"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
