Goo Goo Dolls
Let Love In

THE REVIEW

The Goo Goo Dolls are composed of: John Rzeznik (vocals and guitar), Robby Takac (vocals and bass), and Mike Malinin (drums). The Goo Goo Dolls started as a punk band in the late '80s, then changed their genre to a very nice pop rock. This "transformation" was completed with the release of the album "A Boy Named Goo" in 1995, with singles such as "Naked", "Only One" and especially the song that touches people's hearts "Name" the Goo Goo Dolls managed to achieve a decent success, but it wasn't enough. In fact, it is with "Iris" (soundtrack of the movie "City Of Angels"), that the Goo Goo Dolls achieved worldwide success. The album "Dizzy Up The Girl" which follows "Iris" sold 6 million copies worldwide. In 2002, they returned with "Gutterflower," which confirmed both their "new" genre and their success. In 2004, the Goo Goo Dolls released "Live In Buffalo July 4th 2004," which includes a CD and a DVD of the concert held on July 4th, 2004, in Buffalo (their hometown).

In April 2006 "Let Love In," the ninth album by the Goo Goo Dolls, was released. "Let Love In" encapsulates the entire artistic journey of the group, featuring stunning tracks that were released before the album's publication. One of them is "Give A Little Bit", a cover of "Supertramp" that was released in 2004 as a single for "Live In Buffalo", then "Better Days" which was released in America in 2005 and then in Europe in 2006 as the promotional single of the album. The first track is also the first single "Stay With You", a love song for their city and for the classic object of desire: the woman. Love is indeed the main theme of this album, perhaps the most pop of the band. Following "Stay With You" is "Let Love In", the second single already climbing the American singles chart. "Let Love In" is certainly the track that best represents the album. To write the album, John Rzeznik had to return to Buffalo to find inspiration. The band's frontman stated:

"Looking at the world situation, you find that fear makes people do frightening things. Fear is a catalyst for selfishness and war. Sometimes it seems we lose our ability to reason. I needed to hold onto some hope. That's why I composed "Better Days"."

Following the second single, the third song in this 11-track album, "Feel The Silence" is the most calm and reflective song and conveys a desire to listen to what time has to say to us, which can break or fix things. "Better Days" is placed at number 4. Track number 5 discusses abandonment and the lack of the woman you love "Without You Here", in track number 6 John gives space to Robby who sings "Listen" breaking the harmony of the album; It continues with "Give A Little Bit", a very well-executed cover that gives a special and welcome cheerfulness. Track number 8 is "Can't Let It Go", the most catchy, the song to sing in the shower. It proceeds with "We'll Be Here (When You're Gone)", a very intense song with guitar solos and John's haunting voice, yet also catchy (like all the songs). Robby sings again in "Strange Love". As a closing piece, we have "Become", the song most loved by fans and one of the best on the album. Produced by Glen Ballard.

This album has given and continues to give me immense emotions, there's not a song I don't listen to. This album is surely the most pop of the band, but it has been very carefully produced in terms of sound and the lyrics are wonderful. The title "Let Love In" literally means to let love in, but it can mean many things, like loving oneself or letting oneself be loved, that's the beauty of it. One of my favorite songs is "Better Days" because it's a song that speaks of hope and has a fabulous melody. Not to mention "Stay With You" and "Let Love In", two beautiful and energetic pieces. Never forget that the songs of the Goo Goo Dolls make you dream and that's the characteristic that sets them apart.