• Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: May 10, 2005
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 325 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 97 out of 325

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. PeterV
    May 12, 2005
    6
    Huge disappointment....The worst Weezer album yet. Although the Pitchfork review is too negative.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. LawenceP
    May 12, 2005
    1
    Everything their first two LP's were.........Yeah right! This is trash!
  5. attaboy
    May 12, 2005
    0
    so absolutely atrocious. worse than pitchfork wrote. i am shocked there are still people who will like a weezer album on the basis of it being a weezer album. jesus, it's so bad.
  6. VincentC
    May 13, 2005
    0
    I also agree with Pitchfork. Weezer have always gotten by on the kind of goodwill generated by this imagined notion that they are somehow underdogs or anti-establishment heroes, despite all evidence to the contrary. Every Weezer fan since Pinkerton has been aware of this, yet we've always given Rivers the benefit of the doubt, because despite the fact that we knew that in his heart I also agree with Pitchfork. Weezer have always gotten by on the kind of goodwill generated by this imagined notion that they are somehow underdogs or anti-establishment heroes, despite all evidence to the contrary. Every Weezer fan since Pinkerton has been aware of this, yet we've always given Rivers the benefit of the doubt, because despite the fact that we knew that in his heart his earnest goal was to be a bloated rock star, the music continued to speak to us, to give us a glimpse into his human thoughts and feelings. Well, seeing Hugh Hefner in the new video completely changed all that for me (oh yeah, and the music stinks, too). If this is what Rivers was striving to be all this time, then so be it. They've lost me completely. I am no longer a Weezer fan, and will forget I ever was one. Expand
  7. ChrisF
    May 13, 2005
    9
    Great album, lyrically it's a bit weak. but oh well.
  8. FlynnN
    May 13, 2005
    4
    People who like this record just don't get it.
  9. 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
  10. MarkCh
    May 13, 2005
    4
    One of the biggest musical disappointments I've had. For me, Cuomo had previously managed to write perfect pop songs wrapped up in guitars that didn't sound like they were polished to a high sheen in the studio. Not always the most deep of lyrics but then that was never the point. I never questioned Cuomo's songwriting ablity as the quality of output had been strong over One of the biggest musical disappointments I've had. For me, Cuomo had previously managed to write perfect pop songs wrapped up in guitars that didn't sound like they were polished to a high sheen in the studio. Not always the most deep of lyrics but then that was never the point. I never questioned Cuomo's songwriting ablity as the quality of output had been strong over the last 4 albums (and check out those brilliant b-sides and rarities like Jamie) but then this...I've read in a few other reviews that the songwriting sounds lazy and I couldn't agree more. It seems that he has resorted to creating a Weezer template to avoid writers block or something. There are some truly awful moments on here - This Is Such A Pity being once of the worst offenders. Twee Cars rip-off was the first thought in my mind upon first listening and then the vocals begin to grate half way through the first "chorus" (i use that term loosely here). Surely an aberrition? Unfortunately not. The album does not improve - not even with repeated listening. Weezer always managed to write classic pop songs with just the right amount of unpredictability to throw off any expectations (just the right deviation at the right time in a chord sequence). I reckon Rivers could knock this stuff out in his sleep...and from the sounds of it he probably did. A real shame. Expand
  11. fredfred
    May 13, 2005
    2
    it Sucks
  12. FrankW
    May 14, 2005
    0
    I have a friend who was crying by the second song and just turned it off. He had listened to the two best songs of the album. They just grew progressively worse. The album wouldn't be quite as bad as it is if it was completely instrumental (not saying that the songs are decent because the just plaing aren't), but Cuomo's lyrics are so disgustingly bad they might have failed I have a friend who was crying by the second song and just turned it off. He had listened to the two best songs of the album. They just grew progressively worse. The album wouldn't be quite as bad as it is if it was completely instrumental (not saying that the songs are decent because the just plaing aren't), but Cuomo's lyrics are so disgustingly bad they might have failed in a high school poetry class. For troubled inner city kids. With learning disabilities. People who argue this album's merits have never listened to a good song in their entire life. Expand
  13. JamesW
    May 14, 2005
    2
    Stinks.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. SteveG
    May 17, 2005
    4
    Disappointing, considering the buildup. Mostly generic, awful grade-school poetry lyrics.
  17. jon
    May 18, 2005
    0
    Could honestly be one of the worst things ever recorded. It makes you wonder if all their old stuff was as good as you thought it was when you were in middle school.
