Gutterflower [Enhanced]

Goo Goo Dolls | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 9, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B00005YW3I
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (213 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,612 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

n. dischi1data5 aprile 2002supportocd audiogenerepop e rock internazionalebraniascolta 30''1.big machineascolta2.think about meascolta3.here is goneascolta4.you never knowascolta5.what a sceneascolta6.up up upascoltaascolta 30''7.it' s overascolta8.symphatyascolta9.what do you needascolta10.smashascolta11.tucked awyascolta12.truth is a whisperascolta

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Continued greatness, July 1, 2002

By 

Brad (CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gutterflower (Audio CD)

I don't understand all the "middle of the road" reviews on this album by people who loved "Dizzy Up The Girl". To me, this album is just as fantastic as any of their previous albums that I have heard (i.e., everything from 1993's "Superstar Carwash" forward). How can you go wrong with this stunning collection of songs?

The first three tracks on this album set the stage for the makings of a great modern melodic rock album. "Big Machine" gets the album off to a truly huge, catchy start--great mid-tempo melodic anthem. Then comes "Think About Me", a fantastic, acoustic-driven anthem that may remind melodic rock fans of late-90s Night Ranger. (To the rest of you: yes, there is such a thing as "late '90s Night Ranger".) "Here Is Gone" is the third track and first single--a pretty song that is nonetheless a bit more uptempo than, say, "Iris".

But then...the album changes. Robby Takac, takes over the lead vocals from John Rzeznik for a track and belts out a more modern-sounding, not-so-melodic tune in "You Never Know". A couple of tracks later, Robby again sings on "Up, Up, Up"--again in the more modern, punk direction. In the meantime, John sings on more modern-sounding songs like "What A Scene" and "It's Over" before finally settling in with a true acoustic ballad, the beautiful "Sympathy".

The final four tracks are split between John and Robby on the tracks. "What Do You Need" is a truly modern-sounding effort by John which nicely shows his lower vocal range and has a heavy, distorted electric guitar sound. Robby's "Smash" and "Tucked Away" bring back a little of that punk edge, before Robby's vocals are back for the anthemic, more melodic (once again) "Truth Is A Whisper".

This is truly a variety-filled, enjoyable, mature effort by these guys. Clearly more serious than "Dizzy" but continuing in a mainstream direction. I think it is a very exciting listen in which I can get into any track depending upon my mood. To me, a very creative, musically diverse effort that shouldn't be missed.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Boys Are Rockin' (Again), April 14, 2002

By 

Meg Burger (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gutterflower (Audio CD)

First off--I'm a hardcore Goo Goo Dolls fan. It would be pretty difficult for them to create a piece of music I didn't like. But all bias aside, this is a GOOD album. Anyone who picks it up expecting to hear a second Dizzy Up The Girl will be sadly mistaken. This is better. (Be still, my heart.)

The GGD sound is here, alive and well, but even more polished. The driving rock abounds, and the lyrics are right on. Unlike the past few records, this one lacks a 'ballad', but it is not missed. These songs stick in your head. "Big Machine" is a driving melodious effort with great lyrics. "What A Scene" is a song for the times, and talks about the falacies of being a "pop sensation", while delivering an awesome sound. It is very unique, I cannot think of another one of their songs with a similiar sound. The only 'slow' song might be "Sympathy", a quieter song without drums, that almost borders on a country taste. On "It's Over", John's voice is barely recognizable, very deep and husky in the beginning (very cool), then the song glides into GGD melody...a brilliant song. And since people tend to overlook Robby's music, I have to make sure to say "Listen to his songs, too!" He is a great lyricist, and his songs have more of a punk flair to them, like in the old days.

You will not regret buying this album--you'll be proud that you do. Hardcore fans will appreciate the progress heard on this cd, and others will be introduced to a mature, rockin' sound. Enjoy.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No longer Dolls for Children, April 10, 2002

By 

K.M.F. (Gainesville, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gutterflower (Audio CD)

Having been a follower of the Goos since their long-haired days in 80's Buffalo, I was on pins and needles waiting for the release of their latest album. And I wasn't disappointed.

What struck me most about 'Gutterflower' was its more mature sound; perhaps influenced by Jonny Rzeznik's divorce, the entire album has a bittersweet, melancholy flavor that holds up well despite the polish the band has obviously obtained since releasing Dizzy up the Girl and their EOAC compilation. And while the use of synthesizers and eclectic sounds is a new trick for the Goos, a few of the tracks such as 'What a Scene' and 'Sympathy' are a bit reminiscent of the Goo Goo Dolls' older albums, namely 'Boy Named Goo'. Another nice surprise was the fact that the Goos' bassist, Robby Takac, lends his wonderful voice to a few of the tracks, something characteristic of previous albums. It's reassuring to see that this amazing band hasn't totally let go of its roots as a rock band while learning to grow beyond its hard-edge youth and pop-band adolescence.

I was unsure of what to expect with 'Gutterflower' and I was more than pleasantly surprised. This album is an honest testament to the Goo Goo Dolls' immense talent, and will be a favorite of mine for years to come.