Review: The Goo Goo Dolls Let Love In

Out of Buffalo at the speed of sound twenty some odd years ago three guys in a beat up van made their bid for fame and fortune. Two decades later two original members and a newer drummer are still at it. They have become one of the most played bands on pop radio with super hits like Name, Slide, Broadway, Black Balloon, and Iris. They have made a lasting mark on the music industry and can look forward to a long and profitable existence on oldies stations ten years from now.

The two founding members, Robby Takac and John Rzeznik, have distinctly different styles. A fact expressed more on this album than any previous. John is still lamenting about relationships not working out in lilting love songs with catchy hooks and chorus parts while Robby takes on a more upbeat sound, whimsical viewpoint, and elusive lyrics. At least that is my personal interpretation. According to the latest Q&A on their website John is not giving any back story to what was going on in his head when he wrote the songs. He would like everyone to develop his or her own interpretation.

Taking that into account many interviews have alluded to his new relationship as a catalyst for the lilting love song slant of the album. Others have honed in on it being written in Buffalo. Apparently Los Angeles was less than inspiring so they packed up and drove back home to catch a vibe. No matter what the balance of the equation Let Love Inis a definite departure from the compound that made Dizzy UpThe Girl and Gutterflower.

Stay With You: This might be one of the love songs the articles have alluded to. It basically says hey I'm messed up and unhappy but I'll stick with you and with your help we can runaway from all the darkness that dwells in my soul. If this is any sort of insight into Mr. Rzeznik's soul he may want to take some anti-depressants and work on his self-esteem.

The title track, Let Love In, also by Rzeznik, is his typical catchy contemporary tune with a love story. Or maybe it's a waiting for love story. It might be a we were in love and now were messed up story. It's an easy listen and has gotten a fair amount of radio play. I've even heard it in rotation at the supermarket, department store, and craft store. Isn't that the mark of success?

Feel The Silence: I feel this song. Again, not exactly what I would interpret as an "in love" song, but the impression it makes as it descends around you is phenomenal. It hits home lyrically, vocally, and musically. Everything about it draws me in.

Better Days: Chances are you already know this sensitive, worldly, and timeless song. Released on a special Christmas CD for Target it became the CNN theme song following hurricane Katrina. Seeing it performed at a benefit for adoption with an audience of children waving glow sticks in unison was beyond moving. John Rzeznik is one of the most prolific poets of our generation and songs like this are proof of his genuine genius for touching souls.

Without You Here is definitely a love song. Again a contemporary ballad vibe, nothing about it makes you want to get up and dance. Torn between who he is and what he wants he rages against how hard it is to give in to what should be overpowering, life altering, emotions. I'm not crazy about this one. I find the chorus to be a bit drawn out and bordering on wailing.

Listen is the first offering by Robby Takac. As always his musical style is more up-tempo and his lyrics more obscure. For that reason I won't even attempt to decipher what the song is speaking to. I will say it is well placed on the track list. By the time you get here you need to be released from the standard carrying the album. Perhaps the familiarity of the phrasing is what attracted me; "Why don't you listen to me?"

Give A Little Bit; you hear it everywhere. The original version on oldies radio stations, another newer version on a current commercial, and a few years back John, with an acoustic guitar, singing the line about the man with lonely eyes for a Gap commercial. A great song made better is all I can say. The fuller sound of this version is the perfect update without changing the core of the original.

Can't Let It Go: Yeah it's a love song. Yeah it's about not making the connection. Yeah the story is familiar. But it's also reminiscent of Always Know Where You Are. Another revelation song by Rzeznik, you may have heard it while the credits rolled for the Disney movie Treasure Planet. Its fresh sound sets it apart from the other songs with the similar story.

We'll Be Here (When You're Gone) is a love song about home. It calls to mind the impressions of childhood and how great home was even though it might not have been. It's speaks to the sadness of moving away and trying to recreate that feeling in a new place and the heartbreak of returning to find what you remembered so fondly has been irreparably changed. Unfortunately the chorus is drowned out by the music and I find myself straining to hear the words. Though it is not as musically contagious as Billy Joel's Allentown or John Mellencamp's Pink Houses it is permeated by the same sense of connection.

Strange Love, strange lyrics, must be a Robby song. Again he provides and oasis from the overall feel of the album. The rasp in his voice, the catchy chorus, and the up-tempo hook make this one engrossing. The gas pedal tends to sink a little closer to the floor when this song starts. Dare I say it's about a not so conventional but lasting and working relationship? I guess I do.

Become, all I can say is it's beautiful. Written with Glen Ballard this song is the total package; complete story, polished sound, and perfect delivery. If it is ever released as a single it's certain to climb the charts and find it's way to the music tracks at the mall.

There are three constant members of this band. Obviously one of them doesn't have writing credit and as far as I can tell he doesn't sing. However, he is an integral part of the dynamic that put them at the top of the charts. All would be lost without the beat of drummer Mike Malinin to hold it up.

I am a fan. I own all but one of their albums, know most of the words, and have seen them live more times than I care to admit. This album is not my favorite but there are some worthwhile bits and pieces.