Make Believe
by Weezer
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: May 10, 2005
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 325 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 183 out of 325
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 325
  3. Negative: 97 out of 325

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  1. kirsten123
    Nov 24, 2017
    8
    A very belated review of a very unfairly criticized album. MB is the sound of Weezer nailing the near perfect power pop aesthetic. Forget Pacific Daydream which is trite rubbish by comparison and give this a try.
  2. Rhaith
    May 5, 2016
    8
    Easily one of the most under-appreciated Weezer albums. While the lyrical work doesn't come close to anything from Pinkerton or Blue, ever song fits so well together in that buttery alt-rock-pop zone.
  3. bleed0range
    Oct 15, 2014
    9
    I'll never understand why so many people give this album such a hard time. I'll admit it's a little too mid-tempo at times and could have been better, but it's a pretty solid and "classic" Weezer album imo.
  4. godwinkent888
    Oct 10, 2014
    8
    I'm not really sure why people prefer Hurley and Raditude over this. I mean, yes, I particularly didn't like the slickness of the production and the sometimes generic lyrics, but it's still good. Not as good as TBA and Pinkerton, though.
  5. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    8/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  6. BriJ.
    Feb 23, 2008
    10
    This album is not Pinkerton or the Blue album. It is better. It shows that they have evolved and every song is very catch. To me, the weakest songs are the 2 that got the air play; Beverly Hills and We are all on drugs. Those 2 were ok, but the rest of the album was awesome. Take it for what it is. It's happy upbeat power pop. There's nothing with that when in this day things This album is not Pinkerton or the Blue album. It is better. It shows that they have evolved and every song is very catch. To me, the weakest songs are the 2 that got the air play; Beverly Hills and We are all on drugs. Those 2 were ok, but the rest of the album was awesome. Take it for what it is. It's happy upbeat power pop. There's nothing with that when in this day things are so depressing. This is one of my most listened to cd's still? My concern would be whether they will be able to top this cd on their next one, if there is a next one.… Expand
  7. AaronE
    May 10, 2005
    10
    F'n awesome! Its neither worse, better or equal to their previous material. make believe just is.
  8. ElliotR
    May 10, 2005
    9
    I enjoy it.
  9. JamesK
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Most underappreciated album of all time. This album is amazing.
  10. JamesJ
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Weezer have it spot on. Great songs with feeling. Different from their previous albums, but in this case change is good. Their best since the Blue album.
  11. SteveS
    May 10, 2005
    9
    Well just as i suspected alot of people are voting to soon. I belive u have to listen to a album over 10 times before u label it shit. I remember when pinkerton first came out everybody hated it. Then they actually started to listen to it and now its along with blue for the 2 best albums. I believe this album is good so far and if you keep on listneing to it you will understand it more Well just as i suspected alot of people are voting to soon. I belive u have to listen to a album over 10 times before u label it shit. I remember when pinkerton first came out everybody hated it. Then they actually started to listen to it and now its along with blue for the 2 best albums. I believe this album is good so far and if you keep on listneing to it you will understand it more and appreciate cuomo's work more. no its not a blue album but most bands change and you have to change with them.… Expand
  12. JulianK
    May 10, 2005
    9
    not to feed off of my original bias as a weezer fan, but this disc is just great. It's a step in a different dirrection for weezer just like the other 4 were. i'm very impressed with the crafting of these songs, very mellow and powerful at the same time.
  13. BrianneG
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Whether the lyrics are passionate, trite, or simply ironic, Weezer's strengths rely on their cohesive sound and familiar formula. Hopefully, non-Weezer fans will enjoy it as much as I do.
  14. RogerS
    May 9, 2005
    9
    Weezer's best album since Pinkerton. A joy to listen.
  15. BelovedAunt
    Jun 1, 2005
    9
    Its A GREAT WEEZER ALBUM. If you are blessed with superior musical taste, you will likely enjoy this major comeback. Cuomo mixes Charlie Brown lyrics, angst drenched melodies and heavenly vocals to a satisfying melange of power pop utopia. And anyone that tells you otherwise has no interest in music, a very low IQ and possibly personal hygiene issues. And no other way to express the pent Its A GREAT WEEZER ALBUM. If you are blessed with superior musical taste, you will likely enjoy this major comeback. Cuomo mixes Charlie Brown lyrics, angst drenched melodies and heavenly vocals to a satisfying melange of power pop utopia. And anyone that tells you otherwise has no interest in music, a very low IQ and possibly personal hygiene issues. And no other way to express the pent up rage of the impotent computer bound Weiners that frequent these boards. Either that or they only listened to it once before pronouncing their turgid views with venom and bile. Buy it! it will immediately reside in your top 5 for the year.… Expand
  16. BrianL
    Jun 6, 2005
    8
    While not up to Weezer's amazing standard from the Blue Album years, this is better than Maladroit, their last release, and some of the songs are genuinely brilliant; This Is Such A Pity, We Are All On Drugs and Haunt You Every Day being my favourites
  17. ShaneyT
    Aug 9, 2005
    7
    most critics don't give the album more than a couple listens, and this record needs quite a few before its beauty is revealed. give it a fe more spins and you'll notice that "This is Such a Pity", "The Damage In Your Heart", "The Other Way", "Freak Me Out", and "Haunt You Everyday" are great additions to the Cuomo songbook.
