A Letter To My Country

On December 16th 2012, my family and I had migrated to Canada. 

This year is my second anniversary in Canada, and it was welcomed with a rather sad incident in Peshawar. 

For it, I decided to write my sentiments and leave a letter to Pakistan, the country that gave me more than it knows.

This goes out for the victims of the Peshawar massacre on 16th December 2014 and their families, for it is the families that are the real victims. 

Dear Pakistan,

I’m sitting in a chair in the Pickering Public Library, with a laptop on my lap. Its quiet. Too quiet. I hope you still remember me, for I haven’t forgotten you for a moment. Even though some time has lapsed since we’ve met, I still remember you. Quite fondly if I say so myself. 

You’ve taught me a lot my dear country, more than many of my teachers have. More than the education I’ve acquired or the lessons I’ve learned. You’ve taught me something that is unteachable, you’ve taught me how to hope. 

When Pakistan cricket team was on the edge of defeat, I hoped. When a suicide bomber attacked a market, I hoped. Whenever a corrupt politician stole from your helpless treasures, I hoped. Maybe I was naïve, or maybe you’re just that much important to me. But I hoped every time you went through something difficult, because that’s all you could give me. 

You taught me faith too. In a land where people kill in the name of religion, you taught me that my religion isn’t to blame, it’s the people that live it for their own means. If today in Canada, I wake up and go to the mosque everyday, it’s because of you. It’s because I still imagine the time when the Adh’aan resonated in your atmosphere and you told me to stop playing and worship my Lord. 

You taught me brotherhood. You gave me a family within my friends and friends within my family. You taught me how hard it is to find good friends, and how to keep them close once I do. You taught me to forgive them if they made mistakes and you taught me to apologise if I was wrong. I am envious of my friends today. They get to see you more often than I do. But I also feel sorry for them. They take you for granted, as I always did. They will know once they leave your luxuries, like I did.

You gave me so much, but I gave you nothing in return. My people and I have left you helpless. We bloody your soil everyday, we spit on you, litter your gardens, curse you, damn you and think of new and inventive ways to hurt you. But you still stand. Your flag still hoisted upon our helms, you stand. You’re unconditional love for us is like a mother’s for a child; it  gives more than it receives. 

For all that, I will always be indebted. 

Two years ago at this very time I was boarding a plane to leave you permanently. My eyes were still damp from the goodbyes and my heart was still aching. Two years later, I sit on this table, eight thousand miles away from you feeling the same way. The ruthless oppressors have yet again left your garden bare and stole the roses from your bouquet. I am helpless, as I always was. 

But I still haven’t forgotten your teachings, my dear country. I still hope for a better tomorrow. I still pray for your prosperity to the Lord you introduced me too. I still tell my friends to respect you the way you respect them. Because, if we don’t then who will? 

I am currently very far away from you. I’m entering a house I call home only from the tongue. Because the home is where the heart lies, and my heart is still with you. 

I will make you proud one day. I promise.

Love,

M. Nazar Syed

Twitter: @itsNazar
Instagram: @itsNazar96

The Bench (Short Story)

My crutches sank deep into the muddy grass, the result of a downpour last night. Without tumbling face first into the mud, I yanked them out— it must have rained until morning because the puddles in the garden could still be seen as the day’s sun was about to set. I managed to make my way to the rocky path. The ashen colored trail of pebbles led me to a bench overlooking a mesmerizing pond.

I trotted along the trail down to the bench and sat there with a great sigh. I pulled the magazine out from under my arm and set it down beside me while examining the water in front. I loved sitting on this bench, looking across the pond at life and nature. I saw the water swaying slowly along its way towards the edge of the pond and then back and the flock of ducklings swimming proudly and following their mother. One of the ducks had trouble catching up and quacked at its mother to wait. The beauty of language could be seen flowing through these wordless birds somehow able to convey their message across.

Fall was upon us. The changing colors of the leaves indicated it wasn’t long before the huge oak tree that shadowed my bench would be bare and naked again. I looked up and examined the patterns nature offered me, but not until recently had I began to appreciate it.

My train of thought had taken its toll when I noticed that a woman stepped out from the building I came from and headed my way. I decided to act like I was busy reading the magazine I brought. I could hear the woman inching closer to my area and it wasn’t long before she was in my presence. Her footsteps halted and I broke my gaze from a Mercedes Benz to look into two beautiful crystal blue eyes. A gorgeous face was looking back at me with a warm glow and a soft smile that somehow lit a kindling fire in my heart. I didn’t know what was happening or where this woman came from, but she seemed familiar; like a half recalled memory I just couldn’t remember

It was a moment before we spoke. “Can I grab a seat here?” she asked. She pointed at the pond, “I love the view.” I happily obliged and pulled the crutches towards myself. She sat down and crossed her legs. I sunk my head back into my magazine, pretending to examine the nifty new features of this Mercedes, only to look at this woman from the corner of my eye.

