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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Early word on the sixth album from Weezer--and their third self-titled record, although fans, sensibly, are referring to it as "The Red Album"--is that this is their experimental record. Luckily, Rivers Cuomo isn’t interested in penning his own jazz odyssey; for him, experimental is just finding cunning ways to nuance Weezer’s stock-in-trade--crunchy, candy-sweet guitars and vocal harmonies--with new pop tricks. The sardonic lyric of "Pork and Beans" hints at a new direction: "Timabaland knows the way to reach the top of the charts," Cuomo sings, "maybe if I work with him I can perfect the art". Actually, Timbaland’s not on board, but producer Jacknife Lee brings a variety of drum machines and electronics, and Weezer rise to the challenge with some generally inspired messing around. "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Theme)" sees Cuomo adopt a gangsta rap slur over screaming sirens, while elsewhere, the other three Weezer members take a turn at the microphone. But it’s Cuomo’s songs that are the winners--notably "Heart Songs", a tribute to the songs that "never feel wrong" that swoops from melodic schmaltz to grunge scuzz with a deft invocation of Nirvana. Skip to the bonus tracks, meanwhile, for a great cover of "The Weight" that takes The Band’s original and drenches it in chundering guitars. --Louis Pattison
Product Description
2008 album from the Alternative rockers. Weezer, one of the biggest and most influential bands of the last decade will, for the third time in its six-album history, release a self-titled album already being referred to by people as The Red Album. Comprised of sessions produced by Rick Rubin, Jacknife Lee and the band itself, the album is adventurous and undeniably Weezer. The first single, the quirky and catchy 'Pork and Beans', was recorded under the watch of the Irishman Lee and already a Modern Rock smash hit. 10 tracks.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Following the path of their color coded classics The Blue Album and The Green Album, Weezer issues their "Red" album and it's their best since, well, the green one. Much like Peter Gabriel's refusal to give his early albums titles, it forces more attention to be paid to the music. Thus, eleven years into making music, this is Weezer facing middle age and they want you to focus.
They do so with both a wink ("Everybody Get Dangerous") and nostalgia (the terrific "Heart Songs"). There's even an attempt at an American Idiot style punk-opera with the oddball "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived." Using the traditional Shaker Hymn as its jumping off point, it's almost as odd as hearing the rest of Weezer sing. The 3/4's of Weezer that isn't Rivers Cuomo take up tracks 7, 8 and 9, with Brian Bell's "Thought I Knew" being the best of the batch. Maybe there was some idea behind democratizing the band. But let's face it, Rivers is the bent mind behind what makes Weezer the most thought provoking. It might not always be the most commercial move he could make and it makes executive bean counters nervous, but it is what makes Weezer, even on their aimless Make Believe album before this one, an exciting band.
So when Cuomo sarcastically lets the record company suits have it for claiming there was no single here, he writes about it in "Pork and Beans."
"Timbaland knows the way
To reach the top of the charts
Maybe if I work with him
I can perfect the art."
It's a soon-to-be classic. But for me, the clincher was "Heart Songs," where Cuomo follows his musical evolution from listening to corny AM radio hits from Michael Jackson to Eddie Rabbit, but hitting the turning point when he hears the album that had "a baby on it, he was naked on it." It's a flattering, sincere ode to the transcendent release of musical creativity (and also one of the most heartfelt songs the band has ever done). It makes Weezer's Red Album their most personal since the confessional Pinkerton, and a solid addition to their discography.
They do so with both a wink ("Everybody Get Dangerous") and nostalgia (the terrific "Heart Songs"). There's even an attempt at an American Idiot style punk-opera with the oddball "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived." Using the traditional Shaker Hymn as its jumping off point, it's almost as odd as hearing the rest of Weezer sing. The 3/4's of Weezer that isn't Rivers Cuomo take up tracks 7, 8 and 9, with Brian Bell's "Thought I Knew" being the best of the batch. Maybe there was some idea behind democratizing the band. But let's face it, Rivers is the bent mind behind what makes Weezer the most thought provoking. It might not always be the most commercial move he could make and it makes executive bean counters nervous, but it is what makes Weezer, even on their aimless Make Believe album before this one, an exciting band.
So when Cuomo sarcastically lets the record company suits have it for claiming there was no single here, he writes about it in "Pork and Beans."
"Timbaland knows the way
To reach the top of the charts
Maybe if I work with him
I can perfect the art."
