TheFallOfMike
07/19/09, 05:20 PM
Weezer - Weezer (The Blue Album)
Record Label: Geffen Records
Release Date: May 10, 1994
It is very rare to find a debut album as influential and successful as Weezer’s eponymous release (referred to as “The Blue Album” by fans due to the album cover). Admittedly, the quality of this debut record gave the band a household name in the alternative rock scene, as well as the great expectations that go with it. Many believe Weezer’s first two records to be their greatest works, and that they have not been able to live up to their enormous hype in recent years. Claiming that he moved to Los Angeles to “become a rockstar,” I doubt that Rivers Cuomo, or indeed the rest of the band had anticipated the success they were to achieve by the release of this album.
The opening track “My Name Is Jonas” kicks off the album in style, sporting an upbeat acoustic intro (this being the only contribution of the band’s former rhythm guitarist, Jason Cropper). However, this is quickly drowned out by an introduction to Cuomo’s love for loud, distorted guitars, until the song finishes gently with the same acoustic riff.
The band’s claim to fame were the three singles released from the record: “Undone – The Sweater Song,” “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So.” Occasionally, the infectious, pop-punk catchiness of the former two singles was overlooked, due to the critical acclaim of the Spike Jonze directed music videos, which won both Jonze and the band many awards. “Say It Ain’t So” is one of the more emotional songs on the album, with the lyrics being directed at Cuomo’s stepfather. A music video was also made for this song, but was not met with the overwhelming reception of the other two. Each one of these songs has become a fan favorite, and a staple at all Weezer concerts since release.
The Blue Album is very difficult to find faults with. The level of consistency maintained by Weezer throughout the record is outstanding. Whether telling the doomed love story in “No One Else” and “The World Has Turned and Left Me Here”, or blasting out such geek rock anthems as “Surf Wax America” and “In the Garage,” Weezer always accompany the songs with catchy guitar hooks and clever lyrics by Cuomo, and well harmonized vocals, courtesy of Brian Bell and Matt Sharp.
I can only describe the album finisher “Only In Dreams” as beautiful and epic. Matt Sharp plays a steady bass-line for the majority of the song, joined by both an acoustic guitar and a clean electric guitar for the verses. This is only interrupted by what has now become one of Weezer’s trademarks: the majestic chorus. The last few minutes of the song are made up of a crescendo of epic proportions, after which, each instrument drops out one-by-one, until the listener is left with only Sharp’s familiar bass-line to lull the album softly to a close.
There will always be a dispute between fans about Weezer’s greatest album. However, it comes down to personal choice – both the Blue Album and Pinkerton are incredible, and it would be foolish to miss out on either of these albums that helped to define the music of the '90s.
Record Label: Geffen Records
Release Date: May 10, 1994
It is very rare to find a debut album as influential and successful as Weezer’s eponymous release (referred to as “The Blue Album” by fans due to the album cover). Admittedly, the quality of this debut record gave the band a household name in the alternative rock scene, as well as the great expectations that go with it. Many believe Weezer’s first two records to be their greatest works, and that they have not been able to live up to their enormous hype in recent years. Claiming that he moved to Los Angeles to “become a rockstar,” I doubt that Rivers Cuomo, or indeed the rest of the band had anticipated the success they were to achieve by the release of this album.
The opening track “My Name Is Jonas” kicks off the album in style, sporting an upbeat acoustic intro (this being the only contribution of the band’s former rhythm guitarist, Jason Cropper). However, this is quickly drowned out by an introduction to Cuomo’s love for loud, distorted guitars, until the song finishes gently with the same acoustic riff.
The band’s claim to fame were the three singles released from the record: “Undone – The Sweater Song,” “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So.” Occasionally, the infectious, pop-punk catchiness of the former two singles was overlooked, due to the critical acclaim of the Spike Jonze directed music videos, which won both Jonze and the band many awards. “Say It Ain’t So” is one of the more emotional songs on the album, with the lyrics being directed at Cuomo’s stepfather. A music video was also made for this song, but was not met with the overwhelming reception of the other two. Each one of these songs has become a fan favorite, and a staple at all Weezer concerts since release.
The Blue Album is very difficult to find faults with. The level of consistency maintained by Weezer throughout the record is outstanding. Whether telling the doomed love story in “No One Else” and “The World Has Turned and Left Me Here”, or blasting out such geek rock anthems as “Surf Wax America” and “In the Garage,” Weezer always accompany the songs with catchy guitar hooks and clever lyrics by Cuomo, and well harmonized vocals, courtesy of Brian Bell and Matt Sharp.
I can only describe the album finisher “Only In Dreams” as beautiful and epic. Matt Sharp plays a steady bass-line for the majority of the song, joined by both an acoustic guitar and a clean electric guitar for the verses. This is only interrupted by what has now become one of Weezer’s trademarks: the majestic chorus. The last few minutes of the song are made up of a crescendo of epic proportions, after which, each instrument drops out one-by-one, until the listener is left with only Sharp’s familiar bass-line to lull the album softly to a close.
There will always be a dispute between fans about Weezer’s greatest album. However, it comes down to personal choice – both the Blue Album and Pinkerton are incredible, and it would be foolish to miss out on either of these albums that helped to define the music of the '90s.