Bucky Covington – “Gotta Be Somebody”
Songwriters: Chad Kroeger and Nickelback.
Nobody was more excited than Bucky Covington when Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger showed up as a co-writer on the lead single to what will likely be Tim McGraw’s last album for Curb Records. “Nickelback is country, Nickelback is country!” Covington shouted as he dashed out into the streets, embracing strangers and swinging toddlers playfully around by the arms. One of his longest-held dreams had finally become reality.
Or at least that’s the impression you get from listening to the mustachioed American Idol alum’s nominally countrified cover of “Gotta Be Somebody,” a big rock hit for the critically-challenged Canadian quartet last year.
The fact that Nickelback isn’t country (sorry, Bucky) doesn’t rule out the possibility of a successful country version of “Gotta Be Somebody.” In fact, Kroeger’s writing actually lends itself fairly well to the format, as demonstrated by the convincing country barn-burner quality of “It’s a Business Doing Pleasure With You” and his own band’s good-humored “Rockstar,” which sounds like an uptown cousin to Paisley’s “Celebrity.” Combine those past works with the fact that Kroeger owns 604 Records, home to successful Canadian country acts Jessie Farrell, Aaron Pritchett, and George Canyon, and his country cred might actually be on firmer ground than southern rocker Covington’s.
Especially after you hear what Covington’s ham-fisted interpretive sense did to this song. And what someone did to his voice, assuming it wasn’t Bucky’s desire to sound like a robot with a dying power supply. Combined with the repetitive, looped quality of the melody and general loudness issues, the overprocessed vocal works against the very human essence of the lyrics. The words are all about emotional longing, but everything else sounds like the result of buttons pushed on a machine. Where’s the soul?
At the same time, it’s hard not to be a little impressed: Covington’s team has pulled off the improbable feat of sanding all the rough edges off of Nickelback–improbable because, really, who knew there were any to begin with? Alas, Kroeger’s performance sounds positively raw by comparison. You show ‘em, Bucky.
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Aaron Pritchett // American Idol // Bucky Covington // Bucky Covington's Mustache // Chad Kroeger // George Canyon // Jessie Farrell // Nickelback // Tim McGraw
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38 Comments
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October 28, 2009 at 9:23 am Permalink
Somebody needs to tell Bucky that it is no longer cool to look like a 70s pornstar.
October 28, 2009 at 9:25 am Permalink
Wow, that was harsh! I have listened to this song and I think Bucky’s vocals sound great! I think his version is great and I’m sure that Nickelback thinks he “did them proud.” The video for Bucky’s version just came out over at CMT and it’s also great. Thanks for taking the time to review the song, even if I don’t agree with what you said.
October 28, 2009 at 9:33 am Permalink
His voice sounds amazingly processed, indeed. I actually like the song, but this version is rough.
October 28, 2009 at 9:49 am Permalink
I love this song – but with Nickelback singing it. Bucky doesn’t do a terrible job but he also doesn’t bring much to the table with this. Since this cover is of a recent song, I’m guessing Bucky’s version is easily going to be skipped over. I just find it weird why some artists choose popular recent songs to use as their singles. This song by Bucky is an example, and I’m seeing a lot of people trying to copy “Use Somebody”. The Kings of Leon version is still widely heard on the radio, yet other people are singing and releasing it. I just don’t understand it. It’s not going to do them any favors.
October 28, 2009 at 10:35 am Permalink
I just want to note that Nickelback is the locus of evil in the universe.
October 28, 2009 at 10:45 am Permalink
Chris, Nickelback are one of the best rock bands going today, but to each their own.
October 28, 2009 at 11:30 am Permalink
Nickleback’s popularity is an indication of the sad state of rock. His covering a song of theirs is an indication of his own poor choice in music.
October 28, 2009 at 11:45 am Permalink
Everytime someone buys a Nickelback record, an angel cries a solitary tear for mankind.
October 28, 2009 at 11:54 am Permalink
Chris – I think you meant to say Rascal Flatts. Close enough though.
Just a couple NB related thoughts here: n
The “Hanna Boys” (from Hanna, Alberta) were a country cover band in the beginning, playing the small town bar scene up here for a long time before getting their break. They are very much fans of Country music, and have been doing Joe Nichols’ Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off in their sets for awhile now.
I actually think that, as far as Rock acts go, they are probably one of the best going today along with Buckcherry and Hinder.
October 28, 2009 at 12:22 pm Permalink
Totally overproduced all the way around.
October 28, 2009 at 12:35 pm Permalink
“And what someone did to his voice, assuming it wasn’t Bucky’s desire to sound like a robot with a dying power supply.”
Dead-on! Love it.
October 28, 2009 at 2:21 pm Permalink
You know who else is really horrible? Buckcherry and Hinder.
October 28, 2009 at 2:26 pm Permalink
As an aside to Noeller (from a fellow Canuck), Corb Lund’s original drummer left the Hurtin’ Albertans to join Nickelback. He was later canned, I believe.
October 28, 2009 at 5:27 pm Permalink
Terrible, just terrible vocals. I hate Nickelback but their version is so much better. Also, Bucky, don’t listen to what the focus groups tell you — it’s okay to say “dammit” on country radio.
October 28, 2009 at 5:43 pm Permalink
“Terrible, just terrible vocals. I hate Nickelback but their version is so much better.”
Amen.
October 28, 2009 at 6:08 pm Permalink
On the plus side, at least it’s not “Something In Your Mouth” that’s getting the cover treatment! :X
October 28, 2009 at 6:12 pm Permalink
Not a music critic
Not a hardcore Bucky Covington fan
Have never heard Nickelback’s version of the song so I can’t compare the two.