“What happened to your leg?” she inquired pointing at the cast that wrapped my left leg like a cocoon.

“Car accident.” I replied. Usually people find car accidents fascinating tales to revisit so I told her mine. “It happened a month ago actually. I totaled my car and ended up here. It’s not too bad. My cast will be off in a few days and I’ll be out of here.”

“Oh, so is that why you’re going through a catalogue of cars?” I looked down and saw the shiny Mercedes Benz peering back at me.

“Precisely,” I lied. It would take me years before I could buy this car but she didn’t have to know that. I surveyed her face. There was Band-Aid concealing a bruise across her forehead and some scratch marks that were at the healing stages near her cheek. It only felt right to ask her a question because she asked me one.

“Does your cut have a story too?” I asked jokingly while flashing a smile. She felt her Band-Aid on her forehead and chuckled.

“Same story as yours. My accident wasn’t very bad, at least not for me. I was sitting passenger side and my husband on the driving seat. He got the worst blow; I was pretty safe to be honest.” I inspected her left hand and saw the wedding ring sparkling like the water in the pond before us. It felt heart wrenching. I felt further questioning her would build some conversation and we’d have something to talk about other than sitting awkwardly staring at ducks.

“So I guess you’re here because of your husband?”

“Oh yes, he’s in ward C. Whenever I visit, I like to come here and sit down, catch some fresh air and escape the dangerously fast world out there. Y’know?” Her voice cracked in the end, but I knew. The time that I spent in this hospital had really opened up my eyes over what’s important and what’s temporary. This is exactly why I sit here, to regain the composure of my thoughts that the cruel world had damaged.

“Ward C you say? I’m in ward C too. Are you Harry’s wife?” Harry was my neighbor in ward C. His bed was right next to mine, and we used to chat for hours. He would tell me about his wife and kids and how someday he’d introduce me to his family.

“No,” she replied. Her eyes started to water and her voice broke on that one syllable. She pursed her lips while holding back her tears before breaking into a sob and covering her face in her hands. I was confused.

“I’m sorry… um…” I didn’t know her name. This conversation was turning into a disaster.

“Cathy,” she said.

“Cathy, Is there anything I can do?” I didn’t know if I should rest my hand on her back or let her cry like that. I was fighting this dilemma in my head when she gave me a horrifying look. I pulled my hand that was about to rest on her back when I noticed something.

A sparkling stone shined on a finger on my left hand that seemed like a wedding ring. I could have sworn it wasn’t there before. She looked at it and then at me. She saw the perplexing look I wore. She touched my ring with her wedding ring. They looked awfully similar to each other.

“You don’t remember John?” How did she know my name? My head was hurting almost immediately.

“How do you know my name? Who are you?” I startled and my crutches fell.

“The doctor, she said she you’d be better. When will you be better John, when will you remember?” She seemed torn between the ring and me. She had grabbed my hand and her fingers were intertwining with mine. “I’m tired. Tired of coming here every day hoping to bring you back. You’re here, but you’re not. John please, I want you to come back to me.”

“What are you talking about? Who are you?” I jerked her hand out of mine and was shouting at this point. I don’t remember the last time I had screamed this loud. I don’t remember the last I had been this nervous. I don’t remember the last time my heart beat so fast in a conversation. I don’t remember…

“The accident John. I was there. We were there. It hit you so hard on the head. Oh God your head.” She went into repeated sobs. “Please come back. Please remember who I am. Please come back to me John. Please…” I was gasping for air by this point. I heard people hurrying towards us. Two nurses and a guard. “They’re coming John. Please come back to me. Tell them you’re ok. Tell them you remember, for God’s sake!” I was losing her. I had no idea what she was saying. The aching pain in my head was soaring towards my eyes. I grabbed my head in my hands but instead of hair, I felt cloth. I was stunned. What was going on? My head was bandaged together tightly to cover up something. An injury, a wound?

