Five strong album cuts from the Goo Goo Dolls

BlogMay 17, 2013The Baltimore Sun

By Wesley Case, The Baltimore Sun

10:07 a.m. EDT, May 17, 2013

You know the Goo Goo Dolls' hits: "Name," "Long Way Down," "Slide," "Black Balloon" and, of course, the once-ubiquitous ballad from the "City of Angels" soundtrack, "Iris." But what about the less popular album cuts? Like any band with material spanning decades, the Goo Goo Dolls have hidden gems in their catalog.

Here are five worth seeking out.

"On the Lie" (from 1993's "Superstar Car Wash")

It's mainly a strange back-and-forth conversation between a man and woman, but this song highlights Rzeznik's ability to craft unique — and even mysterious — characters.

"Disconnected" (from 1995's "A Boy Named Goo")

Channeling its Replacements-inspired roots, the band proved with this song it could still churn out muscular rock tracks.

"Amigone" (from 1998's "Dizzy Up the Girl")

We associate the band with Rzeznik, but bassist Robby Takac has frequently shared songwriting duties with the singer. Takac provides a poignant reflection on death here.

"Truth is a Whisper" (from 2002's "Gutterflower")

Faced with problems without clear answers (namely existential issues), Rzeznik desperately cries for help on this album closer.

"Feel the Silence" (from 2006's "Let Love In")

Although this song trips over some tired cliches ("When you're fighting the current / you forget how to live"), the tightly spun melody and Rzeznik's confident delivery overcome the missteps.

Related