I was sent a link to the video by a friend so I took a listen.
Vocals sounded rather good to me and enjoyed the video.
Not sure where the “porn star” comment’s coming from and what that has to do with the price of tea in China, but it sounds like you’ve had enough experience in watching them to know what you’re talking about.
Continued success, whatever that means, to Bucky and hope that the song does well on the country charts.
October 28, 2009 at 6:44 pm Permalink
Its not bad, but I agree that I’m not feeling the over-processing of his voice… its just not working for me
But I do like Bucky Covington… I preferred “I Want My Life Back”, its too bad that single burned out at #32
October 28, 2009 at 7:05 pm Permalink
I like it. :-)
October 28, 2009 at 7:08 pm Permalink
I stand by my comment-Bucky missed his true calling in life with that haircut and mustache. And this song is just pure crap.
October 28, 2009 at 7:16 pm Permalink
I may not care for Carrie Underwood’s voice or her singing style, but at least she can sing. I’m afraid the same thing cannot be said about Sucky. Why so many people like this guy is beyond my comprehension, but then again Obama becoming president falls into the same category. H.L. Mencken was right, it is impossible to over-estimate the poor taste of the American public…
October 28, 2009 at 7:36 pm Permalink
Well Rick, you’re certainly entitled to your opinion and your preferences, but why constantly resort to name-calling of those you dont like?
October 28, 2009 at 7:52 pm Permalink
His voice is way too computerized. I can accept that on pop radio, but not country.
October 28, 2009 at 8:32 pm Permalink
Paula, its just a low key way to ridicule those whom I feel are worthy of such an honor. With a name like “Bucky” and a voice that’s sucky, it just seems like a natural fit. Maybe I should label him “The Suckmeister” instead. Hmm, such tough choices…
October 29, 2009 at 6:16 am Permalink
“With a name like “Bucky” and a voice that’s sucky”??? Going to the 8th grade prom this year Rick??
October 29, 2009 at 9:07 am Permalink
Well if Rick was going to the 8th grade prom, he could ask out Bucky — because Bucky looks like an 8th grade girl with a mustache in that picture. Get rid of the mustache and it could be a date!
October 29, 2009 at 9:58 am Permalink
Hey, you know what “Rick” rhymes with?
October 29, 2009 at 4:36 pm Permalink
Yes, I do. Rick rhymes with prick, dick, and hick.
October 29, 2009 at 4:58 pm Permalink
I second that Sam!
October 29, 2009 at 6:14 pm Permalink
hey wilcox, did’t know you allow such crap over here like i am reading from our guys. these comments are horrid and that kid from north carolina’s not that bad. i liked his first single quite a bit and listened to and watched the video you are writing about. hate nickleback but that was one song that didn’t kill me. this covington kid did a decent job. from what i read the video was done at a charity event for food for kids. that should give him 1 percentage point as you know the way we feel about hungry kids. the video that slays me is the last reba one that was taken directly off the CMT by invitation only show. song good but video so concockted and fake. covington’s is even better than hers. take care of yourself. larry
October 31, 2009 at 4:56 am Permalink
COME ON!!!! wait until at least 10 years!!!! it is almost 5 AM and I just woke up to a country version of “Gotta Be Somebody” by NICKELBACK! At leaste this country cover didnt suck like “Lips of an Angel” by hinder. but like that song, there was a country cover to a ROCK hit within almost a year of the original song being a hit single. Just PLEAS if you wanna cover a hit song, wait it out for it to be a good classic at least
November 2, 2009 at 10:26 am Permalink
I actually kind of like Bucky’s version, and while it is rare for me to not like a country version more, in this case, Nickelback’s version is in fact better.
November 2, 2009 at 10:27 am Permalink
Jack Ingram’s version of Lips of an Angel far surpassed Hinder’s performance.
November 2, 2009 at 10:35 am Permalink
You can’t polish a turd.
November 4, 2009 at 3:06 pm Permalink
We’re on the same wavelength, CM.
http://sweensryche.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/bucky-sucky/#comments
November 20, 2009 at 11:54 am Permalink
I totally disagree – I love Bucky’s version of “Gotta Be Somebody”
November 20, 2009 at 9:24 pm Permalink
What is all this hate for Bucky about anyway?? He has one of the best voices in country music today, yall are just haters and if you ever saw his LIVE show you would really like this guy! Another thing…he is one of the genuinely nice guys left, that hasn’t let stardom go to his head! He is very friendly with everybody, hugs all his fans and is so funny, and always joking around! He has a great personality! He has a great since of humor and is always smiling. He is grateful, beyond words for his success thus far! He thanks his fans at every show he does. And his hair…well, I think his blond natural waves are beautiful, and he’s also easy on the eyes…the ladies love his sex appeal! I love his voice and I don’t hear the overprocessing that is talked about here. His voice is pure and real and I love the gravely effect in it. I am one of many who will support him throughout his career and only wish him the best!! So please….stop hating…
November 20, 2009 at 10:23 pm Permalink
Well, Suzie, maybe if I saw his live show I’d love him. But I’m not interested in attending concerts. Radio is enough for me. And what I’v heard of him on the radio I do not like.
I’m sure Bucky’s a nice guy and I’m sure he turns some ladies on wiht his
blond natural waves” but I don’t care. I just care about his songs. And I generally don’t like his songs. I don’t really care to hear more of Bucky’s music.
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