Goo Goo Dolls - Let Love In

[Jared Kaufman]

I’ve always been a sucker for heartfelt, acoustic tracks. I can probably attribute that all the way back to 1995 when I heard “Name” off the Goo Goo Dolls’ A Boy Named Goo album. John’s vocals mixed with his beautiful words and the perfect rhythm of the guitar made for one of the first songs that really reached out, grabbed me, shook me and made feel something. From then to this very day, I can listen to that song in the same awe as when I initially heard it, and I’m still just as moved.

The rest of that album had some solid, standout tracks, but to me a lot of it was filler. The same can be said with the rest of their records, which belted out other amazing hits that truly touched me, but still left a lot to be desired. “Iris” is one of the most beautiful songs ever written – it’ll always be one of my favorite songs and, in my opinion, one of the best ever written – but aside from a couple other tracks, Dizzy Up The Girl left me wanting more; same goes for Gutterflower. I always knew this Buffalo, NY trio would eventually make and was capable of making a record that I could play from start to finish that would showcase what it is they do best.

My wishes were finally granted with their new endeavor. This 11 song disc is everything I could’ve ever wanted from the Goo Goo Dolls. Packed with gorgeous, wholehearted songs that are dripping with melody, rhythm, allure and candor, Let Love In is the album that would be the perfect soundtrack for any romantic movie. I can envision me and a special lady friend just laying on the couch buried under blankets, or kissing in the rain, or driving on a warm day with the windows down listening to this; holding hands, lips entwined, or looking into each other’s eyes. Obviously, I’m kind of a hopeless romantic, but hey, I’m a sucker for this stuff and I think it’s safe to say everyone is; hence the reason I think a lot of people would love this release.

From the second track, “Let Love In,” to the single, “Better Days,” to "Without You Here," and the Peter Gabriel resembling “Can’t Let It Go,” all 11 songs are crammed with hooks and built-up, epic choruses. John’s voice, which in my opinion is one of the best in the last decade plus, toys and pulls with your heart while either making you teary-eyed or pondering the words he’s singing and how they relate to you and your life. It seems a lot of the album has a love theme to it, but it also appears to be touching on a lot of more important issues within the world (i.e. helping other countries, children around the globe, etc.); no matter what it is they’re addressing, though, their songs make you open up your eyes and think. Even one of the songs Robby, the bass player, sings on stands out. I was never a fan of his previous tracks and thought they seriously disrupted the flow of the music, but “Listen” has that same upbeat energy reminiscent of their earlier work and I find it to be just as enjoyable as John’s songs.

I would’ve probably left off “Give A Little Bit” and "Strange Love" (Robby's other song, which I don't like at all) because I feel the other songs surrounding it are far more superior and makes them appear to be weak tracks (well, the latter actually is), which in turn causes me to skip them. Listening to this whole thing over and over, I still have no idea what the next single will be. “Feel The Silence” is probably my favorite out of the set and would probably slay the airwaves, but they really could go any direction with this; it’ll be interesting to see what they choose. Either way, if you’ve been a fan of their hits, then this album is for you. Whatever it was about “Iris” or “Black Balloon” or “Here Is Gone” that caught your attention, the same thing is in every single one of these songs. Simply put: This is an amazing pop record that I’ve been craving for the longest time, not just from the Goo Goo Dolls, but from any band.

Goo Goo Dolls – Let Love In
Release Date: April 25th, 2006
Record Label: Warner Brothers

Tracklisting
01. Stay With You
02. Let Love In
03. Feel The Silence
04. Better Days
05. Without You Here
06. Listen
07. Give A Little Bit
08. Can’t Let It Go
09. We’ll Be Here (When You’re Gone)
10. Strange Love
11. Become

Band Members
John Rzenik – Guitar, Vocals
Robby Takac – Bass, Vocals
Mike Malinin – Drums

[xllirikx]

Well, marvelous review.

I think i'll listen to some of the amazon sound clips.

[RockVocalPower]

I really like this record, but I still don't think the songs are as amazing as stuff off their last two releases. There are songs like "Let Love In" and "Stay With You" on here that are absolutely incredible, but if I made a compilation of stuff off of Dizzy Up the Girl and Gutterflower, it'd slay this album.

I'd give it an 7/8 out of 10.

[Jared Kaufman]

I really like this record, but I still don't think the songs are as amazing as stuff off their last two releases. There are songs like "Let Love In" and "Stay With You" on here that are absolutely incredible, but if I made a compilation of stuff off of Dizzy Up the Girl and Gutterflower, it'd slay this album.

I'd give it an 7/8 out of 10.
Interesting opinion.

I really think Dizzy and Gutter lacked a lot of what I wanted from them. I mean, they're good albums, but I just wanted more.

