Although this has been used to describe it before, I have to say it again: "Name" is a gem. I cry when I hear this song--it is touching, bitter and haunting and gentle. "Naked" is also by Rzeznik, sarcastic and fearful. "Burnin Up" is acidic and though in a different sense, as bitter as "Name." "Ain't That Unusual" and "Long Way Down" are heavy and incredible.

This is a very different album from "Dizzy..." in that this has edges and it will cut. DUTG had a few more rounded songs (ie "Iris", "Acoustic #3", "Black Balloon", "Slide"), whereas the "Dizzy" of DUTG is more reminiscent of this heavy work of art.

I would recommend this for listeners who are very specific about their music, and whether they like 'light' or 'heavy' music. This is a far cry from soulless BSB or recent Sugar Ray songs. It is more punky. If you are thinking to buy this for songs like "Name", you won't find any others. However, if you liked "Dizzy" and "Black Balloon" from DUTP, a heavy and gentle songs respectively, you will rejoice at this beautiful compilation of 13 songs.

A Track by Track review of... A Boy Named Goo
I'd like to start out by saying this is an awesome album, and ANY Goo-Fan (from mainstream to the old days) should buy it. I found the title humourous to begin with, being a pun on the Johnny Cash song, "A Boy Named Sue". Buy and enjoy this album.

Long Way Down - Probably one of the best opening tracks I've heard in a long time. Remixed for the Twister Soundtrack. Crank it up, baby. 10/10.

Burnin' Up - A great song, not just a great "Robby song", but one in general. That scream in the middle, oh man... Pure. 8/10.

Naked - An anthemic power pop song ANYONE can listen to. From the lyrics, to the music, this IS a definitive Goo Goo Dolls song. 10/10.

Flat Top - Another classic, underappreciated! The chorus is reminiscent of "Dizzy", slowing down and hitting you in the face. 10/10.

Impersonality - Cute song. Robby does a good job on this one. I usually like to go straight to "Name", but this song is good, too. 8/10.

Name - The turning point in the Goo Goo Dolls' career. This launched them on to the radio and into fans' hearts everywhere. Beautiful song, great replay value. 9.5/10

Only One - Rawr. Plenty of sneering attitude and a great change. Good hook, nice licks. 9/10.

Somethin' Bad - Listen-able, but a low point on the album. 7/10.

Ain't That Unusual - Great song. Nothing more to say. Power pop at it's finest. High energy. Oops. I'll shut up now. I promise. 10/10.

So Long - Cute, but not for me. Even though John wrote it I still... eh... :x 6/10

Eyes Wide Open - Forgot this one on my first review of this record. How? I dunno. It's a good song, what can I say? 8/10.

Disconnected - Hard rock that displays the punk rock influence. One of the hardest you'll get from Johnny on this record. Great cover of the Enemies! 9/10.

Slavegirl - A great way to end a great record. Funny, smart, sly, angry, and sexy. A great step back in time. My favorite Robby song ever (that and "Amigone"). I play this one over and over again. Trivia: Replaced one of George's songs after he was booted from the group in 1995. Great cover of the Pushwangers' original! 10/10.

Hope you didn't fall asleep! Wake up and smell the Goos.

Goo Goo Dolls
This is by far their best recording to date. Lately I've been re-listening to all my older albums from the 90's, basically trying to get out of the mainstream world. After listening to this CD a few times, I put it back in my top 50 CD's rack, and it shall remain there for a long time. If you're looking for a well written classic rock album from the 90's that doesn't sound over-produced, this is the one!, don't miss out.

Lyrical/Muscial Genuises
A great buy especially considering at most places you can find this cd on the bargain racks. ABNG is a somewhat hard to explain album because in a sense it presents the GGD two very different styles. In one sense you have the most prominent song on the album "name" being more of a soft sided heartfelt song. However thats only 10-20% of what the album is. The majority of the songs are actually a little bit harder not to say that its anything like say slipknot or afi but more like "Dizzy" off DUTG. Which need i remind anyone was a great song that got a ton of radio airplay as well. A less dramatic album than say DUTG but more so than Gutterflower the GGD's effort here is close to competing with DUTG for their best album and the only way to chose a winner is to decide which style you prefer

A Must For Anyone
As a true Goohead, it's hard for me to say which album is the best. However, this one definitely is a contender. If you liked Dizzy Up the Girl, you'll love this album. I'll be honest, just like any every other GGD album, half of it sucks b/c Robbie Takac is singing. But the songs Rzeznik does make it worth the purchase (& the 5 stars) This album is hot, & you will be pumped when its over.
Having undergone numerous not-so-subtle musical transformations since their first album in 1989, the Goo Goo Dolls have matured into a powerful trio that seems to instinctively know its way around a catchy tune. With vocalist Johnny's Paul Westerberg-influenced delivery and songs packed with exciting dynamics, the Goo Goo Dolls have really hit their stride. However, the stride they've hit is probably not going to appeal to most fans from their punk rock years, and some may actually think A Boy Named Goo has more in common with a harder-rocking Eddie Money than, say, the Ramones. --Adem Tepedelen