JayJamJah

First Listen Today, I like the Band but it's been a while since they had an album that I really liked. Here's my initial reactions...





1. Troublemaker - Not exactly a good song, but not unbearable. If I don't hear it again I won't be heart broken. Lyrics and rhythm are lazy and boring. 5\10

2. The Greatest Man that ever Lived - This one is all over the place. Sirens blare behind a simplified beat that reminds me of church before distorted guitars and drums take over. That all bleeds into an acoustic guitar and harmonizing vocals chorus and a trendy drum line church (again) choir style section, the song of more a series of movements then any sort of structured composition and is interesting at worst on the first listen. Could have done without the talking section. I may like this song or I may tire of it quickly, so far so good. 7.5\10

3. Pork and Beans - This is the single you've heard (if you've heard it) It's disappointing that this has become the typical Weezer single, but it's not awful. There are elements of what makes them a band I've really enjoyed at times. Overall just kind of a blah song. 6\10

4. Heart Songs - Apparently a sort of mellow acoustic ode to the influences that have inspired and motivated the band's sound. Sort of a cool idea, but nothing spectacular as a song, I think about 200 songs use that chord progression rhythm. 6.5\10

5. Everybody get Dangerous - A sort of nostalgic up-tempo look at growing up, sort of an out-of-place song content wise, but so far the album does not seem to have specific direction or message. The last minute or so is the only real creative part of the song. 5.5\10

6. Dreamin' - An sort of punk rock styled ballad I guess, chorus driven, but layered enough to keep you interested. It follows the same sort of formula as much of the album but this song seems to work a little better. There is a more consistent feel that makes it's more believable. The jury is still out on the mellow vocal harmony driven second half and the recyclable power chord backing but the transition back to the chorus is very strong. 7\10

7. Thought I knew - Featuring Brian Bell on lead vocals, another pretty ordinary song that I could live without. Another song that sounds like it's been done before a few too many times. 5.5\10

8. Cold Dark Plce - Sort out foggy feel to the song is a nice touch. Lyrics are simple and distracting amongst the songs otherwise serioius atmosphere. The bridge could have been avoided as well as the distant 80's style instrumental interlude. 6\10

9. Automatic - Maybe the sound is growing on me, but I feel like the songs get better as this album goes on. Nothing that knocks your socks off but a good rock song following the rules and plenty loud for the genre. 6.5\10

10.The Angel and the One - Soothing, simple finale does a nice job out of the gate setting a tone and mood and allowing for the progression and build of the song to gather momentum. Would have been nice to see more of this type of patience and persistence on some of the more poppy songs on the album, a good final number with some of the strongest guitar work on the album. 7\10





(Out of Five Stars) *****

Music: ***1\2
Lyrics: **
Artistic Aspect: ***


Overall:
6\10
C+
For Fans of the Band Only

Molecules

Really like the way you've presented this review, track-by-tracks have been poorly done in the past. Not an album I'll bother with by the looks of it...

__________________

Substix
Last FM
'Institutionalised cruelty is one thing. But the twisted brainwrong of a one-off man-mental is quite another.'

JayJamJah

Thanks and I'd say no. Not unless you really like the band.

chrismooremusic

I have to say, this album really grew on me the more I listened to it -- you should listen to some of the tracks on YouTube... Love the fact that the other members of the band wrote and sang leads on the album. Pat Wilson, the drummer, actually sang lead and played guitar on his song, "Automatic," and Rivers Cuomo played drums.

And I agree that you did a nice

-Chris

__________________
Laptop Sessions - Weezer

JayJamJah

Thanks Chris, nice to see a new poster checking out the reviews.

I certainly will keep listening as I own it now and it'll be in my regular rotation until something else replaces it. I was not surprised by the versatility of the band, they have been playing for a long time and are very capable musicians, I didn't hate the concept, but neither Automatic nor Cold Dark Place really did anything for me.

Inuzuka Skysword

When have Weezer ever had an artistic album?

NoseClams

good review... i am a fan of the band but i didnt really care for this album.

__________________
"Alcohol, the cause and solution to all of life's problems"
- Homer Simpson

http://www.last.fm/user/NoseClams/

Wayfarer

"Pork And Beans" is awesome, but that's about all this album has going for it...

__________________
The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so
absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.

Whatsitoosit

Interesting, I didn't know this... also I didn't know that was Brian Bell on "Thought I knew" I thought it was the bassist for some reason. This album is pretty bad... when the hit single is a song like "pork and beans" (which isn't all that great) you know the album is in trouble.

Good review btw, I would have given the album a D+/C... you were very generous.

p.s. just saw the video for Pork n Beans... now that was some funny ****, check it out if you haven't already.

__________________
"It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile,
but it doesn't take any to just sit there with a dumb look on your face."

prettyravegirl

This is my second favorite weezer album.
Trouble Maker, is a good song. I really like it, its so fun to rock out to. Maybe one of my faves
Greatest Man that songs so bohemian rhapsody, and i LOVE it
Pork and Beans Very funny song, but it gets old.
Heart Songs Agh, this song is so dumb, and really boring
Everybody Get Dangerouse My favorite song on the album, maybe...or like secind actually, its also the funnest on this cd!
Dreamin'ahh, its fun...when your in you car....I dont know, i like it, but its just not something i can JUST listen to
Thaught I knew...IS SO AMAZING! Brians voice=love! OLD MAN HOT!!

__________________
<3 Pretty Rave Girl