The Goo Coo Dolls seemed to have made their breakthrough in a rather unusual way. After their first efforts produced only mediocre sales and featured mostly punkish covers of 1970’s rock classics, their "A Boy Named Goo" release sold over two million copies, produced the acoustic-based hit single "Name", and established the Goo Goo Dolls as a big name on the alternative music scene. All thanks mainly due to a song that the band purposely buried in the middle of the disc in order to avoid being labeled as a sellout band by their loyal punk audience.

The Goo Goo Dolls sound like a band that’s enjoying their ride. The three-man punk band has now fully emerged from the Buffalo, New York club scene to claim their place in the big-time music world. John Rzeznik handles all guitar parts and most of the vocal work. When he does step aside from the microphone, Bassist Robby Takac assumes the vocal chores. Takac’s style is much less mainstream, but compliments the band’s sound on the more alternative tracks. Drummer Mike Malinin rounds out the band on drums.

Their latest release, "Dizzy Up The Girl", is a real strong follow-up effort to "A Boy Named Goo". The disc features two singles already receiving a good amount of radio airplay. While punk purists were quick to label the band’s recent success as a fluke, Rzeznik fought off a case of writer’s block, explored the world of alternate guitar tunings, and came up with the powerful "Iris". Similar to "Name", "Iris" is primarily acoustic-based and features unusual alternate tunings. People have been singing along to "Iris" for months; it was originally written for the "City of Angels" soundtrack. Rzeznik’s "Acoustic #3" provides the perfect introduction to "Iris", and displays his emotional depth as well. The second single from this disc, "Slide", is another well-written song that features a catchy hook, emotional lyrics, and a familiar’ chorus. "Broadway", a story depicting a young boy’s life on the bluecollar streets of Buffalo, has all the necessary ingredients to be the next strong single from this disc as well. The intense "Bullet Proof" is a straight-ahead rock song that holds nothing back. "All Eyes on Me" is a real pleasant song to listen to as well.

Rzeznik is a raw talent. He displays his ability to hold the band together as a solo guitarist and vocalist, not always an easy chore, and his intense lyrics and aggressive playing style fit the band’s formwell. He has proven himself to be a gifted singer and songwriter, separating the Goo Goo Dolls from most of the other alternative bands out there. While Rzeznik displays his ability to move listener’s emotions, Takac assumes the vocal duty on the band’s more punkish tracks like "Black Balloon" and "Extra Pale". These cuts remind the listener of the band’s true roots.

The Goo Goo Dolls will get the big opportunity they deserve this spring, when they open for the Rolling Stones on their upcoming American Tour. "Dizzy Up The Girl" reaffirms the fact that the Goo Goo Dolls latest success is no fluke. This is a real strong effort from a band that you may be hearing alot from in the future.