Track review: Daughtry's "No Surprise"

After releasing their debut back in 2006, Chris Daughtry and the boys from Daughtry make their presence known at radio with “No Surprise,” a mid-tempo earworm that will surely be the perfect catalyst to usher in the band’s sophomore effort.

“Surprise” kicks off with Chris’ distinct vocals following a brief instrumental intro and quickly turns into a catchy chorus that sounds very similar to the material that can be found on the band’s debut. It was written by Chris along with Chad Kroeger from Nickelback in addition to Eric Dill and Rune Westberg. Kroeger’s influence on the lyrics can be heard clearly, which is a plus and minus at the same time because the stigma that Daughtry is “Nickelback-lite” will be a little more difficult to shake. This basically means there is not much new to band’s sound, but that’s just how it should be, as this sound is its strong suit.

The strongest part of the song comes at the bridge when Chris really lets loose (“our favorite place we used to go / the warm embrace that no one knows”) and then the short verse that follows it gives the song a more unique sound. It’s true, however, that “Surprise” can be accused of being formulaic, but that won’t hurt its chances as a starter track.

Still, “No Surprise” is just the kind of song radio is in need of at the present, and there’s not a better band to bring this sound back to the forefront than Daughtry.

"No Surprise" is available to purchase on iTunes.