It’s been four years since alternative indie rock band Weezer has released an album. Tuesday’s release of their ninth studio album, “Everything Will Be Alright in the End” was long overdue and debuted at the number four spot on the iTunes Albums charts. It’s their first album after signing with Republic Records.
The music continues with their signature heavy guitar garage band sound. Cuomo’s unique voice and lyrics rival no other.
“Back to the Shack” and “Eulogy for a Rock Band,” two of the first listed songs on the album, are upbeat but somber reflective songs on the band’s formative years and going back to the start.
Rivers Cuomo, the bands lead singer and songwriter, looks upon his past relationships with women with blending drums, slow yet heavy guitar and mimicking harmonies in “Lonely Girl” and “I’ve Had it Up to Here.”
Tired of being held back and pushed around by his significant other, you hear Cuomo’s frustration and pain as he pleads for acknowledgement. In the latter of the two songs Cuomo and Ric Ocasik, the album’s producer, change up the song with multiple tempos, tones and even add a surprise reggae interlude.
“Go Away” a duet with Best Coast lead singer Bethanny Cosentino is a “delightfully angst-y” tune you’ll find yourself absentmindedly humming days after hearing it.
Consentino’s voice is a character in itself that is the perfect companion for Cuomo’s punk rock tone.
The emotional songs don’t end there, “Da Vinci” and “Cleopatra” are songs that will hit home with males who are dealing with the age old adage, “Am I man enough for her or is she too old for me?”
Cuomo’s ever unique and witty lyrics hold tongue in cheek sincerity. Phrases and names catch your ear to make sure you’re actually listening to the words. The listeners can find themselves absorbed in his words and the overwhelming depth of the music itself.
Throughout the album, nearly every song reminds you, or maybe Cuomo is reminding himself, that everything will be all right in the end. The last lyric heavy song of the album, “Foolish Father” is what one would consider a deep cut. Harsh and angry, the instruments almost drown out Cuomo’s vocals until the chorus in which he begs for forgiveness from his father. The turmoil and confusion mixed with forgiveness gives amazing life to this song, it’s the climax of the album and the epitome of Cuomo’s writing.
The last three tracks on the album are a reminder of just how talented the band members are as musicians. “I. The Waste Land”, “II. Anonymous” and “III. Return to Ithaka” are very light on lyrics but the lack of Cuomo’s voice is unnoticeable after losing your thoughts to guitar riffs reminiscent of 1994’s “Blue Album.” Patrick Wilson’s drumming stands on its own and is comparable to that of Alex Van Halen, his personal inspiration.
These tracks remind you of the sheer genius of Weezer and make the listener nostalgic for the band’s earlier works, as opposed to their pop-like sound found on their previous albums.
Overall it’s a great album and one that will please the longtime Weezer fan. Though not exactly the “Blue Album” or “Green Album”, “Everything Will Be Alright In The End” is definitely on the better end of the spectrum on Weezer’s discography.