Customer Reviews

Dizzy Up the Girl

5 star:		(485)
4 star:		(102)
3 star:		(31)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

I first heard of The Goo Goo Dolls on the radio with their songs "Name", "Iris", "Slide" and "Black Balloon". I am not one to run out and buy the latest and greatest CD's. I pick my collection out very carefully. The week before Christmas 99, I saw John Rzeznik host VH1's "The List" and he seemed really cool. So the Sunday before Christmas, I bought "Dizzy Up The Girl". I couldn't wait to hear it. The first song, "Dizzy", played and I thought, oh know, what did I buy, but then I listened and heard the lyrics to all of the songs. Nothing else has been in my CD player since. I don't even listen to the radio while in my car, just this CD for three weeks straight. I haven't listened to a band like this since the Eagles back in the early 80's.

John Rzeznik, your songs inspire me in ways that words can't describe. You write from your heart and soul and that's what writing should be all about. My favorite is "Acoustic #3". This is my only CD where I don't skip one song. I love them all.

Thank you, Johnny, Robby and Mike for making such great music and for sharing it with the rest of the world.

I definitely recommend this CD for any music lover.

Wow. I have to say, I became a fan of Goo Goo Dolls with Iris. I'd heard Name on the radio when it came out but didn't think anything more of it. Then I heard Iris. It is such a beautiful song that captures the movie perfectly--I never got tired of hearing it. This is my first Goo Goo Dolls CD purchase and I love it. I'd give it 5 stars but for the fact that Robbie's songs are not my cup of tea (sorry). It's interesting, though, to hear how different his style is from John's. I bought Hold Me Up and it's just not a sound that I enjoy.

So what if they've gone mainstream with DUTG! I am one of millions who wouldn't have heard their music otherwise and might not have given them a second listen. I'm looking forward to their next record because it's very clear their sound is evolving (as it should) and I look forward to where they're going next, though I think I'm going to buy A Boy Named Goo. Some of my favorite songs include Dizzy, Black Balloon, and the unbelievably sad Acoustic #3. I don't know from where in his heart John was writing that one but I wanted to put my arms around him and hug him. It's a wonderful song and if you don't buy the CD, you'll never get to hear it. I think we've all been in that place from which it was written. You're a great songwriter, John.

If John's voice and lyrics didn't completely captivate you on previous goo albums, give them the second chance that they deserve! With their new drummer Mike in tow, John and Robby have again produced an album full of feeling and great passion. If you already own other CDs by this group, this is a must-have-you can see the way that they have changed as a band since A Boy Named Goo. Not only are the words more "deep" unforgetable theme from that movie "City of Angels"; "Black Balloon", and "Slide", all three of which everyone has heard about twenty million times on the radio! Other great songs on this album are "Amigone"(even though Robby's voice will nevre compare to John's) and "Bullet Proof", reminicent of days with many guitars. On a softer note, "Acoustic #3" is a beautiful song. THIS IS AN AWESOME ALBUM WITH GREAT SONGS!

This is one of the few albums that i can play over and over by any artist. i don't find robby's voice obnoxious, and actually like it. you have to give him credit, going from the lead singer to basically a back-up, with john the center of attention all the time (understandibly). and not to mention mike, the drummer, who many people still refer to as 'george'...

This cd is a great effort from john, robby, and mike. they have come a long way from the sex maggots. john writes great lyrics that actually mean something, he and robby sing their hearts out. and mike plays the drums, a very important part that people rarely notice, but without him, they would sink.

Play this cd straight through once. then listen to the songs that you liked. then go back and listen to the songs you thought you hated. you will really be suprised how much you may have misjudged these guys thefirst time around.

Like a lot of people (possibly) I got this C.D. especially because of Iris, which was an amazing song I had orginally heard off of City of Angels. I absolutely fell in love with Johnny's vocals. I asked for this C.D for christmas and when I didn't get it, I went out and bought it anyway. I am so glad I did. Here's a break down by song:

Dizzy 4/5: An excellent way to stat off the album with rocking guitars, a softer chorus, and unbelievable vocals

Slide 5/5- This is personally one of my favorites on this album. It has great lyrics and it creates a perfect feel to it.