  18. ElDuderino
    May 18, 2005
    0
    I remember a small scene from the Simpsons where Homer and Flanders were in Vegas, and their hotel marquee read that the entertainment was a Moody Blues cover band, whose opening band was the Moody Blues. After this crap-heap of an album, that scene serves as an analog for the future of Weezer.
  19. 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.
  20. BradM.
    May 23, 2005
    0
    A five year old could write "Beverly Hills." It might be the worst single of the year. It's the kind of song that 14 year olds trying to learn guitar will take to their instructors. These guys once wrote fun songs like "The Sweater Song" and "Surf Wax America." What happened? The only thing that seems to be keeping this band in the spotlight is River's geek glasses. "Oh Rivers, A five year old could write "Beverly Hills." It might be the worst single of the year. It's the kind of song that 14 year olds trying to learn guitar will take to their instructors. These guys once wrote fun songs like "The Sweater Song" and "Surf Wax America." What happened? The only thing that seems to be keeping this band in the spotlight is River's geek glasses. "Oh Rivers, you're so....sensitive and bookish." What a pile. Expand
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. GeorgeJ
    May 27, 2005
    10
    This album is great.
  24. kylea
    May 9, 2005
    5
    Worst Weezer yet, but they're still Weezer - there's definitely some good.
  25. FredoL
    May 9, 2005
    10
    best work since pinkerton. deserves to stand next to the first 2 albums.
  26. 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!
  27. AlexS
    May 9, 2005
    2
    Man, this is worse than the last 2 efforts. For me, anyway, weezer haven't been the same since bassist Matt Sharp's departure from the group.
  28. Rowdy
    May 9, 2005
    0
    They've come a long way..........and the road they've traveled has been a steep downhill one.
  29. PopeJohnPaul
    Jun 11, 2005
    0
    Goodbye Rivers. I know we had some great times together, but that was 9 years ago. It's over.
  30. NeilFan
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    A great Newe Album From Weezer. IT's their best album since Pinkerton.
  31. LarryS
    Jun 14, 2005
    9
    Good solid Alternative album, its brilliant.
  32. 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).
  33. MattJ
    Jun 2, 2005
    9
    Except for "My Best Friend" this album was far above my expectations and is quite good.
  34. 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.
  35. 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
  36. Chris
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Although slanted towards the emo side, this album is packed with very original and great songs
  37. Matt
    Jun 9, 2005
    4
    The songs are either catchy in an annoying way or bland. "Hold Me" is the only song I loved.
  38. PaulH
    Jul 21, 2005
    2
    The songs are so corny, it's embarressing to actually listen to it.
  39. FLauren
    Jul 25, 2005
    0
    The critics are right, that's why people read what the write. This album blows. If every band changes with each cd, Weezer has changed into the one of the many ironic drunks that pervade crappy parties and pop their collars. I'm going to make believe this album never happened.
  40. 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
  41. jamesc
    Jan 29, 2006
    1
    its a real piece of shit.
  42. JesseP
    Jan 30, 2006
    6
    This album is interesting. I've been a Weezer fan ever since I heard the opening notes to Say It Ain't So. At first, I heard Beverly Hills on the radio and completely dismissed the album, I immediately thought it a joke and pale imitation of music much less Weezer. After the first knee-jerk reaction, I gave it an actual listen when my cousin brought it over. I was reluctant, but This album is interesting. I've been a Weezer fan ever since I heard the opening notes to Say It Ain't So. At first, I heard Beverly Hills on the radio and completely dismissed the album, I immediately thought it a joke and pale imitation of music much less Weezer. After the first knee-jerk reaction, I gave it an actual listen when my cousin brought it over. I was reluctant, but curious so I just listened straight through. Now, I'm glad I did. While I feel this is their worst album, it at least has some real catchy tunes and pretty good lyrics. The ones that really stick out to me are Perfect Situation, This is Such a Pity, Hold Me, Peace, and Pardon Me (Freak Me Out is good as well, just a little.... weird). Some songs are just god awful... I'm sorry but We Are All On Drugs, Beverly Hills, and My Best Friend.... I just can't listen to them. Overall, I'd say its worth a listen through, although I don't think I will listen to more than 3 or 4 songs more than a few times. Expand
  43. HoldenC
    Mar 31, 2006
    5
    A couple standout songs, a few more that are pleasant but not especially good. But Weezer is Weezer, and the album as a whole still has a good vibe, although it's not very exciting. 7/10 for Perfect Situation and Peace, -2 for the album lasting too long and boring me.
