Released 36 years ago today
Hold Me Up
Goo Goo Dolls · 1990
40 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of alternative rock and indie pop that captures youthful angst through melodic hooks and heartfelt lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Laughing Start here — This track opens the album with an infectious energy and showcases the band's knack for catchy melodies paired with introspective lyrics.
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Million Miles Away — With its emotional depth and layered instrumentation, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader themes of longing.
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There You Are — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics and reflective tone, capturing a sense of vulnerability that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong hooks and varied tempos but lacks a cohesive narrative throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and upbeat tempos, establishing a lively start before transitioning into more introspective themes.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo emotional flow
- youthful rebellion and nostalgia
- sing-along melodies with friends
- for afternoon drives
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid emotional depth explorations
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album gained traction in college radio, marking a key step in their recognition.
- Themes
- reflective punk energy· infectious love anthems
- Career context
- Released on October 16, 1990, 'Hold Me Up' is the Goo Goo Dolls' second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was beginning to carve out their identity in the burgeoning alternative scene of the early '90s, honing their sound distinctively towards melodic rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Matchbox Twenty· Lifehouse· Third Eye Blind
Tracklist
- 1 Laughing Start here 3:42
- 2 Just the Way You Are 3:10
- 3 So Outta Line 2:23
- 4 There You Are 3:09
- 5 You Know What I Mean 3:26
- 6 Out of the Red 1:42
- 7 Never Take the Place of Your Man 3:53
- 8 Hey 2:53
- 9 On Your Side 3:06
- 10 22 Seconds 0:41
- 11 Kevin's Song 3:11
- 12 Know My Name 2:44
- 13 Million Miles Away 2:46
- 14 Two Days in February 3:11
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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