  18. NicolasC
    May 11, 2005
    8
    Not as good as blue different from Pinkerton better than green and the same as maladroit = Good album
  19. JustinS
    May 10, 2005
    8
    I like the return of Rivers' emotion. I do not, however, like the brief retreads into unintelligent pop (We Are All On Drugs, Best Friend, Freak Me Out). Other than those tracks though, this album is amazing, especially with its hybrid Pinkerton-Blue songs (Pardon Me, The Other Way, Perfect Situation, Peace). Overall a great album and worthy of the Weezer name.
  20. GaryM
    May 11, 2005
    8
    'Make Believe' is not Blue or Pinkerton. If you want it to be those albums, don't bother listening as it will never meet your lofty standards. On its own, though, 'Make Believe' is a fine album with at least six songs which are EXCELLENT and the rest of which is very good (except Freak Me Out, which I don't care for.) The lyrics aren't as good as 'Make Believe' is not Blue or Pinkerton. If you want it to be those albums, don't bother listening as it will never meet your lofty standards. On its own, though, 'Make Believe' is a fine album with at least six songs which are EXCELLENT and the rest of which is very good (except Freak Me Out, which I don't care for.) The lyrics aren't as good as Pinkerton but the music is very solid and Rivers can shred. And back by popular demand, Rivers writes personal songs again, only to be trashed by you people. He can't win for losing. Very good album. Worth picking up for Perfect Situation, This is Such A Pity, Haunt You Every Day and The Other Way.… Expand
  21. BenA
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Don't listen to the snobby Pitchfork cronies. So what if the prissy indy in-crowd doesn't accept weezer. This album rules. The lyrics are laughably bad by themselves but the songs are so brilliant it makes them shine. I love this album. It makes me so happy. Weezer is back and they are dorky as ever. A+
  22. matthews
    May 10, 2005
    10
    I would have to give this album because it just blows the last 2 albums out of the water. Giving it a zero is just ignorant, I am unsure if these people have even heard the album. Also Pinkerton was named wosrt album of 1996 but we all know that Pinkerton was not critically acclaimed until later. But the main point, the cd is a fine example of what a cd should consist of, the highs are o I would have to give this album because it just blows the last 2 albums out of the water. Giving it a zero is just ignorant, I am unsure if these people have even heard the album. Also Pinkerton was named wosrt album of 1996 but we all know that Pinkerton was not critically acclaimed until later. But the main point, the cd is a fine example of what a cd should consist of, the highs are o so high and the lows are few if any.… Expand
  23. ClintB
    May 11, 2005
    8
    If you are a Weezer fan, and not just a "blue album" or "pinkerton" fan, you would enjoy it. However, if all you like is the albums I listed above, you may not enjoy it as well. I love the Blue Album and Pinkerton as much as anyone..but you have to think...Most of the songs on the Blue Album were written well over a decade ago, Weezer has grown up some more. I think Make Believe is well If you are a Weezer fan, and not just a "blue album" or "pinkerton" fan, you would enjoy it. However, if all you like is the albums I listed above, you may not enjoy it as well. I love the Blue Album and Pinkerton as much as anyone..but you have to think...Most of the songs on the Blue Album were written well over a decade ago, Weezer has grown up some more. I think Make Believe is well rounded; it has some older-sounding songs, and a little bit differant stuff too. Anyone who says this ruins "everything Rivers Cuomo has ever done" is a moron. He grew up some more. That happens you know...… Expand
  24. KevinM
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Amazing. i think its a great step forward for weezer and is in the same league as the first 2 records. I can't see where some of the mixed reviews are coming from.
  25. jingg
    May 13, 2005
    10
    people who hate make believe just don't get it. one has to be a really sensitive weezer fan to truly appreciate make believe. it's full of many subtleties that you just have to discover on your own. it's a real grower of an album, but once it has taken root, you can't help but love it to bits. at first, many might comment on the seemingly trite and simplistic lyrics. i people who hate make believe just don't get it. one has to be a really sensitive weezer fan to truly appreciate make believe. it's full of many subtleties that you just have to discover on your own. it's a real grower of an album, but once it has taken root, you can't help but love it to bits. at first, many might comment on the seemingly trite and simplistic lyrics. i think rivers had a purpose for writing the lyrics as such. if you take them as a whole with the arrangements and melodies, you'll discover the real depth of these songs.… Expand
  26. frankd
    May 14, 2005
    10
    stop to always referring to blue album and pinkerton because this is a GOOD album, best song is the last one.
