Gutterflower (enhanced cd)

by

Goo Goo Dolls

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I don't understand all the "middle of the road" reviews on this album by people who loved "Dizzy Up The Girl". To me, this album is just as fantastic as any of their previous albums that I have heard (i.e., everything from 1993's "Superstar Carwash" forward). How can you go wrong with this stunning collection of songs?

The first three tracks on this album set the stage for the makings of a great modern melodic rock album. "Big Machine" gets the album off to a truly huge, catchy start--great mid-tempo melodic anthem. Then comes "Think About Me", a fantastic, acoustic-driven anthem that may remind melodic rock fans of late-90s Night Ranger. (To the rest of you: yes, there is such a thing as "late '90s Night Ranger".) "Here Is Gone" is the third track and first single--a pretty song that is nonetheless a bit more uptempo than, say, "Iris".

But then...the album changes. Robby Takac, takes over the lead vocals from John Rzeznik for a track and belts out a more modern-sounding, not-so-melodic tune in "You Never Know". A couple of tracks later, Robby again sings on "Up, Up, Up"--again in the more modern, punk direction. In the meantime, John sings on more modern-sounding songs like "What A Scene" and "It's Over" before finally settling in with a true acoustic ballad, the beautiful "Sympathy".

The final four tracks are split between John and Robby on the tracks. "What Do You Need" is a truly modern-sounding effort by John which nicely shows his lower vocal range and has a heavy, distorted electric guitar sound. Robby's "Smash" and "Tucked Away" bring back a little of that punk edge, before Robby's vocals are back for the anthemic, more melodic (once again) "Truth Is A Whisper".

This is truly a variety-filled, enjoyable, mature effort by these guys. Clearly more serious than "Dizzy" but continuing in a mainstream direction. I think it is a very exciting listen in which I can get into any track depending upon my mood. To me, a very creative, musically diverse effort that shouldn't be missed.

As a born and bred Buffalonian, I guess I'll always have a soft spot for our local music heroes, the Goo Goo Dolls. I must be fair and say that after "A Boy Named Goo", their sound has become a bit too overproduced and reek of radio-friendly blandness. And alas, with "Gutterflower", no risks were taken and the band appears to be treading water. The band opens with four incredibly strong tracks that are reminiscent of their best CD, "Superstar Car Wash", and had me prepared for perhaps a resurrection of my full-fledged fondness of the band. However, the next 2/3's of the album make you believe that you accidentally hit a button on your disc player, and tracks 1-4 are being replayed in sequence two more times. But don't sweat it Goos....your mentor, Paul Westerberg hasn't released anything consistent in a while, either. Maybe you should all collaborate together and release an album (after all, "We Are the Normal" is one of your finest moments).