Pinkerton (Deluxe Edition)
by Weezer
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Nov 2, 2010
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 338 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 309 out of 338
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 338
  3. Negative: 19 out of 338
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  1. Ricko
    Aug 22, 2017
    9
    Outstanding follow up to their classic debut (Blue) album. Like many others, I didn't fully appreciate this record when it first came out and only really grew to love it when Weezer started releasing albums with 1 single and 10 B-sides. Like the Blue album, this has 10 tracks and every one of them can be considered between good and brilliant. Even El Scorcho, my least favourite track,Outstanding follow up to their classic debut (Blue) album. Like many others, I didn't fully appreciate this record when it first came out and only really grew to love it when Weezer started releasing albums with 1 single and 10 B-sides. Like the Blue album, this has 10 tracks and every one of them can be considered between good and brilliant. Even El Scorcho, my least favourite track, would have walked onto any of their albums that followed. "Pinkerton" is a bit sharper around the edges and is a much darker record but a great complimenting record to Blue. Opener "Tired of Sex" is as good a punk pop track that you'll ever hear - a 10 out of 10 track. The next couple of tracks are full of typical Cuomo weirdness but the tunes are peerless. The heart of the record has 3 of the bands most memorable tunes, "Why Bother", "Across the Sea" and "The Good Life". "Pink Triangle" lights up the latter stages of the record while "Butterfly" is a strangely quiet but beautiful closer to an otherwise rocker of an album. The Blue album was a perfect piece of pop rock, full of easy on the ear melodies and had the feel of sunshine and the summer. Pinkerton is the perfect opposite.… Expand
  2. clem666
    Oct 16, 2021
    5
    I have a hard time understanding why this album gets such high scores. Lyrical content certainly is as awkwardly surprising as deeply interesting. Production to me is just okay: I also had a hard time trying to truly feel what instruments express. 'Tired of Sex' is an incredible track but the wow effect sadly and directly falls apart from this very first song. Fortunately there are otherI have a hard time understanding why this album gets such high scores. Lyrical content certainly is as awkwardly surprising as deeply interesting. Production to me is just okay: I also had a hard time trying to truly feel what instruments express. 'Tired of Sex' is an incredible track but the wow effect sadly and directly falls apart from this very first song. Fortunately there are other major efforts as 'The Good Life' or 'I Swear It's True' but in the end of the day 'Pinkerton' did not emerge as a noticeable album to me personally. Patterns and structures of the tracks lack originality and listening to this project always leaves me with an indefinable feeling of dullness. Rivers Cuomo's voice sounds particularly emotionless and suffers from a great repetitiveness of register. Actually it is not bad but it could have been way better.… Expand
  3. j30
    Aug 15, 2011
    10
    Great Album. I like the Blue Album better but this is a great follow-up. The record definately describes the feeling of the 90's perfectly. The rawness musically and emotional aspect made this album a classic. Who knows what kind of influence the bassist had on this band, but after he left things started heading downhill.
  4. brockcheese
    Oct 13, 2013
    10
    This is one of the best albums ever. Every song has a catchy chorus that talks about the faults of life and love and provide commentary on the way society is set up. The raw sound of the track also adds to the emotion by making it sound like realistic struggles from an upset wanderer. Overall, Pinkerton succeeds on every level, making it my favorite album ever.
  5. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 5, 2020
    7
    Pinkerton by Weezer: 6.44

    Tired Of Sex: 0.5 Getchoo: 1 No Other One: 0.75 Why Bother?: 1 Across The Sea: 1 :) The Good Life: 1 :) El Scorcho: 0.5 Pink Triangle: 1 Falling For You: 0.5 Butterfly: 0.75 You Gave Your Love To Me Softly: 1 :) Devotion: 0.75 Waiting On You: 1 :) I Just Threw Out The Love Of My Dreams: 0.75 I Swear It’s True: 0.5 You Won’t Get With Me Tonight:    Pinkerton by Weezer: 6.44

    Tired Of Sex: 0.5
    Getchoo: 1
    No Other One: 0.75
    Why Bother?: 1
    Across The Sea: 1 :)
    The Good Life: 1 :)
    El Scorcho: 0.5
    Pink Triangle: 1
    Falling For You: 0.5
    Butterfly: 0.75
    You Gave Your Love To Me Softly: 1 :)
    Devotion: 0.75
    Waiting On You: 1 :)
    I Just Threw Out The Love Of My Dreams: 0.75
    I Swear It’s True: 0.5
    You Won’t Get With Me Tonight: 0.75
    Long Time Sunshine: 0.5
    Getting Up And Leaving: 1 :)
    Tragic Girl: 1