  27. BenH
    May 15, 2005
    8
    Francis is right, just listen to it again. It is by no means Pinkerton and not even Blue, but it beats out maladroit and green. I think that people just can't handle Weezer adjusting their musical style and thats too bad. This is a very good album that will come more alive every time you listen to it. -One note to the guys at Metacritic: Its not fair that some bands metascore is Francis is right, just listen to it again. It is by no means Pinkerton and not even Blue, but it beats out maladroit and green. I think that people just can't handle Weezer adjusting their musical style and thats too bad. This is a very good album that will come more alive every time you listen to it. -One note to the guys at Metacritic: Its not fair that some bands metascore is lowered due to cheap sarcastic internet reviews, I say throw those out.… Expand
  28. GreggyP.Wild
    May 15, 2005
    8
    Where is all the negativity coming from? I was into Weezer way back in the early 90's and fell in love with their first album. Their last 2 discs did absolutely nothing for me at all. Way too commercial and middle of the road stuff, guys. This is the quirkiest and most entertaining album since Pinkerton. I don't buy Weezer albums for crappy middle America radio hits like Hash Where is all the negativity coming from? I was into Weezer way back in the early 90's and fell in love with their first album. Their last 2 discs did absolutely nothing for me at all. Way too commercial and middle of the road stuff, guys. This is the quirkiest and most entertaining album since Pinkerton. I don't buy Weezer albums for crappy middle America radio hits like Hash Pipe, I buy them for original, quirky, sometimes heart breaking songs like The Other Way, Perfect Situation, This Is Such A Pity and Peace. A very good album, not great but nowhere near terrible. p.s. Pitchfork is probably the worst source for album reviews on the planet. They haven't been right about a single album since 1997 and The Verve's Urban Hymns.… Expand
  29. SteveW
    May 16, 2005
    10
    I think some people are overanalyzing this release. It is a great combination of Weezer's new sound and the self deprecating honesty of Pinkerton and the Blue Album. If you're looking for another Pinkerton or Blue Album, you might be disappointed but if you look at this with a more open mind, you'll find that Weezer hasn't lost a step at all.
  30. DaveD
    May 10, 2005
    9
    A new direction for =w=. I think "Perfect Situation" is an incredible song. Pitchfork you can't trust...They gave Fiery Furnaces a good rating, for Christ's sake. I'm a long time fan of =w=, and after the last two, I am well satisfied by this album. Though I do agree with pitchfork about the "diarrhea" thing...I had the same thought. But I will say that "Haunt You Everyday" A new direction for =w=. I think "Perfect Situation" is an incredible song. Pitchfork you can't trust...They gave Fiery Furnaces a good rating, for Christ's sake. I'm a long time fan of =w=, and after the last two, I am well satisfied by this album. Though I do agree with pitchfork about the "diarrhea" thing...I had the same thought. But I will say that "Haunt You Everyday" reclaims the weezer tradition of closing an album epically strong - a bar raised high by Only in Dreams and Butterfly.… Expand
  31. MichaelV
    May 9, 2005
    10
    I have been a Weezer fan since the days of Undone in the Buzz Bin! When MTV was MUSIC Television. This album does it all and shows that The Weez isn't afraid to grow up, throw in a little piano and apologize for nothing (or everything?). Rivers shows us that his plaintive lyrics with the same crunchy guitar and "Oooooo Ahhhhh Oooooos" that we know and love will keep us coming back I have been a Weezer fan since the days of Undone in the Buzz Bin! When MTV was MUSIC Television. This album does it all and shows that The Weez isn't afraid to grow up, throw in a little piano and apologize for nothing (or everything?). Rivers shows us that his plaintive lyrics with the same crunchy guitar and "Oooooo Ahhhhh Oooooos" that we know and love will keep us coming back for more. Listen for "Perfect Situation", "Hold Me" and "We Are All On Drugs" to become hits from this fine piece of album. To the original comeback kids: Weezer fans everywhere salute you!!!… Expand
  32. GregP
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    This is the kind of album that makes me feel good about the music year.
  33. MarkP
    Jun 15, 2005
    8
    I liked it at first, but the more listened to it the more i liked and after i tried taking it out to listen to something else i couldnt get it out of my head and keep putting it back. i guess it just keeps growing on me.
  34. GregR
    Jun 2, 2005
    8
    Music criticism is so subjective. Why would you trust one person's word over another? There are as many positive reviews here as there are negative ones. Weezer has always been a band in command of the catchy pop song and this album is no different. Unless you are some sort of rabid Weezer fan who holds on to Blue and Pinkerton as if suckling on your Mother's breast you should Music criticism is so subjective. Why would you trust one person's word over another? There are as many positive reviews here as there are negative ones. Weezer has always been a band in command of the catchy pop song and this album is no different. Unless you are some sort of rabid Weezer fan who holds on to Blue and Pinkerton as if suckling on your Mother's breast you should at least enjoy this album [even if you don't love it]. Remember that those same people who long for a new Pinkerton would be complaining just as vocally if we'd heard it done 5 different ways by now.… Expand
  35. SamA
    Jun 2, 2005
    10
    This is a great album. Perfect Situation could be the best Weezer song yet.
