After being in the music scene for 32 years, the Goo Goo Dolls have released their 12thstudio album: “Miracle Pill”. This album clocks in at 37 minutes with 11 songs.
There is a reason the Goo Goo Dolls have been in the music scene for 32 years – they have consistently put out iconic pop/rock songs, most of which are heavily influenced by punk elements.
By no means does “Miracle Pill” stray from the Goo Goo Dolls’ fundamental aspects — lyrically or sonically. However, this album does possess a brighter sound than most of their previous work. Many songs on this album feature fewer punk elements than acoustic pop elements.
“Miracle Pill” features, as all Goo Goo Dolls albums do, fantastic and intricate drums providing a backbone for the band. The acoustic guitar is also featured in many songs on this album. “Miracle Pill” is more stripped down than prior albums; however, while there are fewer atmospheric and electronic sounds, the instruments featured on this album are all played in a masterfully intricate manner.
“Miracle Pill” also features brighter lyrics than previous Goo Goo Dolls hits.
The album opens with a four-song series: “Indestructible,” “Fearless,” “Miracle Pill” and “Money, Fame & Fortune”. These songs deliver messages of hope, love and happiness.
A few examples: “Indestructible” focuses on love as a healing force. “Fearless” focuses on staring down fears and living life without doubts or hesitations. “Miracle Pill” revolves around the idea of asking others to be in one’s life to help each other through pain, fear, and problems. “Money, Fame & Fortune” is an ode to a loved one or a relationship. This song focuses on the idea that a relationship can fulfil someone in a more satisfying manner than money, fame or fortune can fulfil someone.
Other songs such as “Step in Line” and “Life’s a Message” possess more of the Goo Goo Dolls’ more typical edgy, punk sounds.
All this being said, “Miracle Pill” should still have arenas of fans singing along as the Goo Goo Dolls tour with Train. Yes, this album is simpler than previous albums from the Goo Goo Dolls. It is still full of arena anthems.
This album is not a totally atypical sound for the Goo Goo Dolls, but it does show the range the Goo Goo Dolls has. As the band has been around for 32 years, there has been a certain amount of evolving that must have taken place. The Goo Goo Dolls have been able to evolve and remain relevant –a large, successful presence – by changing their sound as necessary.
I don’t believe that all future Goo Goo Dolls albums will maintain this brighter sound. However, I do believe that “Miracle Pill” proves that the Goo Goo Dolls will continue to be relevant in years to come. This album is not one I personally will keep on repeat, but it is a good, easy listen.
Rating: 7.8/10
Rad Tracks: “Fearless,” “Miracle Pill,” “Money, Fame & Fortune,” “Lights”
“Miracle Pill” is available for streaming on all major platforms! Give it a listen. Go crazy, go Goo Goo.
