Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Goo Goo Dolls, Warner Records 2019.
Goo Goo Dolls were formed in Buffalo, New York state, in 1986 by founding members John Rzeznik and Robby Takac and Miracle Pill is their 12th studio album.
They have been quiet achievers compared to many of their contemporaries who burned brightly but disappeared just as quickly.
Goo Goo Dolls have sold more than 12 million albums worldwide and, in the process, garnered four Grammy Award Nominations and achieved the accolade of holding the all-time record for most Top 10 singles on American radio with 14 number one and Top Ten Hits in a row.
Among this string of hits, Iris topped the ARIA chart in 1998 and stayed in the Australian charts for more than 30 weeks as well as gaining #1 on the US Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and was named number one Top 40 Song of the Last 20 years.
They’ve achieved all this but are still relatively unknown outside their close-knit circle of fans.
Listening to this album, it’s amazing that their profile isn’t greater because they are a very good band.
Miracle Pill has been praised as the best album they’ve released in years.
In an interview with Spin magazine, lead singer and guitarist John Rzeznik shared the band’s cultural observations and experiences that shaped Miracle Pill.
“I wanted to do something bold and bright” said Rzeznik.
‘I wanted to sing about the need for human connection and the constant change we go through as people.”
The entire collection of songs delivers musicianship that is engaging, combined with lyrics that are intelligent, emotional, intimate, and relatable.
The songs reflect on our current societal need for instant gratification and the lack of depth and empathy that we experience as a consequence.
The album is very good and sparkles with some absolute gems of songs.
Long live the quiet achievers!
