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Product Description
Review
The UK has never embraced the Goo Goo Dolls as readily as the US. The New York trio’s biggest hit, 1998’s Iris, topped the Billboard chart but only limped to number 50 here. It took Ronan Keating, of all people, to make it a hit – the Boyzone singer’s version peaked at 12 in 2006, but was also his first single to not break the top 10. Suffice to say the multi-million-selling pop-rockers aren’t regulars on too many Brits’ personal playlists.
Their ninth album isn’t likely to change that dramatically, sticking as it does to a formula that’s served them splendidly since shifting from an early, grunge-like outfit to a polished, commercially box-ticking ensemble with every intention of maintaining their career trajectory. And there’s no shame in that: it’s not like you, reader, would turn up at work after 15 years of doing a job one way and proceed to tear up the rule book you’d established for yourself. Such actions tend to have repercussions, bad ones. Nutshell summarisation: Something for the Rest of Us is every bit as easy on the ear as each of their albums has been since 98’s big-league breakthrough, Dizzy Up the Girl.
So easy on the ear, indeed, that maintaining focus can be difficult. John Rzeznik’s gruff tones are always the scene-stealing element of any track, but when he’s barking out well-worn clichés about love and loss, it’s a task to read between tired lines and hear some heart. Several tracks aren’t so much dripping with weak metaphors as drowning in them. But the lyrical side of Goo Goo Dolls has never stood up to much serious scrutiny – the point is that these songs are swiftly processed, ensuring sing-along potential is realised amazingly fast. These are songs for belting out in traffic-jammed cars, for humming along to in shopping malls while waiting for a partner to finish up in the changing rooms. They’re not supposed to challenge the grey matter. They are as exclusive as own-range supermarket clothing.
Lead single Home has already performed well in the States, offering evidence that Goo Goo Dolls remain a mainstream force to be reckoned with on the other side of the Atlantic – but it’s unlikely they’ll ever repeat that success here. However, British fans of big-chorused rockers like U2, Journey and Bon Jovi yet to investigate this lot are encouraged to do so, as many traits are common across said acts.
--Mike DiverFind more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
CD Description
Goo Goo Dolls return with their first studio album in four years, and the ninth of their career. The album features the band's first single, "Home".
The album was produced by Tim Palmer (U2, Pearl Jam, David Bowie) with additional production by Butch Vig (Green Day, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, etc.) John Fields (Paul Westerberg, Jimmy Eat World) and Goo Goo Dolls.
The result showcases more of the well-crafted songs and timeless lyrics that have been such an integral part of the Goo Goo Dolls' continuing success. Written and recorded over the past couple of years, Something for the Rest of Us delivers another dose of emotionally charged, well-crafted rock songs such as "Sweetest Lie," "One Night," and "Soldier."
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Back in 2006 I remember eagerly anticipating "Let Love In" following on from the back of 2002's excellent "Gutterflower," but in the end I was a little disappointed.
Fast forward four years and "Something For The Rest Of Us" is a spectacular return to form for the Goo Goo Dolls, it's easily the most polished and complete record since 1998's "Dizzy Up The Girl."
Musically, "Something For The Rest Of Us" is mainstream guitar rock, Rzeznik's lyrics however are the most poignant they've been in a long time and sound quite personal, especially on the albums most emotional number "Notbroken"
There's no real heavy rocker on this record, (the Goo's have never been a hard rock band anyway) opening track "Sweetest Lie" has a catchy riff and could be considered a single, (sounds a bit like U2) as could the awesome title track, but for me the best song on here is "Nothing is Real," wonderful acoustic moments and a great melody.
Bassist Robby Takic takes lead vocals on tracks "Now I Hear" and "Say Your Free," something which the Goo's have been doing for a long time, although I always find those tracks the weakest moments, I did on previous albums anyway.
Overall though, "Something For The Rest Of Us" is an highly enjoyable record, it's a mature, grown up sound with meaningful lyrics. I expect it to sell better than 2006's "Let Love In."
Fast forward four years and "Something For The Rest Of Us" is a spectacular return to form for the Goo Goo Dolls, it's easily the most polished and complete record since 1998's "Dizzy Up The Girl."
Musically, "Something For The Rest Of Us" is mainstream guitar rock, Rzeznik's lyrics however are the most poignant they've been in a long time and sound quite personal, especially on the albums most emotional number "Notbroken"
There's no real heavy rocker on this record, (the Goo's have never been a hard rock band anyway) opening track "Sweetest Lie" has a catchy riff and could be considered a single, (sounds a bit like U2) as could the awesome title track, but for me the best song on here is "Nothing is Real," wonderful acoustic moments and a great melody.
Bassist Robby Takic takes lead vocals on tracks "Now I Hear" and "Say Your Free," something which the Goo's have been doing for a long time, although I always find those tracks the weakest moments, I did on previous albums anyway.