Broadway 4/5- The greatest thing about this song is the lyrics which are really meaningful and convey a great message. But not one of my particular favorites

January Friend: 4/5 One of the better Robby vocals, but personally I perfer Johnny's style. But it's an overall nice song

Black Ballon 6/5: For me this one is off the scale!!! I LOVE this song. The vocals are the best on the album and I love the lyrics. I definetly recommend it

Bullet Proof: 4/5 A very good song I esp. love the pre-chorus and the chorus. Great vocals.

Amigone: 3.5/5: Another Robby song, still among the strong ones for him... but I really don't enjoy the lyrics on this one that much

All Eyes On Me 5/5: The minimalist approach really works out for this simple yet brilliant song. For this songs it's not so much about the vocals, but the brilliantly crafted lyrics. Very good.

Full Forever 2/5: I usually skip this song. Advice to the Goos: Robby's a good singer, true, but it's Johnny who has the really unique and appealing voice. Plus the lyrics aren't that good

Acoustic #3 4/5: Soft, short, sweet, totally complete

Iris 5/5: Probably one of the Goos most popular songs. For a good reason obviously. This song is so full of passion, Johnny's amazing pipes, and of course the guitar solo! The reason I got into the Goo Goo Dolls in the first place

Extra Pale 2/5: the problem with this song is it's so forgetable! I've listened to this C.D so many time but it took me so long to remember this song. And then I remembered that I didn't like it. Oh well

Hate This Place 4/5: This is an amazing song. A good way to end an overall amazing C.D

I DEFINETLY recommend this C.D. It's probably one of my favorite C.D's in my collection. Excepting Full Forever and Extra Pale this C.D is off the hook. It's a must have for anyone who likes the softer sidfe of rock

This is mostly Johnny Rzeznik's album in terms of sound and in terms of what commercially appeals to most people - and it works. Scoff if you will at some of the ballads, these songs cut through the junk and really hit home with a great many people. Despite the Goo's punk past and this album's rock and roll label, there's a protective sheen to this album that never lets it get too heavy or out-of-control, despite the wayward subjects sung about. "Dizzy" might be the ultimate Goo Goo Dolls song in their new age, a Johnny Rzeznik tune that mixes the lustful with the romantic, the melodic with the harder-edged. "Slide" and "Broadway" are two more jangly gems, the latter covering Rzeznik's usual themes of making it in an ultra-tough world, losing sight of your ambitions, and just plain drinking too darned much. Of course, Rzeznik's partner, Robby Takac, gets a few chances to shine as well, starting with "January Friend" and quickly establishing himself as Rzeznik's wicked stepbrother in crime. As on prior albums, his zesty, all-systems-go tunes go a long way towards breaking up the sentimental aura his buddy always conveys. Heartache is quickly reestablished, however, on the achingly beautiful "Black Balloon," where the electro beginning and end is almost as good as the main song; songs like this really capitalize on Rzeznik's touching strength as a songwriter. And there's more. "Acoustic 13" is one of the most wrenching, heartbreaking songs ever created - nothing but Rzeznik, his guitar, and a light string section in the background - followed by another depressing tune of sorts - the little known "Iris." Takac's awesome "Full Forever" brings back some thrusting punk energy, but the album fittingly ends with the bleak "Hate This Place," rightly capping off a batch of songs where both narrators keep longing for something different all along. "Hate This Place" is definite single material, yet almost too personal and good to be played via radio. Overall, there's a weary, big-city feel to these songs; you can almost envision these guys lugging from city to city in a fancy bus, just waiting to belt out these sing-along anthems. As is the case with all great bands, the Goo's have been criticized for changing and growing as time has moved on. I for one appreciate all this genuine emotion contained on one album, not to mention the outstanding songwriting abilities of the two Goo's. Mark these words, it will be remembered as classic down the line.

I've had "Dizzy up the Girl" for many years, but only recently have I come to appreciate this album beyond the song "Iris."

When I first had this cd, aside from Iris, the only other song I liked on this album was "slide" with that catchy archipeggio guitar motiff.

For many years, I left this cd on the shelf favoring other cd's from comparable middle American Alternative bands such as Collective Soul or Soul Asylum.

The album cover is rather disturbing and appears to be a model suffocated from the starvation of life. The band's name seems to almost be a metaphor of how in life, we're all a bunch of goo goo dolls with how society seems to play us or "dizzy us up" with the human condition caused by eventual layers of conflicts and contradiction in a society that seems to brainwash the notion that commercialism leads to happier more stable lifestyles.

