OK Human
by Weezer
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jan 29, 2021
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 162 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 138 out of 162
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 162
  3. Negative: 8 out of 162
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  1. Piracy
    Mar 11, 2021
    10
    Ok Human got me into Weezer again after years of work that didnt stick out. Every song is solid & its an incredibly compelling & easy listen.
  2. SherlockKiweez
    Jan 29, 2021
    8
    This is definitely in the top 3 of Weezers discography of the 21 century.
    Even though I much prefer Power Pop/Rock Weezer, I really enjoyed this record, because the orchestra fits rivers voice and the style of Weezer in general. The lyrics are quite simplistic, which makes it easier to relate and instantly understand what Rivers Cuomo is trying to say, but less fascinating. I see a lot of    This is definitely in the top 3 of Weezers discography of the 21 century.
    Even though I much prefer Power Pop/Rock Weezer, I really enjoyed this record, because the orchestra fits rivers voice and the style of Weezer in general. The lyrics are quite simplistic, which makes it easier to relate and instantly understand what Rivers Cuomo is trying to say, but less fascinating. I see a lot of similarities to The Beatles "Revolver", which I consider a good thing. I was really looking forward to this and my expectations were met at a high level. I highly recommend a listen! :)    … Expand
  3. lazrpo
    Feb 11, 2021
    8
    Shockingly good and shows that an experiment can lead to a fantastic outcome.

    After releasing The Black Album, which I feel is one of their worst of their catalogue, Rivers and co. have released its antithesis in the form of OK Human. Accompanied with a 38-piece orchestra, Weezer have created an interesting blend of baroque-pop and their signature sound, resulting in catchy, beautiful    Shockingly good and shows that an experiment can lead to a fantastic outcome.

    After releasing The Black Album, which I feel is one of their worst of their catalogue, Rivers and co. have released its antithesis in the form of OK Human. Accompanied with a 38-piece orchestra, Weezer have created an interesting blend of baroque-pop and their signature sound, resulting in catchy, beautiful melodies that stick in your head like a piano-driven parasite. Though the cheese can sometimes get cranked up to 10, the lyrics take a significantly mature direction on the album, with Rivers trading his infatuation with the ladies and wanting to party for more introspective things like his slob-like tendencies mid-quarantine, the world's addiction to clout, or his coming of age, not wanting to be seen as a has-been after decades of writing music.

