Secret Cruses: 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.

What happens when heavy riffs meet raw emotion? This week, Don and Dude dive into two landmark albums that launched Nu Metal from underground oddity to global phenomenon, blending hip-hop, metal, and vulnerability in ways rock had never witnessed.Born in the late '90s, Nu Metal fused bruising guitar riffs, hip-hop swagger, and electronic experimentation, connecting deeply with fans wrestling alienation, trauma, and identity. These albums didn’t just soundtrack angst, they rewrote heavy music’s rulebook.Korn – Korn (1994)Background: Debut record by Bakersfield’s five-piece, produced by Ross Robinson at Indigo Ranch, captured mostly live for maximum intensity. Jonathan Davis’s anguished vocals, Fieldy’s clacking bass, and down-tuned Ibanez 7-string guitars created Nu Metal’s foundation.Sound/Legacy: A claustrophobic nightmare of sludgy riffs, twisted nursery rhymes, and unfiltered emotion—Korn’s first single “Blind” became a genre’s birth cry, while “Daddy” redefined honesty in heavy music. The album’s “bounce metal” sound, real-time aggression, and confrontational lyrics inspired an army of imitators.Key Tracks: “Blind,” “Shoots and Ladders,” “Faget,” “Clown,” “Helmet in the Bush,” “Daddy.”Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory (2000)Background: Los Angeles band, renamed and reimagined when Chester Bennington joined, fused emotional rock, rap, and DJ effects for a style that stormed radio, MTV, and the hearts of millions. Producer Don Gilmore’s perfectionist approach resulted in a polished sonic punch.Sound/Legacy: Hybrid Theory delivered universally relatable lyrics—paranoia, frustration, failure—through a seamless interplay of Mike Shinoda’s rap and Chester Bennington’s soaring melodies. Every song packs arena-ready hooks and emotional weight, making the album a nu metal, rap-rock, and emo touchstone.Key Tracks: “Papercut,” “One Step Closer,” “Points of Authority,” “Crawling,” “In the End,” “A Place for My Head,” “Pushing Me Away.”Diggin’Dude:Mirador – Mirador (2025)Debut from Greta Van Fleet’s Jake Kiszka and company, recorded live, blending rock, folk, blues, country themes of myth, hope, and identity.“Feels Like Gold”The Go-Go’s – Beauty and the Beat (1981)Punk to new wave classic, hit singles “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “We Got the Beat.”Don:The Pink Stones – Thank the Lord… It’s The Pink Stones (2025)Athens, GA cosmic Americana, rootsy punk, country, and psychedelic mix.“If I Can’t Win (With You)”Andy Bell – Ten Crowns (2025)Erasure frontman’s third solo, produced by Dave Audé, mixes Eurodisco, synth-pop, gospel; features Debbie Harry.“Hearts a Liar”What song helped you survive your angsty years?Connect on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and BlueSky @albumnerds or at albumsnerds.com. Support the show: subscribe, rate, review, and spread the word!

What happens when classic literature inspires classic albums? This week, Dude and Don explore two towering concept records that channel the words and worlds of famous authors, transforming poems and dystopias into some of rock’s most ambitious music.Theme: Albums Inspired by Books From Poe to Orwell, musicians have long found fuel in the pages of novels and poems—turning tales of fear, fate, and rebellion into creative sonic journeys.1. The Alan Parsons Project – Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1976)Background: Debut album by producer Alan Parsons and songwriter Eric Woolfson, tales of Edgar Allan Poe reimagined in progressive rock. Features guest vocals from John Miles, Arthur Brown, and orchestral flourishes by Andrew Powell.Sound/Legacy: Cinematic, theatrical prog with standout studio effects (early use of vocoder on “The Raven”) and lush orchestration. A cult classic, it set a standard for literary concept albums—melding horror, drama, and symphonic grandeur.Key Tracks: “A Dream Within a Dream,” “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Fall of the House of Usher.”2. David Bowie – Diamond Dogs (1974)Background: Eighth Bowie album, born from an abandoned adaptation of Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, blends dystopian fiction with glam, proto-punk, and theatrical storytelling. Bowie takes the reins on guitar and production.Sound/Legacy: Razor-edged and restless, this LP combines dark glam anthems with fragmented narrative and new techniques like Burroughs’ “cut-up” lyrics. “Rebel Rebel” provides glittery hooks, while Halloween Jack and Hunger City stalk its dystopian landscape. Influenced punk and goth scenes to come.Key Tracks: “Diamond Dogs,” “Sweet Thing/Candidate,” “Rebel Rebel,” “Chant of the Ever Circling Skeletal Family.”Diggin’The Hives – Forever Forever The Hives (2025)Duran Duran – Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983)Of Monsters and Men – All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade (2025)Kathleen Edwards – Billionaire (2025)Join Us What book would make a wild concept album? Hit us up @albumnerds on socials or email [email protected]. Full archive: albumnerds.com. Share, subscribe, and review!