  36. brian
    Jun 6, 2005
    8
    its ok, its tough to compete with the blue album or any of there successful CD's. A lot of the songs sound basically the same
  37. Joey
    Jun 9, 2005
    7
    Lovin' this album! My favourite track is probably the new single, 'Beverly Hills.' All the songs are really catchy but some sound like each other. Though doesn't every artist do that?
  38. JustinK
    Jul 1, 2005
    8
    Make Believe isn't the best from Weezer, but it's much better than 90% of the other alt rock albums out. It's quick, catchy, and simple but still fun. If you're a bitter 35 year old dad looking to relive the early 90's weezer, this isn't the album for you. For everybody else, it's a good listen.
  39. NicolasP
    Aug 7, 2005
    10
    Excellent!
  40. AndrewL
    Jan 20, 2006
    10
    Brilliant album. Do not listen to the detracters.
  41. JustinM
    Jan 27, 2006
    9
    Solid album with a couple weak tracks.
  42. MikeS.
    Nov 25, 2007
    7
    I can only hope that "tout ensemble" will be back to cuomo's old writing days,not that make believe was particularily bad,its just not up to true weezer standard!
  43. BrendanD
    Mar 5, 2007
    9
    It's now been nearly two years since what may end up having been the final Weezer release came out, and I have to say, upon its initial release, I drubbed it just like anyone else. I agreed mainly with the Pitchfork assessment, that this was a weak record, especially by the saviors of power-pop, the spiritual inheritors to mid-'70s Cheap Trick, etc., etc. Recently, however, I It's now been nearly two years since what may end up having been the final Weezer release came out, and I have to say, upon its initial release, I drubbed it just like anyone else. I agreed mainly with the Pitchfork assessment, that this was a weak record, especially by the saviors of power-pop, the spiritual inheritors to mid-'70s Cheap Trick, etc., etc. Recently, however, I began noticing something. Being on the cusp of turning 23, having recently graduated college, and being somewhere in between longing to be back amongst teenage peers and wanting to act like a grown-up, I started reflecting on the music I've loved throughout my life. Since I grew up in the '90s, Weezer was amongst those bands I considered my favorite. Then I started thinking, what has Weezer actually DONE for me? Well, go back to the Blue Album -- it's an album about being a freshman or sophomore in high school; by junior year, however, you've gotten MORE melodramatic, thinking your life is just one big fricking soap opera -- and that's where Pinkerton comes in. By the time you're ready to at least pretend to act like a grown-up, around 18 or 19, you're dating, screwing, drinking, doing drugs, things like that, and that's where the Green Album works. And when you're getting ready to finish up your college career and thinking that the real world's coming soon, so you'd better cherish what little time you have left, Maladroit (which, by the way, means "awkward," a perfect explanation of what it feels like to be about 21), goes down perfectly. Then comes "Make Believe." It's easy to dismiss this as the worst of Weezer's records (which it isn't; that distinction, and screw the Weezophiles who worship at the Japanese-fetish temple, goes to Pinkerton); but this actually cuts deeper once you're in that mode of being just-about-ready to grow up and move on with your life. Take "We Are All On Drugs," for example. Dissed by most as Weezer turning from the slightly ambiguous turn on drug use to an anti-drug anthem, people have missed what it's about: it's about not being a kid anymore but still feeling like you want to party as if you are. This is an album about how much growing up sucked in retrospect, but how absolutely frightening it is to think you might not be able to live a carefree life anymore. The fact that Rivers Cuomo is stuck in a perpetual state of arrested development is unimportant; this album holds up really well, despite the shoddy and glitzy production by Rick Rubin.… Expand
  44. JoeB.
    Aug 8, 2007
    8
    Considering that most music reviewers are self-pretentious idiots with not a hint of musical knowledge within them (seriously - I bet that the some of these reviews are by journalists not important enough to cover real news), it's not surprising that an album as catchy and well-made as Make Believe is disregarded and even blatantly insulted. Have a look at some of the unfavourable Considering that most music reviewers are self-pretentious idiots with not a hint of musical knowledge within them (seriously - I bet that the some of these reviews are by journalists not important enough to cover real news), it's not surprising that an album as catchy and well-made as Make Believe is disregarded and even blatantly insulted. Have a look at some of the unfavourable reviews: wtih the exception of one or two, they rant on almost exclusively about the lyrics. What about the catchy guitar and vocal hooks? Well, here's what CokeMachineGlow's Clayton Purdom has to say: "You can… Expand
  45. BShort
    Dec 23, 2005
    10
    Love this album! First time i really became a fan of Weezer..love "this is such a pity"
  46. BillP
    May 11, 2005
    10
    Where do you folks get off attacking Rivers and his new album. What is so bad about it I wonder.... I THINK IT ROCKS YOUR SOCKS OFF!
