Hold Me Up - Goo Goo Dolls

Hold me up, the 3rd album by buffalo's finest marked a change in the bands sound which became there trademark through the 90's. The album drops the thrash punk approach of the bands first two releases ('first release' and 'Jed') in favor of a blend of messy punk riffs with a more melodic vocal style (brought on in part by John Rzezniks elevation to co lead singer) reminiscent of the Replacements and early REM, a style that set the bases for the pop punk and emo movements that became popular throughout the late 90's and early 00's Hold me up is the album in which Rzeznik cemented himself as a song writter with very fine pop sensibilities. With songs such as ...  Read the complete review

This album clocks in as the Goo Goo Dolls 3rd album after 'Jed' and the 'Goo Goo Dolls' and it perhaps shows a slight change in direction from the two previously more 'punky' albums. 'Hold Me Up' was recorded in 1990, so it is still incredibly early Goo, which is intriguing too. John Rzeznik has a nack for thoughtful lyrics and major guitar hooks throughout all the Goo Goo Dolls albums, and 'Hold Me Up' is no exception. Stand out tracks include the opening number 'Laughing' which harks back to their punk beginnings with Rob (bassist) on vocals. Rob's voice is much rougher than John's and not ...  Read the complete review