Published: Sunday, November 1, 2009
Weezer album is different, imperfect
On Tuesday, Weezer releases its seventh studio album, “Raditude,” named by Rainn Wilson, the actor who plays Dwight Schrute in “The Office.”
TRIVIA: For the first time, the group worked with songwriters outside the band, including hit-makers Jermaine Dupri, Dr. Luke and Butch Walker.
STANDOUTS: The classic pop ballad “I Don’t Want to Let You Go” — one of the few tracks that frontman Rivers Cuomo wrote on his own — has a simple sparkle to it.
FANS DIG: Barbershop quartets
ANDY SAYS: You gotta give Weezer credit for doing the unexpected, teaming with other songwriters and bringing in Lil Wayne to rap on the almost-excellent “Can’t Stop Partying.” That outside talent, however, ends up buffing off the group’s distinct edges. Ironically, unpredictable moves create an all-too-predictable sound, cause enough for disappointment in this mixed bag of an album.
GRADE: C-plus
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com
TRIVIA: For the first time, the group worked with songwriters outside the band, including hit-makers Jermaine Dupri, Dr. Luke and Butch Walker.
STANDOUTS: The classic pop ballad “I Don’t Want to Let You Go” — one of the few tracks that frontman Rivers Cuomo wrote on his own — has a simple sparkle to it.
FANS DIG: Barbershop quartets
ANDY SAYS: You gotta give Weezer credit for doing the unexpected, teaming with other songwriters and bringing in Lil Wayne to rap on the almost-excellent “Can’t Stop Partying.” That outside talent, however, ends up buffing off the group’s distinct edges. Ironically, unpredictable moves create an all-too-predictable sound, cause enough for disappointment in this mixed bag of an album.
GRADE: C-plus
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com
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