Few bands in the past two decades have given what Weezer has to the alternative rock scene while simultaneously staying just far enough off the radar as to avoid the influence of mainstream “sell-outs.”
Since their debut self-titled album in 1994, critics and listeners have failed to agree on a single genre under which to classify the four-piece band from Los Angeles. Their series of self-titled albums over the years have been affectionately given color-coded nicknames by fans.
1994’s “Weezer” also known as “The Blue Album,” established the band and placed them in a market where teenagers could relate to frontman Rivers Cuomo’s sarcastic take on life while joyously banging their heads to distorted guitar riffs and crash cymbals that resembled angst-inspired grunge rock of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
With the help of such hit singles as “Undone – The Sweater Song,” “Buddy Holly” and “Say it Ain’t So,” “The Blue Album” soared to popularity and dubbed Weezer with that new sound — a modern take on punk rock some call power pop.
While the Beatles established the genre, Weezer gave power pop a new perspective by gathering aspects from all ends of the musical spectrum to create what is now considered a solid foundation and influence for various bands today.
While certain tracks, such as “Buddy Holly,” introduced power pop to the mainstream market, the rest of the album dealt with a much bigger picture — a sweet and melodic approach to the acceptance of life’s hardships.
Weezer’s earlier lyrics, written primarily by Cuomo himself, reflect on personal life experiences, exemplified by the jealous boyfriend portrayed in “No One Else” or the narrator fearful of the demise of his parent’s marriage in “Say it Ain’t So.”
Recent years have not been as kind to Weezer’s sound. But while some fans fear Weezer has fallen into the sell-out’s dark abyss, I like to find relief in going back to my CD collection and listening to a time when genius came in the form of power chords, major keys and simple retellings of life’s little speed bumps.
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