In spite of the fact that they once recorded for the Metal Blade label, Buffalo, N.Y.-based trio the Goo Goo Dolls always had more in common with the Replacements than heavy metal. That fact was driven home on its 1993 album, Superstar Carwash, which featured "We Are The Normal," a song co-written by ΓÇÖMats leader Paul Westerberg. With the Replacements just a memory and WesterbergΓÇÖs solo career floundering, itΓÇÖs ironic now to find that the Goos have experienced more commercial success than Westerberg, the Replacements, and even fellow working-class rockers Soul Asylum. And while the Goos may never achieve the legendary status some have attached to the ΓÇÖMats, thereΓÇÖs no denying the trio is capable of cranking out tunes that are both memorable and accessible to the masses.
"Iris," the monster hit from the City Of Angels soundtrack, is also featured here. As far as prom ballads go, itΓÇÖs top-notch with its lilting acoustic guitar, sweeping strings, and singer/guitarist John RzeznikΓÇÖs earnest-guy vocals. The albumΓÇÖs other radio staple, "Slide," rocks a little bit, but is similarly well-crafted.
The Goos are not just two-hit wonders though. Fans will likely find plenty more on Dizzy to latch onto, such as "All Eyes On Me," which sounds a bit like a lost ΓÇÖ80s song from a John Hughes film. The trio, at times, also continues to sound incredibly ΓÇÖMats-like on tracks such as "Acoustic #3" and "Hate This Place."
With their huge commercial success and slick production, a Goo GooΓÇÖs backlash is almost certain, but donΓÇÖt be surprised if those who sling the arrows are tapping their feet and singing along.
