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.

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.