This album, in my opinion, filled that void.

[yeknom]

Interesting opinion.

I really think Dizzy and Gutter lacked a lot of what I wanted from them. I mean, they're good albums, but I just wanted more.

This album, in my opinion, filled that void.
yeah, I like this album a lot. And it's better than dizzy or gutterflower standing alone. But I think he means if he took the best songs off gutterflower and the best on dizzy, that it would dominate the new one.

[RockVocalPower]

I agree that there was something missing from both of those albums, but if you took the standouts from both of those, you'd make one hell of a record. Regardless, I still love this album...just not in the same way I loved Gutterflower. I agree that Robby's songs have gotten much better (and much less annoying). Good review, Jared!

[team vheissu]

very nice review. i must say though after listening to the stream, i still think it's not up to par with the last two albums. Although i might have been led to this opinion based off a shitty quality stream, or rather just not feeling it the first or second listen around. the goo goo dolls were one of the first bands that got me into music period. so i'll pretty much be buying it anyway.

hopefully it'll grow on me more :)

[TJ Wells]

never heard gutterflower. standout tracks?

[Jared Kaufman]

I agree that there was something missing from both of those albums, but if you took the standouts from both of those, you'd make one hell of a record. Regardless, I still love this album...just not in the same way I loved Gutterflower. I agree that Robby's songs have gotten much better (and much less annoying). Good review, Jared!
I edited the review because I forgot a point.

I don't like Robby's second track, "Strange Love," at all, but yes, he is definitely getting better.

[RockVocalPower]

never heard gutterflower. standout tracks?

Oh man, basically all of Rzeznik's songs...listen to "Big Machine," "Think About Me," "Sympathy," and "What a Scene."

[RockVocalPower]

Has anyone seen the Fourth of July DVD where it starts pouring down rain in the middle of the set?

[team vheissu]

Oh man, basically all of Rzeznik's songs...listen to "Big Machine," "Think About Me," "Sympathy," and "What a Scene."

big machine is in my top five favorite songs ever.
just brilliant.

[AShannon04]

"Stay With You" is the second single. I saw the video for it on VH1 a week or two ago.

[RockVocalPower]

Is "Better Days" technically a single off this album? I thought they released that song around Christmas time. Weird...

[Katie Schmitz]

good review jared!

[Jared Kaufman]

"Stay With You" is the second single. I saw the video for it on VH1 a week or two ago.
Haha. Thanks! "Fixed."

[Jared Kaufman]

good review jared!
Thanks, doll.

[GoWaitInTheCar]

Whoa. Some high reviews..

[hotfuss84]

That was a great review, I'm so glad that the Goo Goo Dolls are back and better than ever.

[Mitch]

Good review, good album.

[Vil de Locke]

Great review Jared. I didn't know anything about this album before, but thanks to you I've found some great tunes. I still feel that "better days" is the best track on it..

[ironlionOROKU]

Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo o

[Shatter590]

Interesting opinion.

I really think Dizzy and Gutter lacked a lot of what I wanted from them. I mean, they're good albums, but I just wanted more.

This album, in my opinion, filled that void.

i dunno, i really enjoyed all of Dizzy and Gutterflower, whereas with other albums I tend to space out after the fifth or sixth track.

[radxbandit]

Oh man, basically all of Rzeznik's songs...listen to "Big Machine," "Think About Me," "Sympathy," and "What a Scene."
those are the ones i play when i listen to gutterflower too.

[sweetforever]

excellent review jared and I agree with you that Iris is one of the best songs written. I can listen to that song non stop, just beautiful. Anyways, I really like this cd and Without You Here is the standout track for me.

[kg00d]

Good review. Great CD. I actually don't mind Robby's tracks at all on this record.

[southline]

perfect review. its a record for the hopeless romantic in all of us.

plus, the hometown boys can do no wrong.

[sean_tbl]

yes great album.. though I still think Robbie songs dont' do anything for the record.. I'm in love with the last song "Become" it's beautiful.

Reading your take on "Name" was crazy because I feel the same way, I still listen to it and just remember everything about the first time I heard it. Timeless song.

[Hidenothing27]

hahah i was really hoping someone was going to review this cd. awesome review and i feel the same way about the cd. The songs are great and full of emotion my one complaint and it was always be a complaint is that they need to stop letting that fat guy sing his voice is just hurrendous but it is a great cd

[EvilButters]

Definitely going to give this a listen after this review. I hope it's as good as you made it out to be.

[somethingwitty]

I'm going to see the Goo's on Sunday at a free/secret show in Buffalo. The place only holds 200 people so it's gonna be great. I also can't wait to see them this summer with the Counting Crows...also someone said Snow Patrol and Augustana are opening...anyone know anything? BTW, "Superstar Carwash" is their best record..."We Are The Normal" is just classic.

