About the song
“This Afternoon” is a song by the Canadian rock band Nickelback, released in 2005 as the third single from their fifth studio album, All the Right Reasons. The song stands out in Nickelback’s discography due to its lighthearted, carefree vibe, offering a contrast to some of their more serious or emotionally intense tracks. With its catchy rhythm and easygoing lyrics, “This Afternoon” quickly became a fan favorite and an anthem for fun, spontaneous moments.
Background and Theme:
“This Afternoon” captures the essence of living in the moment and enjoying life without overthinking. The song is all about taking a break from the routine and having a carefree day with friends. It celebrates the joy of escaping from responsibilities and just having fun, with lyrics that convey a sense of freedom, spontaneity, and relaxation. The idea of an afternoon spent enjoying life without any concerns or obligations resonates with listeners, especially young people and those looking for an escape from the daily grind.
The lyrics describe a scenario where the singer and his friends decide to spend the day together, drinking, laughing, and not worrying about anything. There is no grand theme of love or heartbreak; instead, it’s a simple, honest portrayal of having fun with good people. This makes the song both relatable and uplifting, with its carefree attitude becoming the central message.
Musical Style and Composition:
Musically, “This Afternoon” is a straightforward rock song with a pop-friendly, catchy rhythm. The track features the classic Nickelback sound, blending hard rock elements with a polished, radio-friendly appeal. It has a medium tempo, with a guitar-driven arrangement that is characteristic of the band’s style, particularly during the mid-2000s.
The song opens with a catchy guitar riff and maintains a smooth, upbeat rhythm throughout. The guitar work is prominent, with clear, clean chords and a rock-inspired tone that complements the song’s carefree theme. The bassline is strong and steady, providing a foundation for the energetic drums, while Chad Kroeger’s distinctive gravelly vocals bring the lyrics to life with his usual raspy delivery.
The chorus is simple but infectious, with a sing-along quality that encourages listeners to get caught up in the fun and carefree atmosphere the song promotes. The production is crisp and clean, typical of Nickelback’s polished approach to rock music at the time.
Lyrics:
The lyrics to “This Afternoon” are direct, fun, and relatable. They focus on the joy of having a carefree day with friends, where the usual worries of life are put aside. The song uses simple language to convey its message of living in the moment. The lines are conversational, as if the singer is inviting listeners to join in on the fun and enjoy the same kind of laid-back afternoon he’s experiencing.
The chorus, in particular, captures the song’s spirit of spontaneous enjoyment:
“This afternoon
We’re gonna do it right
We’ll go and have some fun
We’ll go and have some fun.”
The lyrics paint a picture of a perfect afternoon where people are simply enjoying each other’s company and letting go of life’s stresses. There are references to drinking and hanging out, which are typical elements of a fun day out with friends. The straightforward and light nature of the lyrics make the song easy to relate to and sing along with.
Reception and Impact:
“This Afternoon” was generally well-received by both fans and critics. The song became one of Nickelback’s more popular tracks, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and performing well on other rock and mainstream charts. Its upbeat, radio-friendly sound and easy-to-digest lyrics made it a hit on rock radio and an anthem for young people looking to unwind and enjoy life.
Critics appreciated the song’s straightforward energy and light tone, which set it apart from some of the heavier themes in Nickelback’s catalog. While Nickelback has often been known for their more emotionally intense or dramatic songs, “This Afternoon” showcased their ability to write a fun, celebratory anthem that could resonate with listeners in a different way.
The song’s popularity grew through its inclusion in social events, parties, and college playlists, as it quickly became a go-to anthem for moments of relaxation and enjoyment. Its carefree nature made it a favorite for gatherings and casual listening.
Music Video:
The music video for “This Afternoon” reflects the fun, party-driven theme of the song. It depicts a group of friends hanging out at a backyard barbecue, enjoying drinks, and having a good time. The video includes scenes of people dancing, laughing, and just having fun in a relaxed setting, which mirrors the spirit of the song’s lyrics. The band itself is shown performing the song live, adding to the party atmosphere.
The visual style of the video reinforces the laid-back vibe of the song, emphasizing good times, friendship, and enjoying the present moment. The carefree, summer-like setting helps reinforce the song’s theme of living in the now and appreciating life’s simple pleasures.
Legacy and Cultural Influence:
While “This Afternoon” may not have been as groundbreaking as some of Nickelback’s other hits like “How You Remind Me” or “Photograph,” it became a staple of their live shows and remains a popular track among their fans. Its energetic, fun-loving spirit has made it a go-to song for people looking for a track to match their carefree mood, especially in social or party settings.
The song continues to be embraced by listeners who appreciate its positive, upbeat message. It’s often played at sporting events, on college campuses, and at social gatherings, where its infectious melody and catchy lyrics inspire people to relax and have fun. As a result, “This Afternoon” remains an enduring part of Nickelback’s legacy and is remembered for being one of their more fun and lighthearted tracks.
Conclusion:
“This Afternoon” by Nickelback is a lively, upbeat rock anthem that captures the essence of living in the moment and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. With its infectious rhythm, straightforward lyrics, and carefree spirit, the song became a fan favorite and continues to be a staple in social settings where people want to unwind and have a good time. While it may not be as emotionally intense as some of Nickelback’s other tracks, “This Afternoon” represents a fun, spontaneous side of the band that resonates with listeners who are looking for an escape from life’s stresses.