Weezer – Raditude

It’s only been a year since Weezer released their last self-titled album which although enjoyable was not without it’s problems. With Raditude (album title suggested by actor Rainn Wilson) Weezer shows more cohesion and opens the door for collaborations with everyone from All American Rejects to Lil’ Wayne. With artists like that it sounds like a recipe for disaster but I gave it a listen and was shocked to find that this album turned out to be my favorite Weezer album since The Green Album.

So the whole gimmick here is that Rivers has decided to collaborate with a whole slew of random artists for the song-writing process. Out of ten tracks, Rivers has only written two by himself, maybe that’s what it took for a Weezer album to sound fresh again. Sure The Red Album had it’s moments but this one seems to have a better idea of what it wants to accomplish. It can tend to waver a little bit on the wimpy, almost emo-ish side of pop/rock but hey, it’s catchy, rockin’ and runs at a short and sweet 34 minutes.

So the album starts right out of the gates with your typical Weezer brand rock with the upbeat acoustic driven “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To” followed by my favorite track on the album “I’m Your Daddy”, strangely enough co-written by Dr. Luke, who’s known for the writing for the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne and Britney Spears… How did this song end up being good? I don’t know but I like it. The rest of the album follows in your typical Weezer pop/rock fashion only occasionally dipping into stranger waters.

“I Can’t Stop Partying” is perhaps the big “love it” or “hate it” track of the album. Written by Jermaine Dupri, it’s like something you might hear playing in the background of one of those shows like “The Hills”. Driven by an electro club beat, this track features who else but Lil Wayne (Heh Weezer and Weezy I wonder if that’s why they did it.) At first I thought “This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” but I don’t think they’re expecting to be taken seriously so I’ve opened up to it a little since then.

It’s funny how even if a song is well written the exact arrangement can make you love it or hate it. Like the track “Put Me Back Together” co-written by two guys from All American Rejects. If they released a version I’d probably hate it but in Weezer’s hands it’s actually an enjoyable track, makes you think.

The only track that is just unlistenable is “Love is the Answer”. Originally written for Sugar Ray, it’s an indian flavored ballad with a recurring Bollywoodesque vocalist that just wallows in lameness. Aside from that it’s a solid album that although incredibly cheesy is enjoyable as mindless party rock. If you’re looking for something deeper than songs about “Going to Best Buy” or “Watching Titanic” than this is definitely not for you but if you just wanna pump up the jams then give it a listen.

Favorite Tracks: “The Girl Got Hot”, “”(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To”, “I’m Your Daddy”