What makes a classic compilation album? This week, Dude and Don explore the role compilations play in music history: introducing new genres, bridging musical generations, and proving the staying power of great songs. From Stax and Atlantic soul to KISS’s stadium anthems reimagined, we celebrate two landmark compilations that defined eras for new listeners and longtime fans.The Theme: Why Compilations MatterVarious artist compilations curate the sound of a scene, a label, or a moment, letting listeners discover diverse voices side by side. Whether for promotion, charity, or creative tribute, these albums shape how entire generations experience and remember music.Album #1: This Is Soul (1968)Artists: Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Percy Sledge, Sam & Dave, Ben E. King, moreBackground: Issued by Atlantic Records for the UK, showcasing both Stax and Atlantic soul stars; quickly became the UK’s gateway to American soul. Features 12 definitive tracks from Pickett's “Mustang Sally” to Aretha’s “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”.Sound: Cohesive due to Muscle Shoals and Stax/Volt studio magic—tight grooves, big horns, urgent vocals.Legacy: Cemented soul’s place in popular music; educated a generation; still one of the best introductions to the genre.Songs: “Mustang Sally,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “B-A-B-Y,” “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song),” “Land of a Thousand Dances” and more.Album #2: Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved (1994)Artists: Lenny Kravitz (with Stevie Wonder), Anthrax, Garth Brooks, Shandi’s Addiction, Toad the Wet Sprocket, moreBackground: Official 20th-anniversary KISS tribute, curated by Gene Simmons, uniting alt-rockers, country stars, and metal bands; gold-certified, sweeping styles from rock to orchestral piano.Sound: Every cover brings a new color—funk-infused by Kravitz, thrash by Anthrax, mellow by Toad. Highlights what makes KISS songs durable.Legacy: Shifted focus from KISS’s image to their songwriting craft, underlining their influence across genres and eras.Songs: “Deuce,” “Calling Dr. Love,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Black Diamond,” and more reimagined for the ‘90s and beyond.Diggin’Curtis Harding – Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt (2025): Space-funk concept album with deep soul roots.Ratt – Out of the Cellar (1984): Polished ‘80s glam metal and classic MTV glam hooks.Cut Copy – Moments (2025): Australian indie-dance euphoria.Anne Murray – Here You Are (2025): Canadian pop/country veteran covers timeless standards.Join the ConversationWhat compilations got you hooked on a genre or artist? Share with us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, or BlueSky @albumnerds or email [email protected]. For more, check albumnerds.com and subscribe wherever you listen.Wrap up: “Classic compilations like these aren’t just playlists—they’re passports to musical worlds. Keep spinning, keep diggin’, and keep sharing the records that move you!”

What makes New Wave tick? Find out as special guest Steve from The New Wave Music Podcast joins us for a deep dive into the colorful, cult-worthy world of Oingo Boingo’s Dead Man’s Party. We tackle what defines the genre, break down standout tracks, and explore the influence of theatrical rock, synths, and Halloween vibes!Guest Spotlight: Steve from The New Wave Music PodcastSteve’s podcast is your go-to for core new wave artist interviews, reviews, and news. What is New Wave?Emerging in the late ‘70s, New Wave evolved punk’s spirit but added pop hooks, danceable rhythms, synths, and quirky visuals. It ranges from guitar-driven acts (The Cars, Blondie) to synth specialists (Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears), known for fashion, irony, and experimentation that defined the sound and style of the ‘80s.Album: Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party (1985)Oingo Boingo, led by Danny Elfman, transformed from theatrical troupe to horn-driven new wave band. Their fifth album, Dead Man’s Party, blends eccentric energy with dark humor and Halloween iconography. Released in October 1985, it includes hits “Weird Science” (John Hughes’ film) and the enduring title track, now a Halloween staple.Diggin’ Joe Jackson – Look Sharp! (1979): British new wave/punk/reggae blend, witty lyrics, iconic LP cover.OMD – Crush (40th Anniversary Deluxe Reissue, 2025): UK synth-pop classics, deluxe remaster, unreleased mixes.Julian Shah Tayler – Elysium (2022): Concept album blending new wave, post-punk, and modern electro, featuring David J from Bauhaus/Love and Rockets.Join the ConversationShare New Wave-inspired style choices, your favorite Oingo Boingo tracks, or what you’re currently spinning—Instagram/Facebook @albumnerds or [email protected]. Full episode archive at albumnerds.com. Subscribe, rate, and review to support the show!

