This is literally one of the biggest songs in musical history. The instrument you’re hearing is a mandolin in the background, but his acoustic guitar is also tuned to a non-standard custom tuning which gives it a flurry of tonal beauty
It's incredible to hear live. The audience sings its so clearly back and its just magical. Highly recommend watching the July 4th show in Buffalo on UA-cam. It was raining buckets but they played anyway and were so so good.
I was 7 or 8 when it first came out and actually remember humming it to the person that worked in the record store to figure out what it was so i could buy the album 😂. Times were different then, and i was definitely a bit weird..
What makes it better is the main character in the movie this song was written for is an angel of death who falls in love with a normal girl. He's probably been to Heaven yet he's saying she's the closest he'll get to it. Insane.
For me it was "And I'd give up forever to touch you...", which was not only one of the best opening lines of any song, but also a bit my mantra when I was in my twenties.
"Iris" was the most played song of 1998. It spent 18 consecutive weeks at number one on billboard hot 100 airplay. I remember watching MTV when they hit that record, thinking the song's not that great, how the heck did it hit that record. Probably because at that time, that 90's alternative sound had become so pervasive and overwhelmed radio, that I had become numb to that sound. Now, my goto and favorite playlist has all those 90's songs on it. Goo Goo Dolls, Oasis, The Samashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Matchbox Twenty, Soul Asylum and so on. I've come to thankfully appreciate the fact that the 90's were the soundtrack to my youth.
I definitely took 90s music for granted, especially since that was the time that I was exploring 80s music. It just seemed like those sounds would last forever.
Hello to my 15 yr old self, this era is just taking me back to my teen years. Love me some goo goo dolls! Thanks for reacting to it! Didnt really like movie that this song was for...but huge fan of the band.
Agreed. They sound just like every other '90s alternative rock band and I'm totally OK with that. It's the soundtrack to a very special time in my life. Is this a great song? I don't know. I enjoy it because of the memories I have associated with it.
After my husband crossed over this song came out. He was the love of my life. I felt the song as grief. People didn't know just how much we loved each other with 16 yrs difference. We were married 25 yrs.
Dizzy Up the Girl was such a good album. “Iris,” “Slide,” “Broadway,” and “Black Balloon” were some of my favorites from that one. I still love “Here is Gone” and “Big Machine” too.
"We are the Normal" was the first song I heard on college stations back in the early 90s, this was great song and they had string of them, a great band...all the tunes you mentioned were really good tunes...they were once "alt", but became pop...similar to "Train"...great period in music Eric, great period in my life
This is on the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies. Called "City of Angels" with Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. Maybe when you get your movie reaction channel up and going, you could watch it. Such a great movie, with a powerful message. This song actually sort of defines what the movie is about. When you watch the movie, this song makes total sense! 😇
John Rzeznik wrote this when he and his band were struggling to find another #1 hit after the success of "Name!" The band did not want to be known as that Buffalo band with the one hit wonder called "Name!" The City of Angels director hired his band to write a song for the film City of Angels because he was a huge fan of their music. Rzeznik was struggling so much to find words to describe his feelings for the film such that he went into a deep depression and suffered from severe writers block. The lyrics to Iris describe his feelings of being a lost songwriter, a recluse with nothing left to offer this World. During this process there was real feelings of guilt and shame for not writing another hit song or simply being able to, "finish a thought," which at the time was haunting John. On VH1 Behind The Music, John said the song became cathartic for him because after many months of soul searching he was finally able to, " finish a thought!" The writers block was gone and Iris was finished. It was the most played song on radio in 1998 and the rest is history. The success of the song helped launch the "Goo Goo Dolls" into Superstardom. 😃👍
Fun fact, after hurricane Harvey flooded Houston this band was the first to play Houston and admission was non perishable food donation to Houston food bank.
The Goos are DEFINITELY worth going down the rabbit hole for. Johnny (the singer) was asked to write a song for the film City of Angels (Nic Cage & Meg Ryan film). He wrote this while reflecting on what Cage’s character endured, also tinged with his emotions from his personal life (divorce). The name of the song came from a random happenstance. The producers called him to ask what the title was because he hadn’t put one down and he picked up a magazine and the first word that popped out was IRIS. And I love that you like their downbeat tone. In fact, these rockers from Buffalo, NY were bangers with a rock/punk feel back in the day.
They're from Buffalo NY... they have been around forever...early 80's... they were definitely a lot more heavier and hard back in the day... more punk... HUGE in the local scene here in Buffalo...then as they have gained popularity and got a record deal they went more mainstream / pop... definitely better back in the day in my opinion... more edgy!!
He actually tunes his guitar to a tune that no one else does, that's why it has that jingle to it. John Rzeznik also had writers block and was going to give up music and they asked him to do this song for the soundtrack for City Of Angels movie, and he wrote this on a napkin in a plane and brought him out of it. He's an amazing artist and the band is amazing
Alternative acoustic? Thats not even a genre. This is actually considered to be the genre of "Indie Alternative" or "Alternative Rock" Btw the meaning of "acoustic" is a type of guitar (non-electric)
Totally. In fact, one of my favorite "artist covering a song you'd never expect" videos was Corey Taylor from SlipKnot doing a very stripped down acoustic version of "Name" on his London solo show. He plays it pretty straight, doesn't do much to it stylistically, but just coming from such a different type of voice, with his own grit, really made it a neat alternate version.
The Goo Goo Dolls are an AMAZING band, that are kind of two different sides to a coin. Most of their hits were written by and sung by John Rzeznik, the lead singer on this song. A lot of their album cuts are sung by and written by Robby Takac, the bass player. You would never imagine it’s the same group…lol. I always said, Johnny writes these beautiful, angst-filled love songs that speak to true romanticism (if a little dark, at times), while Robby writes super upbeat punk songs that are a mosh pit lover’s dream. Different, but great in their own right. Their entire Dizzy Up the Girl album is pure gold…..you can grab at random any song, and you will have grabbed a winner! One of my favorite bands ever♥️❤️♥️
I saw an interview with him and he's a really cool, thoughtful, down to earth guy. He said he was a little upset when Name broke because he knew they could never be the cool, underground band again. He actually heard it grocery shopping and knew life would never be the same!
