Introduction
Few songs in rock history resonate as deeply as the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris.” Released in 1998 as part of the City of Angels soundtrack, the song quickly became a generational anthem—an emotional powerhouse with soaring melodies and aching lyrics. So when Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Julia Wolf released their cover for the 2022 film Crush, fans were curious: Could they capture the same magic?
The answer? Not quite. While their stripped-down, moody version offers a modern twist, it falls short of the raw intensity and timeless appeal of the original.
1. Vocal Performance: Emotion vs. Detachment
🎤 Goo Goo Dolls (Original)
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John Rzeznik’s voice is powerful, aching, and full of yearning.
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The chorus explodes with passion—you feel every syllable.
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His delivery makes the vulnerability universally relatable.
🎶 Listen on YouTube
🎧 MGK & Julia Wolf (Cover)
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MGK’s raspy, half-spoken tone lacks the emotional range the song demands.
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Julia Wolf’s soft, ethereal harmonies are sweet but overly subdued.
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The result feels emotionally flat—more aesthetic than heartfelt.
Verdict: The original’s vocals are a gut-punch. The cover sounds like it’s holding back.
2. Instrumentation & Production: Epic vs. Underwhelming
🎸 Goo Goo Dolls (Original)
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Layered acoustic and electric guitars build into a sweeping, cinematic crescendo.
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The drums and bass lend the song a full-bodied, rock anthem feel.
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Every element amplifies the drama, making it unforgettable.
🎼 MGK & Julia Wolf (Cover)
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Stripped-down acoustic guitar and lo-fi beats reduce the song’s scale.
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The mood is mellow, fitting for a soundtrack—but it drains the song’s intensity.
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There’s no sonic climax—just a static, ambient loop.
Verdict: The cover is stylistically interesting, but it loses the emotional rise and fall that made the original legendary.
3. Emotional Impact: Heart-Wrenching vs. Forgettable
💔 Original:
Feels like a desperate confession of love and pain.
“And I don’t want the world to see me / ‘Cause I don’t think that they’d understand…”
Rzeznik sings this like a man baring his soul.
💤 Cover:
Feels more like background music in a teen drama—pleasant, but not piercing.
While the moodiness fits modern tastes, it lacks the depth to make a lasting impression.
Why the Original Still Wins
✔ Lyrics hit harder when delivered with full emotional commitment.
✔ Production elevates the experience—it doesn’t dull it.
✔ Timelessness—over 25 years later, it still gives listeners chills.
Final Verdict: The Cover Is Fine, But the Original Is Legendary
MGK & Julia Wolf’s Version: ★★☆☆☆ (5/10)
✅ Pros: A moody, modern interpretation; Julia Wolf adds a dreamy layer.
❌ Cons: Lacks vocal power, thin production, misses the song’s soul.
Goo Goo Dolls’ Original: ★★★★★ (10/10)
🔥 Why it endures: Unfiltered emotion, masterful instrumentation, and a chorus that still echoes in hearts decades later.
Conclusion: Some Songs Don’t Need Reinventing
MGK and Julia Wolf’s version isn’t bad—it’s just unnecessary. While it offers a softer, indie-pop take, it pales next to a track that already perfected the art of emotional storytelling. If you’re looking for real vulnerability, cinematic sound, and unforgettable impact, stick with the classic.