  47. JoshB
    May 11, 2005
    7
    Wow, people are being really harsh. This is a good, solid album. I'm a life-long Weezer fan and I am quite pleased. I hope you naysayers remember that this is how people reacted to Pinkerton when it came out. Now look at the legend that is that album. Who know what may happen?
  48. J.L.Perez
    May 10, 2005
    8
    While not their best this is still a fun album thats good to listen too.
  49. markt
    May 10, 2005
    9
    The pitchfork review makes me mad. 4? Are you kidding?
  50. JackJ
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Unbelievably good album.
  51. KevinG
    May 11, 2005
    7
    okay so it's not lyrically up to standard or not breaking any ground but it's still damn infectious (as per usual great hooks) been humming it all day and for me thats makes it more than an average album
  52. MattK
    May 10, 2005
    8
    It's a really good album. I think it has a lot of the strengths of all their other albums. Different but classic weezer at the same time. Fits right in there with there solid catalog.
  53. RyanA
    May 12, 2005
    8
    I am really surprised at how scathing some of the reviews for this album are. I feel its better than Green and certainly Maladroit. Perhaps Weezer are being punished for getting such great reviews on their last, relatively poor album. I guess people just don't like the ballads, but lyrically this is the best and most honest Rivers has been since Pinkerton, though maybe people need I am really surprised at how scathing some of the reviews for this album are. I feel its better than Green and certainly Maladroit. Perhaps Weezer are being punished for getting such great reviews on their last, relatively poor album. I guess people just don't like the ballads, but lyrically this is the best and most honest Rivers has been since Pinkerton, though maybe people need for him to write songs about lesbians and Japanese girls touching themselves in order to see that.… Expand
  54. DaveB
    May 12, 2005
    8
    What a great love it or hate it release...not groundbreaking, but a nice collection of great pop songs. What else did you expect from Weezer -- an album that sounds like Arcade Fire? I have to agree with Rob Sheffield, and it's not just because he wrote that hilarious Shakira bit a while back. I enjoy it, too, what else can I say -- "Beverly Hills" = dumb, funny, weird, just like the What a great love it or hate it release...not groundbreaking, but a nice collection of great pop songs. What else did you expect from Weezer -- an album that sounds like Arcade Fire? I have to agree with Rob Sheffield, and it's not just because he wrote that hilarious Shakira bit a while back. I enjoy it, too, what else can I say -- "Beverly Hills" = dumb, funny, weird, just like the actual city.… Expand
  55. RodC
    May 12, 2005
    9
    I don't know what Weezer fans are griping about. Cuomo sings more earnestly on this record than he has since Pinkerton. Just because it's not about the same content, does not mean it's not full of emotion. And the notes he hits on this record...that is classic Weezer. It's what made songs like Waiting on You and Devotion such treasured B-sides. And that is overall what I don't know what Weezer fans are griping about. Cuomo sings more earnestly on this record than he has since Pinkerton. Just because it's not about the same content, does not mean it's not full of emotion. And the notes he hits on this record...that is classic Weezer. It's what made songs like Waiting on You and Devotion such treasured B-sides. And that is overall what impresses me with this CD, that and the embarrasing earnestness, I mean he is pouring his soul out. It's very gripping and he is really brave to put his feelings on the line like that. But just because it's not Pinkerton and it's not about girls across the sea, the fans want to rake Cuomo over the coals. Earnestness is Earnestness regardless of what it's talking about. In some ways it's even more emotional than Pinkerton, and way more personal. The only reason this CD doesn't get a 10 is that Beverly Hills and My Best Friend are not very good songs, but then all of Weezers old CD's only had 10 songs, so this comes out perfect. Please let the idiots at Geffen release stuff that sounds like Weezer or even release "This is such a Pity". That will be such a big hit. I predict top ten and it will make them a household name. Please Geffen do not drop the ball on this brilliant, catchy record.… Expand
  56. MattE
    May 12, 2005
    9
    I think all the people giving this album terrible reviews are just listening once, shutting off their ears halfway through the album, and throwing it over their shoulders. If you give it 3-4 listens, you'll realize that this music simply says more than any =w= album since "Pinkerton."
  57. JoeM
    May 12, 2005
    10
    One of the best weezer albums since pinkerton, and the blue album. Make Believe has recaptured the emotion that the last two albums lacked. And musically speaking, its the most impressive, and experiemental sound they've come up with yet. By the way, the last guy who talked about RS saying Pinkerton was the worst album of 96, they know that was the stupidest thing they ever said, and One of the best weezer albums since pinkerton, and the blue album. Make Believe has recaptured the emotion that the last two albums lacked. And musically speaking, its the most impressive, and experiemental sound they've come up with yet. By the way, the last guy who talked about RS saying Pinkerton was the worst album of 96, they know that was the stupidest thing they ever said, and they know now its one of the most important alternative rock album of the 90s… Expand
  58. SaeedG
    May 10, 2005
    7
    A bit better then Maladroit, has some great songs on it but does have a few howlers. Highlights: Perfect Situation, This is Such A Pity, The Other Way Skip: Beverly Hills, Freak You Out
  59. AdamS
    May 12, 2005
    8
    Although not blue or pinkerton, this is an excellent stand alone ablum that I would probably enjoy more if I didn't have to compare it to the two previous masterpieces. Light years beyond green and Maladroit.
  60. ChrisF
    May 13, 2005
    9
    Great album, lyrically it's a bit weak. but oh well.
  61. PMHthehook
    May 13, 2005
    8
    This album made me laugh...I'm not sure if that's what I expected though. I would give it a 5 but "This is such a pity" is so good that made the cut for me, so I'm giving a solid 8 to this weird record. I also enjoyed "frek me out", "peace", "the damage in your heart", "pardon me". "my best friend" is laughable. "beverly hills" and "perfect situation" are way too juvenile This album made me laugh...I'm not sure if that's what I expected though. I would give it a 5 but "This is such a pity" is so good that made the cut for me, so I'm giving a solid 8 to this weird record. I also enjoyed "frek me out", "peace", "the damage in your heart", "pardon me". "my best friend" is laughable. "beverly hills" and "perfect situation" are way too juvenile for a suposedly mature band. the rest is pretty much average weezer stuff. Anyway, as I said "this is such a pity" is great...sometimes I expect jeff lynne singing "here is the news" after the intro, which is amusing. hahah so 80ish.… Expand
  62. EdK
    May 15, 2005
    10
    oh my god. you guys dont get it. this is an amazing amazing record. only thing i can complain is the lyrics. the melodies are just great man. and it's certainly an improvement for weezer adding more depth and increasing their song lengths. not to mention the guitar solos. woohoo. you guys gotta give it a second listen! i cant stop playing the cd man.
  63. JesperM
    May 16, 2005
    9
    This album is neither what I expected nor what I hoped for. It is something else, and it gave me a hard time at first. But it still remained fixed in my CD-player. Now I really, really like it. The bad reviews all to me seem nothing but "this band is not doing what I want them to do. How dare they!" I remember the abandoned concept for the Beverly Hills video (suggested by Brian This album is neither what I expected nor what I hoped for. It is something else, and it gave me a hard time at first. But it still remained fixed in my CD-player. Now I really, really like it. The bad reviews all to me seem nothing but "this band is not doing what I want them to do. How dare they!" I remember the abandoned concept for the Beverly Hills video (suggested by Brian Bell)where the band is given an extreme makeover, and their appearances all change - except for Rivers Cuomo. He looks just the same as before, because, said Bell, "Rivers is not allowed to change." Says it all, really. Give the man a break and listen.… Expand
  64. ThomasP
    May 18, 2005
    9
    At first listen, Make Believe threw me off and I was somewhat dissapointed. After about thirty passes, I believe that this could be the best Weezer to date. Make Believe is a very complex and deep release that seems to favor some of the best Beatles releases. Funny enough, the best material on the release is towards the end of the CD - Tracks 10-12 are pure genious.
  65. Sean-TambaM
    May 24, 2005
    10
    Make Believe is a great Pop-Modern Rock album. No its not your typical underground pinkerton album, but who said it was supposed to be.
  66. AndrewG
    May 25, 2005
    8
    After a couple of listenings you get major earworms. I dig this album, it has moved QOTSA's new album out of the CD player.
  67. GeorgeJ
    May 27, 2005
    10
    This album is great.
  68. FredoL
    May 9, 2005
    10
    best work since pinkerton. deserves to stand next to the first 2 albums.
  69. WilliamS
    May 9, 2005
    10
    Another great album from the Weez. Like the Rolling Stone review said, this is a breakthrough for Rivers and Weezer. The songwriting is emotional and optimistic. It's very different from their usual quirky geekiness and I really like it. Very mature yet still able to rocked out to!
  70. NeilFan
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    A great Newe Album From Weezer. IT's their best album since Pinkerton.
  71. LarryS
    Jun 14, 2005
    9
    Good solid Alternative album, its brilliant.
  72. RyanM
    Jun 19, 2005
    10
    Top to bottom, better than you think. Some of the tracks take from current bands, seemingly (listen to The Bravery, then the track "This is Such a Pity), but others are their sound, through and through (Freak Me Out). Don't be turned off by Beverly Hills. It's as representative of this album as El Scorcho was of Pinkerton (in other words, not at all).
  73. MattJ
    Jun 2, 2005
    9
    Except for "My Best Friend" this album was far above my expectations and is quite good.
  74. MikeG
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    Go ahead, say that my musical tastes are unrefined or whatever. I just love this album, and that's all there is to it.