Every time I hear a Goo Goo Dolls song I get so nostalgic for the 90s-they have some really great songs. “Name”, Black Balloon”, “Slide”, “Broadway”, “All Eyes On Me” are some of my faves. Johnny Rzeznik wrote incredible lyrics and I can honestly say that not a day goes by when I don’t listen to some Goo.
@@itsmedino Melissa's songs in that film are "Don't Look At Me" & "In Roxy's Eyes (I Will Never Be The Same)". Though they weren't officially included in the soundtrack. I believe "I Take You with Me" was in Boys on the Side.
There's another song that came out around the same time and is somewhat similar to this one called The World I Know by Collective Soul. You guys would definitely like it.
@@ca9968 Yeah, I saw them once and I was left partially deaf for about three days afterwards because one of the guitar amps was pointing at my face and was obviously turned up to 11. Cheers!
The Goo Goo Dolls are an American rock band formed in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, by guitarist/vocalist John Rzeznik, bassist/vocalist Robby Takac, and drummer George Tutuska. After starting off as a cover band and then developing a punk sound, The Goo Goo Dolls experienced mainstream success following the 1995 release of their breakthrough single, "Name". The band is renowned for its biggest hit, "Iris", released in 1998. The song spent nearly 12 straight months on the Billboard charts and held the number one position on the Hot 100 Airplay chart for 18 weeks. In October 2012, "Iris" was ranked #1 on Billboard's "Top 100 Pop Songs 1992-2012" chart. Other notable singles include "Slide", "Black Balloon", and "Broadway" from 1998's Dizzy Up the Girl; "Here Is Gone" from 2002's Gutterflower; and "Better Days", "Give a Little Bit", and "Stay with You" from 2006's Let Love In. The band has had 19 top ten singles on various charts has sold 15 million records worldwide, and has been nominated for four Grammy Awards.
One of the greatest songs of all time. I'm biased as a 90's kid/teen, but between the melody, the beautiful use of string instruments, drums, incredible vocals, and one of the greatest lyrics ever written: "When everything feels like the movies, yeah you bleed just to know you're alive". Beautiful..
"Dizzy" "Name" "Naked" "Black Balloon" "Long Way Down" "Run With You" And much more good music...saw them live here in Houston in 2017 after hurricane Harvey. They donated all the proceeds to hurricane victims.
One of the all time sessions musicians, Tim Peirce, played the mandolin on this song. This song was written for the movie, hence the long bridge. Tim had never heard the song and did the mandolin part in 3 takes. It was only guitar, bass, and drums at that point. Then all of the orchestration was added, inspired by Tm's playing.
“Here is Gone”, “Big Machine” and “Name” are just some Goo Goo songs that everyone SHOULD hear at least once in their life. Johnny Reznick is such a great song writer and has a great voice. Definitely give them a listen to.
Legendary session guitarist Tim Pierce played the mandolin and the lead guitar on this track. He's such a badass musician, everything he plays on is so much better for it. Tim has a great UA-cam channel where he talks guitars and music production, and sometimes discusses famous songs he’s played on. Highly recommended if you’re at all interested in playing music. Extra props to whoever made the string arrangement for this, it's simply stunning.
One of the biggest bands of the 90s, and John Rzeznik had one of the most distinct voices of that decade. You started with a great one, as "Iris" is arguably their signature hit. Their album, "Dizzy Up the Girl" was phenomenal, and I wore it out back in the day. "Slide", "Dizzy", "Black Balloon", and "Broadway" were all bangers from that same album. However, my favorite song of theirs was their breakout hit, "Name". I hope you'll do that one next. Great choice! P.S. Another 90s band in this vein that I think you'd enjoy is Matchbox Twenty, who had great hits like "3 AM", "Push", "Bent", and "If You're Gone".
John Rzeznik says that this song was the first song he wrote coming off of a period of writer's block, and it turned out to be an immense hit record. Thanks for another great reaction video, Rob Squad!
You must do Angel by Sarah McLachlan. This beautiful piano ballad was also part of the movie and Sarah McLachlan is a rabbit hole that is not to be left out. Her voice is so beautiful and powerful yet so gentle at the same time and she has so many hits.
Absolutely. Sarah McLachlan has the voice of an angel. Christmas is over, but add her to the list for the next holiday season, and please check out her discography. She’s amazing!
@@BitchinStitches it's not about her, that is made up. He wrote it about his parents dying when he was younger and dedicated it to his sisters who helped bring him up. He said this all in an interview and easy to google it.
@@Kim-dm4yb He's said many things about it. To be completely honest, from my personal interactions (with both of them) the term "unreliable narrator" is sort of kind. But you do you, Rockstar.
The Goo Goo Dolls are from my hometown of Buffalo, NY. Lead singer is Johnny Rzeznik (Rez nick). One woman I work with dated bass player Robbie Takac (Tay cack)when they were both in high school Try Name next from them
I am a HUGE HUGE dedicated Goo Goo Dolls fan....and I have been since their beginning. I LOVE John Rzeznik and his songwriting. This particular song was written for the movie City of Angels back in the 90's, with Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage. When you go to see them live and the Red Guitar comes out you are about to hear Iris ❤
Iris is one of the best songs of the rock Era. Lead singer John Rzeznick wrote it in a hotel room in LA when he was going through a divorce; you definitely picked up on that vibe. He is an amazing songwriter and a very witty humble guy from Buffalo. You should see the live version of Iris recorded at a July 4 concert in Buffalo...in the pouring rain. The show went on with John, fellow co-founder Robbie and the crowd soaking wet. Other great songs include Slide, Sympathy and Bettef Days. You will love their You Ain't Getting Nothin' Xmas song and cartoon video. Hilarious.
This song really spoke to me when I was a young 20 something dealing with my sexuality, especially the lyrics "I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand. When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am." It still speaks to me as a young 50 something, lol. Also check out their song NAME.
What a fantastic song. This band is one of my all time favorites. They write all their own stuff and the lyrics are generally very thought provoking. This is good music, guys.
As mentioned this in the movie City of Angels and lyrics to this song is written perfectly to the story line of the movie and is more relatable to Nicholas Cages character as an angel.
