The commercial popularity of band 'The Goo Goo Dolls' has propelled them into the mainstream with hit songs such as "NAME", "BLACK BALLOON" and "IRIS". So, will The Goo's survive after their last very popular album "DIZZY UP THE GIRL". I say "YES!"

The Old

OK, so I live in Rochester, NY, about 1 hr away from Goo's hometown of Buffalo, NY. I can safely say I have seen the Goo Goo Dolls about 30 times in my life. What's more, I have met them several times and when I went to Fredonia State College in 1995 I had the honor of interviewing them at the college. They have come a long ways since playing the clubs in Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY. Give them a lot of credit, they have worked so hard, like many bands. They have paid their dues and now it's time for the band to pay their dues again, with yet another GREAT album. Let's see...

The New

Well, the last album "Dizzy up the girl" was a good album that spawned many "hits" that were commercially acceptable. That is, they were radio material, singable in the shower and allowed for a night on the town to a concert by the Goo's, so honey can hear her one favorite song ("IRIS")and then leave happy. Well, as you might have heard already, this album is not laced with "BLACK BALLOONS" nor is it shaped as an "IRIS". This album is filled with what I would call "elements of ALL prior Goo albums" I have been a fan since Goo's played their first show in Rochester in late 80's and I have all their albums and many bootlegs. This album has a touch of everything with a dash of commercial-ism to make the songs radio playable.

New album "Gutterflower" comes right out at you with "BIG MACHINE", track one - opening our ears to this new release. A catchy song by all means. This song is definitely a release candidate for the radio. A lot of them are. Big Machine sports the catchy chorus "I'm torn to pieces ------ I'm blind and ---waiting..... for you...." Note the sustained -----. Any fan of Goo's knows how Johnny Rzeznik likes to sing these songs. Add Green Day's Producer Rob Cavallo, returning for yet another Goo album, you have a "commercially sound song" It's that simple. Do I like it? Well, I am happy for the band. And I don't think they "sold out" But, I do think they have changed in the last 6 years though. All for the better.

Track 2 "Think about me" reminds me solely of the Goo's 1st album. The singing, drums and vocals are reminiscent of the past Goo tracks.

Long time Goo lovers all know that Bassist Robby sings a lot. Especially on old albums. But, "NAME" lovers wouldn't know this unless you dig deep in to past albums or attend a show. On this album, Robby has plenty of songs. One is Track 4 "You never know" Love this chorus "You hit me like I never felt before......you hit me with a sucker punch" This is what MAY hurt Goo's in Album sales. Why? It's rock/grudge/pop all in one song, and it's missing BALLAD status. Also, that is the theme of the album. Rock, grungy sounding POP. All mixed in. I love the Robby songs. All, which will never be on the radio. For new Goo fans, take a listen to JED. After listening, some will say "Johnny who?" That's how much Robby sings. Same on this album.

Without going into 100% every song, I can say this. If you like "SLIDE" from DIZZY UP THE GIRL, "Just the way you are" from HOLD ME UP album, and "FLAT TOP" from Boy Named Goo, you will like "Gutterflower" album. Also, if you need a SCALE on what to base this album like I will say it's a mix between "BOY NAMED GOO album and "JED" If you don't have these albums, then you need to buy them! :-)

If your looking for something that CLOSELY resembles an "IRIS" type, look for Track 7 "it's over" It's a 'light' rock power ballad. Also, Track 8 is "Sympathy" but it's not nearly "NAME" or "BLACK BALLOON" but I love it!

In closing. No disrespect to other reviewers on EPINIONS but one reviewer says she "crindges" when Robby sings and that "robby thinks he's in a punk band, soory dude" Well, just to set things straight, the Goo's WERE a punk band until commecial radio got their hands on them. Robby is just doing what he's been doing since early 80's - Thanks for stopping.

Rating

Out of 10 I give this album 7.5

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving