CD Review: "The Red Album" by Weezer [Pt.1]

I'm not a huge fan of Weezer save "Say It Ain't So", "Undone", and "Velouria (Cover)" so listening to their latest album was a first for me on many levels.

"Trouble Maker" - This is a done to business, pop sounding track that isn't a lot different from what you hear on pop radio. Grade: 6 out of 10

"The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" - Bassist Scott Shiner called this track a "masterpiece" and he didn't lie when he said that it "includes ten different styles of music". First, you hear a soft rock sounding piano. Second, you hear sirens and an almost rap-rock verse that is eventually accompanied by the piano. Third, you hear a hard rock guitar along with heavy (and mean) vocals. Fourth, you hear high pitched power pop and acoustic guitar. Fifth, you hear drums and an anthem. Fifth, you hear a sloppy high frequency voice babble some random words. Sixth, you hear pop-punk at its finest. Seventh, you hear a folk-inspired verse played with a guitar. Eighth, you have an alternative chorus lead by "I am the greatest man that ever lived". Ninth, you hear a side track spoken word that speaks of 'acts'. Tenth, you hear a Capella -- who would have thought?! The song ends on a grunge-y note. While this isn't "The Greatest Song That Ever Lived", it is the best on the album. Grade: 9 out of 10

"Pork and Beans" - The best part of this song...isn't the song, but rather the music video. Check it out on youtube -- it makes fun of internet memes and pop culture among other things. It kind of makes you forget how good the song is. Grade: 8 out of 10

"Heart Songs" - Acoustic and slow, this song is great if you like those styles. Cuomos sounds very good, the lyrics are innovative, but there seems like something is missing. Grade: 7 out of 10

"Everybody Get Dangerous" - This is Weezer trying to be like Death From Above 1979. At times, it sounds like synth rock, but at other times I find myself thinking that this might be Fall Out Boy. Grade: 7.5 out of 10