Influences #3 (Goo Goo Dolls)

One of the most difficult things for a songwriter to do is compose the most amazing music and layer it with the most amazing lyrics that can tell a most amazing story. John Rzeznik is one of those songwriters.

His masterful riffs, rhythms and melodies hang in the air with perfect timing for the ears to absorb. I took notice of this band with the release of Iris. I was hooked. Compelled by the song itself, I went to go see the movie, CITY OF ANGELS, and I loved it! It remains to this day one of my all time favorite films.
As for the Goo Goo Dolls? Well, their Gutter Flower CD is one of my most played CD’s along with Dizzy Up The Girl. Their earlier work, A Boy Named Goo, also gets its fair share of play time.

Infatuated with his talent, John Rzeznik opened my eyes to what music could sound like. I envy his talent to this day. I think for just about every writer, they have someone who they wish they could write like. Rick Springfield and John Rzeznik are two of those writers I wish I could write like. (Musically and lyrically speaking)

The way his songs slide from verse to chorus and into the bridge and back again is phenomenal in my opinion. He and his band continue to influence me to some degree with their spot on chords and sound.
Having had the pleasure of seeing them in concert once, I walked away shaking my head in awe, whispering under my teeth, “Now that’s a band I would have loved to be a part of.”

With co-founder of the group, Robby Takac and drummer, Mike Malinin, the Goo Goo Dolls continue writing and making great CD’s. Their latest, 9^th studio release, “Something For The Rest Of us”, (2010) showcases their roots in a spectacular fashion.

Some will say their time has passed … I say … they haven’t even scratched the surface yet, even after 28 years of John and Robby writing together. I still think the best from them has yet to come. But then again, that’s just me being a believer.

People have no idea of how much courage it takes to be up on the stage and in the spotlight. I don’t have that kind of courage, which is why I enjoy being behind the scenes and writing. But if I did have that kind of courage, I would own the world. LOL And I would definitely be a member of this band!

IRIS