For the better part of a decade, Weezer has employed a nearly scientific power-pop formula. Cuomo began this exploration on "Weezer[green]," and, in my opinion, was hugely successful on that release. The albums that followed had varying degrees of success. However, that album's predecessor, "Pinkerton," hinted at a more ambitious and experimental approach that was abandoned after Matt Sharp's departure. "Weezer[red]" signals a return to this eclectic aspect of the band, although one tempered by a more mature and experienced Weezer than "Pinkerton" had to offer. As a result, there is a lot that I like about "Weezer[red]." This maturity is most obviously represented in the lyrics. In their early days, Weezer's lyrical content centered on reconciling the issues that youth bestows on the young adult. As the group has aged, this viewpoint has become less and less believable, culminating in the surprisingly uneven lyrics of "Make Believe." "Weezer[red]" reexamines their earlier approach, but with the perspective of nearing forty rather than thirty. Rather than lamenting the trials of youth, it seems that Cuomo is looking at the potentiality of fatherhood and aging with a healthy sense of nostalgia and self-reflection. Looking back fondly at his own life, he seems to be constantly questioning how he can preserve his youthful identity without "selling out."However, it is unfair to only focus on Cuomo's contribution on "Weezer[red]." Much has been made in the media of his loosening of the compositional reins. Although the results are periodically uneven, the album's overall feeling of enthusiasm is palpable. I was intrigued by this collaborative approach: it came at a time when I was lamenting the "good old days," in which members of bands like the Beatles and Queen shared songwriting and performance responsibilities as a matter of course. While it might be bold to singularly compare "Weezer[red]" to these classics, seeing songwriting credits and singing drummers certainly harkens back to the more adventurous days of collaborative songwriting, as opposed to the "songwriting machines" that we so commonly see today.There are several examples of the band intentionally straying from Cuomo's pop formula, particularly on "I am the Greatest Man That Ever Lived" and "Dreamin'." These songs, as well as others, challenge the Weezer formula in the same way that the lyrics redefine the image of the band. In light of these challenges, the band also delivers some very personal songs. In particular, "Heart Songs" is really moving. In an attempt to write a tune about all of the tunes that created his musical identity, Cuomo has inadvertently done a "roll call" on many of the bands that I related to as I grew up. It brings a tear to my voyeuristic eye as he realizes his own voice in the narrative.As far as "singles" go, (whatever that means today), "Pork and Beans" is a prime example of the Weezer-pop formula. As such, it belongs to a tradition of songs that reaches back to "Buddy Holly" from "Weezer[blue]." The video is a wonderful homage to Weezer's cleverest visual work, and well worth checking out (especially if you are a YouTube junkie like me). Do it now. Seriously.The Lowdown: Unlike its sometimes unlistenable predecessor "Make Believe," "Weezer[red]" is an entertaining album that becomes more enjoyable as it becomes more familiar. However, the piece of the puzzle that is missing on "Weezer[red]" is Matt Sharp. If he were still in the mix, "Weezer[red]" would be earth-shattering. Even so, it's the best thing that the band has done in a long time. Also: buy this deluxe version. The four songs only reinforce the "Pinkerton" comparisons. I'm not an avid Weezer fan, so for me this album is good, but not great. It has enough elements to make this an enjoyable album and good buy for the seasonal Weezer fan. To borrow from RS, you might just want to Download this album unless you need the physical disc to round out your Weezer collection.While for the most part Weezer's 2005 Album Make Believe was a let down, Weezer's newest effort, "the red album" is a fresh breathe of air for fans of Weezer. Rivers Cuomo recently said in an interview this was their most experimental and daring album they have recorded. For the first time other members of the band have wrote songs and sing lead vocals on the album. One of these tracks that stands out is 'Automatic'. The deluxe edition includes for bonus tracks, which are all great as well, except for 'Spider' which is slow and dull and tends to drag on, but overall this a great Weezer album that has been spinning in my CD player since I got it.14 years later and people are still comparing new Weezer material to the Blue Album. Matt Sharp left the band after Pinkerton; please stop comparing apples and oranges!There is no reason why this album should rate lower than Make Believe. After reading some of these reviews I started to wonder if I was listening to the same album. This album rocks and I'm not afraid to admit that some of the best tracks on this album aren't sung by Rivers Cuomo.The standard album only has one weak track: "Dreamin'"My favorite track is a tie between "The Angel And The One" and "King"In conclusion, don't listen to the haters; this is one of the best rock albums of 2008 and Weezer's best work since Pinkerton.everthing thing they touch is done well...makes it worth the wait for them to come out with more stuffrandy
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