It's a soon-to-be classic. But for me, the clincher was "Heart Songs," where Cuomo follows his musical evolution from listening to corny AM radio hits from Michael Jackson to Eddie Rabbit, but hitting the turning point when he hears the album that had "a baby on it, he was naked on it." It's a flattering, sincere ode to the transcendent release of musical creativity (and also one of the most heartfelt songs the band has ever done). It makes Weezer's Red Album their most personal since the confessional Pinkerton, and a solid addition to their discography.
26 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By Mike Coleman
Format:Audio CD
The Red Album is the biggest surprise that this band has released to this date. While at times it has its typical weezer hooks, chugging power chords, and cuomo melodies, this album sheds a whole new light on who Weezer actually is today in 2008. It's the first Weezer album where the other members had the same amount of insight as Rivers on ideas for the songs. Some of the songs are sung entirely by other members of the band. Also, the members of the band switch instruments multiple times. I think it is safe to say that this is the most experimental album by far by Weezer.
Troublemaker - This opening track is crazy catchy, but doesn't really go to many places and is probably one of the weakest tracks on the album(especially lyric wise). "Marrying a biatch, Having seven Kiads"...?? The track is able to keep you on your feet, but that's about it.
The Greatest Man That Ever Lived - The most epic track on the album crosses over to many different genres. The song constantly changes for the whole six minutes of the song includes challenging choral pieces, punk breakdowns, pop verses, and original Weezer and Rock melodies.
Pork and Beans - The first single of the album. In a way, it was a tease for what was to come for the album since a chorus of a Weezer song hasn't sounded like this for years. While the verse has a new Weezer feel, the chorus takes you back to 1994. Written after an intense meeting with Geffen, Rivers angrily went home to write this song that is an allout backlash at the record company for not respecting the freedom of the band. "Imma do the things that I want to, I ain't got a thing to prove to you". One of the strongest tracks on the entire album for sure.
Heart Songs - Rivers' influences mean a lot to him. Which is why this sincere ballad another one of the strongest tracks on the album. Describing all of his influences by name, Rivers mentions all of the rockstars and past musicians that helped him become who he is today. At times, the song sounds a bit corny moving into the chorus. But, the bridge is one of the strongest bits on the entire album with insanely catchy overlapping vocals and distorted guitars. He mentions that his room mate showed him "Nevermind" by Nirvana, and that it "broke the chains it had up on me" and by that time he set out to start a rock band with his friends.
Everybody Get Dangerous - One of the hardest tracks on the album. *Personally* its my least favorite on the entire album next to Troublemaker. But at the same time, the song starts out absolutely rockin. I also feel like the verses are really strong. Reminiscent also of the chili peppers and maybe zeppelin. The chorus seems a bit corny, especially with the "boo yah"! The highlight of the song is towards the end where Pat goes off by himself, and the rest of the band is just shouting having fun.
Dreamin' - Rivers pushed this one to be on the album. I see why he did it too. Maybe not the strongest track, but it definitely brings back the Weezer feel to the album. It sounds like a lost track off of Make Believe or Maladroit. Sort of has a "Keep Fishin" type of feel but a little harder. Also, a pretty interesting breakdown with Brian singing lead. Very psychedelic sounding, and then it gets a bit more poppy as it goes on.
Thought I Knew - Brian's song on the album. He sings lead vocals. It definitely has a "Space Twins" or "The Relationship" type of feel on the album. It doesn't sound like a Weezer song at all. But it is a good tune, it just doesn't feel like it flows too well with the rest of the album. The lyrics are definitely nice, as well as the guitar work. The track itself is really great, but I'm not too sure it belongs on here.
Cold Dark World - Scotts song on the album. Another weak one on the album (personally I feel this way). The song doesn't really go anywhere. It just feels dead. Scotts not exactly singing in the verse, its more talking. The chorus "Angel come in a cold dark world, im gonna be your man". The chorus had potential but doesn't really hit it right. The strongest part of the song is when the guitar has a break by itself. It's really pretty.
Automatic - Pats song on the album. Very rockin and pretty awesome. It's really in your face. The only thing that was a dissapointment was the tempo. In the remix that was first released, the tempo was set MUCH MUCH higher. And it gave a whole new feel to the song. Pats vocal perfomance is impressive, and this was definitely a good choice from him and the band to put this one on. Very solid track.
