Goo Goo Doll's alternative mojo continues with new album

Released this summer, “Magnetic” marks the tenth studio album produced by the alternative rock band Goo Goo Dolls. Making its debut on June 11, the album received mediocre reviews from its less than faithful fans. It was found wanting as it was accused of following a predictable formula. It can be agreed that their music resembles their previous hits in character and style. Artists, however, as long running as this trio of established musicians, have a veteran’s right to stick with their distinct style. The Doll’s sound is recognizable, it’s familiar, and most fans would be disappointed if they were to produce anything different. The album kicks off with the high-energy track “Rebel Beat” and continues with consistently authentic music. Their new set is, overall, more upbeat and rhythmic than their previous hits, while still maintaining their “Iris” flavor.

They don’t detour far from what they know, and there are few, if any, musical surprises. Each individual song, however, will draw the listener into 2+ minutes of acoustic Goo Goo groove. The husky timbre of vocalist John Rzeznik serves as the emotional compass of the album, and is a major factor of the Doll’s success. When tracks “Bring on the Light” and “Happiest of Days”, sung by bassist Robby Takac, begin to play, the change in vocals throws a wrench in their magnetic mojo. As a satisfied fan, however, I can confidently say that the Goo Goo Dolls produced a solid album. The original most definitely outweighs the ordinary. “Magnetic” is true to its name, not that it presents new and improved sounds, rather, the Goo Goo Doll’s  established acoustic sound continues to attracts fans into their fold. I give this album four out of five stars.