    Songs like "Grapes of Wrath" and "Dead Roses" are certainly standouts for me, though the entire album is an absolute masterpiece and is warranted a listen.    … Expand
  4. robalarcon
    Feb 8, 2021
    10
    Rivers Cuomo said at some point that he wouldn't write another record like Pinkerton (citation needed I know) but I think he just did it, OK HUMAN is my favorite weezer album after pinkerton and blue it is a complete enjoy listening to these themes of the lockdown, the orchestra is delightful and somehow I have the sense that the band really liked to play/record this album, if I need toRivers Cuomo said at some point that he wouldn't write another record like Pinkerton (citation needed I know) but I think he just did it, OK HUMAN is my favorite weezer album after pinkerton and blue it is a complete enjoy listening to these themes of the lockdown, the orchestra is delightful and somehow I have the sense that the band really liked to play/record this album, if I need to say a bad thing of the record is that is too short.
    The first single is good, the second song of the record is really good too (you might need to search about the meaning of some things mentioned in the song), now Grapes of Wrath, Numbers and Playing my Piano are my favorite, so strong somehow find myself singing these songs in my head all day long. The rest of the album is delightful and I highly recommend you to get this on vinyl, cassette, cd or your spotify and enjoy this because I don't think we'll see another weezer record like this in a long time. Cheers.    … Expand
  5. Gegepatz
    Jan 29, 2021
    8
    The best since the white album, Aloo gobi, all my favorite songs and bird with a broken wing are really amazing songs.
  6. NiKKo12
    Feb 1, 2021
    8
    Definitely not as good as the 90s albums, but this one is among the best ones up close with the white album, i miss the guitars though, they were something i could recognise Weezer by. A decent album i must say.
  7. ABDOSAJI
    Feb 8, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great chamber pop style production. One of their best since the White Album… Expand
  8. memeSchool
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    [July 25, 2021; Metacritic...] I love Weezer so much This album sounds so good.
  9. samhailes
    Jan 29, 2021
    9
    'OK Human' is just where Weezer should be in 2021. It is as intelligent, personal and catchy as Weezer's best post-Pinkerton albums, highlighting the unmatched melodic capabilities of Rivers Cuomo, the unmistakable touch of Pat Wilson's drumming and the strength of the band as a whole. Previous Weezer releases of the modern era have often felt unbalanced and overshadowed by a small number'OK Human' is just where Weezer should be in 2021. It is as intelligent, personal and catchy as Weezer's best post-Pinkerton albums, highlighting the unmatched melodic capabilities of Rivers Cuomo, the unmistakable touch of Pat Wilson's drumming and the strength of the band as a whole. Previous Weezer releases of the modern era have often felt unbalanced and overshadowed by a small number of songs, whilst this one manages to remain balanced and engaging throughout, an all-round listening experience. The listener feels as though in the mind of a middle-aged Rivers, with no pretences about where he is in his life, just as with Weezer's best.
    Being 'off-the-grid' enables the music to ebb-and-flow in a way Weezer's hasn't since Pinkerton, making it a genuine challenge not to connect with the soul at the centre and to move your head to the beat. If anything, this album just proves that Weezer are, as they should be, a notch above their 'alternative rock' contemporaries and in a league of their own. Without undermining the talents of the orchestra accompanying them, 'OK Human' gives us four extremely capable musicians in their element. Jake Sinclair also deserves a mention, who not only guided the direction of this project but also the band's 2016 'White Album'. This is a man with an obvious connection to the band, perhaps only equal to Ric Ocasek himself. This is an exciting step for Weezer, and hopefully not the last.    … Expand
  10. durham1984
    Feb 2, 2021
    10
    Best Weezer album in over a decade, the orchestra really sounds fantastic alongside Cuomo's vocals.
  11. bleed0range
    Jan 29, 2021
    9
    A fantastic record that explores the mundane, lonely every day life of Rivers Cuomo. The orchestra never made me miss the guitars. It never gets big and bombastic, it stays focused and small. Like the life he’s describing, like the attention stolen away for a moment by screens and how all of this is just kind of a bummer but, “oh well.” There’s hope to find something more and findA fantastic record that explores the mundane, lonely every day life of Rivers Cuomo. The orchestra never made me miss the guitars. It never gets big and bombastic, it stays focused and small. Like the life he’s describing, like the attention stolen away for a moment by screens and how all of this is just kind of a bummer but, “oh well.” There’s hope to find something more and find something new to say in here too. It’s the most real dive into Cuomo’s psyche since the days of Pinkerton. Mostly all Cuomo only tunes, save for the single, it explores territory that would only occur to, uniquely, Rivers. It isn’t perfect but then what is? A message in the album itself.… Expand
  12. Duce0r
    Jan 29, 2021
    9
    Rather surprising and fantastic. Mirror Image is excellent (also short) and the album shows a la second half of Abbey Road. Great album for this time of our lives. Weezer reinvented!
  13. catric4
    Jan 30, 2021
    10
    Probably the best album I listened to in years and definitely their best since Pinkerton. I'm glad Rivers is finally listening to himself instead of other people's opinions and not trying to please anyone. The instrumentals, the strings especially are amazing and emotionally, it feels really strong. Good job guys and thank you for this beautiful album.
  14. Danorganplayer
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    Absolutely incredible album. A true masterpiece in every sense of the word.
  15. jdizzy189
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    This is seriously the best Weezer album since Pinkerton. It’s incredible they can produce material of this caliber so far along in their career.
  16. Bblunty
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    Short but so sweet, Aloo Gobi will probably be one of my favorite songs of the year. Thanks Weezer.
  17. vyingformytime
    Jan 29, 2021
    9
    This is classic Weezer with a twist. Not to mention some of the catchiest tunes since White.
  18. jmush
    Jan 30, 2021
    9
    A rare true work of art from Weezer. Navigating their vast discography can be a minefield, but OK Human is front to back good and deserves to be heard in one sitting.
  19. Nhguav5
    Jan 29, 2021
    9
    A creative experiment that was a massive success. You can really tell Rivers poured his heart into these songs. Combine that with Pat’s remarkable drumming, Jake Sinclair’s production genius and the sprinkles of Brian and Scott’s magic, and this album is an instant new Weezer classic.
  20. christjeam
    Jan 29, 2021
    9
    This album is fantastic. This is the best they've come up with since Pinkerton
  21. myfirstnameist
    Feb 4, 2021
    9
    Due to the pandemic, Weezer pushed back the release of their highly anticipated metal homage album Van Weezer later this year and instead prioritized the release of OK Human that can be a reference to OK Computer of Radiohead. It consists of 12 well-written songs that feature a 38-piece orchestra with no computers and most of all with no electric guitar as inspired by Rivers Cuomo’s lifeDue to the pandemic, Weezer pushed back the release of their highly anticipated metal homage album Van Weezer later this year and instead prioritized the release of OK Human that can be a reference to OK Computer of Radiohead. It consists of 12 well-written songs that feature a 38-piece orchestra with no computers and most of all with no electric guitar as inspired by Rivers Cuomo’s life during a pandemic.

