Fifteen years ago we were first introduced to the self proclaimed “nerd-core” band Weezer, and their love for sweaters and Buddy Holly. Rivers Cuomo and the rest of the guys are still putting out poppy, feel good lyrics in 2009.
Hot on the heels of last year’s Red Album and the success of their viral video for “Pork and Beans” comes Raditude whose title was suggested by The Office’s Rainn Wilson. Fortunately on this album, frontman Cuomo takes back control of lead vocals after letting all the other band members have a shot at singing a few songs of their own on the last CD. One thing Cuomo relinquishes control of, however, is songwriting. He shares writing credits with drummer Pat Wilson, All American Rejects singer Tyson Ritter, and even rapper Jermaine Dupri. Cuomo hoped the result would “sound like a roomful of people having a great time,” and in my opinion he succeeded in spades.
From the jangly beats of the incredibly catchy “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To” you will know you are in for a fun album. Never a very deep lyric or too much to ponder, this album is made for nerdy dance parties or singing along to in your car at high volume. Gone are the artsy thoughtful vibes of 1996’s Pinkerton (much to some older fans’ dismay) and gone are the rough-around-the-edges angsty songs of 2002’s Maladroit. This Weezer returns to the whimsy of songs like “Island in the Sun” and “Keep Fishing.” All over the album, friends sing along, lyrics poke fun, and hands and feet keep a poppy back-beat.
“The Girl Got Hot” tells the tale of meeting up with the Ugly Duckling girl from high school years later at a club, while “Let It All Hang Out” vilifies the 9-to-5 rush hour job, preferring the party life. This theme continues with “Can’t Stop Partying” which features the unlikely guest star Lil Wayne (Weezer and Weezy?) He adds a few profanities and some street cred, but I could have done without him altogether.
The guys try something a little different with the Bollywood-esque “Love is the Answer.” After lending the song to Sugar Ray for their last album, Weezer takes it back and makes it their own as Rivers warbles, “There will come a day when we can transcend our pain. Until that day take it easy on yourself.” How true those lines are for those who believe in the one true God! Not sure if that’s how he meant it, but a great line nonetheless.
The album ends quickly after thirty-five minutes (not uncommon for them!) with the song “I Don’t Want To Let You Go.” It’s a pretty love song in the vein of an old Beach Boys tune and stands out on the album as the one slow song. Fans can also purchase bonus track versions of the album with a great reworking of Rivers Cuomo’s solo track “The Prettiest Girl In The Whole Wide World.” Put the disc in, snap your fingers, sing along, and enjoy life!