The Angel And The One - One of my favorites on this album by far. This song has one of Rivers' best performances in years. Or maybe it's just nice to hear him talking about love again. It is by far the best album closer since Pinkerton, and has Rivers describing how he is at peace with his love life "I am complete, is what im sayin. I'm flying up so high, my purple majesty displaying". Even the guitar work is beautiful towards the end. Which is nice to hear since the album barely showcases any guitar work. Nothing else to say except that this is a beautiful song.
The other 4 deluxe tracks are amazing. Miss Sweeney starts to sound like Old Weezer but at first sounds like something completely new until it hits the chorus, the full band version of "Pig" is utterly satisfying compared to the demo, The Spider is beautiful and actually very trippy sounding, and lastly King is a great acoustic song sung by Scott. This one should have replaced Cold Dark World. King is a very strong track. I guess the only thing I have to say is that I was dissapointed that there wasn't one real guitar solo on the whole album. Also, the b sides/covers are really awesome so I suggest everybody tries to get their hands on them. Enjoy the album everyone, it is yet another success by Weezer.
Troublemaker - This opening track is crazy catchy, but doesn't really go to many places and is probably one of the weakest tracks on the album(especially lyric wise). "Marrying a biatch, Having seven Kiads"...?? The track is able to keep you on your feet, but that's about it.
The Greatest Man That Ever Lived - The most epic track on the album crosses over to many different genres. The song constantly changes for the whole six minutes of the song includes challenging choral pieces, punk breakdowns, pop verses, and original Weezer and Rock melodies.
Pork and Beans - The first single of the album. In a way, it was a tease for what was to come for the album since a chorus of a Weezer song hasn't sounded like this for years. While the verse has a new Weezer feel, the chorus takes you back to 1994. Written after an intense meeting with Geffen, Rivers angrily went home to write this song that is an allout backlash at the record company for not respecting the freedom of the band. "Imma do the things that I want to, I ain't got a thing to prove to you". One of the strongest tracks on the entire album for sure.
Heart Songs - Rivers' influences mean a lot to him. Which is why this sincere ballad another one of the strongest tracks on the album. Describing all of his influences by name, Rivers mentions all of the rockstars and past musicians that helped him become who he is today. At times, the song sounds a bit corny moving into the chorus. But, the bridge is one of the strongest bits on the entire album with insanely catchy overlapping vocals and distorted guitars. He mentions that his room mate showed him "Nevermind" by Nirvana, and that it "broke the chains it had up on me" and by that time he set out to start a rock band with his friends.
Everybody Get Dangerous - One of the hardest tracks on the album. *Personally* its my least favorite on the entire album next to Troublemaker. But at the same time, the song starts out absolutely rockin. I also feel like the verses are really strong. Reminiscent also of the chili peppers and maybe zeppelin. The chorus seems a bit corny, especially with the "boo yah"! The highlight of the song is towards the end where Pat goes off by himself, and the rest of the band is just shouting having fun.
Dreamin' - Rivers pushed this one to be on the album. I see why he did it too. Maybe not the strongest track, but it definitely brings back the Weezer feel to the album. It sounds like a lost track off of Make Believe or Maladroit. Sort of has a "Keep Fishin" type of feel but a little harder. Also, a pretty interesting breakdown with Brian singing lead. Very psychedelic sounding, and then it gets a bit more poppy as it goes on.
Thought I Knew - Brian's song on the album. He sings lead vocals. It definitely has a "Space Twins" or "The Relationship" type of feel on the album. It doesn't sound like a Weezer song at all. But it is a good tune, it just doesn't feel like it flows too well with the rest of the album. The lyrics are definitely nice, as well as the guitar work. The track itself is really great, but I'm not too sure it belongs on here.
Cold Dark World - Scotts song on the album. Another weak one on the album (personally I feel this way). The song doesn't really go anywhere. It just feels dead. Scotts not exactly singing in the verse, its more talking. The chorus "Angel come in a cold dark world, im gonna be your man". The chorus had potential but doesn't really hit it right. The strongest part of the song is when the guitar has a break by itself. It's really pretty.
Automatic - Pats song on the album. Very rockin and pretty awesome. It's really in your face. The only thing that was a dissapointment was the tempo. In the remix that was first released, the tempo was set MUCH MUCH higher. And it gave a whole new feel to the song. Pats vocal perfomance is impressive, and this was definitely a good choice from him and the band to put this one on. Very solid track.
