Weezer
Raditude
Proving, a midlife crisis sounds better on synths.
01) (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - Perfect first single. Simple, fun pop song. Very reminiscent of "Lust For Life" by Iggy Pop and everyone else who's stolen that riff. 8/10
02) I'm Your Daddy - Second single! This would be a modernized "Green" Album inspired track. At the first listen, the hook gave me chills. The beat and synths are newish for Weezer but seems to fit them like a glove. A synth solo would've been nice. Rivers' vox are on point specifically the high note at the end of the breakdown. 9/10
03) The Girl Got Hot - More classic riff biting. This time Gary Glitters' "Rock 'N' Roll". The overall structure of the track is great but the lyrics are dumb, nothing new for Weezer but again, the song is damn catchy. The background crowd vocals are a nice touch. 6/10
04) Can't Stop Partying (Feat. 'Lil Wayne) - Completely exceeded my expectations. First of 2 Jermain Dupri co-writes. The synths and beats are actually quite nice. 2 Complaints: Where's the fucking low end? Lastly, Wayne sounds bored as fuck which likely is a result of the lighter flicks you hear before his verse. Boy was high... 7/10
05) Put Me Back Together - Doesn't sound much like a =w= track but the passion and tone in Rivers' vocals are outstanding. Another synth driven track. The textures and lyrics are well done. Perfect top 40 track and I wouldn't be surprised if it were a future single. 9/10
06) Trippin' Down the Freeway - Another "Green"ish track. Great Metal-esc guitar solo. Quality album cut. 8/10
07) Love Is the Answer - Rivers originally wrote this for Sugar Rays last album. The new mix suits Raditudes pop vibe very well. The vocals could be louder and the Hindu influences could go down just a notch. A lot is happening at once but the sentiment warms my cotton socks. <3 8/10
08) Let It All Hang Out - The 2nd JD track. Very bros before hoes. Love the energy but the lyrics suck vadge. The instrumentation kept me from skipping. Extra points for that. See you in the next straight to DVD, teen flick! Oh and am I the only one that hears "1999" by Prince in the cadence?? 6/10
09) In The Mall - Weakest song on the album. Riffs are awesome but what's up with the dumb lyrics? Pats drum solo saves this mess. Skippable. 5/10
10) I Don't Want to Let You Go - Builds up nicely. Lyrics are strong. Great way to end. 8/10
~Bonus Tracks~
11) Turn Me Around - Feels like a weak leftover from Maladroit. Bonus material for sure. Vox are pretty lame as well. 5/10
12) Get Me Some - Big and rockin' but the lyrics are atrocious. Just using up disc space. 4/10
13) Run Over By a Truck - Why the fuck didn't this make the album? This could have easily replaced "In The GODDAMN Mall". Dope throwback cut with wonderfully odd lyrics. Officially one of my theme songs. Perfection. 10/10
14) The Prettiest Girl In The Whole Wide World - Beautiful song. Another that should have made the album. The drums and bass are nice and heavy like I like it. The harmonies are also beautiful and very well done. Kind of makes me feel warm and fuzzy... 9/10
15) The Underdogs - Cheesy, R&B production but surprisingly uplifting. Perfect for the end credits of a sports movie. Would sound incredible live. 8/10
I gotta say, this record is the most cohesive and well crafted Weezer album since Maladroit. It actually sounds like an album and not a bunch of tracks thrown together. The new synth sound fits Weezer well. I'm glad the guys aren't showing signs of slowing down. Back to back albums in a year is a good sign. I wonder if we'll get one next year too?
Listen to clips HERE.