Goo Goo Dolls
Magnetic
Warner bros.
Even though The Goo Goo Dolls first appeared on the scene in 1987, I hadn’t heard of them until their 1995 album A Boy Named Goo when the song Name became widely popular on the radio. When I saw they released their 10th studio album, Magnetic, I was all aboard to take a listen.
The album opens up with the upbeat tune, Rebel Beat. It’s the unmistakable sound that Goo has with lead singer Johnny Rzeznik. His vocals have always impressed me because he continually seems to emote the exact feeling in the lyrics to make you feel the songs.
There is a fantastic mix of tunes on this album. Stand out tracks are Rebel Beat, Caught in the Storm, Come to Me and Bringing on the Light. Rzeznik hands over lead vocals to bassist Robby Takac on two tunes – Bringing on the Light and Happiest of Days. While Takac brought out the beautiful lyrics quite well on Bringing on the Light, Rzeznik’s voice would have been better suited for Happiest of Days.
With that said, the album is lyrically exceptional. Rzeznik captures the songwriting magic again with the album. The lyrics are typical Goo Goo Dolls – pensive, inspiring and fun. If I had to pick one song from this album that represents the lyrical excellence of the band, I would certainly pick When the World Breaks your Heart.
Not sure if this album would capture the same success as 1998’s Dizzy Up The Girl or 2006’s Let Love In. I do think the album, as a whole, will see mild success. Some of the songs have great potential to be number one if released as a single. Overall, I like the album. It’s got some great tunes that have the familiar sound I know and love from the band. –Jennifer Sobek