Let Love In (by The Goo Goo Dolls, Rock)

The Goo Goo Dolls might have one of the most wonderful names in all of pop music, and the trio's performances on LET LOVE IN are pretty nice, too. Emotional and poetic, the songs seem made to satisfy the romantic teenager's limitless need for obtuse poetry with a backbeat. Predictable and safe, the band delivers solid and well-crafted songs in which excellent musicianship makes up for less-than-intriguing lyrical content. High points include the opening single, a carefully constructed tune called "Stay With You," and the introspective "Without You Here." The band's cover of Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit" works surprisingly well.

Produced by Glen Ballard, who also shares writing credit on many of the songs, the tracks are tasteful, pretty, and perfectly mixed, showing off each band member's strengths to best advantage. Fans hoping for something new and groundbreaking may be disappointed, as the Dolls cover well-worn and familiar musical territory here. But they do what they do very well, and sometimes the familiar can be nice -- actually, really, really nice.

Released on: April 25, 2006
Label: Warner Brothers
Genre: Rock