All cultures, suburbian, country, small town, or cosmopolitan have sociological cultures that ruin ideals leaving the marrow of life depleted by the temptation of ephemeral anesthetics of maggot like forces: alcohol, drugs, unhappy jobs, peer pressure, abusive relationships both emotional and physical, political undertones, privacy infringements, and tensions because all humans are ultimately better (not to), yet as is often the case with life, are forced beyond their will to think the same way.

This album seems to delve into the dynamics these contradictions from a small town, suburban american viewpoint.

Contrary to just being some high selling pop album, the music is complex both lyrically, emotionally, and musically. Guitarist Vocalist John Rzeznik has two styles in this album, romantic wist (such as "Slide"; "Iris"; "Accoustic #3"; and "Black Balloon" and playful pleasantry from songs such as "Dizzy", "January Friend"; and "Amigone."

The song begins off with the musically hopeful "Dizzy." But if you read the lyrics, it's not as positive as the dynamics of the music and melody would indicate. It delves into two familiar concepts throughout the album: "loving selflessly" and the idea of "thrown away dreams" and is ultimately a typical hopeless romantic guy song about becoming infatuated with someone for no reason "everything you are, falls from the sky like a star....you're nothing that you seem, I'm drowning in your vanity."

The next song, the popular "Slide" is a very sensitive song. I was in New York City last November 2005 on a weekend when, at subway station near 50th Street in Manhattan, some guy, at around midnight was singing this song in the intimacy of his own musical moment. Musically, it is very romantic in a small town sense and lyrically is about dynamics of young man coming to peace with the fact that his girlfriend "May" has had an abortion ("Don't you love the life you've killed, the priest is on the phone....). The song seems to be desperative commitment despite what happened, apparently against the young man's wishes (proposing marriage).

My favorite song is "Black Balloon" one that lyrically goes deep in the eye the hurricane of a heart's ache, for in that eye, the heart is filled with hope surrounded by the complexities and grays that are often evident in unhappiness in unsuccessful love.

"Iris" and "Accoustic #3" both offer amazing moments of the desperation of the pain of sentimental and romantic longing.

"Amigone" and "January Friend" both remind me a lot of Soul Asylum and are upbeat musically.

Ultimately, every song on this album seems to have a point either musically or lyrically.

It's one of 10 cd's I keep in my car every morning to listen to everytime I drive to work.

When it comes down to Goo Goo Dolls albums, most people tend to be in 3 camps: flat-out hate the band, love the band but wish they were more hard rocking like their pre-Name days or the people that love them regardless. After the success of Name they became bigger and more popular so of course this record feels like the band making that move to the big leagues. Now my gripes are actually down to my track-by-track review: and that deals with bassist Robby Takac's songs. Now they're admirable and nothing against the guy personally but you almost end up appreciating John's songs more after listening to his so this review will only be about John's since less face it, I'd give really low marks to the other stuff.

Dizzy: A very hard rocking riff leads us off and then the chorus comes in which arguably has my favorite guitar riff John has written. The quiet bridge works well and crescendos to the final chorus. Overall, an excellent album opener. 9/10

Slide: Everyone pretty much knows it. An insanely catchy riff leads into a song about decisions about abortion? And it's such a upbeat happy sounding song? Go figure. While it's certainly one of the band's well-known songs, it might not be their absolute best. 8.5/10

Broadway: This song probably won't get the attention of Iris or Slide which is too bad cause it's actually a really upbeat and rocking track. My one gripe I guess is just that: it's a great track when you actually listen to it but otherwise you might not head straight for it. 8/10

Black Balloon: One of the best songs the band has done, period. Lyrically honest and frank with a great chorus but oddly my favorite section is that little bit before the chorus such as "that swallowed the light from the sun, it was your room, yeah!". Luckily radio didn't kill this one. 9.5/10

Bullet Proof: Some people only gives this halfway marks but this is one of their best rocker tracks with an absolutely stunning vocal performance during the chorus. I literally went "holy **** this guy can actually sing!" It's either a highlight or just merely an okay song. Personally I love it. 8/10

