The Goo Goo Dolls busted out of Buffalo's late ‘80s rock scene with crackling riffs and a brash attitude, and became worldwide superstars when they softened their approach a few years later. With John Rzeznik at the helm, they've retained their commitment to jangly guitars and Replacements-inspired verve on tracks like the giddy “Slide” and the crashing “Long Way Down,” but their pop ballads, particularly the sweeping “Iris” and the introspective “Name,” have forged a new path for alt-rockers who want to walk on the lighter side.