CD: "Let Love In" by the Goo Goo Dolls; Warner Records

Released: April 26

Style: Rock

My take: It's hard to believe the Goo Goo Dolls have been around for 20 years. That isn't a shot at the band's talent — it's just until 1997, when it scored its first radio hit "Name," the Dolls were relatively unheard of. Once it had a taste of success, the band went for broke and put out 1998's "Dizzy Up the Girl," which launched it into rock superstardom, thanks mostly to the smash hit "Iris," famously part of the "City of Angels" soundtrack.

"Let Love In," with its Natalie Portman look-alike gracing the cover, is the band's celebration of two decades together. The biggest question is: Can the Dolls live up to expectations, considering it's been four years since its last studio album (2002's excellent "Gutterflower")?

Short answer: No. Long answer: No, mainly because "Love" could, and should, have been so much better. For a CD put out by 20-year veterans, it sounds incredibly slapped together and, it pains me to say this, generic. The production makes the songs, which are ballads or alterna-rock songs with ballad-like undertones, nearly blend together. You could play it through without noticing track changes.

One huge criticism of many modern rock bands is their albums consist of one or two made-for-MTV hits, with the remaining material acting as filler. What's sad is those criticisms are mostly validated. "Stay With You" is one of those songs that was given special care. With a catchy and (uncharacteristic for a Goo Goo Dolls song) crunchy opening riff and somewhat formulaic song structure, it's becoming a hit now. There are some other shining moments here, such as "Become" and the title track, but otherwise the record is mostly passable.

Another prime example of the rushed feel of this CD is the live cover of Supertramp's "Give a Little Bit." It's good, even better than the original, but there's no reason for it to be here. It was on the album "Live in Buffalo: July 4, 2004," and doesn't add anything with its inclusion. Why didn't the band record a studio cut? They know how to play the song, so why not re-record it instead of cutting corners and tacking on a finished version?

A surprising letdown is bassist Robby Takac's vocals. In past albums, he's shown real talent for singing, especially on "January Friend" from "Dizzy Up the Girl." It got to the point where he could break away and start his own band or take over the Dolls if something happened to Johnny Rzeznik. Here, his voice is mostly holstered, which is disappointing because he was always a pleasant addition to a Dolls album.

"Let Love In" was supposed to be a celebration of 20 years as a group, a real accomplishment because few new bands barely last five. What should have been a mind-blowing listening experience comes off as lame, rushed and weak. This CD capping off two decades of togetherness is like celebrating your graduation by skipping a party to watch DVDs at home. Let's hope the Goo Goo Dolls are around for a 25th- or 30th-anniversary CD.

Jeremy Castillo, who recently received his associate of arts degree from Windward Community College, is attending the University of Idaho.