Rock fans of course need no introduction to the Goo Goo Dolls, who were "alternative" in the 80s and crossed over to the charts in the 1990s. For 2020, they've planted their flag in the Christmas realm with this album, and fans will find plenty that's familiar, not just the band's sound but the reliance on cover tunes. Two of 10 songs are new originals, "This is Christmas" and "You Ain't Getting Nothin'," the former a holiday ballad and the latter a sassy warning about making the naughty list. They've also repurposed one of their older songs, "Better Days," to fit the holidays, featuring Sydney McGorman, daughter of the album's co-producer, on lead vocal. Also on the playlist is their version of Tom Petty's "Christmas All Over Again," Louie Prima's "Shake Hands With Santa Claus," the Chipmunks' classic "Christmas Don't Be Late," perennials "Let It Snow," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "The Christmas Party," which is a carol medley taken from "A Charlie Brown Christmas." The band notes this was recorded under quarantine conditions, which may explain the reliance on covers. All told, a solid rocker but shined to a pop sheen to reach the largest audience. UPDATE: Reissued for 2021 with two additional songs, the new original "One Last Song About Christmas" and a version of "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" featuring Kudisan Kai. Check it out.
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