  75. RobertA
    Jun 7, 2005
    7
    Well from listening to maladroit you can tell that weezer is on a downhill spiral. I am not sure which cd I like better maladroit or make believe. Well either way Make Believe was made with some kind of twisted humor. Is this really the Weezer we remember? No, but if you make believe that it is, it might just help you figure out that Weezer may be playing with your mind. 7 for the beats Well from listening to maladroit you can tell that weezer is on a downhill spiral. I am not sure which cd I like better maladroit or make believe. Well either way Make Believe was made with some kind of twisted humor. Is this really the Weezer we remember? No, but if you make believe that it is, it might just help you figure out that Weezer may be playing with your mind. 7 for the beats and treats, and -3 for the trickery and mediocrity.… Expand
  76. Chris
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Although slanted towards the emo side, this album is packed with very original and great songs
  77. Fcuker
    Nov 18, 2006
    8
    Wow! After seeing the Beverly Hills video on MTV i was hooked. Having never heard of Weezer before I immediately went out and purchased the album. Some albums drag on and on when listening to them but the 45 minutes this album generates absolutely flew by, A SUPERB album
  78. MatE
    Sep 27, 2006
    7
    this is an avarage weezer album. but compared to other records, its still a very good album with very good songs (Perfect Situation, Freak Me Out, Haunt You Everyday).
  79. MattM
    Feb 24, 2007
    9
    Come on, this album is sick. What is the point of comparing it to the past. Take it for what it is: fun and well written. haven't we learned by now that we'll look back at weezer albums later and realize the genius was there all along, we just failed to see it.
  80. JordanF.
    Aug 17, 2008
    8
    Ok. the album itself is pretty bad... but nonetheless, it holds my all-time favorite song: "Haunt You Every Day".
  81. nateb
    Dec 8, 2005
    10
    Give it a second and third run people. This album deserves repeated listens. Yea, the lyrics have been simplified, it is called Rivers maturing. He knows how to express what he feels now, and what he feels does not need to be woven in an intricate web of lyrics which you have to look up on the internet to decipher their meanings. This album captures all the emotions that either have (or Give it a second and third run people. This album deserves repeated listens. Yea, the lyrics have been simplified, it is called Rivers maturing. He knows how to express what he feels now, and what he feels does not need to be woven in an intricate web of lyrics which you have to look up on the internet to decipher their meanings. This album captures all the emotions that either have (or haven't) been captured in the previous albums. Oh, and then there's that little part about the music. This album finds the band experimenting with a wider variety of sounds, and it works great. I seriously wonder sometimes, if the reason the reviews are so low, is because fans keep setting themselves up for dissapointment. Seriously, there will NEVER, ever be another Pinkerton (you know, the one you all HATED at first?) Rivers is not like that anymore. He is trying to find peace, and happiness. The music reflects that. Enjoy it for what it is, and allow yourself to relate to it. It really is possible to do so, if you quit letting expectations or your disgust for the band's newest wave of success cloud your perception.… Expand
  82. AndrewW
    May 11, 2005
    9
    I loved this album, I will not rate it a 10 because it is in fact not the Blue Album. However, this CD is like a great girlfriend, reminds you of what you fell in love with (Blue/Pinkerton) while giving you new reasons to fall further in love every day. Perfect Situation is one of their top songs ever and should be on everyone's IPod.
  83. MaxK
    May 11, 2005
    8
    Make Believe isn't there best Cd, but it is good. And for people giving it bad reviews not every cd, like pinkerton, can be perfect.
  84. LizzieW
    May 11, 2005
    8
    Some really nice songs, and a lot better than some of the recent albums. The album's like Marmite - some love it, some hate it. I love it.
  85. KS
    May 12, 2005
    10
    Some of you guys are so silly... it's a rock album by a popular band. It's fun to listen to. The musicianship and production were obviously a focus and something they wanted to be proud of. Get over the 90s and put it in the proper context. Some of the songs are showing a trend toward a modern indie rock sound that remembers its roots. Sounds fun and promising.
  86. RobA
    May 12, 2005
    8
    This album has a few faults (e.g. "We Are All On Drugs"), but it's still a very good release, and stands up on repeated listenings. We should all just be happy this band even still exists! A reviewer who says a new cd makes him retroactively hate an artist's exceptional catalogue really can't be taken seriously. Ignore the critics pandering to the sarcastic set, and pick up This album has a few faults (e.g. "We Are All On Drugs"), but it's still a very good release, and stands up on repeated listenings. We should all just be happy this band even still exists! A reviewer who says a new cd makes him retroactively hate an artist's exceptional catalogue really can't be taken seriously. Ignore the critics pandering to the sarcastic set, and pick up this cd if you're a Weezer fan.… Expand
  87. JoshS
    May 12, 2005
    10
    I look at the other review and wonder if we're listening to the same cd. Ever since green they haven't had the same feeling, but MAKE BELIVE really brings them back up. You can tell it is more like their first two albums than green and maladroit. Green for a solo repeats the chrous over and over, while BELIVE has awesome solos, like in the begining of perfect situation. They I look at the other review and wonder if we're listening to the same cd. Ever since green they haven't had the same feeling, but MAKE BELIVE really brings them back up. You can tell it is more like their first two albums than green and maladroit. Green for a solo repeats the chrous over and over, while BELIVE has awesome solos, like in the begining of perfect situation. They have brought back the acoustic and mellower songs in Damage in Your Heart, Freaked out, Hold Me, and Haunt you Everyday. And in Freaked out they use a harmonica similar to In the garage on blue. Weezer has made a great cd, not perfect but really great, and people should stop complaining about vomiting. Pitchfork is probably 1 out of th 15 reviews that actually flamed the album, so dont let one review change your opinion.… Expand
  88. ReubenG
    May 12, 2005
    10
    This is by far Weezer's best effort since Pinkerton. Will it kickstart a new genre for bands like Pinkerton did for emo? Most likely not, but it does re-establish the fact that Weezer are once again a influential premier rock band (whose best days are no longer behind them.)