The Angel And The One - One of my favorites on this album by far. This song has one of Rivers' best performances in years. Or maybe it's just nice to hear him talking about love again. It is by far the best album closer since Pinkerton, and has Rivers describing how he is at peace with his love life "I am complete, is what im sayin. I'm flying up so high, my purple majesty displaying". Even the guitar work is beautiful towards the end. Which is nice to hear since the album barely showcases any guitar work. Nothing else to say except that this is a beautiful song.
The other 4 deluxe tracks are amazing. Miss Sweeney starts to sound like Old Weezer but at first sounds like something completely new until it hits the chorus, the full band version of "Pig" is utterly satisfying compared to the demo, The Spider is beautiful and actually very trippy sounding, and lastly King is a great acoustic song sung by Scott. This one should have replaced Cold Dark World. King is a very strong track. I guess the only thing I have to say is that I was dissapointed that there wasn't one real guitar solo on the whole album. Also, the b sides/covers are really awesome so I suggest everybody tries to get their hands on them. Enjoy the album everyone, it is yet another success by Weezer.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Kyle Garret
Format:MP3 Music
Is this Weezer's best album? No. It is their worst? No. Is it their strangest? Definitely. It would seem to me, though, that people are either so enamored with the band or so enamored with the past they've lost a critical ear. But let's take it song by song:
1. Troublemaker -- Fairly standard Weezer fare, really, although a bit more pop than perhaps their earlier stuff. Enjoyable, but not really memorable.
2. The Greatest Man That Ever Lived -- Yes, it's strange and rarely repeats -- save for the main chorus -- but each section is pretty catchy on it's own. They lyrics are pretty hilarious.
3. Pork and Beans -- Again, fairly standard Weezer fare, backed by a great video. It's pretty catchy, but not really that interesting.
4. Heart Songs -- Yes, it sounds a bit cheesy when it starts, but it's a great song, backed by an experience we all share: those songs that never leave you, that will always be important no matter how much time passes. It builds really nicely, too.
5. Everybody Get Dangerous -- For what it's worth, I liked "We Are All On Drugs," which probably informs my opinion of this song. I enjoy the heck out of it. The chord changes are great and the lyrics are hilarious -- a great job of taking me back to my youth and a legitimate question: what do we do when our kids act like we did?
6. Dreamin' -- An obvious single, made less obvious by the outro, which is really cool. A good song and classic Weezer.
7. Thought I Knew -- Yes, Brian sings lead on this. And, yes, it doesn't sound like a Weezer song at all, even on a album that's redefining what a "Weezer" song is. On it's own merits, this might be a great song, but it's simply too jarring to hear on the album.
8. Cold Dark World -- Scott sings lead on this one and it's much less jarring to me. I actually like this song. It's fairly driving and Scott delivers his vocals a lot like Rivers (who sings on the choruses).
9. Automatic -- I think this might be Pat on vocals here. Again, a twist from Weezer, but not completely different. It's an okay song. I think a big problem people might have with this album is the fact that these three songs come in a row.
10. The Angel and The One -- This is a great song. This is classic, heartfelt Weezer. I read a review where someone said this album didn't have the emotional appeal that previous Weezer albums have had, and while that might be true on a whole, this song (and Heart Songs) just really hit home.
BONUS TRACKS
11. Miss Sweeney -- I agree with a previous reviewer -- this song makes the bonus album a required purchase. It's just a great song and Rivers' vocal delivery is just so great. It's songs like this that make you realize just how creative Weezer can be.
12. Pig -- Another good one, kind of folksy, kind of earthy, but still quirky in that Weezer way.
13. The Spider -- Yeah, it's a little bizarre and kind of sounds like one of Rivers' home recordings. It might grow on me in time, but now it's just kind of there.
14. King -- Man, I don't know if Scott writes the vocal lines and lyrics or if Rivers handles that and just has Scott sing it, but I have to say that he's pretty freaking great. This is probably better than "Cold Dark World."
Overall, I think it's a good album. I'd have given it 3 and a half stars initially, but I'm sure it will earn the extra half a star going forward.
1. Troublemaker -- Fairly standard Weezer fare, really, although a bit more pop than perhaps their earlier stuff. Enjoyable, but not really memorable.
2. The Greatest Man That Ever Lived -- Yes, it's strange and rarely repeats -- save for the main chorus -- but each section is pretty catchy on it's own. They lyrics are pretty hilarious.
