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!

Twitter: @itsNazar

Instagram: @itsnazar96

Yes We Khan!

"My life's experience tells me that you can never lose in life. You only lose, when you accept defeat." - Imran Khan

They told him he can't be a cricketer. So he did. They told him you can't be a fast bowler. So he did. They told him you can't win the world cup. So he did. They told him you can't build a free and running cancer hospital. So he did. They told him you can't establish a political party. So he did. They told him this nation is in slumber, you cant wake them up. So he did. They tell him now that his time will never come and so it has.

From player to playboy, from retirement to World Cup Glory, from charity to politics and from fame to shame. Today I'm talking about the man, the legend and the beacon of hope, Imran Khan. We're talking about a man who has won the hearts of masses like no other in Pakistan. A man who gave up his whole life for a country that gave him nothing but sorrows. A man who still vows to help this nation stand on its own two feet. Still, we hear critics crtique his actions like nothing else we've seen before. 'Haters gonna hate' we've been told, but it's time someone put ink to paper on the quote, 'lovers gonna love.'

Let's establish who these haters and critics are first. Are they middle classed Pakistanis with mediocre jobs and minimum wage salaries? Or labourers earning their salaries on a daily basis, just enough to feed their family? No. These are upper middle class contemporaries sitting in the comfort of their living rooms, carelessly sliding a pen on a parchment, without a second thought on what or why they're saying what they're saying.

Imran Khan has served his nation well. From the age of 18, he has wore the Pakistani monogram on his shirt. Since his inclusion to the Pakistani Cricket Team, he has only sky rocketed towards the top. Winning a World Cup of a sport in a country where the game is as close to religion to its people. Going on to build a charity cancer hospital for the people of the same country. Then establishing a political party to restabilise the slow and steady decline of the same country. I don't know about you, but I see no form of personal interest in these actions. Sure, maybe contentment of heart, but are you really going to take that away from him too?

Since the age of 18, this man has day in and day out, lived, slept, breathed his country's name. Upon retiring from cricket and establishing his political party, he has patiently waited for the day that the people of this country will harcken for him. He has waited for their plea to save them from this political abyss of corrupt rulers and ministers and pull them back towards the light they once were on. He has waited, not so quietly, but ardently as he saw his people fall further and further into that pit of nothingness, until one day it happened. There was an outcry, a burst of emotions, a cry for help from his people. The same people he won the World Cup for, the same people he built a hospital for, the same people he built a college for and the same people that let him down. He delivered. He gave them what they wanted. He gave them a way out from the pit.

To his humble surprise, they held his hand on this journey. The people of Pakistan, for the first time in many years, stood up on the call of their captain and have revolted against their corrupt leaders. What's wrong with that you may ask. Oh believe me, when it comes to criticizing, Pakistanis do it best. Blogs and articles posted everyday from authors and writers who enjoy the comforts of food and water everyday,suddenly represent those who are declined of those luxaries. Suddenly, its an attack on the already crumbling democracy of Pakistan or a scheme by international parties to rule Pakistan. Trust me, it gets more ridiculous than this.

If I were Imran Khan, I would have long given up on this damned nation, packed my bags and would've lived a happy life in London with my beautiful wife and kids. But thats not what he did. This man jeopardized his marriage, the happiness of his family to pursue the noble job in the least noble profession in the country. He waited 18 years and now, he has finally left a mark on this system. Imran Khan has done the impossible, he has awaken a nation who had long been in a delusional coma. He has given life to the living dead of this country.

Some say its his scheme to become the Prime Minister. Some say its all a hoax. Some say its an illusional trick. I say they're wrong. I am from the masses. The masses that hail Imran their captain, that know what Imran is capable of and that have faith in him. Some say even if he is given the power and the public's approval to run the country, he still can't diminish the years of corruption and unloyalty Pakistan has faced. I say Imran has proved himself from day one of what he's capable of and so I say yes, he Khan.

Imran Khan Tribute (The Crazy Ones): http://youtu.be/vNSQML_tTOg

Peace.

Twitter: itsNazar

Instagram: itsnazar96