  44. matt
    May 28, 2006
    0
    i was weezer superfan #1 all through high school (pre green album) and this album makes me feel like i wasted my time back then, it makes me wish time travel was possible so i could go back to 1998 and uppercut myself.
  45. DaveK
    Jun 20, 2006
    2
    Soooo far removed from what is their best work ever. Oh how we long for the days of Blue Alubum/Pinkerton. I guess this is just the direction theyre going in, and it seems to be the end of what was a good run. Blame this on whoever, but this CD resembles nothing of old. I can understand you wanting to grow musically, maybe weezer fans are just hardcore on what they love....better luck next time.
  46. vg
    Jun 6, 2006
    4
    this is "radio friendly" rock...yeah...and i can remember..but one of the songs....has the same bass line from "Dolphins and Dreams" (i cant remember exact title of song offhand) by This Perfect Day...and i know i heard snatches of Pink Triangle in there....but i am sure it will sell big time...*sigh*...it did sound a bit uninspired...oh well
  47. 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).
  48. 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.
  49. A.J.C.
    Mar 27, 2007
    0
    There is not much to say here, except everything. It's painful, yes, but it needs to be done. For someone like me who's been following Weezer since I was 12 and popped in the Blue album, their tour de force and in my opinion the album that they've painfully tried to recreate ever since Pinkerton (which in reality was one of the best albums of the 90's) was critically There is not much to say here, except everything. It's painful, yes, but it needs to be done. For someone like me who's been following Weezer since I was 12 and popped in the Blue album, their tour de force and in my opinion the album that they've painfully tried to recreate ever since Pinkerton (which in reality was one of the best albums of the 90's) was critically assaulted. I don't ever want to dream of the feeling a musician as devoted as Rivers Cuomo must get when he goes out on a limb and pours his feelings into an album like Pinkerton, only to have it rejected for not being as upbeat and catchy as his previous album. Ever since then, that one Rolling Stone review, Cuomo and crew have been on a downword spiral. Several failed attempts to revisit that pop music bliss that was Blue...but in my opinion they could have tried a million times to get that old juice flowing again only to be thouroughly dissapointed each time. Blue album was fantastic, not only because of its music and lyrics, but because it stood out in an era where heavy guitars and scraping metal along with kitchy pop plastered the top 40. Since then, Blue has influenced so many bands and knock offs that any reattempt at that originality again by Cuomo would be futile. And don't get me wrong when I say this...in no way am I implying Make Believe would have been as big as Blue had their release dates been switched, Make Believe is a horrifying album. There is nothing appealing at all about these contrived and cliche melodies, these do goody high school jock band lyrics, this fake innocence Cuomo evokes when he sings "girl, you really freak me out" when in reality, after his shaky voice croons these words, he goes backstage and pisses all over everything he once created, then lights it on fire. Never in my life would I have expected Cuomo, a man as humble as to turn his cheek to his fellow Harvard classmates who neglected to even notice him while they blasted "Buddy Holly" through a boombox, to sell out like this. Sell out may even be an understatement, Cuomo promotes and seems to adore this album with so much idiocy and obliviousness he may not even think he's sold out. I'm sorry sir, but I would say when you start touring with Taking Back Sunday and the Fray, you've given your heart to the record industry. Expand
  50. EC.
    Feb 20, 2008
    1
    The album that ruined Weezer for me. I could care less about their upcoming '08 album. I would call this their sell out album, but they sold their souls to their record label years ago. It's just painfully obvious on this album. When the nostalgia fades (if you every even feel it during any of these songs) you're just left with a bitter realization that one of the most fun The album that ruined Weezer for me. I could care less about their upcoming '08 album. I would call this their sell out album, but they sold their souls to their record label years ago. It's just painfully obvious on this album. When the nostalgia fades (if you every even feel it during any of these songs) you're just left with a bitter realization that one of the most fun bands of the 90s is officially irrelevant. Expand
  51. 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".
  52. Aaron
    Nov 11, 2005
    0
    This album is just plain fu**ing awful!!!
  53. 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
  54. 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.
