Definately Worth A Listen
05/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Despite earning a reputation as the kings of ballad rock, such a title is far beyond the punk/indy rock foundations of the Goo Goo Dolls. The band has evolved from hardcore bar room hoolagan thrashers to clean and clever craftsmen. Their album EOAC ( All I Learned About Ego, Opinion, Art, and Commerce) shows this evolution in reverse, starting with their more recent sound and ending in the punk rock 80s. Although many people consider this to be a "best of" album, it contains none of the hits that made the Goos famous. Instead, the record focuses on the tracks that define the Goo Goo Dolls as a whole and gives the listener an accurate expression of who the Goo Goo Dolls are as musicians. Founding members John Rzeznik and Robby Tacak share vocal duties, each putting out memorable songs. Almost every song is cleverly composed and has well written, often times insightful lyrics. The song "Flat Top" condomns the influence of television on contemporary society, while "Eyes Wide Open" describes the life of a wealthy young man who is given everything on a silver platter and who is ignorant of the world that he lives in. Love songs are everywhere and range from depressed to downright giddy on tracks like "Bullit Proof" and "Girl Right Next To Me." The warm acoutic tune "Two Days in February" is simply beautiful and heartfelt, as is "Acoutic #3." One quality of lead singer John Rzeznik that makes him stand out amoung other singers in his pouring of emotions into the way he sings, which can be heard especially in "All Eyes on Me" and "On the Lie." Bassist Robby Tacak's best cuts are the pleasantly crafted "Girl Right Next to Me," the hard hitting punk rock tune "Laughing," and the pop-rock tune "Burnin' Up." Other stand out tracks are "We Are the Normal" and "Naked." But perhaps the best Goo Goo Dolls song ever written is "Fallin Down," which any human being will enjoy. Overall, EOAC serves as a great biography and a great way for new fans of the Goo Goo Dolls to enjoy the best songs of their career. This album is excellent and should be purchased by anyone who likes rock, punk, pop, acoustic guitar anthems, or the Goo Goo Dolls in any way."
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1