WXTJ Writes! by Libby Eveland: “I Hate Weezer”
It happens to the best of us, no matter how hard we try. We could hear it in a store, a friend might give us a recommendation, or maybe our Tik Tok For You Page is a little too accurate. The social force of Weezer cannot be avoided. Lucky for you, I have similar experiences to those unfortunate enough to run across paths with Weezer. Little 8th grade me wanted to see Panic! At The Disco in concert, but — since they were on tour with Weezer at the time — I was reluctantly dragged into the Weezer fandom in this endeavor. Now that you know my qualifications as someone who does not like Weezer, I will give you my review of Weezer’s discography.
Starting with the album Weezer, often referred to as The Blue Album — (you can tell Weezer is cool and quirky because a lot of their albums are color coded). The Blue Album is the definition of mediocre. Most of you will be acquainted with songs such as “Buddy Holly,” or “Say It Ain’t So.” Some of you might even know “My Name Is Jonas,” or “Undone- The Sweater Song.” These four songs sound exactly what you would expect of the 90s rock scene: they only have a somewhat interesting guitar riff going for them. This album overall is ok.
Next is Pinkerton. I’ve never listened to the entirety of this album but I heard it’s one of the better ones. “El Scorcho,” and “Pink Triangle,” are among the better of these songs. But overall, the album is unremarkable.
Following Pinkerton is Weezer (Green Album). Just in case you wanted to know, this album cover depicts the members of Weezer standing in front of a green background. This is a big change from Weezer where they stand in front of a blue background. The Green Album contains the best song Weezer could ever manage to make: “Island In The Sun.” This song contains hints of actual creativity and not just power chords throughout the entire song. The rest of the album is unremarkable.
2002-2016 contained eight more albums of mediocracy. Of course, some Weezer fans would argue with me and say — at the very least— Weezer (Red Album) and Everything Will Be Alright In The End are genuinely very good. I disagree. If you can only defend two out of eight albums in the span of 14 years, you probably don’t have a very good band.
In 2016, Weezer shocked everyone by releasing a good album. Before I tell you the title, can you guess which color it used? Drop your guesses in the comments below. The album was entitled Weezer (White Album) and it is one of the best summer albums I have ever heard. Granted, not all the songs on the album are good, but the majority of them are.
This was also the year I went to see Panic! At The Disco in concert, meaning I also had to see Weezer. I will admit, Weezer was fantastic in concert. They had an amazing energy and Rivers Cuomo is a great performer. After seeing them in concert, I quickly forgot they made music. I was rudely awakened from this dream when Weezer came out with “Africa,” the lead single from — (guess the color) — Weezer (Teal Album). I know, I thought teal was creative too. After hearing “Africa” on the radio and being disappointed every time it came on, I once again forgot that Weezer existed and created music.
Since Weezer (Teal Album), Weezer has released four albums. I have not listened to any of them and I refuse to. We are now at the point where even my 50-year-old parents — who know close to nothing about internet culture — joke about Weezer. Yet somehow this incredibly mediocre band is selling out stadiums. Clearly, I know nothing about success. Maybe I am just a Weezer hater, but I am a proud Weezer Hater. You can have your own thoughts and opinions on the worst band from the 90s, but this is a safe place for other Weezer Haters, I love you and we will make it through this Weezer-dominated world.
By Libby Eveland , a co host of “Word of the Week” on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm
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