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