My vision began to shake. I was losing control over my thoughts and body. I could still hear her though, sobbing, begging. Expecting me to come back to some reality. She told me to remember the ring. I didn’t even know how it got there. She asked me to remember our vows. I don’t even remember of making any. The sounds magnified in my head, and I tried to block them out. Every noise pierced my ear, be it the rustling of the leaves or the quacking of the ducks. I opened my eyes to see but I saw nothing; I had become blind. It was all dark. The noises started to fade; it was becoming silent. It all came to a standstill; it all became peaceful…

The water in the pond glistened gloomily in the twilight. The ducklings quacked, as they followed their mother around the pond. One of them seemed to be a little slow as it quacked to tell its mother to slow down, which she did. The beauty of language could be seen flowing through these wordless birds somehow able to convey their message across. I peered beside me and saw a woman devastated. She was crying and sobbing with her face in her hands.

The chilly autumn wind blew away the hair from her face and she clasped her hands together, revealing her appearance. I saw a gorgeous face looking back at me with a fiery glow but a sad smile. Cheeks wet with tears that had been shed recently. She wiped her tears on her sleeve and looked straight in to my eyes. I stared back into two beautiful crystal blue eyes that seemed to be damp with aching sadness. She looked at me the way the duck looked at her duckling and sat there waiting for something. Something that was slow and not fast enough to catch up perhaps, waiting for her duck to come back to her, just waiting.

Top 10: Favourite Movies of All Time

Well this is something new I’ve decided to start. There always Top 10s of something going around on the interweb, and I think it’s the right time for me to get my feet wet in that puddle. So after much consideration, and a lot of thought, I bring to you, my TOP 10 FAVOURITE MOVIES OF ALL TIME.

Now, this is probably the hardest list I’ve ever made. Well, this might quite possibly be the only list I’ve made, but lets not get into that. Point is, I gave it a lot of thought and this is what I came up with. Another thing that should be fairly obvious, but I’ll still point out, is that this list is completely my own opinion and based on the movies that I’ve seen. I can't evaluate a movie I haven’t seen. That means no Godfather movies, Star Wars or Lord of the Rings… sorry guys.

Alright let’s get to it.

10) 500 Days of Summer

Ok this movie, is deemed as one of the best romantic comedies ever. I concur with that statement. This is probably the most realistic portrayal of a relationship I’ve seen in Hollywood. This is as real as it gets people, that’s why it’s made a spot on my list.

9) The Matrix (Only the first one)

Aaah, the red pill or the blue pill. After seeing its sequels, I just wanted pills for Xanax. Let’s pretend they don’t exist for a while. This movie was revolutionary for it’s time and it still has the longevity for years to come. I saw it the other day and I assure you, its still amazing.

8) The Shawshank Redemption

Probably the best underrated movie ever. I mean wow; this movie dropped my jaw on so many occasions. This movie probably has a very intense climax, very quotable dialogues and Morgan Freeman. Morgan Freeman is always a win.

7) Fight Club

This was the first David Fincher directed feature I saw. This was a movie that I had to see twice to fully understand what had happened. Tyler Durden has been an influence ever since and he will punish me for breaking his first rule.

6) The Avengers

Lets face it, this was one of the best comic book movies ever. Marvel is yet to produce a movie we can't stand to see. This one was a gem. I remember going to the cinemas with my pals and seeing it in 3D. The Avengers was actually the first movie I saw in 3D. Needless to say, it was amazing and left an impression that has stayed with me over the years. Shakespeare in the park anyone?

5) Forrest Gump

Oh boy, my life has been a box of chocolates ever since I saw this spectacular piece of cinema. This movie made me cry, laugh and ultimately feel very happy about life. If a movie can touch all emotions like that, it definitely deserves a spot on my list. And that's all I have to say about that.

4) Shutter Island

I remember when I saw this movie with my cousin some three years ago. Him and I pulled an all-nighter and saw this movie together, pausing it at intervals to discuss what was going to happen next. Man oh man, this movie will definitely give you something to talk about for days to come.

3)  Lion King

The only animated movie on the list. It’s rated so high because of how timeless it is. It’s songs are still stuck with me today and its characters are still admirable. This 1994 classic deserves all the praise and much more. Hakunah Matata!!

2) Inception

Its time to get into the Nolan zone. Christopher Nolan is my favorite director. His movies are so thought provoking and meticulously crafted, that one wonders how spectacles like them are created. Same is the case with Inception. The concepts and ideas in this movie were executed so brilliantly, that I was left mind boggled when the movie ended. Of course the end is something to talk about as well. The top keeps spinning and spinning and spinning…

Before I unveil my favourite movie of all time, I’d like to call out a few movies that are also my favourite but couldn’t make it to the list.