I always say Johnny's voice is like a woollen blanket: a little scratchy but warm and comforting. There's nothing like it. I'll probably always remember when I first saw this video and heard the song at 12 years old. A formative experience, pretty much, and it's still one of my absolute favourite songs in the universe. Other awesome songs by them you might want to check out: 'Name', 'Long Way Down', 'Here Is Gone', 'Boxes' and from other songs they wrote for movies 'Lazy Eye' (Batman and Robin), 'I'm Awake Now' (Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare) and 'I'm Still Here' (Treasure Planet).
This was such a great soundtrack! I love the Goo Goo Dolls! Their album "Dizzy Up The Girl " was awesome, I loved "Black Balloon"! "Slide" was a big song for them as well!
The instrument that you're loving and may have mistaken for an acoustic guitar is a mandolin! Basically a cross between acoustic guitar and a violin slightly larger than a violin and has a very distinct sound.
One of the all time sessions musicians, Tim Peirce, played the mandolin on this song. This song was written for the movie, hence the long bridge. Tim had never heard the song and did the mandolin part in 3 takes. It was only guitar, bass, and drums at that point. Then all of the orchestration was added, inspired by Tm's playing.
The lead singer wrote this song when he was having writers block and he felt as if he was a failure, he had just divorced and was living in a hotel out of a suitcase. It seemed that they had peaked already and then he wrote iris and didn’t think it was very good! Everyone loved it and it put them back on the map! U should watch their live performance of this in Buffalo ny their hometown! As they were playing it started to pour rain and they kept playing and throughout iris it was just raining downnnn and it ended up being the worst storm in a very long time in Buffalo! Even the bagels were crying because of this masterpiece! U should listen to “slide and “sympathy”
My home town band from Buffalo New York, you need to watch this song live version on the 4th of July in Buffalo!!!!! In the pouring rain i was there and they refused to quit playing even though it was pouring!!!!! It was extremely emotional!!!!! They were originally a punk band that went pop-punk. Fun fact Robbie Takac the bassist hates wearing shoes or sneakers so he is usually barefoot!!!!
This was my youngest daughter's fave song when she was 12 or 13, back when it was still fairly new. She used to play it over and over and would belt it out in the car. She's 32 now and still lovesit; luckily I really like it too, I certainly heard it enough times back in the day!
Johnny Rzeznick has a beautiful voice. This song was part of a soundtrack- so for me it sort of falls into adult contemporary. More Goo Goo Dolls please🙂👍
Love the Goo Goo Dolls, one the best bands of the 90's (my teenage years). You can hear the Goo's played reguraly on adult rock stations. A couple of songs I would suggest are: Name, Black Baloon, Iris and a more recent classic song by them: Keep the Car Running, plus many more! Great band, defiently punk in the 80's, more pop/rock in the 90's and 2000's.
Iris is a classic that I'm so glad you found. Long Way Down is my other favorite Goo Goo Dolls song. But I have an even BETTER name for you to check out. Amazingly talented Canadian band - the Barenaked Ladies. If I Had a Million Dollars - and One Week are two of their best songs. Spirit of the West - singing Home for a Rest - fun Eastern drinking song is a MUST. And will have you rocking right out of your chairs. Pretty please with a cherry on top???
Put me down as another vote for either of these Canadian bands, and throw in a vote for Great Big Sea as well (songs "When I'm Up I Can't Get Down" or "Consequence Free").
Love Goo Goo Dolls! This is such a beautiful song. I love Black Balloon, Better Days, and Name. I was a kid and like Slide not realizing it was about abortion but it has a great sound and music is amazing.
As others said, it’s from the movie City Of Angels. In the movie Nicolas Cage is an Angel who came to Earth and sees Meg Ryan, falls in love with her but she can’t see him. In general, “Iris” is a love song relayed from the perspective of him loving her but being unknown to her. He’s not overly-interested in associating himself with the world since he does not think that they’d understand him. He loves her and would sacrifice anything, even “forever”, in order to be with her. It’s a good movie.
For this Friday’s Female Friday, a great artist, Sass Jordon, sings passionately about struggles with addiction in a song called “Pissin’ Down”. Worth listening to!! Boomer!!!!
There is a live concert version of this that they do, and it is pouring rain on the stage, and huge crowd in a field setting concert....totally amazing version ......
For Female Friday: Ronnie Spector - ‘Be My Baby’ Bette Midler - ‘From a Distance’ Toni Braxton - ‘Un-Break My Heart’ Roberta Flack - ‘First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ Other notables: Christopher Cross - ‘Sailing,’ Kayne Brown - ‘Worship You,’ Kool and The Gang - ‘Celebration,’ Dan Fogelberg - ‘Same Old Lang Syne’ Luther Vandross - ‘Dance With My Father’
As a 60s Child. I grew up with alot of great music. But when Buffalo NY gave us the GooGoo Dolls. I knew great music would Still be strong in my aging years. Iris is probably one of the best songs ever written. Thanks you 2 for doing this.
My husband and I danced to this for our first song at our wedding. 💗 Goo Goo Dolls is considered Alternative Rock and Post-Grunge. If you haven’t already, please react to “Slide,” Black Balloon,” “Name”, “Sympathy” and “Here is Gone” by them. Also amazing songs.
There's a great live version of this song, done in their home town of Buffalo NY. It's pouring rain, and the fans are *there* with the band. The video comments are overwhelming and mind-blowing.
This band was popular in the time of grunge, but it was more of a cross between pop and alternative. Goo Goo Dolls had a couple of really good songs around this time. Another great band from around this time was called LIVE. Check out their songs I ALONE, LIGHTNING CRASHES and SELLING THE DRAMA...perhaps in that order.
Dude ive been jammin heavy metal since I was a little guy but ive played drums since i was 12 and just being a lover of good music. I have this cd of the goo goo dolls and some songs just hit your soul off this album. Great band in the day
Goo Goo Dolls started in the 80's as a punk rock trio... but they evolved in the 90's into an 'post-grunge' alternative rock band. After a number of indie records, they got a ballad single on MTV called 'Name' and their 1995 album 'A boy named Goo' sold 2 million copies... Unfortunately, a previous contract w/ Metal Blade Records left them in debt, despite a hit record... They were able to terminate that contract and emerged in 1998 w/ the 'Dizzy up the girl' album that sold 4 million copies. Subsequent Goo Goo Dolls albums after 2006 did not sell up to expectations. 'Iris' was written for the soundtrack for the 'City of angels' movie... the movie was about an angel (who accompanies deceased souls into the afterlife) who falls in love w/ a female surgeon - he observes her unseen, but soon reveals himself to her. In the end, he embraces mortality and leaves his duties to be w/ her, only to lose her to an accident.