Album Nerds – Episode 305: Bands Across America – CanadaFeatured Albums:Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967)Bryan Adams – Reckless (1984)Episode HighlightsThe summer road trip heads north to Canada! We celebrate Canadian music with two landmark albums: Leonard Cohen’s introspective folk debut and Bryan Adams’ chart-topping rock anthem machine. Tune in for in-depth discussion, standout tracks, production tales, and how each record weaves into the tapestry of Canadian culture.Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard CohenCohen’s 1967 debut is a masterclass in poetic songwriting and sparse, haunting folk. His background as a Montreal-born novelist shapes every lyric, blending themes of love, spirituality, and alienation.Bryan Adams – RecklessReleased in 1984, Adams’s biggest record was a cornerstone of ‘80s FM rock, packed with energy, hooks, and radio-ready polish.What We’re Diggin’Bask – The Turning (2025): Heavy Americana blending psychedelic, stoner, and Appalachian influences, telling cosmic and country-tinged stories.Mastodon – Blood Mountain (2006): Progressive sludge-metal concept album full of wild, intricate songcraft.Panic Priest – Once Wild (2025): Chicago darkwave with atmospheric synths, baritone vocals, and a dance-driven edge.Don Beck – Dark to Light (2025): Colorado indie songwriter delivers faith-rooted, gospel-tinged tracks recorded at home.Shout-Out: Check out music pods like Can I Pod With Madness? for more 80s/90s metal deep-dives.Share your favorite Canadian album or musical memory on our socials @albumnerds or email [email protected]. Full episode archives at albumnerds.com. Please subscribe, rate, and review to support the show.

Album Nerds – Episode 304: Bands Across America – GeorgiaFeatured Albums:The B-52s – Cosmic Thing (1989)Mastodon – Crack the Skye (2009)Episode Highlights: Our summer road trip rolls into Georgia—the “Peach State”—where Southern roots, funk, campy art-pop, and cosmic metal collide.Dance through Athens with The B-52s’ neon-colored Cosmic Thing—their joyful, funky comeback that turned grief into glitter, resilience, and universal celebration.Travel from Atlanta to the astral plane with Mastodon’s Crack the Skye—a prog-metal masterpiece mixing sludge, mythology, Rasputin, and raw grief into one of the 2000s’ most ambitious albums.We dig into standout tracks, the production magic of Nile Rodgers, Don Was, and Brendan O’Brien, and how both bands shaped Georgia’s diverse musical legacy—from art-pop quirk to modern metal greatness.Don asks a deep question, we share what we’re “diggin’,” and spin the Wheel of Musical Discovery—which sends us headed north, across the border, to Canada!What We’re Diggin’:Charley Crockett – Dollar a Day (2025): Neo-traditional country with cinematic Americana storytelling.Men at Work – Business as Usual (1981): Aussie new-wave/reggae-pop with quirky hooks and unforgettable sax & flute riffs.Coley Kennedy – Neptune Blue (2025): Michigan songwriter’s heartfelt, post-punk-tinged indie rock.Pile – Sunshine and Balance Beams (2025): Experimental, genre-bending indie that blurs the line between folk-punk and post-rock.Shout-Out: This week we recommend checking out the Astrovert Podcast—hosted by Mike and Jake—covering underground and progressive rock/metal, plus stories from their band’s journey. A great listen if you like your music talk raw and heavy.Join the Conversation: What’s your favorite Georgia album or musical memory? Share it with us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and BlueSky @albumnerds—or email us anytime at [email protected] Stop: 🍁 Canada!