    Recently it sparked my interest to listen again to Weezer and check what the band has to offer when Cuomo collaborated with the electronic band The Avalanches in 2020 on their song Running Red Lights I remember listening to Island in the Sun during high school and appreciating the honest and pleasing vocals of Cuomo, little did I know they will be releasing two albums in 2021 with OK Human first and Van Weezer later this year, before the release of OK Human, I listened to the teaser track “All My Favorite Songs” and fell in love with it, this song is so punchy with its lyricism and delivery that is so sensitive set the tone of this album it continues to dissect the day to day existence in Aloo Gobi, tackling mid-life crisis as Cuomo sings "They said that life gets sweet as years go by But mine has lost its flavor like this chai” as soon as it reaches the chorus "Oh Same Old Dull Routines, same aloo gobi" it got me as it is so touching and charming at the same time to the fun song of Grapes of Wrath, where Cuomo is referencing each Audible book he listened to. There are also quirky references throughout the album. From “getting back to his Zoom Interviews” in Playing My Piano to “everyone staring at their screens and everyone moving to the cloud” in the song Screen is a tragic truth of how humans are not genuinely communicating in this modern age of technology. This album also features heartfelt empathic songs like Numbers and Bird With A Broken Wing. The former explores the sadness in how human measures its success and happiness while the latter is Cuomo's way of summing up his journey and telling everyone to do not feel sorry about him since he is okay despite his broken wings is like a juxtaposition to the band's 25-year career. That song is so deep and touching. The theme of sadness continues in Dead Roses until we hear Cuomo being triumphant in a more upbeat track, Here Comes the Rain. The band ultimately wrapped up the album with the hopeful song LaBrea Tar Pits which mirrors our daily struggles and optimism to get out of it.

    No matter what other people suggest, OK Human is a beautiful pop album, exploring the simple themes of day-to-day existence, isolation, and the impact of technology in our lives in the modern age that is so catchy and relatable. I genuinely enjoyed listening to OK Human. I am giving this a rating of 8.5.

    Favorite Tracks: Bird With A Broken Wing, All My Favorite Songs, Aloo Gobi, Numbers and Grapes of Wrath.    … Expand
  22. Viper27
    Jan 29, 2021
    6
    Best Songs: “Aloo Gobi” “Numbers” “Bird With A Broken Wing”

    (This is how I felt after 1 listen. 10 listens later... I like it a lot!!! The lyrics are River’s best since Pinkerton, the songs are mostly as catchy as Weezer’s top songs, and over all it’s a risk thay mostly pays off. Some beautiful songs here.) This is one frustrating album. There are moments where Ok Human reaches heights    Best Songs: “Aloo Gobi” “Numbers” “Bird With A Broken Wing”

    (This is how I felt after 1 listen. 10 listens later... I like it a lot!!! The lyrics are River’s best since Pinkerton, the songs are mostly as catchy as Weezer’s top songs, and over all it’s a risk thay mostly pays off. Some beautiful songs here.)



    This is one frustrating album. There are moments where Ok Human reaches heights not seen in Weezer World since perhaps 2016’s White Album. “Aloo Gobi” sounds like mid-00’s Weezer mixed with these last three albums of riff-less melodic mixed bags. It’s catchy and replayable. Cool. I hate the single (corny by even Weezer standards) so this second track kicks it up a notch. I’m excited for the rest of the album now...

