Neither highs nor lows.
Have you ever gone to the launderette and put your clothes in the machine before you realised you’ve forgotten to bring your book with you and you have to sit there for an hour watching your clothes go round or reading the posters on the wall about how much the powder costs? I bet you thought that was the most boring thing you’ve ever had to experience; well you’ve obviously not tried to sit through this album of intensely dull lift music.
This new album from the New York three piece is apparently a greatest hits release, but it’s hard to say if any of these tunes have been released before as they all sound the same. Even after listening to all fourteen tracks it’s very difficult to pick out any stand out moments; the whole thing turns into a blur of over earnest vocals, acoustic guitars, violins and identical drum beats; this is rock in its broadest sense. No actual rocking out takes place. Think of Pearl Jam with every ounce of individuality, originality and heaviness removed and you might be getting some way towards describing the Goo Goo Dolls non-descript sound.
‘Before It’s Too Late’, which is track seven on the record, was apparently featured in the film “Transformers”, but having seen the film twice, I can safely say I don’t remember ever hearing it before. Literally the only recognisable track here is ‘Iris’ from way back in 1998, which was featured on the “City Of Angels” soundtrack and catapulted the band to the top of the American Billboard Chart for what must have seemed like forever and was nominated for three Grammy awards. The collection of songs here seems to ignore the bands output pre 1998, instead concentrating on their post-Iris, more polished and slick recordings; in fact the only track from before Iris was ‘released’, ‘Name’ has been rerecorded and is listed as a ‘new version’. It’s actually a shame, as they would really benefit from having a few rough edges and fuzz.
Very much an American phenomenon, The Goo Goo Dolls produce music that could only be recommended to those who want their music slick, polished and very, very easy to listen to, as this is so middle of the road that there are no highs or lows to get over emotional about.