Pacific Daydream
by Weezer
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 27, 2017
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 123 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 123
  3. Negative: 36 out of 123
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  1. LebowskiRams
    Oct 28, 2017
    7
    It's honestly not that bad. Some people just can't handle band's experimenting with different sounds.

    PD is by no means a great album, but nerdy lyrics (Algebra and Hoth references on QB Blitz) and classic Weezer-patented harmonies and melodies (Sweet Mary, Weekend Woman) and just fun, catchy pop (Get Right, Any Friend of Diane's) make for a fun pop album that grows on the listener. La    It's honestly not that bad. Some people just can't handle band's experimenting with different sounds.

    PD is by no means a great album, but nerdy lyrics (Algebra and Hoth references on QB Blitz) and classic Weezer-patented harmonies and melodies (Sweet Mary, Weekend Woman) and just fun, catchy pop (Get Right, Any Friend of Diane's) make for a fun pop album that grows on the listener. La Mancha Screwjob and Beach Boys are real weak tracks, but other than that, Pacific Daydream is pretty "alright"    … Expand
  2. jonfin826
    Oct 27, 2017
    7
    The new Weezer album is very disappointing after the last two albums showed us that Weezer can still kick ass. Here the guitars have taken a back seat to Rivers inexplicable obsession with pop production. Still, several of the tracks here are super catchy, showing that Rivers hasn't lost his skill at songwriting. It's certainly not their worst effort, but fans of Weezer's moreThe new Weezer album is very disappointing after the last two albums showed us that Weezer can still kick ass. Here the guitars have taken a back seat to Rivers inexplicable obsession with pop production. Still, several of the tracks here are super catchy, showing that Rivers hasn't lost his skill at songwriting. It's certainly not their worst effort, but fans of Weezer's more rock-oriented sound are going to have some big issues with Pacific Daydream.… Expand
  3. Ashenspire
    Oct 27, 2017
    7
    This is overall a solid attempt at a chill, pop-rock album. Unfortunately, most Weezer fans are unable (unwilling?) to let go of Blue and Pinkerton, so they're constantly making unfounded comparisons.

    When you view Pacific Daydream as a single, cohesive unit by itself, you find it just works. You'll find the humor and wit that Weezer has become known for hiding underneath a band that    This is overall a solid attempt at a chill, pop-rock album. Unfortunately, most Weezer fans are unable (unwilling?) to let go of Blue and Pinkerton, so they're constantly making unfounded comparisons.

    When you view Pacific Daydream as a single, cohesive unit by itself, you find it just works. You'll find the humor and wit that Weezer has become known for hiding underneath a band that after 24 years continues to experiment with new ideas rather than hang on to their 21 year old selves. Its squeaky clean production and bright guitars betray some of the darker tones of the lyrics.

    By no means their best effort ever, but a solid album nonetheless that will go down with the likes of Maladroit and Hurley.    … Expand
  4. jeffholland
    Oct 27, 2017
    10
    Honestly if you like pop and rock, this is your album. Deep songs have been written by Cuomo and Co. Any Friend's of Diane's, QB Blitz, and Sweet Mary are all good examples of this darker themes. I love each song from Side B with the weird yet catchy riffs and unforgettable songs.

    Best: Weekend Woman Any Friend of Diane's Sweet Mary QB Blitz Good: La Mancha Screwjob Mexican    Honestly if you like pop and rock, this is your album. Deep songs have been written by Cuomo and Co. Any Friend's of Diane's, QB Blitz, and Sweet Mary are all good examples of this darker themes. I love each song from Side B with the weird yet catchy riffs and unforgettable songs.

    Best:
    Weekend Woman
    Any Friend of Diane's
    Sweet Mary
    QB Blitz

    Good:
    La Mancha Screwjob
    Mexican Fender
    Get Right
    Happy Hour
    Feels Like Summer