They broke out with "Name", but around here (they're from Buffalo, NY - which is one city away from me) they had a song called "Naked" that got a lot of airplay too. "Slide", while not particularly a good song IMO, is one you really have to listen to the lyrics of. And wasn't "Long Way Down" used in Twister? That they're from Buffalo also explains singer John Rzeznik's Polish last name 🤪
It's about a man sacrificing his most special thing to feel what most everyone else can feel. It's a song about a character in the movie "City of Angels."
Yeah, the drums are quite the unique instrument in this song. My older brother was a drummer back in the day, and this song won him 1st place in a contest.
This is literally one of the biggest songs in musical history. The instrument you’re hearing is a mandolin in the background, but his acoustic guitar is also tuned to a non-standard custom tuning which gives it a flurry of tonal beauty
Ruler of the A minor.
It's incredible to hear live. The audience sings its so clearly back and its just magical. Highly recommend watching the July 4th show in Buffalo on UA-cam. It was raining buckets but they played anyway and were so so good.
It's a ukulele not a mandolin and it's tuned caddad
@@aaroncrowe973 - its Tim Pierce playing mandolin ;-) ua-cam.com/video/i611ZPzE_6k/v-deo.html
@@aaroncrowe973according to they guy who played the part it’s a mandolin.
ua-cam.com/video/i611ZPzE_6k/v-deo.htmlsi=Cyfpi02D1-OhNijU
This song was MASSIVE when it dropped. It was played everywhere. Such a beautiful song
I was 7 or 8 when it first came out and actually remember humming it to the person that worked in the record store to figure out what it was so i could buy the album 😂. Times were different then, and i was definitely a bit weird..
@@galaxytraveler5779 that dude is probably the guy who later invented Shazam lol
"You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be" a masterpiece of song writing.
What makes it better is the main character in the movie this song was written for is an angel of death who falls in love with a normal girl. He's probably been to Heaven yet he's saying she's the closest he'll get to it. Insane.
Different song, same band:
Scars are souvenirs you never lose
Ranks way up there, too.
@@shanesutter8051 "Name" is one of those great songs that I never think of. Nice one
For me it was "And I'd give up forever to touch you...", which was not only one of the best opening lines of any song, but also a bit my mantra when I was in my twenties.
This is the epitome of that gorgeous, melancholy, late 90's sound. I can't hear Iris without also remembering songs like Torn and Closing Time.
I call it the “Dawson’s Creek” sound 😂 and I absolutely love it!
@@PoopFrogg1city of angels 😤
Damn I love Closing Time!
"Iris" was the most played song of 1998. It spent 18 consecutive weeks at number one on billboard hot 100 airplay. I remember watching MTV when they hit that record, thinking the song's not that great, how the heck did it hit that record. Probably because at that time, that 90's alternative sound had become so pervasive and overwhelmed radio, that I had become numb to that sound. Now, my goto and favorite playlist has all those 90's songs on it. Goo Goo Dolls, Oasis, The Samashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Matchbox Twenty, Soul Asylum and so on. I've come to thankfully appreciate the fact that the 90's were the soundtrack to my youth.
I definitely took 90s music for granted, especially since that was the time that I was exploring 80s music. It just seemed like those sounds would last forever.
Well, alright Casey Kasem! Hehehe
That being said, this song isn't that great.
Hello to my 15 yr old self, this era is just taking me back to my teen years. Love me some goo goo dolls! Thanks for reacting to it! Didnt really like movie that this song was for...but huge fan of the band.
Agreed. They sound just like every other '90s alternative rock band and I'm totally OK with that. It's the soundtrack to a very special time in my life. Is this a great song? I don't know. I enjoy it because of the memories I have associated with it.
After my husband crossed over this song came out. He was the love of my life. I felt the song as grief. People didn't know just how much we loved each other with 16 yrs difference. We were married 25 yrs.
Dizzy Up the Girl was such a good album. “Iris,” “Slide,” “Broadway,” and “Black Balloon” were some of my favorites from that one.
I still love “Here is Gone” and “Big Machine” too.
Damn, you forgot “Name”. That is one of their most underrated songs
@@chadthornsberry1342 Great acoustic solo.
YES.
Broadway is actually about a main road in the city of Buffalo!!!!!!
"We are the Normal" was the first song I heard on college stations back in the early 90s, this was great song and they had string of them, a great band...all the tunes you mentioned were really good tunes...they were once "alt", but became pop...similar to "Train"...great period in music Eric, great period in my life
You bleed just to know you're alive. What a line.
I think of this line whenever I'm in the hospital getting phlebotomy treatment for PV.
Ya it hit me like. Freight train as someone who struggled with sh.2 months clean
I know right?
I been through that too. Proud of youuu!!❤️
This is on the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies. Called "City of Angels" with Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. Maybe when you get your movie reaction channel up and going, you could watch it. Such a great movie, with a powerful message. This song actually sort of defines what the movie is about. When you watch the movie, this song makes total sense! 😇
Love that movie.
One of my favorite movies!
That soundtrack has one of my other favorite songs of the 90s... "Uninvited" by Alanis Morissette.
Not ashamed to say that movie makes me cry at the end...
Great movie, the other song in the soundtrack that I'd like to add is Feelin Love by Paula Cole
John Rzeznik wrote this when he and his band were struggling to find another #1 hit after the success of "Name!" The band did not want to be known as that Buffalo band with the one hit wonder called "Name!" The City of Angels director hired his band to write a song for the film City of Angels because he was a huge fan of their music. Rzeznik was struggling so much to find words to describe his feelings for the film such that he went into a deep depression and suffered from severe writers block. The lyrics to Iris describe his feelings of being a lost songwriter, a recluse with nothing left to offer this World. During this process there was real feelings of guilt and shame for not writing another hit song or simply being able to, "finish a thought," which at the time was haunting John. On VH1 Behind The Music, John said the song became cathartic for him because after many months of soul searching he was finally able to, " finish a thought!" The writers block was gone and Iris was finished. It was the most played song on radio in 1998 and the rest is history. The success of the song helped launch the "Goo Goo Dolls" into Superstardom. 😃👍
This song is cathartic to everyone.
