Secret Crushes: Goo Goo Dolls & Color Me Badd

Don and Dude get honest about the records that live in their guilty pleasure zone. These are favorites we rarely admit loving but revisit for comfort, catharsis, and cool-defying joy. Get ready for heartfelt hooks, lush harmonies, and surprising confessions.

These are the records we play in private, the ones that keep finding their way back onto the playlist, no matter what critics say. From grungy Buffalo alt-rock to glossy New Jack Swing, this episode is all about celebrating what truly moves us.

Goo Goo Dolls – Dizzy Up The Girl (1998)

Buffalo band’s sixth album shows John Rzeznik’s transition from punk covers to melodic, alternative rock stardom. Produced by Rob Cavallo, the band delivers earnest lyrics paired with arena-ready production. They found massive success after the breakthrough single “Name”.

This record features a blend of punk grit with pop-rock polish. Upbeat riffs, cinematic string arrangements by David Campbell, and vulnerable songwriting all combine to make their sound distinct. Tracks like “Dizzy,” “Black Balloon,” “Broadway,” and “Iris” balance introspection and radio-friendliness. Deep cuts add emotional complexity and raw energy. The album established the Goo Goo Dolls as melodic hit-makers and proved vulnerability and anthems can work together.

Color Me Badd – C.M.B. (1991)

The breakout debut from this Oklahoma City vocal group became a cornerstone of R&B, pop, and New Jack Swing. Founding members Bryan Abrams, Mark Calderon, Sam Watters, and Kevin Thornton worked with Dr. Freeze, Howie Tee, and Nick Mundy on production. Their blend of doo-wop harmonies, polished synths, and playful sex appeal brought crossover chart success and influenced future vocal groups.

This album features slow jams and party anthems with a playful spirit, classic ‘90s radio gold. Signature grooves sample Betty Wright and Lyn Collins, hooks loop through rich harmonies, and the vibe shifts from gospel inspiration to hints of Latin pop. C.M.B. went triple platinum, set a new standard for pop-R&B, and paved the way for a wave of boy bands and vocal groups to follow.

Diggin’

Dude:

Carter Faith – Cherry Valley (2025) This debut blends cinematic country, indie spirit, and strong songwriting, especially on “Sex, Drugs and Country Music.”

America – America (1971) A folk-rock classic packed with acoustic warmth, reflective themes, and “A Horse With No Name”.

Don:

Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl (2025) Upbeat pop and soft rock inspired by Eras Tour moments and high-profile relationships. “The Fate of Ophelia” stands out.

Gary Numan – Telekon (1980) A synth-driven, dystopian electronic album that inspired the future of industrial music, highlighted by “We Are Glass”.

What album is your secret crush? Tell us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and BlueSky at @albumnerds or at albumsnerds.com. Support the show by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and sharing those guilty pleasures.