  55. JoeBriefcase
    May 11, 2005
    3
    I think the record is merely low level mediocre (with the bottom falling out), not as godawful as the Pitchfork review states. We don't read Pitchfork for bland status quo reviiews. You can expect bile and wit, or veneration and profundity, sometimes independent of the artist and the album. There's a lot of personal in that review. But we're talking about Weezer, not I think the record is merely low level mediocre (with the bottom falling out), not as godawful as the Pitchfork review states. We don't read Pitchfork for bland status quo reviiews. You can expect bile and wit, or veneration and profundity, sometimes independent of the artist and the album. There's a lot of personal in that review. But we're talking about Weezer, not Pitchfork. And I think Weezer has always been oversold. They were never much more than a guitar pop band that had a good hook now and then and a personality that apparently was highly lovable a few years ago and seems less appealing now. With so many good bands these days, their star doesn't shine so brightly. I don't have to sell my soul or wait 4 years for Weezer if I want to hear some crunchy chords. There are good bands releasing records every day. Not so back when Pinkerton came out. I didn't buy it. If I loved the copy I've gave a spin to I might have gone to get it. But no need. I doubt I'll ever play it again. This band was always a 5 or 6 even at their best, and this record is definitely not their best. Expand
  56. 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.
  57. 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.
  58. BrianM
    May 11, 2005
    3
    This band has fallen hard and fast from their Pinkerton-days, getting worse with each passing album. The lyrics are totally absurd and doesn't speak to me at all. This album is awful.
  59. 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.
  60. 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
  61. 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
  62. 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.)
  63. 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
  64. 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.
  65. FrancisF
    May 13, 2005
    8
    Listen to it again. Then you will know whats going on.
  66. VincentGallo
    May 13, 2005
    0
    We can't let Weezer get away with this shit.
  67. RickB
    May 14, 2005
    10
    I think "Make Believe" is a great album. It shows Weezer's musical versatility.
  68. JosiahR
    May 15, 2005
    0
    unbelievably horrid
  69. 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
  70. 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!!!
  71. 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.
  72. JesseJ
    May 17, 2005
    0
    Sigh::: Poor Weezer...since when did they get a computer program to write their songs? Trust me folks, there's nothing here. Don't waste your money.
  73. carlos
    May 17, 2005
    5
    umm not so good, kinda playing.
  74. RobJ
    May 18, 2005
    6
    This new Weaver album is neither as great nor as terrible as people claim. It
  75. 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 ;-)
  76. WesD
    May 22, 2005
    2
    I give it a 2 only because I saw a stripper dance to "Beverly Hills." Ever since, my appreciation for the tune has grown a bit. I thought Maladroit was horrid, but it didn't prepare me in the least for how disappointing this album is. Those who think it is similar to the first two albums in sound at all just aren't listening.
  77. 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.
  78. 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
  79. WeezerMakeBelieve
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    It's awesome!
  80. AlexJ
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    Album of the Year.
  81. EricO
    Jun 14, 2005
    9
    Good, but not their best work.
  82. JeffS
    Jun 17, 2005
    7
    critics are scrutinizing this album way too hard. its the classic Weezer sound. And although its not as good as the Blue or Pinkerton, definately not as miserable as Malidroit...perhaps the bitterness of that album spilled over to the reviewing of this one.
  83. DaveN
    Jun 21, 2005
    0
    I wanted to love this album. Badly. I listened to it about 15 times after it came out. Can't. I've thoroughly enjoyed every weezer album up until this one. even more uninspired lyrically than maladroit, but without the fun. =w= is dead.
  84. Mack
    Jun 21, 2005
    0
    With all the real, imaginative, and inventive music available (Spoon, White Stripes, Doves, um...Weezer's debut) how could you possibly listen to 2 seconds of this terrible heap? Weezer has been on an obvious downward spiral for 3 albums now - this album is like a 'Worst Hits' of the post-Pinkerton years. It's quite sad, really.
  85. AaronR
    Jun 23, 2005
    10
    Critics are wrong about this one. This is a great album with classic weezer all the way through. Just because Beverly Hills is a mainstream loser doesn't mean the rest is the same. check out This is a Pity and Haunt you everyday!
  86. PatrickC
    Jun 27, 2005
    0
    They should have quit while they were ahead.
  87. LaurenF
    Jun 27, 2005
    10
    Critics are stupid, thats why no one listens to them and they dont make any money. Rivers Cuomo on the other hand makes lots of money because he is a genius and speaks from the heart and thats why people listen to him instead. Every great band changes with every cd, If you like the blue album go buy that one instead.
  88. DannyM
    Jul 12, 2005
    8
    this isn't weezer's best album but I like it alot!
