MOG

Crunchy guitars, rap lyrics, and hymns are just are a few of things that make this album great, but more than anything we’re just happy to have Weezer back. Weezer’s Red Album is a breathe of fresh air for the band that’s basically been missing for the past few years. Honest, silly, and generally very fun, the Red Album brings back the Weezer we’ve always loved.

I was in high school when Weezer came back from their 3 year hiatus with the Green Album. At that time it was the most talked about record I can remember probably because of the large gap in their albums. But I would by lying if I didn’t think that’s how the past 6 year have felt for me and Weezer–that is, it feels like a huge gap. Their previous 2 albums Maladroit and Make Believe didn’t really deliver. Make Believe had it’s moments with the single "Beverly Hills" and the song "My Best Friend", but other than those two I can’t think of any other tracks my name off either album. The truth is, nothing has really come close to their breakout "Blue Album", so even if any of their albums since had great tracks they were lost in the sea of poor ones. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always be a Weezer fan. But sometimes fans have to be honest, and honesty is the best policy.

That’s why I have to be honest about the Red Album–I love it. I first saw the video for their single "Pork and Beans" on YouTube, and of course it instantly became an internet sensation. Anytime you can get just about every famous internet star in one video, you’re going to have a hit on your hands. This doesn’t take away from the quality of the actual song which is simply catchy and fun. Lyrically it’s the anthem of every teenage nerd or punk rock kid you’ve ever met, but you’ll gladly bob your head and sing "I’m gonna do the things I wanna do, I ain’t got nothing to prove to you." In stark contrast, the very next track "Heart Songs" takes a more serious tone and River Cuomo’s heart is on the table. Basically it’s a song about songs. It talks about all the songs that River has enjoyed over the years in both his up times and down times and really reveals his personal influence and musical taste. Some notable references include Nirvana’s Nevermind, Quiet Riot, and even Eddie Rabbit.

Other tracks I’m digging are "Everybody Get Dangerous" and "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived." I haven’t counted, but I’m pretty sure "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" changes timing like ten or more times. Think of it more like a buffet of rock music than one cohesive song. No matter which way that song turns, it rocks. Same goes for "Everybody Get Dangerous", which is another teen anthem for doing whatever you want for no reason at all. Whether it be taking fire to a hair spray can or blowing up mailboxes, you’ll be recalling the weird adolescent activities you deny you took part in when you were young. I can never seem to get that song out of my head… "everybody get dangerous, oooo yah…"

If you’ve been on your own hiatus from Weezer, I suggest you give them another chance. The Red Album is far from a disappointment and you’re money will be well spent. I have a feeling that you’re probably like me and have been saddened for the past 7 years of this Weezer that has lost their footing, but rest assured their back on the right path with their feet planted on what I believe will be one of their most popular albums yet. Maybe their favorite colors are just Blue and Red?

See more at Weezer.com.
Buy Weezer’s Red Album at Amazon.com or iTunes.