Weezer released their ninth studio album, Everything Will Be Alright in the End, on October 7.
With only one single and various song leaks released from the new album just a few months prior, the band accumulated intense buzz, especially since they haven’t released an album since 2010’s Hurley. Much to fans’ approval, the band reunited with the producer of two earlier albums, the Blue Album and the Green Album. Many of the songs are reminiscent of the Weezer we fell in love with in the ‘90s and signify a change of pace for the band. Rivers Cuomo, Weezer’s lead vocalist, pulls from earlier inspirations, which established the band’s reputation. With their last couple of albums failing to claim positive reviews, the new album gives some hope into Weezer’s future.
A return to basics is the theme of Everything Will Be Alright in the End. The album kicks off with some heavy guitar riffs, signaling nostalgia for lifelong fans of the band who have a particular love for Pinkerton. “Ain’t Got Nobody” also calls on those heartbroken lyrics the band has carried with them throughout their entire musical career, also apparent later in “Cleopatra.”
Next comes “Back to the Shack,” which was the only single released before the album. The single’s lyrics show, at least in the lead singer’s perspective, how the band wishes to return to their ‘90s-era style and feels the album can provide a new start for the music.
“Eulogy for a Rock Band” is exactly what it sounds like: a eulogy. Weezer could be singing to themselves with the lyrics, “Goodbye heroes/You had a good run/15 years of ruling the planet/But now your light is fading” (or, if you can’t bear the thought of the band quitting music, just dedicate it to a band who needs to step down). These first three songs are some of the most notable.
Of course, no Weezer album would be complete without songs about girls – welcome “Lonely Girl,” “Go Away,” and “Da Vinci.” “Go Away” is a particular treat, featuring vocals from Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino.
Similar to other albums, Cuomo writes about his absent father with “Foolish Father.” The album concludes with a three-part incredibly dramatic finale, showcasing the band’s musical talent.
Everything Will Be Alright in the End is a completely decent album. When compared to the magic created on Pinkerton, the Blue Album, and even the Red Album, this one comes up short. This is the best album Weezer has come out with since 2008. It’s filled with stabbing lyrics and pop-infused rhythms, while still being completely unique. The songs are catchy and fun but cannot capture the perfect mix of seriousness and creativity achieved in their earlier career, lacking the raw intensity that we know the band is capable of.
However, given the less-than-mediocre attempts at their two previous albums, this is a welcome change of pace for the band. If they continue along this revert to their classic style and expand upon it, their next album could be just as, or even more, successful.
3/5