    15.25/19 = .803 -> 6.44

    Well, that rocked! Pinkerton is definitely an improvement over Weezer’s first album, and contains a few genuine rock songs that I really enjoyed (Across The Sea and The Good Life). Like its predecessor, Pinkerton suffers from its songs being too loud and the use of one guitar effect, although both of these issues occur less often in Pinkerton, to its credit. Also, it seemed a little repetitive each time Weezer slowed down the song for the bridge. That being said, Pinkerton is an outstanding album that all rock fans should listen to, as I had a great time jamming to this collection of songs. I wish music sounded more like this nowadays. Great job, Weezer! You’ve made a great album. Highlights: Getchoo, Why Bother, Across The Sea, The Good Life, Pink Triangle, You Gave Your Love To Me Softly, Waiting On You, and Getting Up And Leaving.    … Expand
  6. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  7. Jamison12
    Apr 27, 2016
    10
    The raw sound of the emotional heartache and angst that we all experience as young adults is perfectly embodied by Rivers Cuomo in Pinkerton. Tired of Sex is hard rock sounding intro, and immediately, the listener knows they're in for an absolute experience. Pinkerton's raw emotional pain grouped with the emo sounding lyrics and more heavy sound for a typically power pop rock band is notThe raw sound of the emotional heartache and angst that we all experience as young adults is perfectly embodied by Rivers Cuomo in Pinkerton. Tired of Sex is hard rock sounding intro, and immediately, the listener knows they're in for an absolute experience. Pinkerton's raw emotional pain grouped with the emo sounding lyrics and more heavy sound for a typically power pop rock band is not only a treat, but one of the greatest albums, scratch that, greatest pieces of art, of the last 30 years.… Expand
  8. LetzTalkMoveez
    Oct 21, 2012
    9
    Pinkerton is a classic, not because it was all that groundbreaking, but it took the spirit of raw 90's alternative rock and amplified it to the tenth degree. Most all the material lingers in this place of deep frustration and languishes in despair. However, unlike the weaker Weezer outings, it isn't corny. Even if the album as a whole doesn't flow perfectly,only two songs left byPinkerton is a classic, not because it was all that groundbreaking, but it took the spirit of raw 90's alternative rock and amplified it to the tenth degree. Most all the material lingers in this place of deep frustration and languishes in despair. However, unlike the weaker Weezer outings, it isn't corny. Even if the album as a whole doesn't flow perfectly,only two songs left by themselves aren't modern rock anthem masterpieces.… Expand
  9. godwinkent888
    Jul 2, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Raw, harsh, memorable and honest. This is definitely my favorite Weezer album. My favorite moment in the entire album is when the final track "Butterfly" plays, and it shifts the overall tone of the record but not in an off-putting way. I love this album. 10/10… Expand
  10. BKM
    Nov 18, 2010
    10
    There is no denying just how great this album is. A full on blitz of raw emotion that is equally funny and painful, Pinkerton was responsible for both the band's demise and rebirth. Cuomo has not written such a coherent and scathingly honest set of songs since. Chances are that he doesn't want to go through it again. Thankfully for us, he was able to do it in the first place.
  11. KeithG
    Apr 25, 2012
    2
    "Pink Triangle" is a great track that would fit on the Blue Album, Weezer's pop-rock opus. However, the rest of this album lacks anything worth listening too.
  12. JUIKER
    Mar 2, 2011
    10
    I'm in my 40's and I always thought Weezer was kind of formulaic, so I never got into any of their CDs. This album makes me think I missed out on something. Not only are all the songs individually great, they seem to add up to a mini emo opera.
  13. davim
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    I've only recently discovered the brilliance of this album. Always been a huge fan of The Blue Album (another solid 10 out of 10 album), but I always had the assumption that it could never be followed up by something equally as strong. How wrong I was!

    Pinkerton is 10 songs of pure brilliance. Musically, it's fantastic with all four musicians really playing their part. Lyrically, it's    I've only recently discovered the brilliance of this album. Always been a huge fan of The Blue Album (another solid 10 out of 10 album), but I always had the assumption that it could never be followed up by something equally as strong. How wrong I was!

