"Goo" marks the sixth full-length studio album by the American alternative rock band Sonic Youth, hitting the shelves on June 26, 1990, courtesy of DGC Records. With this album, the band aimed to build upon the trademark alternating guitar arrangements and layered sound showcased in their previous work, "Daydream Nation" (1988), while delving into more topical songwriting themes such as female empowerment and pop culture. Following the success of "Daydream Nation," Nick Sansano returned to engineer "Goo," but Sonic Youth opted for veteran producer Ron Saint Germain to complete the album's mixing after Sansano's departure.
 
Upon its release, "Goo" garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching its highest chart position yet at number 96 on the US Billboard 200. Despite limited radio exposure, its lead single "Kool Thing," a collaboration with Public Enemy's Chuck D, made waves by climbing to number seven on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Over time, "Goo" has solidified its place as one of alternative rock's pivotal albums, revered for its musical and artistic significance. In 2020, Rolling Stone recognized the album's impact by ranking it at number 358 on their list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.