    Meh:
    Beach Boys    … Expand
  5. CarelessQuill
    Nov 23, 2017
    7
    It's a pretty decent pop effort from Weezer. The lyrics are questionable at some points, and the production polish sort of irons-out the humanity a little bit, but the songs are there, and those catch choruses will get in your head. Listen to this one with an open mind though.
  6. pantecana
    Oct 28, 2017
    9
    Ok maybe I need to get this a few more listens. But at first glance some songs are ok, while the majority just instantly caught me. Gorgeous sound and melody! Yet again, this might be a sign that the songs might be somewhat simple. Don´t know. Just can say that for the moment it is a very very enjoyable album for me.
  7. nmds
    Oct 27, 2017
    10
    Weezer is in a good state right now and I love the catchy and big bridges that really define this album, no it's not as good as the white album or EWBAITE but it's a close second
  8. Fedae
    Oct 27, 2017
    8
    It may not be the perfect album for an old Weezer fan, but if you enjoy pop-rock, and good music in general, Pacific Daydream has enjoyable songs and summer vibes. I actually think the album is 7.5+ over 10, and it's completely recommendable for anyone who wants to chill with a simple, but efective record.
  9. minime
    Nov 2, 2017
    10
    Can't stop listening to this. I've never been a fan, but this is a game changer. If you love pop, this is the gold standard. So sweet, so perfect. I loved it from the moment I heard it.
  10. mrweerez
    Nov 6, 2017
    8
    This album has been a bit of a grower for me. The initial reaction to this album is that it doesn't sound like Weezer. Where are the crunchy guitars, the doubled vocals, the orgasm inducing guitar solos? It wasn't until after giving this album repeated listens, and after reading some very insightful interviews that were done with Rivers and company that I really began to appreciate thisThis album has been a bit of a grower for me. The initial reaction to this album is that it doesn't sound like Weezer. Where are the crunchy guitars, the doubled vocals, the orgasm inducing guitar solos? It wasn't until after giving this album repeated listens, and after reading some very insightful interviews that were done with Rivers and company that I really began to appreciate this album. This album is fresh! This album doesn't rehash past albums in any way. This record is mature and full of instrumental expertise. Scott Shriner's bass finally gets a chance to shine and he totally devastates on this record. Pacific Daydream has the best bass parts to ever grace a Weezer record. It's a shame to see a work of art so misunderstood by so many listeners and critics alike. This is a great Weezer album, and would hope that it becomes better understood over time. It took a little while for this album to click for me. It was in those moments when I was driving alone at night or laying in bed with my headphones in and the lyrics up on the screen that I really began to understand and appreciate this album. A job well done Weezer!… Expand
  11. pedrohenriquedc
    Oct 28, 2017
    8
    Weekend Woman, Qb Blitz and Sweet Mary are very good songs, despite the fact of this is a very different Weezer's album,.They are trying to innovate.The last tracks are the best. Beach Boys and happy hour are terrible
  12. milesmulosh
    Oct 28, 2017
    7
    People don't realize that this is inspired by modern-pop, not meant to pander to those who listen to modern pop exclusively. People also don't realize that this is experimental, which means that the music put out by Weezer will sound different each time, as it has in the past 23 years. Comparing this to Raditude is unfair, because within the context of 2017 pop, this sounds more like MakePeople don't realize that this is inspired by modern-pop, not meant to pander to those who listen to modern pop exclusively. People also don't realize that this is experimental, which means that the music put out by Weezer will sound different each time, as it has in the past 23 years. Comparing this to Raditude is unfair, because within the context of 2017 pop, this sounds more like Make Believe. Most fans look back at the mid-late 2000's as one big pile of garbage, but if you actually take the time to listen to each of the albums, you will hear that each one sounds different than the last, and the so-called "fans" don't want Weezer to make anything that sounds different than what they're used to. This album is not great, but it is not awful, and it is criminally underrated. Not only is it underrated, but it is over-hated. Stop judging this album based on your prior beliefs and what other people have already said, but start actually using your brain and thinking about whether something that sounds different sounds good or bad, or just okay.… Expand