    Pinkerton is 10 songs of pure brilliance. Musically, it's fantastic with all four musicians really playing their part. Lyrically, it's witty in places but genius at the same time; with Rivers Cuomo writing lyrics that are much more personal than that of The Blue Album. Unfortunately, I live in the UK and Weezer have never been as big here as they are in The States. Would've loved to have gone to one of the gigs where the entire album was played from start to finish. One day maybe! (Personal favourites: The Good Life, Why Bother?, Getchoo)    … Expand
  14. rextree
    Feb 12, 2019
    10
    A true alternative rock masterpiece. The emotion, angst, and honesty Rivers puts in the lyrics as well as the rest of the band in the music itself is magic. One of the best records of the 90's.
  15. TheMaximalist
    Apr 16, 2013
    7
    Yes it is a great album but the fact that this has a higher score than Nevermind is a travesty. Even great tracks like "Why Bother" cannot beat the outstanding quality of Nirvana songs like "Lithium"
  16. Swishalicious29
    Apr 1, 2016
    8
    My second favorite Weezer album after Blue. The thing I loved about early Weezer was their songwriting and maturity (sorta). By that, I mean while Blue was a fun pop rock album, Pinkerton tackled more adult themes. Whether it was a mixed up relationship like on "Pink Triangle" or lust like on "Across the Sea" the songwriting really shines. I love the upbeat "The Good Life" and the at firstMy second favorite Weezer album after Blue. The thing I loved about early Weezer was their songwriting and maturity (sorta). By that, I mean while Blue was a fun pop rock album, Pinkerton tackled more adult themes. Whether it was a mixed up relationship like on "Pink Triangle" or lust like on "Across the Sea" the songwriting really shines. I love the upbeat "The Good Life" and the at first slow and then rapid "El Scorcho". There are quiet and tender moments that contrast nicely with the loud and fun tracks.… Expand
  17. DoctorKilla
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    What makes this album great isn't the introspective lyrics and uncanny vocal infection which effectively convey emotions or the production and the brilliant new tracks. It's the consistency and the versatility of the rock music and the way it revolutionized stereo emo rock. And it's the emotions itself that are conveyed so throughly: the angst, upset, bittersweet, epicness, told in aWhat makes this album great isn't the introspective lyrics and uncanny vocal infection which effectively convey emotions or the production and the brilliant new tracks. It's the consistency and the versatility of the rock music and the way it revolutionized stereo emo rock. And it's the emotions itself that are conveyed so throughly: the angst, upset, bittersweet, epicness, told in a smart, funny, poignant, and lively way. No singular word I can use to describe the way I felt after I heard the album. I'd have to some up with some sort of corny and like unintended-ly ambiguous metaphor. Not the motion the awesome album cover. But that's just bonus.… Expand
  18. Cobweb
    Jul 10, 2014
    10
    A haunting, brilliant masterpiece. Rivers Cuomo is brutally honest in all of these songs, deliberately portraying himself as pathetic and broken, and it just adds to the power of it all. Easily Weezer's best album and one of the best albums of all time.
  19. TheArchetypes
    Sep 9, 2016
    10
    There is no denying just how great this album is. A full on blitz of raw emotion that is equally funny and painful, Pinkerton was responsible for both the band's demise and rebirth. Cuomo has not written such a coherent and scathingly honest set of songs since. Chances are that he doesn't want to go through it again. Thankfully for us, he was able to do it in the first place.
  20. showbizjunkie
    May 21, 2015
    10
    Pinkerton is one of the best albums out there. It's a shame Cuomo took its early failures so personally. Weezer has yet to come close to this. It's layered with great music and great lyrics, and has such a raw personal touch that's impossible to ignore.
  21. peo
    Mar 1, 2019
    10
    One of the top 5 best albums of the 90's. The best weezer album with the debut , but this one its more interesting , raw and emotional
  22. SherlockKiweez
    Sep 27, 2020
    10
    Definitely one of my favourites of all time. It has reached cult status over the last decades and is the best Weezer Album. It includes very personal lyrics, great guitar tunes and good vocal perfomances by Rivers. Highly recommended!
  23. mazky
    Dec 15, 2010
    10
    Amazing album, everything you could want, fun rock songs with "Why Bother" and "El Scorcho" and dark songs with "Tired Of Sex" and "Getchoo" melancholy magic which I love
  24. KamachoMcSagget
    Jul 29, 2011
    8