Honourable Mentions:

The Bourne trilogy, Interstellar, Perks of being a Wallflower, The Prestige, Zodiac, Seven, The Departed, Wolf of Wallstreet, The Green Mile, Saving Private Ryan, The Silence of The Lambs, The Dark Knight Rises, Cast Away and Gone Girl.

1) The Dark Knight

Well, what do I say about this one. This is, without a doubt, my most watched movie ever. I’ve seen every scene atleast 10 times. This movie introduced me to Chistopher Nolan, and I’ve stayed a fan ever since. I don’t think, a better comic book movie has ever been put to screen, and after seeing Batman & Robin, all hope had been lost. But Nolan came through. This one is a fine piece of cinema, a timeless classic already.

I’d just like to state, that these aren’t the Ten Commandments, meaning this list is always subject to change. Maybe in a couple of years, it’ll be totally different. But for now, this is it!

Twitter: @ItsNazar

Instagram: @ItsNazar96

Interstellar: Review

"We used to look up at the sky and wonder at our place in the stars. Now we just look down and worry about our place in the dirt." - Cooper

There are two kinds of movies in the world, normal movies and Christopher Nolan movies. The normal movies would sometimes be good and sometimes they’d be horrible. Christopher Nolan movies will always be good if not great and will never let you down. In this day and age where the directors are the stars of the movie, Christopher Nolan has definitely made a name for himself. After seeing Interstellar, it’s safe to say that the mind screwing director is back in action with another hell of a film.

Interstellar takes place a few decades or maybe a century in to the future. In this future, our resources are scarce. Mankind has been forced to go back to the olden times and become farmers and grow the only sustainable crop left; corn. There are frequent dust storms that will ultimately be the end of us because that is essentially what is killing us. Cooper, our protagonist, is an engineer and ex-pilot for NASA who is now a farmer as well. He is sent out on a mission to go through a wormhole and find a habitable planet in another galaxy that may be the salvation of the human race.

I cannot put into words how immaculate the cinematography for this movie is. Once the countdown began and we were off to space, jaws were dropped. If you thought Gravity was a visual spectacle, then you’re in a for a treat with this one. Christopher Nolan was able to capture the vast emptiness of space and darkness that comes with it. How everything that is visible in space is actually light-years away, Nolan made sure that the audience knew they were light-years away. It was truly awe-inspiring.

Something else that Christopher Nolan was able to do brilliantly was to capture the elements of time. Once you’re travelling at the speed of light and have gone into hyper sleep, time will move very different for you as oppose to the people on earth and Christopher Nolan did a fantastic job to illustrate that as we had seen him do it before in Inception. Time and space were the two key elements that Christopher Nolan explored in this film, and they were extravagantly clear. Also, the emotional pull of the movie was very well executed, all though sometimes shaky. The father daughter bond between Cooper and Murph was very human and touchy. 

The performances were expectedly amazing. Matthew McConaughey, the winner of the Best Actor at the Academy's last year brought his A game in this movie again. Anne Hathaway brought the brains and the soul to the film and Micheal Caine… well he’s Micheal Caine, he’s going to be amazing. The surprise performance for me was from Jessica Chastain who really stood out and shined. Hans Zimmer’s musical score was so hauntingly beautiful, it made you feel like you were in space. When the situation was tense, you could hear the tension flowing through the Organ music that filled the speakers in the theatre. It made the experience that much better.

Now this movie is definitely praise worthy, but not a masterpiece. There were a few things that didn’t fully connect with me. For starters, this film is complicated. This movie presents really bold ideas and grand theories, but its very hard to follow along with them. There was a lot of talk about physics and astrophysics, and if one has no knowledge about either, they can get lost. Although the film does explain itself fairly well, it’s a lot of information to grasp. Also, there is something that happens around the 2/3 mark of the movie that might pull away some of it’s viewers. If that thing doesn’t click with you, you might just come out of the movie not liking it. It clicked for me and I came out a happy camper.

For a movie that spans three hours, I felt nothing. The pacing was perfect, the effects were mind blowing and the story, although a little shaky at times, was very well thought out and almost perfectly executed. Irrespective of if you like the movie or not, you have to appreciate it’s ambition and the heights it tried to achieve. The only way to grasp everything this movie has to offer is to watch it on the biggest screen possible. This movie demands multiple viewing of itself to fully comprehend all it’s themes and ideas, an exercise I will do without any hesitation. One thing is for sure, Christopher Nolan cannot make a bad movie.

8.5/10

Twitter: @itsNazar
Instagram: @itsNazar96

Poetic Poems

I'm not really a poet, but for a class I take in high school, I was challenged to write a few pieces of poetry that came out to be pretty decent.