[Risk The Fall]

Remember 'Long Way Down' and 'Dizzy' and 'Slide'? There aren't any of those on this album. In my opinion, this album is waaaaay too mellow. It's almost all ballads! It's kinda what's been happening to Bon Jovi in their last few albums. I like some of the Johnny-written rockers off the last few albums. Still, 'Stay With You' and 'Let Love In' are classy tracks. So is 'Become'. Very beautiful. I also think the production lets this release down a bit. Seems a bit muddy to me. Anyone else hear this? And why oh why do they keep on letting Robby sing on songs? Notice, how his vocals have been more and more downplayed each album though. It's like Johnny throws him a bone on every recent record because they're friends.

Anyway disappointing, but still a classy album by any standards. Just too light for me. I'm not saying that the Goo Goos need to be Iron Maiden, but pick up the pace on at least some of the tracks...

[Scott Weber]

I checked out this album based on reviews like this, and I didn't like it at all. It's pop to the max...and if you're put off by pop music, then steer clear. The first song is great, but it's far too simple for my liking and I grew completely sick of it by the halfway point. It's also excessively slow and lacks a good amount of faster paced songs. Still, Jared...great review, you always hook it up.

[splitsecond]

Jared, I want to be your special lady.

[zizou1790]

im def gonna buy this your review just sold me it

[bikescene]

john is good, robbie is bad.

[Stubby0918]

Good review. I really enjoy this album. I like most of the tracks besides the ones where Robby sings. I've never been a big fan of his vocals.

P.S. Jared, will you marry me? :)

[Slapstick93-96]

goo goo dolls reviewed before the new nofx record on absolutepunk.net....hmmmm

[The Revisionist]

So far, this album gets my award for the biggest disappointment of 2006.

Of course I don't care about songs being "slow" or whatever as long as they are good, but even on Gutterflower as they were slowing down the tempo, the delivery of the songs were still filled with energy and anxiety. Let Love In is laaaaacking pretty badly in that department.

I like "Stay With You", "Better Days", and "Listen".

[radxbandit]

Has anyone seen the Fourth of July DVD where it starts pouring down rain in the middle of the set?
yep have that, i really like the way broadway sounds with the heavier guitars, cool stuff.

[radxbandit]

who else thinks the intro to let love in with the fade in guitars and the mellotron is awesome?

[Jared Kaufman]

Good review. I really enjoy this album. I like most of the tracks besides the ones where Robby sings. I've never been a big fan of his vocals.

P.S. Jared, will you marry me? :)
Depends. Why do you ask?

[losethegirl]

I reviewed this CD for my campus music zine and I called it mediocre. "Stay With You," "Better Days," and "Listen" were the only tracks that really stood out for me. As a long time Goo Goo Dolls fan I am going to have to say I absolutely adore 8 out of 13 tracks on Dizzy Up The Girl and the other 5 are solid. Plus, nothing on this CD has the classic quality of songs like "Name" or "Iris."

I would also marry Jared, I hear he is a good guy and he likes Chipotle! ;)

[Fullcollapse3k]

Terrific album, one of the best of the year.

[Jared Kaufman]

I reviewed this CD for my campus music zine and I called it mediocre. "Stay With You," "Better Days," and "Listen" were the only tracks that really stood out for me. As a long time Goo Goo Dolls fan I am going to have to say I absolutely adore 8 out of 13 tracks on Dizzy Up The Girl and the other 5 are solid. Plus, nothing on this CD has the classic quality of songs like "Name" or "Iris."

I would also marry Jared, I hear he is a good guy and he likes Chipotle! ;)
Haha. Where'd you hear such things?

[PlusDanny]

I love when the Goo albums start with a swift blow like Long Way Down, Dizzy, Big Machine, and now Stay With You. Just wow. Big Machine is probably my fave of the more upbeat GGD songs and I used to wake up to it every morning my sophomore year in HS. They had already been defined as one of my fave bands before this album and while I felt like there were a couple filler songs on both DUTG and Gutterflower, I thought both were overall amazing and this one is as well. I still think they're wildly underrated.

[bradyreier]

i love the nostalgia i get while listening to the GGD. 'gutterflower' was the perfect soundtrack to the end my freshman year of high school. and i really hope that 'let love in' does the same for the end of my freshman year of college.

[hotfuss84]

Good review. I really enjoy this album. I like most of the tracks besides the ones where Robby sings. I've never been a big fan of his vocals.

P.S. Jared, will you marry me? :)

I agree with everything she just said. Especially the PS part, if more guys were like Jared, the world would be a better place!