Album Nerds – Episode 303: Bands Across America – PennsylvaniaFeatured Albums:The Roots – Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995)Live – Throwing Copper (1994)Episode Highlights:Our summer road trip stops in Pennsylvania—the “Keystone State”—where creativity and music history meet in places like Philadelphia and York.Dive into The Roots' genre-bending jazz-rap, fueled by live instruments and Philly soul.Relive Live’s high-drama, spiritually charged alt-rock, with anthems rooted in small-town struggles and hope.We chat standout tracks, killer production details, and how both records helped shape ‘90s music and Pennsylvania’s legacy.Don asks a deep question, we share what we’re “diggin’,” and spin the Wheel of Musical Discovery to reveal the next state: Georgia!What We’re Diggin’:Hayes Carll – We’re Only Human (2025): Honest, introspective Americana.Joan Jett & the Blackhearts – I Love Rock ’n Roll (1981): Timeless punk-rock attitude.Luke Haines & Peter Buck – Going Down to the River to Blow My Mind (2025): Surreal indie pop.B-Movie – Hidden Treasures (2025): Early ’80s new wave, finally heard.Shout-Out: Check out the Polyphonic Press podcast for deep-dive album reviews that’ll broaden your tastes!Join the Conversation: What’s your favorite Pennsylvania album or musical memory? Find us on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds—or email [email protected] Stop: Georgia

Bands Across America: TexasSt. Vincent – St. Vincent (2014) & Ryan Bingham – Fear and Saturday Night (2015)Our summer road trip rumbles into Texas—the Lone Star State, where musical legends roam just as freely as longhorn cattle. From the genre-blurring art-pop genius of Dallas native Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent) to the dust-worn Americana storytelling of Ryan Bingham, our two stops this week show just how wide the Texas soundscape can stretch. We get funky, fearless, and a little bit heartbroken as we explore the albums that put these artists on the global map while keeping one boot planted firmly in Texas soil.What’s Inside:St. Vincent’s self-titled album — bold, surreal, and genre‑defying: avant‑garde pop hooks wrapped in guitar wizardry and sly cultural critiqueRyan Bingham’s Fear and Saturday Night — an intimate, roots‑driven journey through loss, resilience, and hard‑earned hopeOur takes on standout tracks, production approaches, and how these records’ legacies continue to evolveDeep questions, click‑bait headlines, and a spin of the Wheel of Musical Discovery to see where the road takes us nextDiggin’:Lifeguard – Ripped and Torn (2025): Chicago post‑punk youth movement at its wiry, dance‑punk bestDio – Holy Diver (1983): Heavy metal classic of cosmic redemption and immortal riffsThe Armed – The Future Is Here and Everything Needs to Be Destroyed (2025): Detroit’s anonymous hardcore collective adds melody without losing fireTom Odell – A Wonderful Life (2025): Piano-led indie pop with cathartic swells of hope and despairPodcast Shout-Out: Check out Music Notes with Jess — your weekly guide to what’s trending in music, with insider insight and infectious enthusiasm.Join the Conversation! What’s your favorite Texas album? What are you spinning lately? Drop us a line on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, and Threads @albumnerds, or email us at [email protected] for riding with us—next stop: Pennsylvania!

Bands Across America: FloridaMiami Sound Machine – Primitive Love (1985) & Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes (1979)Our summer album road trip rolls into Florida—the land of sunshine, Latin pop crossovers, and resilient American rock. This week, we spin through two defining Florida albums and highlight what else we’ve been “diggin’.”What’s InsideMiami Sound Machine – Primitive Love (August 1985)Produced by Emilio Estefan Jr., this is the record that propelled Miami Sound Machine—and Gloria Estefan—onto the American pop stage. The album’s romantic, hypnotic energy comes through both in the high-energy club cuts and the gentle emotional ballads.Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes (October 1979)Gainesville’s own Tom Petty anchors the Heartbreakers’ classic lineup in this heartland rock classic, co-produced with Jimmy Iovine.Diggin’Cody Jinks – In My Blood (2025): Honest, soulful outlaw country.Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard of Oz: Classic album, prized for high sonic clarity Jet pressing.Amanda Shires – Nobody’s Girl (2025): Resilience after heartbreak.Billy Joel – And So It Goes (2025): HBO documentary.The Worst Podcast on Mars: Another great music podcast.Thanks for cruising down the Florida highway with us! What do you think about these Florida albums? Find us on Instagram and Facebook @albumnerds.Thanks for joining us on Bands Across America! Next stop: Texas