Fun fact, after hurricane Harvey flooded Houston this band was the first to play Houston and admission was non perishable food donation to Houston food bank.
That’s typical of a Buffalo, NY band.
@@jenniferrogers2492 Yep..We (Buffalo) are the City of Good Neighbors and are always giving of ourselves.
They are great guys.
I remember that!!! My next door neighbor went!!!
As a Houstonian, this makes me tear up.
Goo Goo Dolls are one of those very rare bands that have nothing but hits! Also they still make new music to this day and is always great.
The Goos are DEFINITELY worth going down the rabbit hole for. Johnny (the singer) was asked to write a song for the film City of Angels (Nic Cage & Meg Ryan film). He wrote this while reflecting on what Cage’s character endured, also tinged with his emotions from his personal life (divorce). The name of the song came from a random happenstance. The producers called him to ask what the title was because he hadn’t put one down and he picked up a magazine and the first word that popped out was IRIS.
And I love that you like their downbeat tone. In fact, these rockers from Buffalo, NY were bangers with a rock/punk feel back in the day.
I never knew that about Johnny. Thanks for the info!!
He also wrote the music for the movie Treasure Planet.
Love this story, i didn't know how this song was Made....thanks!!!!
They're from Buffalo NY... they have been around forever...early 80's... they were definitely a lot more heavier and hard back in the day... more punk... HUGE in the local scene here in Buffalo...then as they have gained popularity and got a record deal they went more mainstream / pop... definitely better back in the day in my opinion... more edgy!!
I love that they're from my hometown!!! Buffalo will always be home even though I haven't lived there since I was nine!!!
This song was absolutely EVERYWHERE in the 90's and early 2000's, radio stations, TV shows, music awards, grocery stores, elevators, EVERYWHERE....
EVERYWHERE is an understatement…haha
Movies
“Yea you bleed just to know you’re alive” one of the best lyrics in song history 💯🖤😢
It's probably been mentioned here, but there is an unbelievable live version of this song in in the rain. Powerful is not enough.
4th of July in Central Park NYC an excellent video!
i think the video you’re referring to is in their hometown of Buffalo
@@mgraysonturner ooops, you are correct! I just watched it last weekend.
I just watched it bro...... AMAZING MOMENT IN TIME!! Thank you for sharing ❤
Yesss Live in Buffalo omg....the best live CD/DVD ever
It's great that you did The Goo Goo Dolls. "Iris" is one of their best. I also love "Slide" and "Here is Gone".
He actually tunes his guitar to a tune that no one else does, that's why it has that jingle to it.
John Rzeznik also had writers block and was going to give up music and they asked him to do this song for the soundtrack for City Of Angels movie, and he wrote this on a napkin in a plane and brought him out of it. He's an amazing artist and the band is amazing
This is considered 90’s alternative acoustic.
Alternative acoustic? Thats not even a genre. This is actually considered to be the genre of "Indie Alternative" or "Alternative Rock"
Btw the meaning of "acoustic" is a type of guitar (non-electric)
@@onetruthmediacompanythats why its called "alternative accustic" its still a guitar but its a different kind. Hence "alternative"
I think the genre is "don't have a girl but felt it".
@@binaysenapatiyour comment made me giggle. 😂
Their song "Name" is phenomenal as well. ❤️
Just commented the same on their newest video, I hope they do it sometime. It's such a moving song, one of the most impactful songs in my life
Totally. In fact, one of my favorite "artist covering a song you'd never expect" videos was Corey Taylor from SlipKnot doing a very stripped down acoustic version of "Name" on his London solo show. He plays it pretty straight, doesn't do much to it stylistically, but just coming from such a different type of voice, with his own grit, really made it a neat alternate version.
That song introduced me to The Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls are an AMAZING band, that are kind of two different sides to a coin. Most of their hits were written by and sung by John Rzeznik, the lead singer on this song. A lot of their album cuts are sung by and written by Robby Takac, the bass player. You would never imagine it’s the same group…lol. I always said, Johnny writes these beautiful, angst-filled love songs that speak to true romanticism (if a little dark, at times), while Robby writes super upbeat punk songs that are a mosh pit lover’s dream. Different, but great in their own right. Their entire Dizzy Up the Girl album is pure gold…..you can grab at random any song, and you will have grabbed a winner! One of my favorite bands ever♥️❤️♥️
I saw an interview with him and he's a really cool, thoughtful, down to earth guy. He said he was a little upset when Name broke because he knew they could never be the cool, underground band again. He actually heard it grocery shopping and knew life would never be the same!
I love Robby Takac's songs better than all the radio hits. January Friend, Impersonality, and Slave Girl.
Seeing them in Toronto next summer!!!!
@@MrLedotson January Friend is my fave!
They are from Buffalo as am I, their music literally speaks our lives.
Watching the Buffalo NY 4th of July Live edition is the best version..
Every time I hear a Goo Goo Dolls song I get so nostalgic for the 90s-they have some really great songs. “Name”, Black Balloon”, “Slide”, “Broadway”, “All Eyes On Me” are some of my faves. Johnny Rzeznik wrote incredible lyrics and I can honestly say that not a day goes by when I don’t listen to some Goo.
This band formed in my hometown, Buffalo NY. They do a lot for the local music scene here still.
God I loved this movie. Also had a great soundtrack. Alanis' "Uninvited" and Melissa Ethridge "I take you with me"
And Feelin Love by Paula Cole 😉
"Arms of an Angel" by Sarah McLachlan
Melissa's not in the soundtrack.
@@jp3813really? EDIT: it's Welcome Home Roxy Carmichael I was thinking about. That's a weird mixup to have. Thanks
@@itsmedino Melissa's songs in that film are "Don't Look At Me" & "In Roxy's Eyes (I Will Never Be The Same)". Though they weren't officially included in the soundtrack. I believe "I Take You with Me" was in Boys on the Side.
