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I think people just want to say that Weezer is never going to be as good as they were on the Blue Album and Pinkerton. Well I say down with the naysayers. Weezer’s latest self titled release, dubbed the Red Album hasn’t brought the return of Weezer’s early days but it has brought a more upbeat feel coupled with some slower, more emotional songs. Basically Weezer has brought back the album formula that they used on the Blue Album and Pinkerton. Obviously, Weezer will never be the same without Matt Sharp (who declined an invitation to be a fifth member on this recording) but this album is a step forward or “back” really because Rivers gave up the rains a little and let everyone else contribute to the songwriting process. I have only made a few listens through and I am already ready to say that this album is on the level of the earlier Weezer albums. Like the past Weezer album reviews I have done, I want to go through and discuss each song on the album.

“Troublemaker” – This song was an awesome selection to open the album because of its good times feel. I love the guitar riff on the drums on this song. The lyrical rap rock that Rivers has been famous for gives this song a Green Album feel to it. The driving pace really solidifies that. Clearly this song is going to be the next single off the album because it is very radio friendly.

“The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variation on a Shaker Hymn)” – This song has been dubbed Weezer’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and I actually feel like that is quite appropriate. They are many transitions of musical and lyrical styles. You have the rap rock in the beginning with sirens in the background and then the song closes with a traditional chord progression and driving lyrics. They are also many more styles thrown in the middle. I love the fact that Rivers took a chance with this one and really made it sound cool. This song is far from close to anything Weezer has done before, but it is easily my selection for the best song on the album.

“Pork and Beans” – Leaps and bounds better than the previous lead single on Make Believe that I dare not speak of. This song has an “El Scorcho” feel to it; it has the simple note plucking during the verses and chords at the chorus. Lyrically it’s a little corny, but you can’t not relate what Rivers is saying. I also love the underlying message of basically saying screw you everyone who only listens to the 20 by writing a song that will probably be in the top 20.

“Heart Songs” – Has a slower pace but the lyrics keep you interested. Rivers gives mention to many different artists from Bruce Springsteen to Michael Jackson. It is cool to hear about what artists people turn to from their childhood. I personally love the song because many of my own heart songs belong to Weezer.

“Everybody Get Dangerous” – This song has drawn criticism for its simplistic chorus and the background lyric, boo-yah. I took it like “Pork and Beans” its stab at people who just want to hear something catchy that can easily remember. If you really listen to the lyrics you’re really going to get a good laugh out of it because it lists off a series of teenage pranks that almost everyone has performed of thought of performing. I also thought the Rolling Stones type screeches at the end were cool.

“Dreamin’ ”- This song has a bit of a Make Believe feel to it. The lyrics are a little whiney, but the chorus keeps it from taking a turn for the worse. There are some transitions on this song that are a little weird. However, to me I am drawn in trying to figure out why. I was a little surprised at the selection of this song to be a single, but I can see that Weezer wants to maintain its emo roots. This is the perfect song for that.

“Thought I Knew” – This is the first of three songs that Rivers does not sing on. This one is composed and sung by Brain. When it was recorded it actually featured a drum machine and not a real drummer. I personally think it is a really cool song and gives you a different sound. Some people have been saying it doesn’t fit as a Weezer song but I think it does and it definitely belongs on this album.

“Cold Dark World” – Scott sings on this one, but Rivers takes over at the choruses. The song was also composed as a joint effort between the both of them. Scott actually sounds a lot Rivers during the verses because he adopted the speak/sing style. If you couldn’t have judged by the title this one really has a emo feel to it, but it is easily the best of three non-Rivers lead songs.

“Automatic” – Pat composed and sings this one, with Rivers switching to the drums. Pat actually sounds a lot like Rivers when he sings. The guitar crunches make it sound like a song from Maladroit. The lyrics are really cool and I would love to see Pat more involved in the lyric writing process in the future.

“The Angel and the One” – Follows the Weezer album formula by closing with a really heart felt dragging paced song. I like the song, but I feel that this one is the most difficult listen on the album. Unlike previous album closers “Only In Dreams” and “Butterfly” the guitar work is really simplistic and boring until the very end of the song.

“Miss Sweeny” – The first of four bonus tracks and is clearly the best one. The song is obscure and I actually think it would have been a cool inclusion on the non-deluxe version. This song tells a story and I think that is always a really cool aspect to add to music. I would get the deluxe edition just so you can hear this song.

“Pig” – I had already heard this song because it was put on the internet by Rivers as a demo a year or so ago. This song seems like it should belong on the soundtrack of Babe or something. I am not really a fan and I think Rivers should stay within the human element.

“The Spider” – This song features mostly an acoustic guitar and minimal percussion work. While the guitar is cool I think they really needed some drums here. The lyrics are a little weak here.

“King” – I don’t know why, but this song was left off the main album at the last minute. Scott got really pissed and Rivers told him to sing it and then they would add it as a bonus track. I really like this song, but I would rather have heard Rivers sing it. The lyrics are cool and it would have fit with what seems to be the theme of this album.

Well there you have it. The only songs that are mediocre are the bonus tracks “Pig” and “The Spider.” Other then those every song on this album has a little something for everyone. I just can’t stop listening. Rivers is obviously ecstatic with this release as well. After Make Believe was released he wasn’t sure if Weezer would ever release another album. In a very recent interview he said that Weezer has plans to release another album next year and he feels very positive about the band’s direction. That couldn’t make me happier. I don’t really know what else to say besides good work fellas and see you on tour when that happens!

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