My Favourites: Dizzy Up The Girl (Album)

"If you find yourself perplexed, or perhaps in a quandry, remember that human growth is perpendicular. We grow up, and we grow forward. We just have to keep on growing steadily in both ways." - John Rzeznik

Almost 5 years ago, I stumbled upon a song in the trailer of a Jennifer Anniston movie sung by a band with a funny name. After 5 years, constant replays and two concerts that kept me awake for nights, I am not ashamed to say that I am a fan of The Goo Goo Dolls. Very few bands have the effect that the Goo Goo Dolls have had on me. John Rzeznik’s soulful lyrics still make my stomach churn and dilate the arteries in my hearts. Today, I take a step down memory lane and do a track buy track review of one of their best albums in my opinion; Dizzy Up The Girl.

Here we go!

Dizzy

Dizzy is the album opener. It starts with heavy guitars in the background as Johnny Rzeznik takes the mic and whispers lyrics about a girl that could be anyone’s guilty pleasure. As the verses end, its chorus turns into an anthem. This short song ends back with the chorus and leads up to one of the albums biggest hits. 

 

Slide

Some of you may have recognized my ‘here we go’ reference, as it is Johnny’s trademark dialogue before he plays this song live. This song has one of the most catchy opening guitar riffs that you have to sing aloud! Although joy and happiness pour out from every part of this song, it actually has a very dark underlying message about the catholic community and abortion. Hell, I would’ve never figured it out if I hadn’t heard it from Johnny himself. Still one of the most mesmerizing songs from them.

Broadway

A personal history and overview of lead singer Johnny Rzeznik’s life, this song echoes emotions. As Johnny has mentioned various times, this song is strictly about his hometown of Buffalo, but I somehow relate to it the same way, although never visiting Buffalo myself. That is the beauty of this song, it’s so personal, yet so impersonal, it’s for everybody.

January Friend

The first Robby Takac song on the record and does it resonate his amazing talents. For some, Robby’s voice is a little too raspy and hoarse, but on this track, it fits perfectly and is cohesive with the rest of the album. A powerful rock tune with a so far powerful album.

Black Balloon

If I had a top 10 Goo Goo Dolls songs list, this would totally be in the top five. As melancholic as this song is, it packs a powerful punch with its message of fighting against addiction and human compulsion. Although this song is specifically written for someone facing a heroin addiction, this song is so much more than that. With a melody that haunts you long after you’ve finished it, Black Balloon is one of the gems of this album.

 

Bulletproof

Ok I think this song is one of the few weaklings in the record. With such a powerful opening guitar riff, the song fell flat on its face as the verses and chorus rolled in. The Goos could have turned this into an amazing rock track but I think it lacked substance.

Amigone

Another Robby treat! Robby and Johnny’s lyrics are distinct because Robby is more literal and Johnny is more metaphorical and this is a perfect example. Robby should play this live again; it would really be a crowd.

All Eyes On Me

This song is one of the few tracks in the history of the band that gives the opportunity to the drummer to open up and be free. The climax of this song turns into a brilliant drum solo by ex-Goo member Mike Malinin. Boy is it a delight to listen to, with Johnny’s mesmerizing lyrics, this track is a for sure repeat.

Full Forever

This song is my must listen to on a full moon’s night. The lyrics just resonate so perfectly. Although I think the heaviness of the chorus might be reduced a little, but this song is certainly worth a listen.

Acoustic # 3

I have no hesitance in saying that this is the best-unknown Goo Goo Dolls song ever. I didn’t hear of this song 2 years after I got into the band. This song was just hiding under an album full of rock tunes. Although unfinished, I don’t think any of the songs on this album has plucked on my heartstrings as this one. Two minutes of pure ecstasy.

Iris

As though Acoustic # 3 was a build up to this epic masterpiece. What can I say about this song? So hauntingly beautiful. It stays with you forever. I have probably raped the replay button on this song, but every time I hear it, I catch something new in it. That my friends, is the sign of a good song. It definitely deserved the Grammy in 1999. Damn you Celine Dion.

Extra Pale

Another weakling of the album for me. Robby’s voice didn’t click for me here and the melody to the song just felt off. I think this song could have been stripped out and the album wouldn’t have been any different. It just didn’t connect for me.

Hate This Place

The perfect album closer. The song's opening lyrics are ‘gone away,’ giving a clear-cut idea of where this is heading. Flawless ending for an album of this caliber. The lyrics again are top notch with that polished pop-rock sound the Goos are well known for and they certainly capitalized on it for this remarkable finale.

This album opened doors for the Goos and for me as an avid listener. It certainly helped me along the way and there have been times I would just go back to these tracks to vent off negative feelings. It’s safe to say that this album taught me about my first romance and even though I first heard it nearly 11 years after its release, it gave me the same sensation that it would have given a teenager in the 90s.

4.5/5 

Peace!

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