    And we’re back in Pacific Daydream/Black album mediocrity. “Grapes is Wrath is everything right and wrong with Weezer in one song. It has the melody and more introspective lyrics that vaguely harken back to the perfection that is “Pinkerton”. Then the hook rehashes some of those wast basket Weezer songs from the last few years. Can Rivers please take note: you have a loyal fanbase (member since 1994 here). We get it, you’re an artist. Experiment and do your thing but break us off with something we want to. One for you, one for us? Van Weezer was supposed to be out first and I get that they wanted to save it for when they can tour again. That said, this is 3 albums straight devoid of riffs and that rock sound that got you in the door. What a tease! Maybe I just have to adjust expectations after being stoked for a return to those crunchy guitars that defined the band in the 90’s and that they returned to triumphantly with “Everything Will Be Alright In The End” and the even better “White Album”. It was a return to form with a modern twist, seemingly pleasing us longtime fans while giving Rivers and Co a chance to explore. Anyway, Im spinning this new recor.... spotifly album a second time and it grows on you. I’m a sucker for catchy pop so Rivers will always steal my money and have my loyalty even if I can’t play the music around my alternative rock snob wife. The long time fans want “Pinkerton” or “Blue Album”. That’s wishful thinking and understandly not gonna happen. Dude is 50 and has been rich for a while. Like Connor McGregor’s most recent fight, this album looks solid in spots but ultimately the hunger isn’t there anymore. Nothing wrong with that. Listen if you want to. My struggle is that “OK Human” shows glimpses of greatness like if Rivers could just avoid some of his lesser tendencies (corny and/or lazy lyrics and purposely avoiding tasty solo’s and proper riffs) he has that great record in him.

    I believe Weezer will drop one more classic record that gives all Weezer fans what they want. “Ok Human” is definitely worth your time and with a couple more listens, I might come back and edit this review. Wait is that a pan flute or some **** opening “Dead Roses”?!? FOH Rivers. I ‘ll always love you for the memories but Bruh! Give us Van Weezer and do what you do best!

    Ranking Weezer Albums:

    1) Pinkerton (classic, perfect, my high school soundtr)
    2) Blue Album (perfect power pop, just flawless)
    3) White Album (as close to the first 2 classics as ya get... LA Girls!)
    4) Everything Will Be Alright In The End (return to form with an update. Mostly strong offering)
    5) Green Album (dude obviously wanted to return to blue album vibes and kind of succeeds but a bit hollow)
    6) Red Album (a few classic songs mixed with some dudes. Dont let the other members write or sing please)
    7) Make Believe (hated by many but come on... “Perfect Situation” is one of Weezer’s best songs)
    8) Maladroit (rushed, loud, sick solos, but sounds like an EP)
    9) Raditude (i can listen to this but i usually dont. A couple decent songs but this is when i was ready to declare jimmy eat world my fave band)
    10) Ok Human (see above)
    11) Pacific Daydream (“Mexican Fender” is excellent. The rest? Nah, hard pass. I hate this album.)
    12) Black Album (long rumored to be some classic Weezer record. Instead, we get guitar-less, bland silly ass songs that belong in a dumpster.)
    13) Hurley **** this album! I mean this album puts hate in my heart forreal)    … Expand
  23. mikerailey
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    Incredible melodies, personal lyrics, ethereal arrangement provided by a 38-piece orchestra. The album ties itself together in its efficiency and the themes of technology, loneliness, and disillusionment of everyday patterns we fall into.
  24. ZicRadio
    Feb 1, 2021
    9
    As bad as 2020 was for some people, it would seem this does not apply to Weezer, despite the delay in the upcoming and well anticipated hard rock album Van Weezer. The album Ok Human is a great success from my point of view, there are atleast 5 great and amazing songs out of 11 that goes directly to my daily playlist as of right now.
    HERE COMES THE RAIN is that jovial sing along ballad    As bad as 2020 was for some people, it would seem this does not apply to Weezer, despite the delay in the upcoming and well anticipated hard rock album Van Weezer. The album Ok Human is a great success from my point of view, there are atleast 5 great and amazing songs out of 11 that goes directly to my daily playlist as of right now.
    HERE COMES THE RAIN is that jovial sing along ballad that cant you seem to shake off, it is going to stay with you for a while and when ever you feel like the problems accumulate, think back on it and wash you troubles away.    … Expand
  25. KungLaosHat
    Jan 30, 2021
    10
    A love letter to Abbey Road and the great singer-songwriter albums of the past when albums actually mattered, OK Human is easily Weezer’s most competent and cohesive album since Pinkerton, which in itself is a triumph the group.

    But the crowning achievement isn’t the coherent, flowing track structure or serene production with orchestral backing (which sounds beautiful, along with Pat    A love letter to Abbey Road and the great singer-songwriter albums of the past when albums actually mattered, OK Human is easily Weezer’s most competent and cohesive album since Pinkerton, which in itself is a triumph the group.

