"Magnetic" (The Goo Goo Dolls)

ReviewJune 15, 2013EDGE Fire Island

Perhaps the only good thing to come out of Buffalo in the ’80s, the Goo Goo Dolls is the union of guitarist/vocalist John Rzeznik, bassist/vocalist Robby Takac and drummer Mike Malinin. Over the years, they’ve scored about 14 top-ten hits. Their new single "Rebel Beat" is already lighting up the hit list, with its catchy rock beat and lust for life, with the lyrics, "Is that your soul you’re trying to protect? I’d always hoped we would intersect." Their 10th studio album, "Magnetic," shows how the group has grown through the years. Strings provide a mature backing for the lost-love song, "When the World Breaks Your Heart," as they sing, "I can put it back together, write your name across the sky." "Slow It Down" is an endearing, confessional tune with nice acoustic pick work; the softspoken "Come to Me" also allows the guitar work to shine. Electric guitars keep "Bringing on the Light" jamming, and "Caught in the Storm" is a radio-ready tune with a sense of urgency behind it. "You’re such a mystery to me, I can never figure out, I’m always waiting to see what you’re gonna do/ how you’re gonna be to me," Rzeznik sings in the fast-paced "More Of You." The sound of the ’90s permeates "Bulletproof Angel," and the band really rocks on the track "Last Hot Night." Their sound is forlorn on the last track, "Keep the Car Running," reminiscent of early U2. The album also includes two live, supercharged bonus tracks, "Home" and "Black Balloon." The Goo Goo Dolls are classic rockers, and you’ll be glad they didn’t wait another four years to release this new collection of tunes.
(Warner Brothers Records)

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