Overall though, "Something For The Rest Of Us" is an highly enjoyable record, it's a mature, grown up sound with meaningful lyrics. I expect it to sell better than 2006's "Let Love In."
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Having been a fan of this band since 1995's 'A Boy Named Goo', I have seen them go through many musical changes. Their swift movement into producing softer, more mainstream music was surprising but the quality of songwriting remained excellent so I bought every new album that came along, enjoying the many highlights on each of them.
Only 'Let Love In' was a true disappointment. Upon it's release in 2006 I really thought the band had lost their way. Yes there were highlights such as 'Stay With You' and 'Can't Let It Go' but for the most part it was a below average effort...too soft, uninspired and most of the songs sounded the same.
Now here we are in 2010 and finally the Goo Goo Dolls have released the long overdue follow-up, 'Something For The Rest Of Us'. All I can say is this album is a lot better than the previous one. The songs offer much more variety and have more life in them, flowing with emotion but also energy which was lacking on 'Let Love In'. Of course the band have matured and it is certainly not a return to the youthful, upbeat rock of 'A Boy Named Goo' or 'Superstar Car Wash'. But at the same time I can't help but be delighted that they've recovered some of the brilliance we all know they are capable of.
The album gets off to a flying start with 'Sweetest Lie', a good choice for an opener and slightly different from anything they've done before, sounding very much like an upbeat U2 song with the chanting chorus and Edge-like guitars. It is different but it's powerful...and most of all it works.
From here on we have mainly power ballads and soft rock songs that each have their own distinctive sound. Personal favourites are 'As I Am' (an atmospheric and catchy power ballad that would fit well on Gutterflower), 'Notbroken' (an emotionally charged acoustic number which is well written and builds to a rocking finish), 'One Night' (very good mid-tempo soft rock, instantly likeable), 'Nothing Is Real' (hard edged ballad, epic sing-along chorus) and 'Still Your Song' (probably the best track of all. Emotional and radio friendly, upbeat catchy chorus, a classic Rzeznik composition. I hope it is the next single!).
Robby Takac provides two tracks for the album. 'Now I Hear' is quite good, different to his normal output, it rocks along but with a slower tempo than you would usually expect from Robby. It takes a few listens to appreciate and is not a highlight but certainly a good solid song. 'Say You're Free' is the other one and unfortunately, although providing a welcome change to a more punk rock direction which helps the album's variety, has a chorus that never really grabs you. I actually think 'Listen' from 'Let Love In' was superior. It's not a terrible song and doesn't change my overall rating for the album, but it still could have been better.
In conclusion, 'Something For The Rest Of Us' exceeds expectations from a band that have been around for 25 years. It vastly improves upon their last album and while not quite hitting the heights of their classic material, sounds fresh and relevant with a handful of excellent songs.
Only 'Let Love In' was a true disappointment. Upon it's release in 2006 I really thought the band had lost their way. Yes there were highlights such as 'Stay With You' and 'Can't Let It Go' but for the most part it was a below average effort...too soft, uninspired and most of the songs sounded the same.
Now here we are in 2010 and finally the Goo Goo Dolls have released the long overdue follow-up, 'Something For The Rest Of Us'. All I can say is this album is a lot better than the previous one. The songs offer much more variety and have more life in them, flowing with emotion but also energy which was lacking on 'Let Love In'. Of course the band have matured and it is certainly not a return to the youthful, upbeat rock of 'A Boy Named Goo' or 'Superstar Car Wash'. But at the same time I can't help but be delighted that they've recovered some of the brilliance we all know they are capable of.
The album gets off to a flying start with 'Sweetest Lie', a good choice for an opener and slightly different from anything they've done before, sounding very much like an upbeat U2 song with the chanting chorus and Edge-like guitars. It is different but it's powerful...and most of all it works.
From here on we have mainly power ballads and soft rock songs that each have their own distinctive sound. Personal favourites are 'As I Am' (an atmospheric and catchy power ballad that would fit well on Gutterflower), 'Notbroken' (an emotionally charged acoustic number which is well written and builds to a rocking finish), 'One Night' (very good mid-tempo soft rock, instantly likeable), 'Nothing Is Real' (hard edged ballad, epic sing-along chorus) and 'Still Your Song' (probably the best track of all. Emotional and radio friendly, upbeat catchy chorus, a classic Rzeznik composition. I hope it is the next single!).
Robby Takac provides two tracks for the album. 'Now I Hear' is quite good, different to his normal output, it rocks along but with a slower tempo than you would usually expect from Robby. It takes a few listens to appreciate and is not a highlight but certainly a good solid song. 'Say You're Free' is the other one and unfortunately, although providing a welcome change to a more punk rock direction which helps the album's variety, has a chorus that never really grabs you. I actually think 'Listen' from 'Let Love In' was superior. It's not a terrible song and doesn't change my overall rating for the album, but it still could have been better.
In conclusion, 'Something For The Rest Of Us' exceeds expectations from a band that have been around for 25 years. It vastly improves upon their last album and while not quite hitting the heights of their classic material, sounds fresh and relevant with a handful of excellent songs.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
When the Goo Goo Dolls released Let Love In in 2006, it was received with much criticism, especially on the production of the album. Because of that expectations for the next album were high. Recording sessions began in 2008 and about one and a half years later, at the end of 2009, the album was finished. It was ready to be mixed, when the band decided that it probably wasn't good enough and they went back into the studio for a few months. When looking back, this was probably a very clever move, because the production of this album is solid as rock and leaves Let Love In far behind.
Something for the Rest of Us has a number of songs that share more or less the same style, with a few more experimental songs. The album sounds very fresh and new for a band that's been around for 25 (!) years. Inspiration and main theme of the album is the uncertain time of the United States right now, when looking at the emotions of average Americans. The financial crisis as well as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are, although not mentioned literally, clearly present in the lyrics.
The album shows that the band have grown when compared to earlier albums. The album has a much more adult sound. The only negative thing about this album is the lack of a true "rocker", however almost every song has a harder part that rocks and shows how well this bands masters it's instruments.
Personal favorites are Still Your Song, Nothing Is Real and the heartbreaking Notbroken.
5/5
PS: Get the album's deluxe edition, it comes with covers of Flesh For Lulu's Postcards from Paradise and Pete Townshend's Rough Boys. The last one has bassist Robby Takac singing and it shows once again that John Rzeznik isn't the only singer in this band.
Something for the Rest of Us has a number of songs that share more or less the same style, with a few more experimental songs. The album sounds very fresh and new for a band that's been around for 25 (!) years. Inspiration and main theme of the album is the uncertain time of the United States right now, when looking at the emotions of average Americans. The financial crisis as well as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are, although not mentioned literally, clearly present in the lyrics.
The album shows that the band have grown when compared to earlier albums. The album has a much more adult sound. The only negative thing about this album is the lack of a true "rocker", however almost every song has a harder part that rocks and shows how well this bands masters it's instruments.
Personal favorites are Still Your Song, Nothing Is Real and the heartbreaking Notbroken.
5/5
PS: Get the album's deluxe edition, it comes with covers of Flesh For Lulu's Postcards from Paradise and Pete Townshend's Rough Boys. The last one has bassist Robby Takac singing and it shows once again that John Rzeznik isn't the only singer in this band.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Classic Goo Goo Dolls!
Everything I was hoping for as the new Goo Goo Dolls album. It's got that classic rock sound a few cool ballads and that all round addictive sound you get used to from these guys. Read more
Published 17 months ago by T Gibiino
great new album
there are two types of albums the ones that you can play once and you think are amazing straight away and there are those that seem ok but then grow on you after repeat listens and... Read more
Published 18 months ago by crom inc
Another Great Album
I've only been interested in the Goo Goo Dolls since I found 'Before It's Too Late' on the soundtrack for the transformers, such as I prefer their more recent stuff which is more... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Ben Braxton
Brilliant Return To Form!
This is a brilliant album. You can tell they have really thought it through. They spent over two years on this album and it shows with the quality of songwriting and... Read more
Published 19 months ago by MattL93
Brilliant
I have listened to this album almost non stop since it arrived on my doormat. There isn't one song on here that i don't like or even feel lukewarm about. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Ms. Lindsey Parsons
Awful!
I read somewhere that this album took a while because of John Rzeznik's quality control. Not sure what the quality threshold was but it must've been pretty low for this trash to... Read more
Published 20 months ago by J. Milner
That's It - The Goo's are gone for good.
What to say - I was hoping against hope that it won't be another batch of power ballads and soft rock songs, but I was let down again - that's it, the GGD's per se no longer exist. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Jwr Davis
Solid but not spectacular and you won't find any surprises here!
The Goo Goo Dolls are certainly predictable, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Since Dizzy Up The Girl each new album has consisted of some epic sounding GGD anthems, two or... Read more
Published 21 months ago by A Philosophy Teacher
Some Great Songs, some not so great (Best Song is Nothing is Real)
It was very hard to rate this album as a whole because I had so many different reactions to the songs. This album is all over the place...I absolutely love Nothing is Real. Read more
Published 21 months ago by NothingIsReal
something for the rest of us
I know 6 of these new songs very well and the Goos are sure to have a hugh cd hit. these new songs are strong, current and resinate with all ages. cant wait for the full release
Published 21 months ago by pattie
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