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Boxes Image
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

  • Summary: The 11th full-length studio release for the Buffalo rock duo of John Rzeznik and Robby Takac is its first without drummer Mike Malinin who left the band in 2013.
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  • Record Label: Warner Bros.
  • Genre(s): Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock
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Top Track

Boxes
I need a family to drive me crazy Call me out when I'm low and lazy It won't be perfect, but we'll be fine Cause I've got your back, and you've got... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. 70
    At its best, the results of this level of craftsmanship are thrilling.
  2. May 17, 2016
    70
    While not everything is successful on Boxes--for example, the midtempo, electronic-burnished "Lucky One" tries too hard to sound modern--every song has seamless arrangements and a distinctive approach.
  3. May 17, 2016
    60
    This is a record that attempts to unfold but remains grounded within its own humble limitations.
  4. Magnet
    Aug 2, 2016
    50
    As meticulously milquetoast as the entirety of this is, there are deadly sharp adult contemporary hooks on "Over & Over" and "The Pin," though the pervasive electronic beats, the obnoxious layer of acoustic strumming and raise-your-beer-and-hum choruses are symbols of a band lock-stepping in with whatever goes over best with casual listeners. [No. 132, p.55]
  5. May 17, 2016
    20
    Long-running bands that maintain success--a rarity in itself--do so by varying their sound and by exploring new ideas, by maturing with their audience. Boxes is a sloppy attempt to follow that charted path.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Jul 1, 2016
    10
    I feel like I'm the only one who loves and adore this album on this website. Anyway, this album is the best album I've ever owned. LiterallyI feel like I'm the only one who loves and adore this album on this website. Anyway, this album is the best album I've ever owned. Literally to be honest, all 11 songs are so beautiful, relaxing and very charming. I just technically love it because I've been a massive fan of The Goo Goo Dolls for like 2 years and their music are totally awesome and that's why I technically love it. I can't wait to see them live at the Birmingham O2 Institute on October, It's the very first time I've ever went to a concert and really looking forward to it. It was really worth the wait! and more worthy waiting than Blink-182's new album to be honest. Flipping terrific awesome album! GOO GOO DOLLS FOREVER!! Expand
  2. Jul 5, 2016
    8
    The Goo Goo Dolls have always presented a known quantity to their fans and this album is no exception. Tight songs with good productionThe Goo Goo Dolls have always presented a known quantity to their fans and this album is no exception. Tight songs with good production values punctuated by John Rzeznik's unique voice are still largely the norm on Boxes. The big change you'll notice on this record is that John co-wrote most of the songs as opposed to being the sole creative force as in the past. This is certainly not their best effort, but it's tough to top the giant hits they've had in the past.

    Highlights on this record include a duet with the very young Sydney Sierota from Echosmith on Flood; and the anthem-ready song The Pin. The single So Alive was just okay for me even while I applaud John's somewhat newfound sobriety. Only the song Free of Me struck me as a cringe-worthy attempt at sounding like a boy band and will be quickly skipped by most people.

    Veteran fans will likely enjoy this album, while newcomers should checkout the older catalog.
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  3. Sep 2, 2016
    8
    While this album has its number of very good songs, and, in fact, produced the first Goo Goo Dolls classic in a decade ("So Alive"), the songsWhile this album has its number of very good songs, and, in fact, produced the first Goo Goo Dolls classic in a decade ("So Alive"), the songs that didn't work were very average, and in the case of songs like "Souls In The Machine" and "Prayer In My Pocket", downright bad. The album still contains the Goo Goo Dolls touch, though, but doesn't expand upon anything they didn't do with 2010's "Something For The Rest Of Us" or 2013's "Magnetic". Expand