Name cover

Name

Goo Goo Dolls · 1995

9 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

Melodic alternative rock intertwines earnest lyrics with catchy hooks, showcasing the Goo Goo Dolls' early sound and emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Name — 'Name' stands out as the album's defining track, blending heartfelt lyrics with a memorable melody that encapsulates the band's emotional resonance.
  • →
    Burnin' Up — This track showcases an upbeat energy contrasting with the reflective nature of 'Name', highlighting the band's versatility within alternative rock.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

40 /100
Lowland
Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The single showcases varied tempos and styles but lacks strong cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

  • The title track 'Name' features a prominent acoustic guitar riff that drives the song, while the vocals are layered with harmonies in the chorus.
  • The second track 'Burnin' Up' shifts to a more electric sound with a faster tempo and a driving beat, contrasting with the first track's introspective feel.
  • The third track 'Hit or Miss' is an energetic non-album track that maintains a similar alternative rock style but introduces a more aggressive vocal delivery.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked the band's first significant mainstream success.
Themes
90s alternative rock· lost connections
Career context
Released in 1995, Name is the Goo Goo Dolls' fourth studio album and marked their first significant breakthrough into mainstream success. Following a series of independent releases, this album positioned them as key players in the 90s alternative rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Matchbox Twenty· Lifehouse· Third Eye Blind
New to Goo Goo Dolls? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Name 4:30
  • 2 Burnin' Up 2:29
  • 3 Hit or Miss (Non-album Track) 2:43

What to play next

Dizzy Up the Girl
Listen next

Dizzy Up the Girl

1998

Continues the melodic rock sound with more polished production and emotional themes.
Superstar Car Wash
Go back to

Superstar Car Wash

1993

Precedes 'Name' with a similar blend of catchy hooks and earnest lyrics.
Full Goo Goo Dolls discography Where to start with Goo Goo Dolls Artists like Goo Goo Dolls
alternative rock indie pop

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind

Shares a lyrical focus on lost connections with catchy hooks and a similar emotional depth.

Yourself or Someone Like You

Yourself or Someone Like You

Matchbox Twenty

Combines introspective lyrics and melodic alternative rock, resonating with 90s emotional themes.

Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?

Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?

The Cranberries

Features earnest vocals and melodic instrumentation, exploring themes of longing and connection.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata