Spring Break
Review: Weezer new album totally not 'rad'
3.5/10 stars
Mike Northup
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Focus
After listening to Weezer's latest release, "Raditude," I can only wonder what it would be like for the Rivers Cuomo of 1996 to meet the Rivers Cuomo of 2009. Would he even recognize himself? Sure, he'd still have the same Buddy Holly glasses and haircut, but rest assured modern-day Rivers is quite the different guy and this is far from the same band that released one of the most emotionally revealing albums of the '90s in "Pinkerton."
Since the decade began, Cuomo has slowly shied away from the deeply confessional lyrics that defined much of early-day Weezer and the music has gotten significantly more polished when compared to the almost lo-fi of the blue album and "Pinkerton." The shift has left Weezer fans in two camps: those desperately waiting for blue album or "Pinkerton" redux and those who've grown to accept, and even love, new-look Weezer.
Which brings us to "Raditude," Weezer's 7th full-length release, and, as the ridiculous name (which was suggested by "The Office"'s Rainn Wilson) might suggest, those in the first camp are going to be disappointed. "Raditude" is 33 minutes of what are easily the most top-40-influenced, schlocky pop rock the band has put to record. And while the album has its fun moments, it never quite lives up to the "radness" of its name and is sure to be the final straw for old-school Weezer fans.
For the album's production, Weezer turned to Dr. Luke, the same man responsible for producing pop chart toppers Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry and Daughtry to name a few, and its quite evident in the songs. For starters, there's the superficial "I'm Your Daddy" and the arena rock-inspired "Girl Got Hot." Both are heavily polished and never get any deeper than wanting to meet a girl on the dance floor.
"Can't Stop Partying," a synth-drenched track which features Lil Wayne of all people, has Cuomo demanding Patron, jewels and fancy cars. It's devoid of the slight cynicism that made "Make Believe's" "Beverly Hills" even remotely acceptable.
That's not to say the whole album is a waste. The guys in Weezer still know their way around a hook. The first single, "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To," is about as infectiously catchy a song as Cuomo has ever written, even if it's about nothing more than wanting to re-live teenage puppy love. And while "Tripping Down the Freeway" is bubbly as hell, it's still fun enough to warrant repeat listens.
In all, however, it's not enough to save what is ultimately a forgettable album that proves that, for better or for worse, the Rivers Cuomo of 1996 is long gone and new-look, pop-driven Weezer is here to stay.
Check out: "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To"
Since the decade began, Cuomo has slowly shied away from the deeply confessional lyrics that defined much of early-day Weezer and the music has gotten significantly more polished when compared to the almost lo-fi of the blue album and "Pinkerton." The shift has left Weezer fans in two camps: those desperately waiting for blue album or "Pinkerton" redux and those who've grown to accept, and even love, new-look Weezer.
Which brings us to "Raditude," Weezer's 7th full-length release, and, as the ridiculous name (which was suggested by "The Office"'s Rainn Wilson) might suggest, those in the first camp are going to be disappointed. "Raditude" is 33 minutes of what are easily the most top-40-influenced, schlocky pop rock the band has put to record. And while the album has its fun moments, it never quite lives up to the "radness" of its name and is sure to be the final straw for old-school Weezer fans.
For the album's production, Weezer turned to Dr. Luke, the same man responsible for producing pop chart toppers Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry and Daughtry to name a few, and its quite evident in the songs. For starters, there's the superficial "I'm Your Daddy" and the arena rock-inspired "Girl Got Hot." Both are heavily polished and never get any deeper than wanting to meet a girl on the dance floor.
"Can't Stop Partying," a synth-drenched track which features Lil Wayne of all people, has Cuomo demanding Patron, jewels and fancy cars. It's devoid of the slight cynicism that made "Make Believe's" "Beverly Hills" even remotely acceptable.
That's not to say the whole album is a waste. The guys in Weezer still know their way around a hook. The first single, "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To," is about as infectiously catchy a song as Cuomo has ever written, even if it's about nothing more than wanting to re-live teenage puppy love. And while "Tripping Down the Freeway" is bubbly as hell, it's still fun enough to warrant repeat listens.
In all, however, it's not enough to save what is ultimately a forgettable album that proves that, for better or for worse, the Rivers Cuomo of 1996 is long gone and new-look, pop-driven Weezer is here to stay.
Check out: "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To"
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