3. Pork and Beans -- Again, fairly standard Weezer fare, backed by a great video. It's pretty catchy, but not really that interesting.
4. Heart Songs -- Yes, it sounds a bit cheesy when it starts, but it's a great song, backed by an experience we all share: those songs that never leave you, that will always be important no matter how much time passes. It builds really nicely, too.
5. Everybody Get Dangerous -- For what it's worth, I liked "We Are All On Drugs," which probably informs my opinion of this song. I enjoy the heck out of it. The chord changes are great and the lyrics are hilarious -- a great job of taking me back to my youth and a legitimate question: what do we do when our kids act like we did?
6. Dreamin' -- An obvious single, made less obvious by the outro, which is really cool. A good song and classic Weezer.
7. Thought I Knew -- Yes, Brian sings lead on this. And, yes, it doesn't sound like a Weezer song at all, even on a album that's redefining what a "Weezer" song is. On it's own merits, this might be a great song, but it's simply too jarring to hear on the album.
8. Cold Dark World -- Scott sings lead on this one and it's much less jarring to me. I actually like this song. It's fairly driving and Scott delivers his vocals a lot like Rivers (who sings on the choruses).
9. Automatic -- I think this might be Pat on vocals here. Again, a twist from Weezer, but not completely different. It's an okay song. I think a big problem people might have with this album is the fact that these three songs come in a row.
10. The Angel and The One -- This is a great song. This is classic, heartfelt Weezer. I read a review where someone said this album didn't have the emotional appeal that previous Weezer albums have had, and while that might be true on a whole, this song (and Heart Songs) just really hit home.
BONUS TRACKS
11. Miss Sweeney -- I agree with a previous reviewer -- this song makes the bonus album a required purchase. It's just a great song and Rivers' vocal delivery is just so great. It's songs like this that make you realize just how creative Weezer can be.
12. Pig -- Another good one, kind of folksy, kind of earthy, but still quirky in that Weezer way.
13. The Spider -- Yeah, it's a little bizarre and kind of sounds like one of Rivers' home recordings. It might grow on me in time, but now it's just kind of there.
14. King -- Man, I don't know if Scott writes the vocal lines and lyrics or if Rivers handles that and just has Scott sing it, but I have to say that he's pretty freaking great. This is probably better than "Cold Dark World."
Overall, I think it's a good album. I'd have given it 3 and a half stars initially, but I'm sure it will earn the extra half a star going forward.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT!!!
you must not like this cd much. it is a underatted weezer album, it has potential to be big. it just is a lil crappy. the bonus tracks were worth the buy. thank you. Read more
Published 27 days ago by Lukas Ashworth
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Album
I really love this album. The deluxe version is the way to go because the bonus songs are the best. Read more
Published 2 months ago by nano
3.0 out of 5 stars
weezer fan, but eh
i love weezer, but like more than half of weezer fans i'm a huge fan of their early work (blue album, pinkerton, green album) and not so much their newer stuff. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Candice H. Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
I love this album. This album for me is almost as good as their first. I like how all of the band members had a chance at singing. They are all great.
Published 13 months ago by Hadleigh
1.0 out of 5 stars
From a Weezer Fan
As with every Weezer album to this point, I bought the red album without having sampled a single track. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Zachary P.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Weezer Album
Weezer still knows how to make such awesome music. This CD is one of my favorites that they've released (next to the Blue Album and Pinkerton). Read more
Published on May 12, 2011 by Christopher Choma
4.0 out of 5 stars
A winner, plain and simple
The first half of this album is mostly classic Weezer sound. The second half is more experimental. And both halves are surprisingly effective. These guys are still having fun. Read more
Published on March 13, 2011 by Shane Windham
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Greatest Band that Ever Lived?
Ok, I'll admit that I was initially turned off by the "we will never sell out and to prove that, we are now going to sell out" theme of Pork and Beans. Read more
Published on February 24, 2011 by Robbie Jay
1.0 out of 5 stars
The Beginning of the End
This really was the beginning of the end for Weezer as any kind of respectable band. This was the album where they lost me as a fan. Read more
Published on January 27, 2011 by Los Ojos
2.0 out of 5 stars
Rivers who?
When are people finally going to realize that Weezer will NEVER be the same until Matt Sharp is back in the band? Read more
Published on May 15, 2010 by William S. Stamey
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