1994's "(The Blue Album)" was a perfect power pop record that blended 70s guitar heroism with 90s nerd culture. Its follow-up "Pinkerton" was an uncomfortably personal, sloppy, hormone-driven, artistic triumph. Since then the band has released a string of forgettable albums. However, there were sparks of hope for improvement. Singles "Island In The Sun," "Pork & Beans" and "Memories" are great. Gasp! Is "Everything Will Be Alright In The End" finally Weezer's return to form?
Spoiler; It isn't. However, this album has one thing going for it that Weezer hasn't been able say for themselves in over 15 years. It doesn't suck! As the album title itself states, it's "alright."
I came in with low expectations considering the lead single "Back To The Shack." I like the lyric Rivers Cuomo sings about making up with his dad, but the riff and the guitar fills on here are corny. Cuomo talks about how he's reinvented his life alongside some AC/DC accompaniment. I don't dig it.
The album's weakest moments are "Lonely Girl' and "Go Away." The first has some bland "copy+paste" lyrics about-- well, a lonely girl. The latter has guest vocals from indie pop group Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino. One might think this would work to Weezer's advantage. It could have been, but the song itself unfortunately uneventful. Sure these songs are weak. But they aren't terrible!
Cuomo is apparently tired of critical people like myself. "I'm not a Happy Meal," he says on "I've Had It Up To Here," the album's middle finger to all the haters. Taylor Swift says "Shake It Off." Weezer on the other hand is just pissed off. Opener "Ain't Got Nobody" refers somewhat to relationships, but mostly to fans. "Eulogy For A Rock Band" is a salute to the fading of anybody's favorite rockers. Could they possibly be singing about themselves? Hmm.
"Everything Will Be Alright In The End" has some surprises too. Referencing Rosetta Stone in its chorus, "Da Vinci" is the band's catchiest love song in years. The album ends with "The Futurescope Trilogy," a song purposely made so epic, you can't take it seriously. There are some other epic song structures scattered throughout the album. I must warn you, most of these songs are lyrically stupid. "Foolish Father" is the best of the epic tracks. I'm legitimately curious who he's singing about here.
The album's an enjoyable listen aside from all its stupid, dorky gimmicks. For the most part, you can tell they're really trying. This is far from their best, but it's worthy of a smile. "Everything Will Be Alright In The End" is alright in the end.
MY RATING: 7/10
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