Goo Goo Dolls "Something For The Rest of Us"

I have always liked the band, and not only because they’re hometown heroes. “Let’s Go, Buff-a-lo!” How the iris widens when I hear that song, and yes there are plenty of other songs which many people are a fan of; I don’t need to mention their most popular singles. I like those songs too, but I prefer  songs like Long Way Down, and  Big Machine. Anyway, I said I like them, but I’m not what you’d call a fan.  While they have some great albums, it seems like sometimes they don’t try to switch their sound. Their last two albums are prime examples; not exactly if the sum is greater than the value of its parts.  I remember reading in an interview around 2006  in Next (of the Buffalo News) that they were not sure how much longer they would be able to record full albums when it came to the subject of gaps between. This time it was because they wanted to make something better, something different, but the poor guy wanted to spend time with his girlfriend. People don’t always realize that artists have lives too, and they can’t always be expected to be in that mode because then their art suffers. While this album  can be for fans, it is Something for the Rest of Us. This album is sure to win new fans, and appeal old ones too. It may just be the production, but to me it sounds like the energy has returned and there are some twists and turns in the album, and even some of the songs themselves. If I had told you that this album’s opener was one of the best to come since Big Machine that would be far from the “Sweetest Lie.” While I did like that last album’s first song, I did not like its entrance; it just didn’t sound right. But coming right in with those pounding drums and and old-school energy was exactly what was needed to excite old and new fans, and that’s the truth. “As I Am” has a groovy shimmer in its riff which gives it a buoyancy not heard since slide. My heart is beaming, full of hope, and feels at “Home” when listening to this song. There is no doubt as to why this was a single; from the recurring arpeggio, the occasional tinkling of piano keys, that chorus, and that awe-inspiring breakdown where you forget you are listening to the same song; it could have been because I am...finish with whatever adjective you prefer.   I am “Notbroken,” and this sounds like this is an anthem for not just those heroes overseas, but for everyone and anyone who has thought those gray skies will never clear. The line about coming home made me think that, but it could refer to other things too; including snapping out of a funk. I may not be one of those people that are  tragically hip, but I couldn’t help thinking of calling their name even if it’s for “One Night.” Well, if “Nothing is Real,” and it’s all inside my head; making perception my own reality then I would say that they had melded several switchfoot songs, from their 2009 album, into one, and added their own flair. Johnny Rzeznik is not the only one on vocal duties! It’s halfway through the cd and "Now I Hear" the voice of Robby Takac;  he usually sings songs with a punkier flair or tone, which could be due to his voice. Even though I cannot help but think of the energetic and anthemic 30STM single bringing me closer to the edge, this is “Still Your Song” Goo Goo Dolls, so sing it loud and proud! If you do not like straight gospel or being in a church, this is “Something For The Rest of Us.” It is almost what it would sound like if they performed a gospel staple.  “Say You’re Free” from the sound that you have entrapped yourself in and decided to make a more kinetic throwback to their earlier sound; again it sounds like a different band, and it is not just because of the  vocals either. When I read the title of this next song I imagined myself shaking it like a polaroid picture, but never had the chance to after listening to it. While that would have been interesting, I’m not that disappointed that this song was not a cover of Outkast’s "Hey Ya." This final song is dedicated to the “Soldier,” and with its heart on its strings; it proves why it ends the traditional album, besides the spacey vaudeville-esque piano. Harmonica greets us when we read the first line of that “Postcard from Paradise.” My Favorites: Sweetest Lie, Home, Now I Hear, Still Your Song, Something For The Rest of Us, Say You're Free, Soldier, and Rough Boys.