Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I almost have to laugh when reading some of these reviews. Weezer has more fair-weather fans than the Minnesota Vikings (and that's a lot). How could some Weezer "fans" be so close minded. I keep reading things like "I was expecting another blue album," or "This album isn't even listenable". I have to wonder, are they listening to the same album that I'm listening to? From the reviews, you would think that people would want Weezer to make the same album, over and over and over. Yeah, because that would be interesting [sarcasm]. Sometimes I just get disgusted at the fact that people don't demand more from their music. So many people are afraid of maturity. Well guess what; Weezer isn't the same band that they were back in 1994, and you aren't the same snot-nose teenager you were either. Smart bands change up their albums with every release, which is exactly what Weezer has done, and done brilliantly throughout their career. But no, some people are still looking for another "Hash Pipe" or a "Buddy Holly". If you are a true Weezer fan, you will absolutely love this record. This is by far the most important record they've ever released. Each Weezer record has defining characteristics. Whether it be a change in sound, lyrical delivery, emotionally, or thematically, they're are always creating original pieces of work that stand apart from each other. Rivers Cuomo has a very articulate and emotional delivery. I read in a Rolling Stone that Rivers Cuomo has been practicing several forms of meditation. He spent 20 days in a closet, alone, without any form of media. He was only given breaks for food, but not for conversing. To many, it seems like torture, but Cuomo thought "It was great". Things like that, are what makes Cuomo such a strong songwriter. The lyrics on this album are just incredible, regardless of what "fans" may tell you. You can tell that Cuomo beats himself up lyrically, conveying a need for self deprecation. In fact, the very things that "old-school fans" of Weezer hate about this record, are the things that make this album so brilliant. "Beverly Hills," "Perfect Situation," and "We Are All on Drugs," are among their best songs they've ever recorded. These songs are constructed beautifully. Rivers is never overbearing or irritating. And with the help from veteran producer Rick Ruben, this is one of the best sets of songs Weezer has ever recorded. I also love "Hold Me," "Peace," and "Pardon Me". Actually, the album works so well as a whole, that it seems pointless to pick out standout tracks. Weezer has also grown musically. I would say that this album has the best guitar work, and by far the most variety. Well, if you are a fair-weather Weezer fan, like the bulk of them on this page, you have probably already clicked "no" below. But I implore you to change the way you think. Try listening to the album with an open mind for once. Have you ever dove into an album head first without any expectations? Well, that's the way I listen to every album, with an unbiased attitude. How do you expect to enjoy an album when you keep thinking, "this isn't the same as the other album I like". What you call "different," I call good. I'll be honest; if this album sounded just like any of their other records, I would have been far less impressed with the album. 5 stars for sure!