Description
COLOUR: Black EXTRAS: N/A
Weezer's fifteenth album, Van Weezer, pays homage to their roots in Eighties metal. Originally set to release in 2020, the album was delayed due to the pandemic. In "I Need Some of That," lead singer Cumo reflects on simpler times, listening to Aerosmith and riding his 10-speed. The album delivers what you'd expect from such a project, with "End of the Game" featuring Eddie Van Halen-inspired fretwork, "1 More Hit" starting off with Metallica riffs, and "Blue Dream" paying direct tribute to Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train."
The sonic and lyrical allusions found throughout the album quickly transition into the familiar, irresistibly catchy power-pop sound that is characteristic of Weezer. However, this does not discount the overarching metal theme; instead, Cuomo expertly weaves hard rock into a musical blend that includes influences from the Beach Boys, the Cars, and Loverboy, all representing the music of that era. It is apparent that Cuomo's admiration lies with the cheerful, upbeat, and flamboyant side of metal, rather than its more aggressive and hostile persona.