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