We all have those musical guilty pleasures, the songs or albums we secretly enjoy despite knowing they might not be critically acclaimed or align with our usual taste. As someone who prides myself on having discerning musical preferences – leaning towards traditional country, alt-country, indie rock, soul, and good metal – admitting to liking certain mainstream rock can feel like a betrayal. But in the spirit of embracing musical freedom, I’m launching a new feature: “Shameful Confessions,” where I’ll delve into the music I secretly love, regardless of genre snobbery. And what better way to kick things off than by discussing My Darkest Days’ self-titled debut album, particularly their breakout hit, “Porn Star Dancing”?
I have a well-documented aversion to Nickelback. It’s not just dislike; it’s a visceral reaction. I can identify a Nickelback song within seconds and change the station faster than you can say “photograph.” This aversion extends to much of modern rock – bands like Godsmack, Three Days Grace, Disturbed, and Chevelle leave me cold. So, when My Darkest Days emerged, often labeled as “Nickelback-lite,” my expectations were subterranean. Their most recognizable track, “Porn Star Dancing,” a song saturated in stripper pole imagery and featuring Chad Kroeger of Nickelback himself, alongside a remix with Ludacris, sounded like everything I actively avoid in music. On paper, this album should be my sonic nemesis.
My Darkest Days album cover featuring band members in black and white
Yet, here’s the confession: I genuinely enjoy this album. A lot. It defies all logic, even my own. Why? It boils down to “Porn Star Dancing” being undeniably catchy and, dare I say, fun. There’s a raw, unapologetic energy to it that harkens back to the glory days of hair metal, a genre I unabashedly adore. The sleazy charm of “Porn Star Dancing” immediately triggered a nostalgic chord, reminding me of bands like LA Guns in their prime. Intrigued, I decided to explore the full album. While the rest of the tracks don’t quite capture the same unhinged energy of the single, and stray considerably from the LA Guns comparison, something about the album clicked.
Despite initial reservations, I kept returning to My Darkest Days. The songs, while not instant hits like “Porn Star Dancing,” steadily grew on me. I realized their strength lies in melody. They prioritize crafting memorable melodies over aggressive posturing, a common pitfall in modern rock. Many tracks are essentially pop songs dressed in loud guitars and a driving bassline, surprisingly palatable and even ingratiating. While some lyrics lean into bravado, the focus remains firmly on the songs themselves, a refreshing contrast to bands like Nickelback, whose persona often overshadows their music.
Beyond “Porn Star Dancing,” other tracks cemented my unexpected appreciation. “Burn It Down” stands out with its reggae-infused rhythm and an earworm melody that stubbornly lodges itself in your brain, think Sublime but with a more focused rock edge. Their cover of Duran Duran’s “Come Undone” is surprisingly well-executed, a testament to their musical competence. And “Goodbye” showcases a rare lyrical depth on the album, depicting a poignant narrative of leaving a heroin-addicted partner. While the opening track “Move Your Body” is somewhat generic, the album as a whole avoids outright skips, maintaining a consistent level of listenability.
Objectively, My Darkest Days’ debut isn’t groundbreaking. The lead singer possesses a decent voice, the guitar work is competent but not exceptional, and the songwriting, while catchy, isn’t revolutionary. Yet, there’s an undeniable “it” factor, an intangible quality that makes the album work. Perhaps it’s the unpretentious songcraft, the focus on melody, or simply the guilty pleasure of enjoying something a little rough around the edges. Whatever it is, I find myself genuinely digging this album, “Porn Star Dancing My Darkest” and all. While future me might cringe at this confession, for now, I’m embracing my musical guilty pleasure and letting My Darkest Days spin. Hopefully, their anticipated mainstream success won’t dilute what makes them appealing; I hope they continue to prioritize the song above genre trends and fleeting fame.