  13. wowee
    Oct 28, 2017
    10
    This's isn't their very best album, but it's their worst album either-------
    Pacific daydream lies in the middle ground and capture the lighthearted songs that we used to listen from WEEZER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  14. wpl
    Oct 31, 2017
    10
    Haven't played a Weezer album repeatedly like this since the Green album. Fabulous lyrics, tons of catchy melodies, great vibe. I think the production is great. I find it more musically interesting than virtually any of their other albums, with notable exception of Pinkerton, as I keep hearing little harmonies, guitar parts, and sounds with each listen. The tracks all flow nicely. It worksHaven't played a Weezer album repeatedly like this since the Green album. Fabulous lyrics, tons of catchy melodies, great vibe. I think the production is great. I find it more musically interesting than virtually any of their other albums, with notable exception of Pinkerton, as I keep hearing little harmonies, guitar parts, and sounds with each listen. The tracks all flow nicely. It works really well as a whole. Only complaint is that it's a little short, but all the best Weezer albums are short, I guess. Rivers, ignore all the haters. I've been a fan since seeing you guys in 1994 at UCSD opening up for Live. This is a phenomenal addition to the catalog.… Expand
  15. Ricko
    May 30, 2018
    7
    Once Rivers Cuomo gets a creative streak he really goes for it. 2010's "Death To False Metal" was their 4th album in 3 years but the quality of that Weezer period was such that you would have struggled to get one great album from all the albums combined. There must have been a moment when Cuomo realised this as we had a 4 year hiatus. Now in what could be seen as the 4th age of Weezer weOnce Rivers Cuomo gets a creative streak he really goes for it. 2010's "Death To False Metal" was their 4th album in 3 years but the quality of that Weezer period was such that you would have struggled to get one great album from all the albums combined. There must have been a moment when Cuomo realised this as we had a 4 year hiatus. Now in what could be seen as the 4th age of Weezer we are on another roll of 3 albums in 3 years. 2014's "Everything Will Be Alright In The End" was a return to respectability while 2016's "White" was a true return to form and arguably the bands best work in 20 years. Album number 3 in the sequence is this one, "Pacific Daydream". While a qualified success, it fails to build on the momentum of its predecessors. Credit to the band for changing direction - Cuomo's incredible ear for a melodic riff is evident albeit watered down but the band have taken a completely different approach to the production of this album. We get attempts at radio pop rather than nerdy surf rock. It's this production which is the main problem with the album. The sound of "White" brought back memories their 90's peak and the songs were strong. "Pacific Daydream" sounds smooth and while it's an enjoyable listen it lacks edge.… Expand
  16. duritzfan13
    Nov 25, 2017
    10
    just because this doesn't sound exactly like older weezer doesn't mean it's automatically bad. this is a SUPER solid record. give it a shot. really strong, catchy songs. "la mancha screwjob" and "sweet mary" are two favorites right now.
  17. Edgar821
    Nov 3, 2017
    9
    Weezer bring back the pop experimentation seen on some of their less acclaimed albums, this time getting it right. Essentially different from last year's White Album, but still an enjoyable listen.
  18. meltdownmonk
    Oct 28, 2017
    8
    Had to get myself used to this new sound Weezer. Feels like Summer came out, and I thought it was catchy, but not really what I wanted to listen to. Then I heard Mexican Fender and Beach Boys. I love Mexican Fender, and Beach Boys was smooth but the overt reference to the Beach Boys just seemed a little to much. Happy Hour was meh as well, but i could hear a consistent sound coming outHad to get myself used to this new sound Weezer. Feels like Summer came out, and I thought it was catchy, but not really what I wanted to listen to. Then I heard Mexican Fender and Beach Boys. I love Mexican Fender, and Beach Boys was smooth but the overt reference to the Beach Boys just seemed a little to much. Happy Hour was meh as well, but i could hear a consistent sound coming out of the album, all the songs seemed to fit well, then I heard Weekend Woman - really liked it a lot, so it was 2 our of 5, and then I heard the rest of the album:

