8

A Missed Opportunity

'Iris' is one of THE power ballads of the 90's; a sweeping classic that renders all in its path affected, rather like an aural earthquake. Of course, it's very sly marketing to back The Goo Goo Dolls new single with their most well known track, although if Ronan Keating had just slaughtered my masterpiece, I'd be pretty keen to reassert my authority over it too.

While it's always a pleasure to hear 'Iris's twinkling guitars and lilting but explosive vocals, 'Stay With You' feels as if it's intentionally mining very similar territory as another massive power ballad. This time the guitars take the lead, crashing out of your stereo before a pensive verse kicks in and the lyrics implore you to "Run with me" with renewed passion; it's well done and very convincing but it feels neither new nor exciting.