All Eyes on Me: Similar to Ain't It Unusual from Boy Named Goo, this is one of those kind of songs that never gets attention but it's awesome regardless. Bit low-key during the verses till it kicks into high gear for an effective chorus. 8/10

Acoustic #3: Just John, an acoustic(in standard for once) and small orchestra backing but it's effective. Some don't like it's really short length, others think it's perfect. I'm in the latter. 7.5/10

Iris: Every band worth tends to have that one signature song that they can't escape, for better or worse. Pearl Jam has Jeremy, Pink Floyd has Another Brick in the Wall Part II, Nirvana has Teen Spirit. Iris is the Dolls'. An incredibly unusual tuning but effective vocals by John. If I do have one gripe, besides the overplayedness, is the string section as it makes the song a bit too "produced". Initial listen you'll love it. 100 times later? Maybe. 9.5/10

Hate This Place: As a closer, it slightly disappoints but as a song on its own it's definately great. A straight-forward rocker that at least will get some toe tappings. It probably won't latch onto you right away and it probably won't have the impact of Naked or Here is Gone but it's still a fine listen nonetheless. 8/10

Now you'll notice it's a short review and that's because like I said, I omitted Robby's songs. Now, they're not really outright terrible but you get so wrapped up in John's that when somebody else starts it's kind of like "ugh". But there's not a single John song here that's just average so if you program your player to only play his, you'll probably have one of the better rock releases.

If only the rating system could exceed 5 stars! This album has proved to be quite possibly the best-spent 15.00 of my life. I bought it back in 2005, having been a goo fan for years but never buying any albums. Many of the reviews on here rave about the obvious mega-hits on the album: slide, iris, black balloon, broadway, and dizzy. Don't get me wrong- these are amazing songs too! But I know that as an avid review reader, I like a breakdown of every song on an album, and not just the singles.

Dizzy - - One of my favorite songs on the album. Among my friends and I, it's called the "bi-polar" song, because the chorus is so different from the rest of the song. Fast-paced and full of emotion, the melody is great and the overall song as a whole just has a great feel to it. 4.5/5

Slide - - Oh, the famous Slide. This song has become almost a staple in 90's pop/rock/alternative. The tune is catchy enough to reside in your head all day, but there's something about it I feel I can relate to on a deeper level. Something about how upbeat the music is in contrast with the sad theme of the lyrics. Timeless song. 5/5

Broadway - - What I like best about the Goo Goo Dolls is that they produce material that everyone can identify with. The lyrics are crafted from situations that we've all experienced, to some extent. I remember reading somewhere that John Rzeznik wrote this about his alcoholic father. Whatever the meaning, this is a great, solid song with a fun chorus. 4/5

January Friend - - First song by bassist/singer Robby Takac. I'm not the biggest fan of his voice; i prefer Rzeznik's. But Robby's lyrics have a different style to them, and I have to respect it. The song is a little harder to interpret, but overall great to just let loose to. Robby has this energy to him, it's pretty infectious. Not a bad song. 3/5

Black Balloon - - What a difference in style. This song is nothing like January Friend, but somehow the transition is fine. Probably my favorite song, black balloon illustrates a story of love complicated by drug abuse and a girl who Johnny Rzeznik just can't seem to reach. This song is so deep and beautiful, and Rzeznik really shines both lyrically and vocally.
5/5

Bullet Proof - - Not a song that initally popped out at me, to be honest. But after listening to this album for nearly two years, you develop a respect for all the tracks. The guitar is great! Rzeznik's voice seems a little strained, but it actually adds to the fast-paced, almost depserate attitude of the song. Very good. 3/5

Amigone - - Robby Takac's second song. Named after a Buffalo funeral home. I don't care much for this song, but it's not one that I skip over very often, either. Robby's voice again has that infectious, upbeat attitude. Lyrics seem a little repetitive, but not annoyingly so. Okay. 2.7/5

All Eyes On Me - - This song is one of two that, I believe, deserve more recognition. Many albums today are a collection of one to three singles, and the rest of the songs are "fillers", or so-so attempts that all sound the same. This is certainly not true with Dizzy Up the Girl, and All Eyes On Me is not a filler in the least! The chorus has this incredibly real chorus. You can feel the emotion in Rzeznik's voice. What an amazing track; I'd give it 10/5 if I could (: 5/5

