Dolls' new CD fails to show originality
Oct. 2, 1998

By Daniel Walsh
Contributing Writer

After releasing one of the most popular songs of the summer, "Iris" for the "City of Angels" soundtrack, the Goo Goo Dolls have delivered an ordinary-sounding sixth album, "Dizzy Up the Girl."

The sound of the album - similar to band's previous releases - creates one of its main problems.

While not a bad effort, "Dizzy Up the Girl" fails to distinguish itself from the rest of the music currently played on the radio.

The band is at its best when it slows the tempo, such as in "Acoustic #3," "Black Balloon" and, of course, "Iris."

In these songs, the Dolls effectively handle an orchestral backdrop (an increasingly standard practice for rock bands) that intermingles nicely with the guitar and bassparts.

The problems arise when the Dolls turn things up a notch for songs such as "January Friend" and "Bulletproof," both of which showcase tired guitar lines as frontman John Reznik fails to improve upon his usual vocal abilities.

The band's first release from the album, "Slide," is a catchy pop tune that might garner some radio play, but after that the album will most likely fall by the wayside.

To quote the lyrics of bassist Robby Takac in the song, "Extra Pale," "Dizzy Up the Girl" is "Just another sequel/Just another reason for your sighs."

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