Van Weezer
by Weezer
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 7, 2021
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 63
  3. Negative: 5 out of 63
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  1. Raiden301
    Oct 4, 2022
    7
    A really odd record with tons of heavier sounds and classic sounding Weezer, but tons of really weird lyrical choices like in 1 more hit, and the more annoying choice to simplify some of the best demos Rivers Cuomo has recorded in recent memory, blue dream specifically feels much less interesting than it's original demo counterpart, whereas beginning of the end benefits from less sillyA really odd record with tons of heavier sounds and classic sounding Weezer, but tons of really weird lyrical choices like in 1 more hit, and the more annoying choice to simplify some of the best demos Rivers Cuomo has recorded in recent memory, blue dream specifically feels much less interesting than it's original demo counterpart, whereas beginning of the end benefits from less silly lyrics in favor of something more standard for this kind of arena rock style. Overall the album is faulty mixed with not many tracks I'd call outright awful, but tons of consider pretty middle of the rode or subpar. To me this album feels like it should've been released right after Weezers fourth release maladroit, it has a similar feeling and if it was released then it probably would be less polarizing as a whole, unfortunately Van Weezer had to be released after a string of several hated and acclaimed albums, making it seem pretty meh as a whole.… Expand
  2. ovenlord
    Jun 7, 2022
    8
    Great album good music although there are too many samples and occasional strange lyrics (eg "Pump it up Please daddy")
    Best tracks are "Hero" "BOTE" "TEOTG"
  3. AlecRPiergiorgi
    Jan 2, 2022
    6
    This album clearly could have been stronger, listening to Rivers go through many of his hard rock influences is fun but at points the album gets repetitive. One of the strongest parts of the album is its length, it has a purpose and meets it before becoming tiresome and ruining the overall project.
  4. Schnabbel
    Aug 20, 2021
    8
    Great album, really nails the old rock feel on some tracks. 1 more hit was a big put appreciated surprise
  5. benlmintom
    May 22, 2021
    10
    This is what Weezer is great at, guitar rock music. Is it their best work?? No, but not far off. It’s definitely in the top half of their albums. It has the riffs that Weezer fans have been missing in their past couple of releases. Great album!
  6. tedansley
    May 22, 2021
    10
    Truly a great album, don't understand any rating under 8. One of the best albums in years by ANYONE! Amazing songs and lyrics.
  7. Alexwingo
    May 14, 2021
    9
    First thing is to point out that this is not a heavy rock album like people think it should be. In my honest opinion, each song in here has some form of redeeming factor. That isn’t to say you will notice this on the first listen, and I was definitely critical. The topics covered are a bit weird past the first 5 songs, but as a whole, they are fine. I am not saying that everybody will likeFirst thing is to point out that this is not a heavy rock album like people think it should be. In my honest opinion, each song in here has some form of redeeming factor. That isn’t to say you will notice this on the first listen, and I was definitely critical. The topics covered are a bit weird past the first 5 songs, but as a whole, they are fine. I am not saying that everybody will like it, but it seems to be a pretty good album to listen to. Just don’t expect it to be something it isn’t. My final note is to point out precious metal girl. This is by no means a rock song and is a very light song with weird lyrics. This song is going to be conflicting, but I think it is alright. The lyrics definitely could be improved but the song itself is sound. While I recognize that there are flaws in this album, that is the same with every album. My personal rating 1: Hero (piano version is also good) 2: The end of the game
    3: Beginning of the end
    4: I need some of that
    5: All the good ones
    6: Precious metal girl
    7: 1 more hit
    8: Blue dream
    9: She needs me
    10: Sheila can do it
    If you are only interested in the best songs, only get the first 5    … Expand
  8. MusicGuyMack
    May 12, 2021
    8
    Hardly groundbreaking for its genre musically and sporting lyrics skewing silly at best and ropey at worst, "Van Weezer" is nevertheless a rollicking, rip-roaring good time of a hair metal pastiche with killer riffs and earworm choruses that only get better the higher the volume gets cranked up.

    Choice Cuts: "Beginning of the End (Wyld Stallyns Edit)," "1 More Hit," "All the Good Ones,"    Hardly groundbreaking for its genre musically and sporting lyrics skewing silly at best and ropey at worst, "Van Weezer" is nevertheless a rollicking, rip-roaring good time of a hair metal pastiche with killer riffs and earworm choruses that only get better the higher the volume gets cranked up.

