Weezer hits big with their fourth self-titled album

With the release of their tenth studio album last Friday, Weezer has proven themselves once more to an entire generation.

Their first few albums exploded to the charts in the mid to late 1990s. Produced by The Cars singer Ric Ocasec, The Blue Album and Pinkerton have since held their own as intense influences in modern pop-rock.

However, for many fans, the mid-2000s were a stain on the face of Weezer. Lead singer Rivers Cuomo’s change in direction from deep, hard-hitting riffs in “Say It Ain’t So” to pop-based melodies in “The Girl Got Hot” left listeners scratching their heads. It seemed the band was more concerned with pleasing the critics than their fans.

No one expected Weezer to put out anything of substance following the 2009 release of Raditude. Critics slammed Cuomo for selling out, which was clearly the case; this once-rock band brought rapper Lil’ Wayne in for a song. It’s not often that an artist alienates his fan base to such an extent, but Cuomo found a way.

Then came October of 2014. Ric Ocasec returned to provide some much-needed insight. The result was a pleasant surprise; Everything Will Be Alright In The End is eerily reminiscent of Pinkerton with its memorable choruses and powerful vocals.

EWBAITE is a return to form; Weezer (White Album) is a return to peak.

Their first concept album since Pinkerton, this new release has confirmed what many were hoping: the band is back and here to stay. For the first time in over a decade, fans can listen to a new Weezer album for what it is rather than to compare it to the early days.

Among the strongest of the track list are “Wind in Our Sail,” which features Cuomo’s soaring vocals, and “Summer Elaine and Drunk Dori.” “L.A. Girlz” and “Jacked Up” draw enough inspiration from the first two albums while still bringing something new to the table, and that makes them something special.

It says something about the quality of the album overall that the weakest link is “Thank God for Girls,” considering it’s not necessarily a bad song. “Endless Bummer” wraps up the list on a somber note and it couldn’t be more fitting.

The lack of synthetic drums and auto-tuning vocals is inspiring to listeners, as it appears Weezer knows what kind of band it is again. Weezer (White Album) represents what they should’ve been at the turn of the century, and once again, fans are excited about Weezer’s future.
Rating:4/5