We Are the Normal

1993 single by Goo Goo Dolls

"We Are the Normal"

Single by Goo Goo Dolls

from the album Superstar Car Wash

B-side

"Another Second Time Around"

Released

April 22, 1993

Genre

Alternative rock
power pop^[1]

Length

3:39

Label

Warner Bros.

Songwriter(s)

John Rzeznik, Robby Takac, George Tutuska, Paul Westerberg

Goo Goo Dolls singles chronology

"I'm Awake Now"
(1991)

"We Are the Normal"
(1993)

"Only One"
(1995)

"We Are the Normal" is a song by the Goo Goo Dolls. It was the only single from their fourth album Superstar Car Wash, which allowed them to collaborate with one of their primary influences, Paul Westerberg of The Replacements.^[2] The song was a minor success for the Goo Goo Dolls, managing to hit number 5 on the US Modern Rock chart.

Like many of the early Goo Goo Dolls singles, "We Are the Normal" was released in a promotional one-track format only.

Writing and composition

Westerberg co-wrote the track, which is notable for its dynamic range: soft instrumental passages in which a mournful yet melodic viola is interwoven with acoustic guitars; driving, electrified verses in which John Rzeznik's vocals are delivered with a twisted blend of urgency and apathy; and a soaring, anthemic chorus. Rzeznik wrote the music and sent it to Westerberg on a cassette, and Westerberg wrote the lyrics based on the music.

Charts

Chart (1993)	Peak position
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)^[3]	5

References

^ Schoemer, Karen (January 29, 1993). "Sounds Around Town". The New York Times. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
^ Phipps, Keith. "Paul Westerberg". www.avclub.com. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
^ "Goo Goo Dolls Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 August 2017.