    Choice Cuts: "Beginning of the End (Wyld Stallyns Edit)," "1 More Hit," "All the Good Ones," "Precious Metal Girl"    … Expand
  9. josephlogger
    May 12, 2021
    7
    It's enjoyable. Listen to it if you have 30 minutes to spare, but don't expect anything great.
  10. nce93
    May 12, 2021
    8
    A genuinely fun album with incredibly high highs (Hero, End of the Game, Beginning of the End, Need Some of That, etc). Unfortunately, many of the best tracks had already been released as singles a long time ago. Because some of the new content isn't great (especially 1 more hit) the album as a whole doesn't totally land. But there is plenty to like here and any fan of Weezer's MaladroitA genuinely fun album with incredibly high highs (Hero, End of the Game, Beginning of the End, Need Some of That, etc). Unfortunately, many of the best tracks had already been released as singles a long time ago. Because some of the new content isn't great (especially 1 more hit) the album as a whole doesn't totally land. But there is plenty to like here and any fan of Weezer's Maladroit should find something to love.… Expand
  11. Bopspops
    May 11, 2021
    8
    Strong work that might even win some converts. A very pleasant surprise after their terrible covers album.
  12. Robdog
    May 11, 2021
    10
    Great fun album. Extremely enjoyable to listen to. The kind of album you put on in the morning to get you going. Pretty consistent throughout. A career highlight for me. While I liked OK Human this feels more like the natural follow up to EWBA and the white album. Love it!!!
  13. alds2001
    May 10, 2021
    7
    An enjoyable-enough romp through the hair-metal years’ of the 1980’s. Cuomo and co have created a concise and fun record, filled with riff-laden hooks and chugging guitar. It all sparkles for the most part. Lyrically, it’s often half-hearted gibberish, but for a pastiche-effort, they’ve mustered what is required. Just don’t take it too seriously.
  14. mobproduktion
    May 9, 2021
    4
    Rivers Cuomo is a genius but everything he touch doesn't turn to gold. This record is meh, with great songs like The end of the game and songs like Blue dream, a song so bad it shouldn't even be released on a studio outtakes box released 30 years after Cuomo's death.
  15. Skydog
    May 9, 2021
    0
    Worst album I've heard in years. When you have to do a complete copy of several songs than you are out of creativity and need to retire. "Blue Dream" is the biggest embarrassment in the music industry ever with "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock being a close second.
  16. kadewe
    May 8, 2021
    10
    I really don‘t get all the hate. Weezer has always been a band self-ironically playing both lyrical-wise with teen nerd angst and musically with music nerdism. So creating an album which sounds as close to a 80/90s hard rock fans wet dream is something besides Tenacious D only Weezer can pull off. Great melodies, massive power chords everywhere, a great sound asthetics ripped right fromI really don‘t get all the hate. Weezer has always been a band self-ironically playing both lyrical-wise with teen nerd angst and musically with music nerdism. So creating an album which sounds as close to a 80/90s hard rock fans wet dream is something besides Tenacious D only Weezer can pull off. Great melodies, massive power chords everywhere, a great sound asthetics ripped right from the 80s. It‘s a great blast, if you don‘t take it to seriously. As they say: „All Killer, no filler!“ - i didn‘t listen to a rock album this consistently delivering great songs.… Expand
  17. CoolcidProd
    May 8, 2021
    6
    While the lyrics (One More Hit) and instrumentals (Blue Dream) are at times questionable, there are some pretty enjoyable moments on this album.
  18. Chloechong
    May 8, 2021
    10
    This album exceeds my expectations. I know a lot of people say ok human is better but as much as I love ok human, I found myself enjoying van weezer a lot more. The instrumental on this album is so good
  19. Fire_MusicFreak
    May 7, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its not bad, but its not that good either. I think the good songs weigh out the bad but most of the non singles here sound like fillers. All of the good ones is basically Beverly Hills, Blue Dream is literally crazy train, 1 more hit "Pump it up pump it up please daddy please daddy" and sheila can do it is just neutral to me… Expand
  20. ElTioBucket
    May 7, 2021
    8
    Great Album! Not the best for sure but i loved it! Very catchy and with a lot of variety of sounds and styles.
  21. mte122
    May 7, 2021
    8
    I thoroughly have been enjoying the album so far. One of the most solid power pop albums of the century thus far.
  22. manzoman96
    May 7, 2021
    0
    Weezer is two for two this year! I found this record really fun and enjoyable. Would be awesome to see this played live.
  23. vampeluso
    May 7, 2021
    2
    OK Human was an amazing surprise from weezer, a fresh new direction. I Thought for a second tha they would forget about Van Weezer... Well, Rivers never give up, right? There are some cool powerful riffs here, but its a weak metal/hard rock album... Well, at least we had OK Human, Thank you Rivers.
  24. Bosquimano
    May 7, 2021
    8
    Worst than OK Human, but still good. Fun to listen to, as a Weezer album should be. Weezer is back!
  25. Corner28
    May 7, 2021
    10
    This album is fun from front to back. Every song is fantastic and a blast to listen to. Songs like PMG, TEOG, BOTE, and (especially) 1 More Hit are top-tier. Not as good as Ok Human, but it’s up there.
  26. bokkasrealm
    May 7, 2021
    5
    A poor attempt at an 80s homage. Straight up butchering of Crazy Train. No Bueno.
  27. Gg-b
    May 7, 2021
    8
    Another enjoyable record from Weezer this year!! Color me surprised. Not without some weaknesses, sure, but it overcomes the biggest flaw all their worst records have in common: being **** boring and by-the-numbers. Van Weezer delivers the opposite of that. This is fun! This is quirky! This is surprisingly kickass too! This is Weezer.
  28. irham95
    May 7, 2021
    10
    Wow just wow... that album is amazing, a lot of catchy and all are my favorite track. Van Weezer is just epic
  29. danilomat
    May 7, 2021
    10
    absolute bangers gahahhHshqhaushwjbsdbbwbqbhqushuxudjhwhwnchwbbqhwuxicjnenqnnsjdkdkkdrprpprlwkkqjjqjqjnajdjxjjcjcjcijrj hbwbw

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 22, 2021
    70
    Van Weezer is a Lightweight guilty pleasure, but mostly delicious pleasure. [Summer 2021, p.80]
  2. No Ripcord
    May 18, 2021
    70
    The whole thing mostly works, though, thanks to the generous application of a Blue Album power-pop filter. I Need Some of That channels The Cars (like much of Weezer’s finest work) and is the clear standout here, but there’s plenty more to raise a smile.
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  3. Under The Radar
    May 17, 2021
    50
    Van Weezer is in part saved to some degree by virtue of the fact Cuomo does still have a fine ear for a melody and an ability to craft whopping great choruses. The problem is he’s been ploughing the same musical furrow with increasingly diminishing returns for the best part of the last decade.
    Read full review
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