CD Review
Artist: Weezer
Album: Weezer (The Red Album)
Label: DGC/Universal Music
Release Date: June 3^rd 2008

Reviewed By: Corrine Aberdeen (Toronto Correspondent - Canada) 

Often described as the kings of nerd rock, the bespectacled foursome that compose Weezer return with their third eponymous album known as The Red Album (for its cover colour) three years after their last full length studio album Make Believe. The Red Album has the signature Weezer sound of other self-titled albums better know as 1994's The Blue Album and 2001's The Green Album however this latest offering somewhat lacks the trailblazing Weezer spirit of their past work. The Red Album lacks the experimentation, growth and noticeable development that can usually be expected from Weezer.

Music does not have to be politically charged or used in a presidential campaign to be of the moment but besides the Timbaland reference in "Pork and Beans" - the first single released - the whole album could've been written at the same time as any previous Weezer album. While Weezer fans love extras, leaked demos and unreleased tracks an entire album of fresh material that sounds like past album leftovers is a little disappointing.  

That being said, The Red Album does have its pros. Each songs is pretty much tailor made for the radio providing easy listening, sing-along-in-your-car/bedroom lyrics and infectious melodies. While none of the three singles already available for download on itunes from The Red Album fit into the category summer anthem, "Troublemaker" and "Pork and Beans" induces déjà vu with their familiar "Buddy Holly," "Undone - The Sweater Song" guitar riffs (both from The Blue Album) that seem to announce sunshine and barbecues.

Overall, the album offers fun, although seemingly disingenuous, pop which is more than palatable. There are a few misses on the album like the slightly emo, partly rapped "Cold Dark World" but for every unfortunate choice there are two good choices such as the pared down six plus minute "The Angel and The One" that seems to branch the furthest away from the rest of the album with just a touch of a late '70s arena rock. 

Don't buy this expecting earth shattering experimental art rock, but if light, fun pop rock is your cup of tea Weezer does not disappoint. Chock full of teenage angst from thirty-somethings The Red Album is a good introduction to Weezer for those who have never heard their music, but as a disclaimer to first time listeners and warning to fans it is far from their best work.   

Tracklist

1. Troublemaker
2. The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)
3. Pork and Beans
4. Heart Songs
5. Everybody Get Dangerous
6. Dreamin'
7. Thought I Knew
8. Cold Dark World
9. Automatic
10. The Angel and The One