  89. KevinK.
    Mar 22, 2006
    2
    About 2 or 3 good songs. The rest is arena-ready angst-rock garbage. Either give up or actually try the next time out, Rivers.
  90. HexG.
    Nov 17, 2007
    4
    Only 2 or 3 songs here are worthy of being on a weezer album, the rest are just plain, boring and uninspired and the idea of putting "Butterfly" on this record is baffling. "This Is Such A Pity" and "The Damage In Your Heart" are just awful when you think of the music these guys have created together in the past. For me, this is Weezers poorest album by far.
  91. LucasW.
    Feb 16, 2008
    6
    Good album musical skill, and songs such as hold me as well as haunt you every day are very well crafted, however after listening i feel unsatisfied. It has no ability to evoke feeling.
  92. marshallm
    Dec 26, 2005
    8
    it's pretty good, sometimes it felt a little sappy, like on "pardon me" and "my best friend" felt melodramatic and cheesy...but some of the songs really rock! rating: 8.3
  93. Aug 22, 2010
    7
    A very inconsistent album that still has enough good songs to make it good. The first half is great and favourites are Hold Me and Peace. From there I find the album goes downhill with songs that have mediocre lyrics. I find that out of all Weezer albums I listen to this the least. I rated it the same as Raditude as it does have deeper songs, however it is not as catchy and fun. DespiteA very inconsistent album that still has enough good songs to make it good. The first half is great and favourites are Hold Me and Peace. From there I find the album goes downhill with songs that have mediocre lyrics. I find that out of all Weezer albums I listen to this the least. I rated it the same as Raditude as it does have deeper songs, however it is not as catchy and fun. Despite this I still enjoy it and feel it earns a 7 rating. Expand
  94. j30
    Aug 15, 2011
    5
    Not a terrible album but not a good one either. Average at best.
  95. Dec 15, 2014
    6
    I've split Weezer into 3 periods. Early Days (Blue and Pinkerton) which was the band at the peak of their creative powers and when the created 2 modern classics. Then we have the early 00's (Green and Maladroit) which were not quite as good but still decent albums and really good fun. Then you have everything that followed - mediocrity - the rare ok tune and then lots of more mediocrity.I've split Weezer into 3 periods. Early Days (Blue and Pinkerton) which was the band at the peak of their creative powers and when the created 2 modern classics. Then we have the early 00's (Green and Maladroit) which were not quite as good but still decent albums and really good fun. Then you have everything that followed - mediocrity - the rare ok tune and then lots of more mediocrity. This is the start of the third Weezer period. The lead single "Beverly Hills" doesn't really sound like a Weezer track, more bland aimless AOR rock than the geeky surf/punk pop the band became renowned for. The good songs on this album can only really be classed as decent rather than great and even at that there are very few of these (We are All on Drugs, The Other Way are the only ones that immediately come to mind). The rest of the songs on this record fall somewhere under poor, average or boring and if I'm honest this album marks the beginning of the end for the band and where I stopped taking any real interest of note in what Weezer were doing. Expand
  96. Sep 26, 2013
    6
    A couple of really good tracks do a valiant effort for trying to make up for other poorly written, fairly bad songs. Don't get me wrong, I love Weezer, and if I let that bias in this review, I give it 10/10, but I find myself listening to their other albums more often than Make Believe.
  97. May 11, 2016
    5
    It's not quite the car crash that Raditude would prove to be. It tries to fuse the melancholy demeanour of Pinkerton with a much more radio-friendly punch never heard from the band before, and falls short for the most part, and much of the album isn't particularly memorable though it tries hard to be.
  98. peo
    Mar 1, 2019
    7
    This album its not that bad , in fact is a good album at all. I know the album has a lack of cohesion and have a few tracks that are really bad.
    But the best things of the album ends up having more weight altogether
  99. May 23, 2018
    0
    You ever try to inhale an egg whole? That is the equivalent of trying to listen to this album without slitting your wrists and hanging yourself by your d*** from a tree. There's Weezer, and then there's weezer. This isn't either, this is what would happen if Guantanamo Bay warden's were tasked with making an album to torture prisoner's with.
  100. Feb 2, 2018
    2
    Make Believe is an album that is uninspired, uninteresting and sometimes even boring to listen to. Unfortunately, Make Believe is the beginning of the end for Weezer until nearly a decade later.
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 25
  2. 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. Sometimes an album is just awful. Make Believe is one of those albums.