Search - The Goo Goo Dolls :: Gutterflower

Underrated genius

Selo | Sandy Spring, MD | 04/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All kinds of negativity towards this album, and any other Goo Goo Dolls album, baffles me. Gutterflower is a direct collection of songs overflowing with emotion, and it's very underrated because many people believe nothing else can ever live up to 1998's Dizzy Up the Girl. That was indeed a fantastic album and just as great as everything before and after it, but Gutterflower's darker focus and heavier sound are rolled up into a fantastic follow-up that earned its place on 2002's charts.



After a listen to the CD's twelve tracks, which are expertly but not overly produced and have some of the most veteran lyrics on the market, it's hard to believe that this is the same band that spawned lines like "And when I get some cash it's already been spent / Oh, I can smoke and drink but I can't pay my rent". This is in no way a knock to their earliest work (I own and love all but their first release which I am dying to get), but you can tell the evolution this band has undergone.



That being said, the Goo Goo Dolls journey back to their rock roots here after a string of hit ballads from Dizzy Up the Girl. Starting off with the explosive "Big Machine", the Buffalo trio's prowess couldn't be more obvious--this song has some of the most amazing lyrics and captivating hooks the band has ever generated. It's succeeded by the humid "Think About Me" and the album's tender, polished single, "Here Is Gone". Bassist Robby Takac takes the lead for the first time in "You Never Know", and then thrice more in "Up Up Up", "Smash", and "Tucked Away". His songs have a wily flair and his voice a gruff, crusty quality; both of which are far too often berated or overlooked.



The album's shady and ruthless side surfaces at last in countercultural anthem "What A Scene" and "It's Over", the latter giving off waves of despair John Rzeznik has only barely hinted at in other tracks. His voice begins in a hollow whisper that fits the mood perfectly. Other standouts among the gloomy half of the CD include "What Do You Need?" and concluding song "Truth Is A Whisper", equally murky and guitar-driven, while the pure acoustic piece "Sympathy" is clearer in sound but just as sensitive in wording. The aforementioned "Smash" and "Tucked Away" let some light shine through the rafters, with the vigor that the Goos have had for all twenty years of their career.



Though many passersby would be disappointed by the band's decision to stray away from Dizzy Up the Girl-esque material, even casual or passing fans should pick this up regardless, for the skill in songwriting and musicianship speaks volumes, and with the album's theme being more rock than string pop it may even pique the interest of fans of the older recordings. With Gutterflower the Goo Goo Dolls succeeded in branching out to a unique approach to their decades-old passion, and it's a beautiful thing."

LOVE IT!!!!

L. Ely | Columbia, SC, USA | 07/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a biased commentator because I am a HUGE Goo Goo Dolls fan, but this cd is great. It's a great blend of faster songs with a couple of really good slow songs as well.



Definitely a recommended buy, as it's the only GGD cd that I've found with lyrics in the liner notes."

Another Great Album By The Goos!

L. Ely | 04/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think that the Goo Goo Dolls are a great band, and this may be of their best albums yet! Sadly, this album was WAY underrated because everybody thinks that nothing can compare to Dizzy Up The Girl. Different than Dizzu Up the Girl, but definately as good. This album has a heavier sound than DUTG. This album shows the Goos darker side and songs inspired from living in LA and John Rzeznik's divorce. Amazing lyrics in this album, and I would highly reccomend it to everyone. Here are some stand out tracks.



Big Machine- Goos always always have great openers. Hard-rocking and catchy, could get stuck in your head for days. Love the guitar. 10/10



Think About Me- Another great song! Songwriting is amazing! At one point in the song before the guiatar solo, I heard John scream Oww!. It turns out he was shocked. 9/10



Here is Gone- This song is Gutterflower's equivalent of Iris or Name. It got a lot of radio play. Great Lyrics. 9.5/10



What a Scene- Undoubtebly the heaviest song of the album. Great song! Only thing I have to complain about are the endless na na na's at the end of the song. 8/10



Up Up Up- This is the best Robby Takac song of the album! It is very catchy, but short. It is a very happy upbeat song. 8/10



Sympathy- Great Song! This song has just an acoustic guitar and John singing. It is short, but complete. The guitar is very catchy and the lyrics are genius! 9.5/10



Truth is a Whisper- Perfect song for closing! This song is so good, it's almost haunting. 7.5/10"