    QB Blitz and and Sweet Mary were both fantastic and catchy (QB Blitz has this fantastic bridge somewhere near the 2 minute mark) - Weezer still seems to have a mixed bag when it comes to lyrics - most of the time the lyrics are meh, but at least these were mixed with some music I really liked. I was also hearing songs I'd never heard in a Weezer song before, and it wasn't bothering me; I was enjoying it.

    I was starting to notice, I could still hear typical Weezer underneath the very different sounding production (different for Weezer) - I was hearing a bit of Make Believe power chords and singing style, but.. the production gloss on Pacific Daydream just sounded better with this style.

    Get Right and La Mancha Screwjob were not quite as strong as the songs immediately preceding it, but still better to listen to than Feels like Summer...

    The final song on the album, Any Friend of Diane's, I love this one, found myself humming along to it. The lyrics again.. not the most memorable, but I still love listening to it.

    I like the album length, the number of songs, it's easier to compare to other weezer albums. I definitely liked this one a lot more than Raditude, Hurley, Make Beiieve, and Red Album... this album is just more consistent. I could imagine some of these songs sounding great with a little more of the usual Weezer guitar crunch and a solo or two, but these were still genuinely good.

    So, some of this album is a bit dull, but it's nice to have this little gem in the Weezer repertoire. I think it's somewhat underrated based on reviews I've seen so far. I give is a solid 7. It's like a Sloan album... mediocre, but consistently so, with a couple songs that are mediocre++ to great!! at least 6 out of 10 of these songs I want to listen to over and over. And the remaining 4 are tolerable. This is similar to White album for me.. 6 out of 10 great songs, with 4 that are tolerable, although White album might have an edge [on Pacific Daydream] because I think some of the good songs are much better than the good songs on Pacific Daydream.    … Expand
  19. GerardistheWay
    Nov 1, 2017
    7
    “We belong in the rock world,” Rivers Cuomo opined on Weezer’s late-career gem Everything Will Be Alright in the End, and many of us would very much agree. Their Raditude days are probably best forgotten, which is why some of you out there in the Weezerverse no doubt balked at the distinctly pop production present on Pacific Daydream. For these people this step backward may be“We belong in the rock world,” Rivers Cuomo opined on Weezer’s late-career gem Everything Will Be Alright in the End, and many of us would very much agree. Their Raditude days are probably best forgotten, which is why some of you out there in the Weezerverse no doubt balked at the distinctly pop production present on Pacific Daydream. For these people this step backward may be unforgivable, especially after their apology for their previous foray into the genre, but for the rest of us Cuomo and Co. have delivered a catchy and fun (if unremarkable) collection of summertime tunes.

    Let me say right now that Daydream is no Raditude. Yes, Butch Walker reappears in the production credits, and no, the album is by no means a masterpiece like Pinkerton or even on the same level as the band’s last love letter to the summertime season, but despite its flaws (of which there are many) I found it oddly endearing. The tunes are catchier, punchier, and more tightly crafted than those on Raditude, with just enough guitar to maintain a “pop-rock” label and oddball pop culture references to satisfy fans who can’t wait for the fabled Black Album to get their Weezer fix.

    I mentioned flaws earlier. Let’s talk about those. The wit and sheer cheerful energy that the sun-soaked banger “Mexican Fender” kicks off the record with is only sporadically seen again, and a feeling is given off while listening that the band couldn’t come to a consensus in regard to the big idea on Pacific Daydream, causing the record to come off a little tonally constipated. Had a better balance been struck between the carefree day and the more self-serious night (perhaps a re-ordering of songs might have helped this) we could have seen an interesting progression through a single summer day, but the latter more often overwhelms the former and the resultant melancholy moping that abounds is shockingly reminiscent of The Chainsmokers’ melodramatic drivel. Further strengthening the comparison to everyone’s favorite talentless EDM duo is the fact that on several songs Cuomo’s songwriting and singing seem particularly weak – on “Happy Hour” he gratingly holds a single note for most of the first verse, and his shoutouts to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Monty Python feel forced and out of place – and eager to take advantage of the current trend towards electronic (a la “Feels Like Summer”). In these instances, it’s (surprisingly) more often Walker who salvages the song with beats that are catchy and fun even when the accompanying vocal delivery is crushingly dull. One final thing: who releases an album full of summer-ready songs just as it’s starting to get cold? It’s more than a little depressing to be reminded of sunny days on sandy shores with winter on its way.

    It should be noted that there’s lots to like here as well. Regardless of your opinion on the record as a whole, many of you will likely find “Weekend Woman”, where roaring guitars that blast away twinkling pop flourishes recall ghosts of Weezer past, agreeable, and I’ll be damned if “Mexican Fender” doesn’t pop up in a few playlists next summer (I’ll tell you right now that it’s already in mine). Other tunes like “Any Friend of Diane’s”, “La Mancha Screwjob”, and “Get Right” are nice little pop ditties that won’t stick with you for long afterwards but go down smooth as a cold drink on a hot summer day when they’re on, making them some primo background noise for a little fun under the sun. “QB Blitz” is one of the better-written songs on the album, showcasing a singer-songwriter aspect to Cuomo that we’ve only occasionally seen before (“Butterfly” on Pinkerton, “Endless Bummer” on the White Album, and a few others), and while more successful in some aspects than others the boys do show a willingness to experiment with their sound.

    In short, does this deserve to be remembered as one of the great albums among Weezer’s catalogue? Not really. But it is a fun little diversion while we wait for something bigger and better from the boys, though hoping for another Pinkerton this late in their career might be expecting a little too much. But it’s nice to dream, isn’t it? Weezer certainly thinks so. 7/10

    Choice cuts:
    "Mexican Fender", "Weekend Woman", "Any Friend of Diane's", "QB Blitz"    … Expand
  20. krado
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    Have played it over and over a couple times this week. River has the knack to write catchy tunes and keep a good mix of that rock with some pop. Notable standouts: Beach Boys, Feels like summer, happy hour, weekend woman.
  21. brysonjake
    Nov 15, 2017
    7
    It's hard to write a review for an album when you're a fan of alt-rock Weezer and you get at best a pop-rock album (mostly pop).