    It's really powerful, and the purposely out of synch tunes of the songs are fitting for the ongoing subject of mixed emotions lying throughout the album. It's the sort of album that you'd go out of your way to hear, rather than putting each song on a playlist of your favorites. Bottom line: if you think you want to hear it then you really want to hear it.
  25. PitchforkSucks
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    Pinkerton shows different characteristics than the first but still provides us with the heavy guitars and melodies. This also may be the greatest release of emotions ever recorded.
  26. AlphaMexican
    Sep 30, 2014
    8
    The Emo album that was able to push the Emo movement forward! Most of this album is dark and has a very deep sense of irony, especially compared to their debut, "The Blue Album". Weezer ditch the irresistible pop melodies, crisp production, and fun, cheeky lyrics and instead opt to go for a more darker, messy guitar-ridden and ironic lyricism. The best thing about this album is theThe Emo album that was able to push the Emo movement forward! Most of this album is dark and has a very deep sense of irony, especially compared to their debut, "The Blue Album". Weezer ditch the irresistible pop melodies, crisp production, and fun, cheeky lyrics and instead opt to go for a more darker, messy guitar-ridden and ironic lyricism. The best thing about this album is the lyrics. They are so emotional and dark, and yet they still have some kind of Weezer charm to it! As I mentioned before, there is a dark sense of irony to it, with an example being Rivers talking about lusting a girl who turns out to be a lesbian. The production style is something that really bothers me, because it's just so raw and I can't stand it when there's a lot of feedback and the guitars squeal. Some songs don't work, an example being No Other One. That song is just too slow and doesn't fit in with the rest of the album. Some classic Weezer tunes are here, with my favorites being El Scorcho, The Good Life and Across the Sea. If you want to ditch the power pop sound that Weezer is most known for, check out this album. You won't be disappointed.… Expand
  27. TexasRez
    Apr 23, 2012
    10
    A great concept album that is expressed through a raw sound that yells out with great emotion. I also love how lucid this album is. Definitely a classic, and is Weezer's best work to date. It'll have to take a miracle for another Weezer album to top this one.
  28. bleed0range
    Oct 15, 2014
    10
    I don't need to explain why this is one of the best albums of all time. You just need to listen to it. It's a must listen for anyone who loves music.
  29. PunkNu-Wave
    Sep 4, 2016
    10
    The first time I listened to this album I shed a single tear during 'Butterfly'. However, when I wiped away the tear it seemed to have left a trail of white make-up which wouldn't watch up. Over the next few weeks my hair started to turn black and my face turned increasingly pale. Eyeliner started to cover my eyelids. One day I woke up and listened to the first 30 seconds of 'Tired ofThe first time I listened to this album I shed a single tear during 'Butterfly'. However, when I wiped away the tear it seemed to have left a trail of white make-up which wouldn't watch up. Over the next few weeks my hair started to turn black and my face turned increasingly pale. Eyeliner started to cover my eyelids. One day I woke up and listened to the first 30 seconds of 'Tired of Sex'. When I paused the track and opened my wardrobe all the clothes had been changed to black vests and tank tops. I think it's fair to say that this album turned me into an emo.… Expand
  30. Mumbizz01
    Feb 2, 2018
    10
    Not only this is one of my favourite albums of the 90s, it's one of my favourite albums i ever listened to. The dark and depressing tone this album represents is sometimes enough to make a stomach turn a little.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
100

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Kerrang!
    Jan 31, 2011
    100
    Pinkerton still stands tall as a modern rock classic. [6 Nov 2010, p.51]
  2. Beats Per Minute
    Jan 13, 2011
    100
    Ultimately, the legacy Pinkerton leaves behind is it being one of the most emotional and raw albums ever made. It's an album that many can relate to, even if you're not on the same level of crazy as Rivers was back then.
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  3. No Ripcord
    Dec 21, 2010
    90
    This is their Holy Bible--in other words this is an unknown quantity alright; it's Weezer's raw, emotive bastard child; and a great, brilliant, titanic blot on an often pristinely laundered back catalogue. For that reason in particular this is a thing to be cherished.
    Read full review
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