[rossman692]

This album's aight, but I still hold that Superstar Carwash and A Boy Named Goo are two of the best pop-rock albums I've ever heard. But I guess if you're into more slow songs this record might be more for you. But if you want two rockin cds get Superstar Carwash and Boy Named Goo. Oh yea and robbie's best song is Tucked Away. That song in so fuckin good.

[Mattx]

I was never a fan of Gutterflower and i'm glad to say that the new album seems to surpass it in every way. Whilst it was never going to as good as Dizzy Up The Girl / A Boy Named Goo, it's a lot closer than Gutterflower was.

Liking it!

[Stubby0918]

Depends. Why do you ask?
For three reasons:

1. You write excellent reviews.
2. You have a good taste in music.
3. You're obviously the best looking guy here at absolutepunk

[Mitch]

I'm listening to this album again, and now I love it. Soo catchy, perfect for the sunny weather. I think I'll buy it tomorrow!

[Nick Lopez]

"Why don't you listen?" has been stuck in my head ALL day. I try to get it out of my head, and all that comes is "The moment you decided to leeeeeeeet looooooove iiiiiiiiiin."

I love this band.

[losethegirl]

Man Jared should be gettin all the ladies. I totally agree. Jared lovefest on this thread.

[Gleebo]

i love the nostalgia i get while listening to the GGD. 'gutterflower' was the perfect soundtrack to the end my freshman year of high school. and i really hope that 'let love in' does the same for the end of my freshman year of college.
Stop making me feel old. Dizzy Up the Girl was my senior year of high school.

Good to see all the Goo love. The world still stops every time I hear "Name."

[DanEmo]

Very good review..

And the album is nothing short of wonderful...brilliant...
The Goo's are my heroes..!

[raine8181]

Good review...I still feel like "Sympathy" is the best song they've ever done...next to "Long Way Down"...

[Mitch]

I bought the album :)

[Shatter590]

I'm going to see the Goo's on Sunday at a free/secret show in Buffalo. The place only holds 200 people so it's gonna be great. I also can't wait to see them this summer with the Counting Crows...also someone said Snow Patrol and Augustana are opening...anyone know anything? BTW, "Superstar Carwash" is their best record..."We Are The Normal" is just classic.

You cant mention SCW and NOT give props to Cuz Youre Gone and Girl Right Next To Me, imo the best Goo songs ever.

[Duck]

Well, after reading all this GGD stuff, I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. They have written some of the most beautiful music ever written. I completly agree that Iris is one of the best songs of all time, you can never get sick of it. I think Dizzy Up the Girl is very solid except for Rob's singing, I just plain don't like it and don't see how they still peddle on with it despite everyone loving Johns voice? Anyway, songs like Big Machine, Black Balloon, and Name, whoa Name is incredible. From what I've heard of this album, I like. Stay With You is a standout but the thing with GGD songs is they have a moment to them, complelty like what Jared was saying. I'm hopeless romantic too, and beleive that girls melt to this band. So if you're trying to win over your sweetheart, grab "iris' and play it on your boom box outside her window!

[PlunketChris]

I bought this the day it came out. I'm convinced The Goo Goo Dolls are the reason I like the music I like (pop-rock). They're the first concert I ever went to, back in 8th grade when dizzy hit, I've been hooked ever since. This album didn't disappoint. I'd like one or two more up tempo numbers, but they may have stuck out like a sore thumb on this disc, I think everything is nicely placed and well done.

Great review, very well thought out.

[justtosay]

This account was created "justtosay" that hearing you folks talk about "the good old days," more or less, of the Goo Goo Dolls, and neglect the album "Hold Me Up" is tragic.

I mean, there're awesome songs on other albums--Boy Named Goo and Superstar Car Wash especially. But--Hold Me Up has a serious pair. Two Days in February is one of their best (alongside We are the Normal, Acoustic #3, and Black Balloon) acoustic-type songs. Also, Laughing and Kevin's Song (an inspired rocker of an instrumental chart) make my top 10 Goo tracks.

The Prince cover, Never Take the Place of Your Man is great, too...

Just sayin'...

[Broken Parachute]

This is such an awesome album, I simply love it.

[matchbox202006]

Interesting opinion.

I really think Dizzy and Gutter lacked a lot of what I wanted from them. I mean, they're good albums, but I just wanted more.

This album, in my opinion, filled that void.


yeah,Let Love In was the first goo album i owned and i listend to it back to front 200 times or more.excusing the hyperbole,i listend to it alot.gutterflower though,is in my opinion ,their strongest,most ear catching set.here is gone pulled me in with the epic,meaningful lyrics and so it sits in my top five albums list.Well of course that's not the only reason why.Its Rezenik's strongest vocal performances,and most fluid production ever.