It's crazy that this was your first time hearing this! Growing up, I heard this song so many times!! It was always playing on the radio. :) Love it!
There's another song that came out around the same time and is somewhat similar to this one called The World I Know by Collective Soul. You guys would definitely like it.
I`ve seen them live twice and both times they were brilliant!
@@ca9968 Yeah, I saw them once and I was left partially deaf for about three days afterwards because one of the guitar amps was pointing at my face and was obviously turned up to 11. Cheers!
HELL YES!!
Amazing song!
Collective Soul would need an entire week dedicated to them. LOL, talk about a rabbit hole.
The World I Know one of my all time faves. I love Black Balloon by the goo goos!
One of the BEST songs ever, right up there with Truly Madly Deeply...DEEPLY.... Absolutely Phenomenal!!!!
The entire "City of angels" soundtrack is AMAZING!!!!!
I loved this song more than the movie.
The Goo Goo Dolls are an American rock band formed in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, by guitarist/vocalist John Rzeznik, bassist/vocalist Robby Takac, and drummer George Tutuska.
After starting off as a cover band and then developing a punk sound, The Goo Goo Dolls experienced mainstream success following the 1995 release of their breakthrough single, "Name". The band is renowned for its biggest hit, "Iris", released in 1998. The song spent nearly 12 straight months on the Billboard charts and held the number one position on the Hot 100 Airplay chart for 18 weeks. In October 2012, "Iris" was ranked #1 on Billboard's "Top 100 Pop Songs 1992-2012" chart. Other notable singles include "Slide", "Black Balloon", and "Broadway" from 1998's Dizzy Up the Girl; "Here Is Gone" from 2002's Gutterflower; and "Better Days", "Give a Little Bit", and "Stay with You" from 2006's Let Love In.
The band has had 19 top ten singles on various charts has sold 15 million records worldwide, and has been nominated for four Grammy Awards.
😍 I saw the Goo Goo Dolls with the Wallflowers years ago in Louisville KY. Awesome show😍 Prayers to Kentucky btw 🙏
One of the greatest songs of all time. I'm biased as a 90's kid/teen, but between the melody, the beautiful use of string instruments, drums, incredible vocals, and one of the greatest lyrics ever written: "When everything feels like the movies, yeah you bleed just to know you're alive". Beautiful..
When my son was a toddler he would sing this everytime it came on the radio, he is grown now ,but I always think of that time when I hear it❤
"Dizzy"
"Name"
"Naked"
"Black Balloon"
"Long Way Down"
"Run With You"
And much more good music...saw them live here in Houston in 2017 after hurricane Harvey. They donated all the proceeds to hurricane victims.
Respect for naming "Long Way Down". That's a deep cut from Superstar Carwash, a great early album that doesn't getting any recognition.
The instrument Amber is trying to pinpoint is a mandolin.
There’s also a cello but I think it’s the mandolin she’s referring to.
One of the all time sessions musicians, Tim Peirce, played the mandolin on this song. This song was written for the movie, hence the long bridge. Tim had never heard the song and did the mandolin part in 3 takes. It was only guitar, bass, and drums at that point. Then all of the orchestration was added, inspired by Tm's playing.
“Here is Gone”, “Big Machine” and “Name” are just some Goo Goo songs that everyone SHOULD hear at least once in their life. Johnny Reznick is such a great song writer and has a great voice. Definitely give them a listen to.
This song is so awesome. I love this group.
Legendary session guitarist Tim Pierce played the mandolin and the lead guitar on this track. He's such a badass musician, everything he plays on is so much better for it. Tim has a great UA-cam channel where he talks guitars and music production, and sometimes discusses famous songs he’s played on. Highly recommended if you’re at all interested in playing music.
Extra props to whoever made the string arrangement for this, it's simply stunning.
One of the biggest bands of the 90s, and John Rzeznik had one of the most distinct voices of that decade. You started with a great one, as "Iris" is arguably their signature hit. Their album, "Dizzy Up the Girl" was phenomenal, and I wore it out back in the day. "Slide", "Dizzy", "Black Balloon", and "Broadway" were all bangers from that same album. However, my favorite song of theirs was their breakout hit, "Name". I hope you'll do that one next. Great choice! P.S. Another 90s band in this vein that I think you'd enjoy is Matchbox Twenty, who had great hits like "3 AM", "Push", "Bent", and "If You're Gone".
Also, for GGD fans... John has said they're going to drop another album in 2022.
John Rzeznik says that this song was the first song he wrote coming off of a period of writer's block, and it turned out to be an immense hit record. Thanks for another great reaction video, Rob Squad!
You must do Angel by Sarah McLachlan. This beautiful piano ballad was also part of the movie and Sarah McLachlan is a rabbit hole that is not to be left out. Her voice is so beautiful and powerful yet so gentle at the same time and she has so many hits.
I totally agree her song was played at my mums funeral
Possession is my absolute favorite by her.
Also just rewatched, Possession has a really good music video as well.
Absolutely. Sarah McLachlan has the voice of an angel. Christmas is over, but add her to the list for the next holiday season, and please check out her discography. She’s amazing!
Yes! My favorite is Fumbling Towards Ecstacy. "I won't fear love."
That song is so beautiful and iconic, it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
Goo Goo Doll's "Name" is one of my all-time favorite songs.
I agree, up to the point where that song is about that horrible Fox News/MTV gal Kennedy. Ugh.
@@BitchinStitches don't like strong women?
@@BitchinStitches it's not about her, that is made up. He wrote it about his parents dying when he was younger and dedicated it to his sisters who helped bring him up. He said this all in an interview and easy to google it.
@@stephengiannone5449 it's not even true...she made that up.
@@Kim-dm4yb He's said many things about it. To be completely honest, from my personal interactions (with both of them) the term "unreliable narrator" is sort of kind. But you do you, Rockstar.
'Better Days' is a good one for the holidays also.
The Goo Goo Dolls are from my hometown of Buffalo, NY.
Lead singer is Johnny Rzeznik (Rez nick).
