Goo Goo Dolls

Magnetic

Reviewed by Jane Roser

Some things never change. Like John Rzeznik’s Keith Urban style rocker hair. Some things do change. The Goo Goo Dolls sound has evolved in the 28 years since their beginnings in Buffalo, New York. It went from a distinct alternative rock beat to a more pop rock sound. Some of their fans bailed and some remained loyal. Me- I’m not that nit-picky. Unless your songs suck. Magnetic, the Dolls 10th studio album offers a little bit of everything- the good and the eh.

The two-time Grammy nominees (in 1998 and again in 2000) have sold more than 10 million albums (if you multiply that by an average CD price of $9.99-unless you bought it at Wal-Mart-that’s $99,900,000 in revenue) and have had 14 top 10 singles. Plus the fact that their 1988 hit, “Iris”, spent almost an entire year on the Billboard charts. Those are some pretty impressive numbers.

Okay, let’s dive in, shall we? The first single released, “Rebel Beat”, is the quintessential radio hit. It’s catchy and fun. It starts off simple and then like one of those animal balloons that you squeeze so hard the head pops off, it suddenly bursts into a toe tapping chorus: “Hey you, look around, can you hear that noise? It’s a rebel sound.” This is a great summer anthem and I found myself singing along to it until I realized the other Starbucks customers were looking at me funny.

“Bullet Proof Angel” and “Caught In The Storm”, I was less keen on. They reminded me a bit too much of a song you might have heard in a cheesy 80′s film. One where the hero has a mullet and the heroine wears legwarmers and a belted leotard. “Come To Me” is a gorgeous ballad. The lyrics very basic, but heartfelt: “Come to me my sweetest friend. Can you feel my heart again. I’ll take you back where you belong. And this will be our favorite song.” I can see this being played at a lot of weddings. Or proms. “Keep The Car Running” was another track I loved, it has a great drum beat and I have to say I just really like Rzeznik’s vocals. He has range and empathy. I don’t feel the same about the tracks where Robby Takac sings lead. I notice the difference right away, almost as if the song is being forced and it lacks that swagger.

Magnetic is defined as possessing an extraordinary ability to attract. My opinion is that half of this album is Brad Pitt, the other half is Marty Feldman. And the album cover is 100% smokin’.

Rating: Listenable