an intangible “it” factor, a certain something that makes this album work. Perhaps it’s the unapologetic embrace of melody, the unexpected hooks, or simply the sheer fun factor, especially evident in “Porn Star Dancing.” Whatever it is, I find myself genuinely enjoying this album, even while acknowledging its flaws and my typical musical preferences. This might be a fleeting infatuation, and I might cringe at this confession in a month, but for now, My Darkest Days has earned a spot in my rotation.
Hopefully, any future mainstream success won’t dilute what makes them appealing. My Darkest Days should continue honing their songwriting craft, keeping their focus on the music, and not getting lost in the predictable trappings of the genre or the allure of newfound fame. Because beneath the surface of sleazy singles like “Porn Star Dancing,” there’s a band with a knack for melody and a potential for something more.