    You can hear the potential in this album, the melodies and hooks are in the right places - but for most Weezer fans there is something missing here. The instrumentation just sounds too overproduced and like it could have done by another mainstream pop artist.    It's hard to write a review for an album when you're a fan of alt-rock Weezer and you get at best a pop-rock album (mostly pop).

    You can hear the potential in this album, the melodies and hooks are in the right places - but for most Weezer fans there is something missing here. The instrumentation just sounds too overproduced and like it could have done by another mainstream pop artist. The album definitely has a consistent vibe, which I think is positive, but I ended up feeling a bit sickly by the end of the album; yearning for more guitars and more rock.

    There are tracks on here that are likeable - see 'Mexican Fender' & 'QB Blitz', that have a more atypical Weezer style; great melodies and quirky lyrics. 'Happy Hour' is an example of where their pop experiment works, some of the lyrics in it are suspect, but they work against the mellow, sunshine vibes of the song.

    This would have stood as a strong pop album were it not for a couple of big misfires, namely 'Feels Like Summer' & 'Beach Boys'. The former just feels too far from Weezer that even repeated listens haven't saved it, it just feels too commercialized and lacking in soul. The latter is catchy, it isn't a bad song per se, but the lyrics are some of the worst I've experienced, in any song, really.

    Overall, the album feels like an unnecessary experiment, but fair play to them for trying something with a different vibe. Some of it works, some of it hurts. We all know Rivers & the band can make top quality music but it depends on their focus. No one minds experimenting, but perhaps next time they should do it within the genre they are famed and loved for? Either that or... release the album under a different name? Save themselves some backlash! This is a decent album, but not a great Weezer album.    … Expand
  22. Applecrunch
    Mar 6, 2018
    8
    I thought it was really good weezer tried something new it might not worked to many but it did to me Trying to be a rock band in he 21st century so good for them for going with there gut. also if you want a second blue album go Listen to the actual blue album thx
    :D
  23. Seffor
    Jun 22, 2020
    8
    A great pop-rock album. That's all it is. Many are disappointed that there isn't "le crunchy guitar tone" but tbh? who. cares. Rivers has eclectic musical tastes. Maybe it's time more weezer fans do too.
  24. Mongie
    Nov 29, 2019
    7
    Less like EWBAITE and White, back to being a bit more electronic, but still an enjoyable album with plenty of Weezerness.
  25. nce93
    May 10, 2021
    7
    My first listen was hard to handle because I put so much weight into tracks I really don't like that are at the beginning of the album (beach boys, feels like summer, happy hour). However, when listening to the other 7 tracks on their own, you recognize how much talent is on display for this outing. QB Blitz, Mexican Fender, and Weekend Woman are insanely catchy. This album feels likeMy first listen was hard to handle because I put so much weight into tracks I really don't like that are at the beginning of the album (beach boys, feels like summer, happy hour). However, when listening to the other 7 tracks on their own, you recognize how much talent is on display for this outing. QB Blitz, Mexican Fender, and Weekend Woman are insanely catchy. This album feels like taking a second chance on the pop rock feel of Ratitude, and in many ways it outshined the predecessor. I congratulate Weezer on continuing to stay relevant and am happy "feels like summer" did well, even though it was not for me. Old school Weezer fans will probably not be happy, but they should give the second half of the album a chance, because it feels true to the band's quirkier, poppier, and more experimental side when it pays off.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2017
67
#67 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. No Ripcord
    Nov 27, 2017
    50
    Much of the album’s electro-lite flavoring does provide some hummable moments, but as the cringingly tricked out Mexican Fender and stomping chants of La Mancha Screwjob suggest, they’re most likely to suffer a slow and gradual death at your local Forever 21.
    Read full review
  2. Magnet
    Nov 21, 2017
    65
    The lyrics are often stupid as hell. ... What's novel about Pacific Daydream is that its giant, overcompressed choruses really do burrow their way into your skull. [No. 148, p.51]
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 3, 2017
    80
    It’s the ever-present hint of neurosis in Rivers Cuomo’s voice and vaguely bi-polar lyrics (thankfully not produced using the cut-up technique he employed for last year’s self-titled release) that give this band their perennial edge of strangeness, and reaffirm Weezer’s unique place in American rock fans’ affections.
    Read full review
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