Weezer (Red Album)
by Weezer
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Jun 3, 2008
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 191 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 126 out of 191
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 191
  3. Negative: 29 out of 191

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  1. Jakemup
    Dec 2, 2021
    9
    This is a straight-up good album. From the the album gives us great songs like Troublemaker, Pork and Beans, Heart Songs, Angel and the One, among others. All of the songs also have great lyrical content as well, a stark contrast with recent albums. However, it does get on my bad side with a few parts. I'm not a big fan of Brian's vocals on Thought I Knew, and I think he does better onThis is a straight-up good album. From the the album gives us great songs like Troublemaker, Pork and Beans, Heart Songs, Angel and the One, among others. All of the songs also have great lyrical content as well, a stark contrast with recent albums. However, it does get on my bad side with a few parts. I'm not a big fan of Brian's vocals on Thought I Knew, and I think he does better on other tracks. I was also underwhelmed by Dreamin', although it's still an okay song. Almost every single track on this is great, and I cannot recommend it enough.… Expand
  2. Seffor
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece. All of these songs are excellent. Especially the bonus tracks.
  3. SteveJohnson
    Mar 1, 2019
    10
    AN incredible album, even the members that aren’t rivers can deliver great performances.
  4. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    8/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  5. Jamison12
    Jun 6, 2013
    7
    This might be one of my favorite albums by them. Pork and Beans carries this album. Troublemaker and I'm the greatest man that ever lived are great supporting cast members, and Thought I Knew is a surprise wonderful tune.
  6. mooper11
    Jun 28, 2012
    7
    It gets closer to the gold mine that was the original Blue Album than any of the other albums, but considering their other albums, that's not saying much.
  7. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 7, 2010
    7
    Although not without its high points, this is not one of Weezer's best efforts. "Troublemaker" is pretty fun live but definitely not great. "Pork and Beans" is catchy but certainly not deep. Cuomo is still able to make us smile and sing along not the geeks' best effort.
  8. ChrisA
    Aug 22, 2010
    8
    This album and its promotions were what made me a Weezer fan, and since then they have become my favourite band. A great album on its own, though it cannot be compared to Blue or Pinkerton. The low points are the songs not sung by Cuomo and I feel if they were replaced by some of the Deluxe tracks this could have truly been a great album.
  9. MikeG.
    Jan 30, 2009
    9
    Based on the user reviews, this is really a love-it-or-hate-it album but, then again, Weezer's always been a love-it-or-hate-it-band. Put me in the love it column. This is a fun album with a lot of catchy hooks, great riffs, and Rivers' has never sounded as soulful. It reminds me of why I liked Weezer in the first place when I heard "Sweater" for the first time. Like the Blue Based on the user reviews, this is really a love-it-or-hate-it album but, then again, Weezer's always been a love-it-or-hate-it-band. Put me in the love it column. This is a fun album with a lot of catchy hooks, great riffs, and Rivers' has never sounded as soulful. It reminds me of why I liked Weezer in the first place when I heard "Sweater" for the first time. Like the Blue Album, these songs aren't going to change the world and can't be dissected for any deeper meaning. But they're fun, and Rivers' always has his tongue firmly planted in his cheek.… Expand
  10. RyanG.
    Oct 21, 2008
    9
    Everyone giving this a low score without any reasoning doesn't know what they're talking about. Everyone's saying how much they wish Weezer would be just like they were in the 90's. Well wake up, it's 2008 and people should realize that Weezer is changing. While they may not be the same Weezer you remember listening to years ago they are still the bad we all love. Everyone giving this a low score without any reasoning doesn't know what they're talking about. Everyone's saying how much they wish Weezer would be just like they were in the 90's. Well wake up, it's 2008 and people should realize that Weezer is changing. While they may not be the same Weezer you remember listening to years ago they are still the bad we all love. Now, about the album. While not all the songs are perfect, many are very, very good. I recommend that you get this CD because it's definitely Weezer's best in a while.… Expand
  11. BlakeW
    Oct 5, 2008
    10
    First off , buy the deluxe album . If you don't you're an Idiot. Secondly , these guys are progressing on every album (minus make believe). Tehy will never sound like the blue album or pinkerton ever again so the cool thing for peopel to do is bash them. but let's cut the crap, Pork and Beans was a #1 song for a while , this album is great and brings Weezer back on track First off , buy the deluxe album . If you don't you're an Idiot. Secondly , these guys are progressing on every album (minus make believe). Tehy will never sound like the blue album or pinkerton ever again so the cool thing for peopel to do is bash them. but let's cut the crap, Pork and Beans was a #1 song for a while , this album is great and brings Weezer back on track from the last album that was MEH. This band is growing and people don't wanna let it grow , it's a shame. This Album kicks ass as well as the band itself.… Expand
  12. JacksonH
    Sep 18, 2008
    9
    Great Album all around, the Deluxe addition adds 3 solid tracks with "King" being possibly the best on the album. "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" gets better and better each time I hear it! This album is fun, catchy and an all around great time.
