Since forming in 1986 the Goo Goo Dolls have evolved from a scrappy punk-influenced trio into a platinum-selling, chart-topping act as their breakthrough album, A Boy Named Goo projected them into the mainstream in 1995.The Goo Goo Dolls have come a long way from their punk rock roots, and today, most fans know them for the crooning, lovable pop band that responsible for the song 'Iris'. Now, no one seems to realize this band once had all the spikes and torn jeans to stand up to the best punk acts out there. Greatest Hits Volume II is here to remind us of the more muscular side of the Goo Goo Dolls.For long-standing fans, the previous singles collection did not offer anything new, but Volume II is packed full of b-sides, covers, rarities, and live performances, not to mention the beautifully raw demo version of ‘Iris.' Now I know that proclaiming my love for the Goo Goo Dolls is probably not going to earn me a lot of street cred but I just love this band. There is something so earnest and straightforward in their scowling, catchy hooks. This album is the perfect reminder that not all pop music is overly processed or just plain bad, and that the Goo Goo Dolls are not just a pop band, they have an edgier, more snarling side.Taken from the band's 6th album Dizzy Up The Girl, album opener ‘Hate This Place' combines epic pop soundscapes with John Rzeznik's smoky voice to produce an instantly familiar chorus that is somehow up-lifting and full of loss and anger at the same time. Their live cover version of Tom Petty's ‘American Girl' is full of unabashed confidence as the piano keys play out a cheery honk-tonk rhythm, the guitar riff sings out and Rzeznik's grainy vocals howl down the mic.This album shows the brilliant versatility of a band that has been around for over 20 years, as they combine their radio-ready entourage with a wide range of emotion form scathing anger, to blissful nostalgia and melancholic mourning. 79%Goo Goo Dolls on MySpace