  89. nickm
    May 12, 2005
    8
    'Make Believe' keeps me listening through almost the entire C.D. except about two songs over and over again. It doesn't keep me obssesed like "Hot Fuss" by The Killers, but it is still a good alblum. This is a step in the right direction for weezer. Best Songs: Beverly Hills, This is such a Pity, Perfect Situation. Worst Song: Freak Me Out
  90. JohnL
    May 12, 2005
    9
    This is a more mature weezer with a fresh revival sound. The songs are nearly as catchy as the blue and green albums, but the words are deeper and far more thoughtful, even haunting.
  91. FrancisF
    May 13, 2005
    8
    Listen to it again. Then you will know whats going on.
  92. RickB
    May 14, 2005
    10
    I think "Make Believe" is a great album. It shows Weezer's musical versatility.
  93. ColleenD
    May 15, 2005
    8
    Cleaner, yes, but all of Weezer's albums have taken drifts of to other tunes. "We Are All On Drugs" is a standard song on the album, all of their albums have one. Its one of those songs - "Can you say teenie bopper single?". Catchy and only three cords. The lyrics are simple, Cuomo never takes it to an extreme where I can tell what he is thinking, which bothers me. But, that also Cleaner, yes, but all of Weezer's albums have taken drifts of to other tunes. "We Are All On Drugs" is a standard song on the album, all of their albums have one. Its one of those songs - "Can you say teenie bopper single?". Catchy and only three cords. The lyrics are simple, Cuomo never takes it to an extreme where I can tell what he is thinking, which bothers me. But, that also keeps me wanting more and after their long hiatus, I was thrilled to buy this album and hear what Cuomo has been doing this time. None of the songs are as catchy as their previous albums, they almost seem as if they belong in one of those Disney movies, where you hear the sound but ignore the corny message to it. Overall, this album has its ups and downs. There isn't enough emotion in the lyrics but it has grown since Weezer's previous albums.… Expand
  94. PetterA
    May 16, 2005
    9
    whats the fuss. It´s a great album if you dont search like a dog to find problems. Just go with the flow man!!!
  95. Aussie
    May 16, 2005
    8
    It's decent Weezer. It sound really weird at first, but you a few listenings are required in order to discover the Weezer in Make Believe. Good album overall. Not what I expected though.
  96. eduardom
    May 21, 2005
    10
    One of the best records I've ever heard, each one you will love this record a year from now, that's a promise, I love it already cuz' I understand that Weezer does the best pop in the world, I am just gonna say that you should remember the feeling you had when you first heard Pinkerton, tell me don't you love it right now ;-)
  97. J.Charreaux
    May 22, 2005
    7
    Great drummer, good singing and production. The guitar solos show joy and abandon, but for a band supposedly so obsessed by perfect pop, they come off as bland and uninspired as when I first saw them in L.A. right before and right after they got signed. The first CD suceeded due to a combination of contributors that never appeared on subsequent releases.
  98. NathanS.
    May 24, 2005
    7
    There was a lot of hype for this album, and it delivers in parts. Everyone was lookign for the next Blue album or Pinkerton, Instead, they got an album somewhere between 80s synth rock and your average emo band. That's not necessarily a bad thing. There are some decently good pop songs on here (I love the chorus on "Perfect Situation" and have grown to love both "Beverly Hills" and There was a lot of hype for this album, and it delivers in parts. Everyone was lookign for the next Blue album or Pinkerton, Instead, they got an album somewhere between 80s synth rock and your average emo band. That's not necessarily a bad thing. There are some decently good pop songs on here (I love the chorus on "Perfect Situation" and have grown to love both "Beverly Hills" and "We Are All On Drugs"). However, overall it doesn't sound like a Weezer album. Not too dissapointing, but nothing overly outstanding either.… Expand
  99. WeezerMakeBelieve
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    It's awesome!
  100. AlexJ
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    Album of the Year.
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2005
86
#86 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 25
  3. Negative: 8 out of 25
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Weezer's most conventional disc... a cleaner-sounding record heavy on way-earnest power ballads. [13 May 2005, p.85]
  2. Rolling Stone
    80
    A breakthrough for Weezer... Cuomo's songs are his most plaintive and brilliant since Pinkerton. [19 May 2005, p.74]
  3. Pitchfork
    4
    Sometimes an album is just awful. Make Believe is one of those albums.
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