One woman I work with dated bass player Robbie Takac (Tay cack)when they were both in high school
Try Name next from them
I am a HUGE HUGE dedicated Goo Goo Dolls fan....and I have been since their beginning. I LOVE John Rzeznik and his songwriting. This particular song was written for the movie City of Angels back in the 90's, with Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage. When you go to see them live and the Red Guitar comes out you are about to hear Iris ❤
The Wallflowers- One Headlight....!!!!!!,
Yes!
Iris is one of the best songs of the rock Era. Lead singer John Rzeznick wrote it in a hotel room in LA when he was going through a divorce; you definitely picked up on that vibe. He is an amazing songwriter and a very witty humble guy from Buffalo. You should see the live version of Iris recorded at a July 4 concert in Buffalo...in the pouring rain. The show went on with John, fellow co-founder Robbie and the crowd soaking wet. Other great songs include Slide, Sympathy and Bettef Days. You will love their You Ain't Getting Nothin' Xmas song and cartoon video. Hilarious.
I go back and watch that live all the time! These guys are so proud of coming from Buffalo!
This song really spoke to me when I was a young 20 something dealing with my sexuality, especially the lyrics "I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand. When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am." It still speaks to me as a young 50 something, lol. Also check out their song NAME.
🤗
Your lifestyle is between you and God. 🤞❤🤟
What a fantastic song. This band is one of my all time favorites. They write all their own stuff and the lyrics are generally very thought provoking. This is good music, guys.
As mentioned this in the movie City of Angels and lyrics to this song is written perfectly to the story line of the movie and is more relatable to Nicholas Cages character as an angel.
That is because Johnny was asked to write a song for the movie. Iris was written for "City of Angels".
Great song and glad you found it...please, please, check out the Wallflowers, One Headlight...the lead singer is Bob Dylan's son
Jakob made a great movie about the movie scene in Laurel Canyon in the 1960's and a great album of the music. His voice is better than his Dad's too.
Oh absolutely!!!!!!! And I quote 'There's got to be something better than in the middle".
His voice is very similar to Bryan Adam's.
I love love LOVE this song!!!!
Yup! Don't know why I never picked up on that. Good call✌️
@@edwardwilliams8238 lol, I've got ears like a bat. Which is good since I'm just about blind as one. 😃
I always say Johnny's voice is like a woollen blanket: a little scratchy but warm and comforting. There's nothing like it. I'll probably always remember when I first saw this video and heard the song at 12 years old. A formative experience, pretty much, and it's still one of my absolute favourite songs in the universe.
Other awesome songs by them you might want to check out: 'Name', 'Long Way Down', 'Here Is Gone', 'Boxes' and from other songs they wrote for movies 'Lazy Eye' (Batman and Robin), 'I'm Awake Now' (Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare) and 'I'm Still Here' (Treasure Planet).
This was such a great soundtrack! I love the Goo Goo Dolls!
Their album "Dizzy Up The Girl " was awesome, I loved "Black Balloon"!
"Slide" was a big song for them as well!
This is 90's pop/alternative rock.
Check out “Black Balloon”, “Long Way Down” (for a different sound), “Slide”, “Naked” and “Name”
The instrument that you're loving and may have mistaken for an acoustic guitar is a mandolin!
Basically a cross between acoustic guitar and a violin slightly larger than a violin and has a very distinct sound.
One of the all time sessions musicians, Tim Peirce, played the mandolin on this song. This song was written for the movie, hence the long bridge. Tim had never heard the song and did the mandolin part in 3 takes. It was only guitar, bass, and drums at that point. Then all of the orchestration was added, inspired by Tm's playing.
Violin
Slide is a good little jam too.
The lead singer wrote this song when he was having writers block and he felt as if he was a failure, he had just divorced and was living in a hotel out of a suitcase. It seemed that they had peaked already and then he wrote iris and didn’t think it was very good! Everyone loved it and it put them back on the map! U should watch their live performance of this in Buffalo ny their hometown! As they were playing it started to pour rain and they kept playing and throughout iris it was just raining downnnn and it ended up being the worst storm in a very long time in Buffalo! Even the bagels were crying because of this masterpiece! U should listen to “slide and “sympathy”
My home town band from Buffalo New York, you need to watch this song live version on the 4th of July in Buffalo!!!!! In the pouring rain i was there and they refused to quit playing even though it was pouring!!!!! It was extremely emotional!!!!! They were originally a punk band that went pop-punk. Fun fact Robbie Takac the bassist hates wearing shoes or sneakers so he is usually barefoot!!!!
Thank you for playing Iris. I mentioned it a couple months ago and really appreciate Your reaction. I love the song! It's very touching 💜
One of my favorite songs from the City of Angels and that beautiful sound you hear in the background is a cello
This was my youngest daughter's fave song when she was 12 or 13, back when it was still fairly new. She used to play it over and over and would belt it out in the car. She's 32 now and still lovesit; luckily I really like it too, I certainly heard it enough times back in the day!
The string instrument you hear so prominently in the background is the cello...it always gives me goosebumps!
Johnny Rzeznick has a beautiful voice. This song was part of a soundtrack- so for me it sort of falls into adult contemporary. More Goo Goo Dolls please🙂👍
City of Angels
Johnny was asked to write a song for the movie. Boy did he ever!
Here Is Gone is by far my favorite Goo Goo Dolls tune
Slide and black balloons are also great songs by the goo goo dolls I think you would enjoy 😊
They have some amazing songs. Seen them live many many times over the years. Always a great show. Super nice guys as well.
The genera for The Goo Goo Dolls is Alternative Rock i.e like Savage Garden , Three Doors Down , Hender , and Nickelback .
Savage Garden was Pure POP. Rock???? lol
One of most beautifull songs in the world
Love this song ❤️ Other 90’s suggestions “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain (Amber will like this one) and “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind
I also recommend “How’s it going to be” by Third Eye Blind
TEB's is that mix of "Graduate" IMO
Edwin McCain (not Edward) :)
Another great band...Live..they have a great sound. I Alone, Iris, Lightning Crashes are terrific.
Love the Goo Goo Dolls, one the best bands of the 90's (my teenage years). You can hear the Goo's played reguraly on adult rock stations. A couple of songs I would suggest are: Name, Black Baloon, Iris and a more recent classic song by them: Keep the Car Running, plus many more! Great band, defiently punk in the 80's, more pop/rock in the 90's and 2000's.