    But the crowning achievement isn’t the coherent, flowing track structure or serene production with orchestral backing (which sounds beautiful, along with Pat Wilson’s effective and inspired drumming), it’s the strength of Cuomo-penned tracks. The songs effectively bounce from noticeable bits of McCartney-inspired piano and vocal licks to soaring Beach Boys harmonies, and even brief shades of Randy Newman, while retaining Cuomo’s signature knack for ear-worm melodic choruses and reminding you at every turn this is still the group who wrote Buddy Holly. Highlights include Bird With A Broken Wing and Numbers, both tracks flex Cuomo’s often under appreciated (or unnoticed) talent as a truly great American songwriter, that recently we only see rare glimpses of, but he reaches corners and stretches to areas we have suspected but never knew he was truly capable of.

    The soaring, catchy, yet emotionally melancholic chorus of Bird With A Broken Wing is the absolute best of classic Weezer in every way, but manages to sound vibrant, new and refreshing due to due the serious, poetic subject matter, Jake Sinclair’s sleek production, and new orchestral arrangement with the band. Change the arrangement on this track in the right ways and you could squeeze it into a 90s weezer catalogue and it would hold its own as a classic. However, where the band and Cuomo truly break new ground as an act is with his ability in both tracks to create earnest, heart-wrenching break downs during the bridge. “Nothing matter’s in the world, and everyone is free. But I’ll belong to you if you believe in me.” Cuomo admits in the emotional release of the song, as the orchestra fades out. He’s written arguably perfect, emotional bridges in the past, but none in this sort of context where he proves he can make moving, well-crafted songs that stand on their own without the all the bells and whistles that come along with chugging electric guitars and modern music production. This album isn’t going to define the decade or probably even the year, but art needs to be examined in context. Weezer have set out to do something they’ve never done before, that many would say they’re incapable of, and not only succeeded at it but proven they’re quite good at it, and I don’t see how this record could’ve come out better. Perhaps it was chart-chasing and misinformed views on what type of music they “had to” make that prevented them from stretching their wings for so long.    … Expand
  26. Tyleroch
    Jan 31, 2021
    10
    An absolute classic front to back. Fantastic songs and amazing strings arrangement and booming drums! A Weezer album that sounds so different yet so much like Weezer. A must listen!
  27. Themistocles
    Feb 1, 2021
    9
    Weezer has had so many duds over the last 20 years, even their good entries (The White Album, Everything Will be Alright in the End) end with middle of the pack ratings. Well, what if Weezer made a great album, again? Would anyone admit it? This is Weezer's first great album in 20+ years but I'm betting reviewers will play it safe and this will settle into the "pretty good" zone. But makeWeezer has had so many duds over the last 20 years, even their good entries (The White Album, Everything Will be Alright in the End) end with middle of the pack ratings. Well, what if Weezer made a great album, again? Would anyone admit it? This is Weezer's first great album in 20+ years but I'm betting reviewers will play it safe and this will settle into the "pretty good" zone. But make no mistake, it's reputation will grow. Substantively, it's a love letter to late Beatles music, something that sounds somewhat fresh again after rock has wandered in a different (mostly awful) direction over the last decade. Rock music hasn't used strings so effectively since peak Arcade Fire. Anyway, really welcome.… Expand
  28. Btru
    Feb 4, 2021
    10
    Perfectly captures pandemic loneliness set in beautiful orchestral arrangements that deliver on melancholy but offer glimpses of hope.
  29. maxwellwood
    Feb 3, 2021
    10
    We don’t have many examples of rock artists aging gracefully, moving on from anxious records about love to records that reflect the serenity and anxiety of aging. Weezer has been one of worst offenders, with several albums positioning Rivers as a teenage narrator. But OK Human is a beautiful reflection of what it means to be, well, an OK human — maturing and making life work in this weird,We don’t have many examples of rock artists aging gracefully, moving on from anxious records about love to records that reflect the serenity and anxiety of aging. Weezer has been one of worst offenders, with several albums positioning Rivers as a teenage narrator. But OK Human is a beautiful reflection of what it means to be, well, an OK human — maturing and making life work in this weird, chaotic world.… Expand
  30. conorcaldwell
    Feb 5, 2021
    4
    Maybe better than their last few albums, but that bar is SUPER low. Bonus point or two for mixing up the production and bringing in the orchestral arrangements. That is cool at times... but otherwise this is blah. I listened once and probably never will again.
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Mar 2, 2021
    90
    An unlikely masterpiece. [Apr 2021, p.89]
  2. Mojo
    Feb 19, 2021
    80
    It's Numbers that punches hardest, it's compassionate message about the futility of measuring ourselves against others deftly handled. [Apr 2021, p.86]
  3. Under The Radar
    Feb 3, 2021
    70
    The record isn’t groundbreaking material, but it’s definitely nice to have a new Weezer album that isn’t trying to recreate their old material and instead looks to the future of their sound.
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