Goldmine

Vol 28, No 19 / Issue 578 - Sept 20, 2002

GOO GOO DOLLS
Gutterflower
Warner Bros. (9 48206-2)

The Goo Goo Dolls' seventh studio album, Gutterflower, pays homage to their roots as well as catapulting their song writing to a new level. But the trio from Buffalo, N.Y.. have been doing this longer than most people think — the bands self-titled debut album appeared in 1987.

Gutterflower, their fourth for a major label, comprises 12 tunes written by vocalists/songwriters John Rzeznik and Robby Takac. The catchy pop anthems "Big Machine," "What A Scene" and their first single, "Here Is Gone," are all inked by Rzeznik. "Here Is Gone" racked up 20 weeks on the Hot 100 (Aug. 3, 2002 Billboard).

But Rzeznik hasn't lost his sensitive side, and that's apparent with the heartfelt lyrics to "Sympathy" — one of the best tunes on the new disc — which could win over the harshest critic's heart. Takacs compositions include "Smashed", "Tucked Away", "Up, Up, Up" (another favorite) and "You Never Know." In these tracks he shows why he's the best kept secret in the music industry. The band and longtime collaborator Rob Cavallo produced the album.

When placed into a computer, this enhanced CD allows fans to access a Web site with special content such as advance ticket buys, Gutterflower sessions film footage, live performance clips,mixes from past and present Goo albums and more.

The bands previous album of new material was 1998's triple-platinum Dizzy Up The Girl. Their most successful album to date. Dizzy hung onto the charts for 104 weeks, spinning off the Top 10 hits "Iris" (#1 Modern Rock, Airplay charts) and "Slide" (#1 Modern Rock) and two other Top 20 hits. Together, Dizzy's hits have racked up a historic one million radio spins to date. The bands double-platinum A Boy Named Goo (1995), hit with the #5 "Name."

The songwriting boasts a strong dose of confidence, making Gutterflower an adventure that today's pop/rock aficionados will want to add to their ever-growing collection. Check them out on tour now. According to the band's site at www.googoodolls.com, USA Harvest will collect non-perishable food items at all of this summer's Gutterflower shows. Fans who put their name on the cans qualify for a chance to meet the band before the show.

- Renee Daigle