  13. zachp
    Aug 14, 2008
    7
    Though certainly not as good as the other two weezers, it's aninteresting change from the abysmal make believe. rivers did good on "the greatest man in the world"
  14. WalkD.
    Jul 11, 2008
    10
    This is a great album from top to bottom. Sit down with no preconceived notions and the deluxe version and you will surely enjoy this album.
  15. SkullKid
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    Amazing return to form after Make Believe. "Dreamin'" and "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" are future Weezer classics, and they may have taken a few more listens than the other songs, but the non-Rivers entries are nowhere near as bad as some of the reviews make out. Get the deluxe version.
  16. ScottV
    Jun 27, 2008
    9
    Anything less than a 6 for this album would be a straight-up lie. You must do a FULL listen! It is fun, upbeat, poppy, rocky, clever, and geeky! The songs taken over by Brian Bell do not sound like Weezer, but are delicious on their own. And add a beautiful disconnect to the album. The Greatest Man That Ever Lived is a raging, instant-classic anthem for anyone who's ever sung along Anything less than a 6 for this album would be a straight-up lie. You must do a FULL listen! It is fun, upbeat, poppy, rocky, clever, and geeky! The songs taken over by Brian Bell do not sound like Weezer, but are delicious on their own. And add a beautiful disconnect to the album. The Greatest Man That Ever Lived is a raging, instant-classic anthem for anyone who's ever sung along to a song. Weezer has brought it! But can you handle it?… Expand
  17. Demokid
    Jun 24, 2008
    8
    The problem is that these brilliant boys have become legends & people expect unreasonable results. The Album is brilliant and no bands these days can say they go #1 on the sixth CD. Most will be washed up after 1 or 2. there are 4 soon to be classics which is allot. Having other members singing may come off as a downfall, but not so. After 6 CDs, There is room around. They already have a The problem is that these brilliant boys have become legends & people expect unreasonable results. The Album is brilliant and no bands these days can say they go #1 on the sixth CD. Most will be washed up after 1 or 2. there are 4 soon to be classics which is allot. Having other members singing may come off as a downfall, but not so. After 6 CDs, There is room around. They already have a live setlist of hits. This helps build Character. I smell a KIss legion of fans, without the $$$ grubbing ideals of KISS. Truth be told, they are charting #1 still... Yet, have never sold out. They are quirky, always have... They rock and people agree. Truth be told. If something is cool, then we all want to be cool by disagreeing that this is cool. Well. Weezer is real. They continue to stay fresh, Bizarre & somewhat unpredictable. Thats why we all still talk about them. They are too good to die off like every other band with their years of history.… Expand
  18. TerryC.
    Jun 24, 2008
    7
    First 6 tracks are excellent the rest are a bit so-so.
  19. BryanA.
    Jun 18, 2008
    9
    You guys are pop whores - Oh well, it's hard to surf the net and listen to music. Guess what, I bought the album instead of listening to a few "random" songs that may have got you laid that night.
  20. MikeS.
    Jun 15, 2008
    8
    Great album,4 ok songs,better than the majority of the 70+ reviews!if you heard another band play a song like the greatest man that ever lived..you would be amazed.but the fact that its weezer and does not sound like the blue album or pinkerton; people complain!great album tho!!
