Weezer doesn't suck

s a big fan of Weezer since my older brother played their “Blue Album” for me in the mid-90s, I’ve unfortunately had to follow them during their so-called “weak years,” which has basically been everything post-”Pinkerton,” one of the best albums of all time, released in 1996. Sure, two of their releases since then – 2001’s “Green Album” and 2002’s “Maladroit” – are solid in their own ways, but all diehard Weez fans can’t stop clamoring for the past. \nAlthough it’s wrong to not want a band to progress naturally, my thoughts – and the thoughts of millions of other Weezer fans – were vindicated with 2005’s “Make Believe,” easily the worst album of the band’s career. At that point, the song “Beverly Hills” made Weezer dead to me. \nBut somehow, Rivers Cuomo and crew figured it out, and their newest record, “Red Album,” is the closest we’ll probably ever get to classic Weezer. And after so many years of disappointments, frustration and missed opportunities, people don’t have to be embarrassed to be fans of modern Weezer jams. \n“Red Album” features tracks that actually sound somewhat familiar to those that made the band emo-kid heroes for so many years, and as usual, most of the changes should be placed squarely on Cuomo’s shoulders. He’s taken all the criticisms for years, but slivers of maturity saved the band, in my eyes. \nMost importantly, Cuomo finally realizes pouring his heart out into the songs didn’t work too well at the time on “Pinkerton” – an album that was critically trashed 12 years ago. He doesn’t need to write witless, heartless garbage like he’s been doing since the dawn of the new millennium. There’s some heart in these songs, and that’s refreshing. It’s not “Pinkerton,” but it’ll do.\nMoreover, after years of hearing media reports about his egomaniacal behavior within the band, Rivers eventually let the reigns loose. It seemed to me that other members of the band started side projects just so they could delve into their own creative wishes. \nYet on the new album, all the other members – Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell and Scott Shriner – contribute and even shine on their own tracks. Although the tracks that the other guys have written and sing on are not the best in the band’s catalog, to even hear them on the album is awesome in its own right. \nAll of these elements within Cuomo have revamped Weezer. They’re never going to be as good as they were all those years ago, but it’s so great as a fan to experience Weezer when they’re actually good. This new album and surprisingly new outlook could actually keep them relevant for years to come, something no “Blue Album” or “Pinkerton” fan could have ever expected. \nBut please, no more \n“Beverly Hills.”