All work below is written by me.

There are still nightmares in my dreams

Mohammad Nazar Syed

 

There are still nightmares in my dreams,

In my dreams I seek what is right

What is right? An illusion it seems.

 

And slippery snow falls in my redeem,

It cannot fall for my might

There are still nightmares in my dreams.

 

The falling dust in statues gleam,

Rolling stones are in my sight

What is right? An illusion it seems.

 

The moon looks weary, turning green,

Flying closer towards the kites

There are still nightmares in my dreams.

 

Why love is harder than it seems,

In little pockets of despite

What is right? An illusion it seems.

 

This devil, this monster, this horrible fiend,

I might sleep on it in the night

There are still nightmares in my dreams,

What is right? An illusion it seems.

-

 

Forever’s Touch

Mohammad Nazar Syed

 

And I’d give up forever to touch you

My touch is the only thing that will heal

Our fingers intertwined is my virtue

With lips containing secrets we conceal

 

When I kill myself from the inside out

Your soul saves me from my aching body

It’s cold on the surface of my hideout

Lighting the fire inside is my hobby

 

And while you asked me what I want this year

I stood staring down the deepest of eyes

My chalice filled with broken dreams and tears

Your soul has departed far in the skies

 

Tonight I reach you, or I’m almost there

Sinking further in this sea of despair

Twitter: @ItsNazar
Instagram: @ItsNazar96
 

The Cornered Tiger

"Nobody can achieve greatness until they crush the idols of infedelity and fear that are present inside of them." - Imran Khan

Some 22 odd years ago, during a decisive world cup match against Australia in 1992, Imran Khan came out for the toss wearing a shirt that had the picture of a tiger about to pounce. After being questioned on it he replied, “I want my team to play like a cornered tiger, when it’s at its best.” Today, almost 22 years later, Imran Khan comes out of his home away from home in a little container in the heart of Islamabad and looks around only to find his team of supporters as cornered as never before.

Tahir Ul Qadri has just announced the end of his sit-ins that lasted a record of 70 days. Mr. Qadri and Imran Khan had an undocumented allegiance, which helped both of the two parties on their mission in Islamabad. Both came hand in hand when mentioned and they helped each other when one was about to fall. One cannot forget the commitment of Mr. Qadri’s followers on the night of the dreadful shelling’s where Imran Khan’s supporters were nowhere to be seen, yet Mr. Qadri’s supporters guarded the two containers with their lives. One cannot also forgive the massacre done by the ruthless Punjab Police in Lahore to these supporters leaving 14 dead and 2 of them women. Mr. Qadri has paid his dues.

The current announcement sent shockwaves around Islamabad. Some held press conferences welcoming the end to the sit ins with sheepish smiles while others felt betrayed and downgraded. Yet Khan’s determination was not dented. He came out the next day appreciating Mr. Qadri’s efforts and thanking him for his assistance on this journey. He continued and said Mr. Qadri’s mission may have ended, but his mission is far from over. He promised to retrieve Nawaz Sharif’s resignation and so he will, even if he has to wait his whole life. He reiterated the promise he made to the masses and said that he has never bowed down from a commitment and he never will.

The question arises, why is Imran Khan so determined? The immediate answer that the cynics and the saints would give is that he’s power hungry. Right, because a person who was living a princely life would give all that up to make a career out of the least noble profession in the country. Every day since the past 2 and half months, Imran Khan comes out from atop his container and speaks to the masses. Every day, his determination grows stronger and stronger as he feeds off motivation from the crowds and the massive congregations that come to see him at his rallies. He absorbs their pain and damage, combines it with his experience, and stands taller every day.

He is determined because he is the cornered tiger. He is the lone wolf amongst hyenas and coyotes. He is the silver lining amongst dark thick clouds of destruction. And he knows it. He knows that a tiger pounces the strongest when it’s cornered, its back against the wall and no way to go except forward. With Mr. Qadri’s farewell, Khan has rejuvenated himself. He has gained the composure and the stamina needed to fight the battle he has been fighting since the inception of his party. The contraries think otherwise and so be it. In a democracy, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions and that is fine, as long as one does not be naïve about it.

Although Mr. Qadri may have parted ways for now, his efforts are commendable. His departure may have been abrupt and uncalled for, but his mission stays with the people of the sit-in as they prepare themselves for harsher times ahead in the future. As for Imran Khan, he can still be spotted on top of his container with a wide smile, standing high in front of his people with spirits even higher.

Twitter: @itsNazar

Instagram: @itsNazar96

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