  21. AndyF.
    Jun 13, 2008
    10
    You have to really put yourself in Rivers' shoes. This album is as perfectly honest as it gets. Beautiful.
  22. RichK.
    Jun 12, 2008
    8
    This album is good stuff. For years I refused to submit to Weezer. But Rivers and crew rarely disappoint. This album continues to grow on me the more I listen to it. It
  23. J.R.
    Jun 12, 2008
    10
    Hands down their best since Pinkerton. The playfulness and humor found in the blue album has returned!
  24. A.Brosso
    Jun 12, 2008
    8
    This album is underrated, but it's true that the album have a few bad songs. The extra track make the album so much better! They version of the greatest man are the best thing I've heard this year after the new Mindless Self-Indulgence album.
  25. SeanD.
    Jun 12, 2008
    8
    Although the non-Cuomo songs really lack the delicious weez-groove I've come to adore, I think relinquishing a bit of control was an awesome move on Rivers' part. It shows that he's capable of checking his ego and letting his mates have their chance in the spotlight. That said, the rest of the album is wonderful. I would've given it a solid 10 if not for the lackluster Although the non-Cuomo songs really lack the delicious weez-groove I've come to adore, I think relinquishing a bit of control was an awesome move on Rivers' part. It shows that he's capable of checking his ego and letting his mates have their chance in the spotlight. That said, the rest of the album is wonderful. I would've given it a solid 10 if not for the lackluster performance on the aforementioned tracks. "The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived," "Heart Songs," "Dreamin'," and "The Angel and the One" are genius. The experiments in form and composition that Rivers has undertaken are evidence of his brilliance, yet they're still infused with that infectious weezer flavor. Don't believe the haters - this album kicks ass!… Expand
  26. fILAZAFERx
    Jun 11, 2008
    7
    I think people are being way to hard on this cd, especially on the other band mates who contributed songs. I thought their songs were pretty good. The last song on the deluxe cd is actually my favorite song on the cd and it's sung by another member. No, this is not the masterpiece all Weezer fans wanted, but it is the best cd they have done since Pinkerton. For the masterpiece we I think people are being way to hard on this cd, especially on the other band mates who contributed songs. I thought their songs were pretty good. The last song on the deluxe cd is actually my favorite song on the cd and it's sung by another member. No, this is not the masterpiece all Weezer fans wanted, but it is the best cd they have done since Pinkerton. For the masterpiece we will keep waiting, but I recommend this cd to any Weezer fan.… Expand
  27. MarthaH.
    Jun 10, 2008
    10
    They are fantastic in red album! Love it!
  28. JJP
    Jun 10, 2008
    8
    This album was not as good as previous Weezer albums. But it does have some good songs on it like Troublemaker and Thought I knew. It also has some memorable and catchy lyrics on the vast majority of the tracks. So do yourself a favor and give it a listen. JJ Thailand
  29. KevinM.
    Jun 10, 2008
    8
    The first four songs are all great...Weezer is still one of the best bands out there.
  30. IanB
    Jun 10, 2008
    8
    This album has a lot more life than people are giving it credit for. The first 4 songs are going to be Weezer classics. "Cold Dark World" is a let down an sounds like something that could have been written by a high school kid, but that was really the lowest point of the album for me.
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2008
39
#39 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 32
  3. Negative: 5 out of 32
  1. Billboard
    70
    Cuomo turns the mic over to the other three members of Weezer for a song each (the best: "Automatic," sung by drummer Pat Wilson), unironically salutes the influence of Nirvana ("Heart Songs") and marries fake crowd noise and piano to the thick power chords of "Greatest Man." Rock on.
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  2. Drowned In Sound
    50
    A number of plays through and it’s still not clear who, exactly, the band are taking the proverbial out of: themselves, playfully and absolutely intentionally, or us, fans who’ve become conditioned to not expecting the best from a band who, personally, have been a shadow of themselves since that first ‘sequel’ release.
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  3. Pitchfork
    47
    Like the YouTube culture the "Pork and Beans" video depicts so well, the song--and this album--relies on a high quantity of short-lived pretty good ideas to distract from a shortage of great ones.
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