Full Forever - - The third Robby Takac song. Despite a mild beginning, the song picks up tempo around the one minute mark, and becomes very catchy! The chorus is backed with great guitars and Robby's raspy voice adds to the diamond-in-the-rough feel of this song. 4/5

Acoustic #3 - - The album's shortest song times in at 1:56. I've seen many a review that complains about the length, and personally I think that adding any more to the song would ruin it. It's short and meaningful, with a simple acoustic guitar and violin in the background. Beautiful message, beautiful melody. 5/5

Iris - - Here it is, the song that everyone in America was singing when the movie City of Angels premiered. It's become less of a song and more of an anthem to every misunderstood person experiencing love. The lyrics are overquoted, but it does not make this any less of a song. I want this played at my wedding. Incredible track. 5/5

Extra Pale - - I find this a rather strange song to follow Iris, and I don't really care for it. Musically, it's a good song. Takac's vocals are strong and I really enjoy the drumline. I do like the lyrics, but I just don't care much for the song. 2/5

Hate This Place - - What a great way to seal the album. This is my second favorite under-represented song. "Hold on, dream away/You're my sweet charade." The chorus is so beautiful and strong. Really defied my expectations. 5/5

In summary, if you haven't yet purchased this album, get in your car and head to your nearest walmart/target/FYE. Or scroll up and add it to your Amazon Cart. You won't be dissapointed.

Remember when the Goo Goo Dolls released the single "Name" and everyone was shocked that they could create such a soft and marketable song? I seem to remember countless MTV interviews. Apparently, they liked the attention that they got enough to warrant the creation of an album full of "Name"s. Did they sell out? Who cares...the point is they're good at what they do, no matter what that is. Songs like "Black Balloon", "All Eyes On Me", "Broadway", "Acoustic #3", "Dizzy", "Iris" and "Slide" make this a totally listenable album.

From the lively get-go, the Goo Goo Dolls' "Dizzy up the Girl" churns out the peppy hits -- and non-hits -- like a feel-good memoriam to the 1990s. As their songwriting evolved, these guys were the prettier, and sometimes sappier, antithesis to Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden and their dark, holier-than-thou brethren. Unlike those bands, the Goos were comfortable with mainstream melody and heartache. Just try not to tap your toes and sing along to tunes like "Dizzy," "Slide," "Broadway" and "January Friend," all infectious, glossy, jangly rockers that moms, teens, tweens and adults of all ages can dig with heart-on-the-sleeve glee. Slickly produced with a smooth feel throughout, "Dizzy Up..." shows musical maturity and further emotional depth from John Rzeznik, Robby Takac and drummer Mike Malinin, who, prior to conquering the Top 40, cut their chops in Buffalo creating slightly tougher, though still melodic, music that resembled The Replacements.

Rzeznik backs up his heartfelt lyrics with a warm voice that melts effortlessly with the jangle and rhythm guitar that surround him. Though there are moments of self-pity, his outlook encompasses more than just himself on tunes like "Broadway" and the melancholy but beautiful "Acoustic #3," where listeners get a true taste of a downtrodden drunk and a sad, lifeless marriage. The huge hit "Iris," which helped this album sell by the truckload, still resonates today with its larger-than-life chorus, despondent, pleading lyrics and a well-placed string section. Love, in all its varied forms, is a central theme in Rzeznik's songs, such as on the sublime "Black Balloon," another radio hit that boasts a beautiful intro and outro.

By contrast, Takac's songs are raspy-throated sparkplugs that put more emphasis on contained rage and three chords, which give them a punk-ish aura that's perhaps more in line with what the 90s is best remembered for. Takac's tunes, "January Friend," "Amigone," "Full Forever" and "Extra Pale," are a joy to rock out to and every bit as melodic as Rzeznik's ditties -- but they're also different, giving the album a varied one-two punch.

Putting an exclamation point on what is perhaps the Goos' finest body of work is the album's closer, "Hate this Place," a song that encompasses everything great about this band: a soaring chorus; bittersweet lyrics that are at once bleak and hopeful; an effortless bridge in the middle; and easy-on-the-ears guitar work and a gorgeous melody that's simpler to appreciate than sometimes accomplish. The Goos were really on their game back in `98, and "Dizzy Up..." is undoubtedly a classic from the era.