Greatest song ever written for a movie.
Oh I loved the Goo Goo Dolls....awesome song 👍. Next two in order to react too
1. Name (which put them on map) and
2. Black Balloon. 💗🕊️
Don't forget Slide!
The song that captures what it was like in the 90s. A legendary song. So epic.
Iris is a classic that I'm so glad you found. Long Way Down is my other favorite Goo Goo Dolls song. But I have an even BETTER name for you to check out. Amazingly talented Canadian band - the Barenaked Ladies. If I Had a Million Dollars - and One Week are two of their best songs. Spirit of the West - singing Home for a Rest - fun Eastern drinking song is a MUST. And will have you rocking right out of your chairs. Pretty please with a cherry on top???
I'd love to watch them listen to One Week.
Put me down as another vote for either of these Canadian bands, and throw in a vote for Great Big Sea as well (songs "When I'm Up I Can't Get Down" or "Consequence Free").
Can't go wrong with BNL! Those are great suggestions. I'd also suggest Pinch Me, Brian Wilson, Break Your Heart, Odds Are
BNL - ‘The Flag’ rips me every time. Huge catalog with so many good ones to check out.
BNL Pinch Me and Easy are also great songs.
Great reaction !!
"slide"
"name"
a few more to check out
Love Goo Goo Dolls! This is such a beautiful song. I love Black Balloon, Better Days, and Name. I was a kid and like Slide not realizing it was about abortion but it has a great sound and music is amazing.
Yes, yep and hell yea
It seems more like a love song to a very special person. The way the first line starts.
City of Angels .
Greatest romance movie ever made. 🤘
Ran spot on this in 2000. Been in my heart ever since
As others said, it’s from the movie City Of Angels. In the movie Nicolas Cage is an Angel who came to Earth and sees Meg Ryan, falls in love with her but she can’t see him. In general, “Iris” is a love song relayed from the perspective of him loving her but being unknown to her. He’s not overly-interested in associating himself with the world since he does not think that they’d understand him. He loves her and would sacrifice anything, even “forever”, in order to be with her. It’s a good movie.
No its a GREAT movie.
Just saw them live with Matchbox 20 😍😍 amazing 😁👏👏
For this Friday’s Female Friday, a great artist, Sass Jordon, sings passionately about struggles with addiction in a song called “Pissin’ Down”. Worth listening to!!
Boomer!!!!
A girl from Quebec who is married to a guy in Winnipegs own Guess Who!
There is a live concert version of this that they do, and it is pouring rain on the stage, and huge crowd in a field setting concert....totally amazing version ......
For Female Friday:
Ronnie Spector - ‘Be My Baby’
Bette Midler - ‘From a Distance’
Toni Braxton - ‘Un-Break My Heart’
Roberta Flack - ‘First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’
Other notables:
Christopher Cross - ‘Sailing,’
Kayne Brown - ‘Worship You,’
Kool and The Gang - ‘Celebration,’
Dan Fogelberg - ‘Same Old Lang Syne’
Luther Vandross - ‘Dance With My Father’
Ronnie Spector in her girl group days.
Roberta Flack, yes please!!!
Chrissy Hynde? Pretenders anybody else appreciate this lady's contributions
If they do First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, it needs to be the stripped down studio version
As a 60s Child. I grew up with alot of great music. But when Buffalo NY gave us the GooGoo Dolls. I knew great music would Still be strong in my aging years. Iris is probably one of the best songs ever written. Thanks you 2 for doing this.
My husband and I danced to this for our first song at our wedding. 💗
Goo Goo Dolls is considered Alternative Rock and Post-Grunge. If you haven’t already, please react to “Slide,” Black Balloon,” “Name”, “Sympathy” and “Here is Gone” by them. Also amazing songs.
There's a great live version of this song, done in their home town of Buffalo NY. It's pouring rain, and the fans are *there* with the band. The video comments are overwhelming and mind-blowing.
This band was popular in the time of grunge, but it was more of a cross between pop and alternative. Goo Goo Dolls had a couple of really good songs around this time. Another great band from around this time was called LIVE. Check out their songs I ALONE, LIGHTNING CRASHES and SELLING THE DRAMA...perhaps in that order.
I Agree...Live was amazing and that song order is good.
Lightning Crashes is a great song!
My name is Iris. “Name” is another great one from GGD!
Dude ive been jammin heavy metal since I was a little guy but ive played drums since i was 12 and just being a lover of good music. I have this cd of the goo goo dolls and some songs just hit your soul off this album. Great band in the day
Goo Goo Dolls are legitimately great. So many hits and yet still kind of fly under the radar.
Goo Goo Dolls started in the 80's as a punk rock trio... but they evolved in the 90's into an 'post-grunge' alternative rock band. After a number of indie records, they got a ballad single on MTV called 'Name' and their 1995 album 'A boy named Goo' sold 2 million copies... Unfortunately, a previous contract w/ Metal Blade Records left them in debt, despite a hit record... They were able to terminate that contract and emerged in 1998 w/ the 'Dizzy up the girl' album that sold 4 million copies. Subsequent Goo Goo Dolls albums after 2006 did not sell up to expectations.
'Iris' was written for the soundtrack for the 'City of angels' movie... the movie was about an angel (who accompanies deceased souls into the afterlife) who falls in love w/ a female surgeon - he observes her unseen, but soon reveals himself to her. In the end, he embraces mortality and leaves his duties to be w/ her, only to lose her to an accident.
Just saw them in concert three nights ago--still sound great!
They broke out with "Name", but around here (they're from Buffalo, NY - which is one city away from me) they had a song called "Naked" that got a lot of airplay too. "Slide", while not particularly a good song IMO, is one you really have to listen to the lyrics of. And wasn't "Long Way Down" used in Twister?
That they're from Buffalo also explains singer John Rzeznik's Polish last name 🤪
It's about a man sacrificing his most special thing to feel what most everyone else can feel. It's a song about a character in the movie "City of Angels."
Looks like you guys are having fun hearing these great hits that I grew up with.....appreciate your reactions! 😄
Yeah, the drums are quite the unique instrument in this song. My older brother was a drummer back in the day, and this song won him 1st place in a contest.