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. NolanLundgaard
    May 12, 2021
    6
    Weezer (Red Album) by Weezer: 5.63

    Troublemaker: 0.5 The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations On A Shaker Hymn): 1 Pork And Beans: 1 :) Heart Songs: 0.75 Everybody Get Dangerous: 0.75 Dreamin’: 0.5 Thought I Knew: 1 Cold Dark World: 0.75 Automatic: 0.75 The Angel And The One: 0.75 Miss Sweeney: 1 Pig: 0.75 The Spider: 0.25 King: 0.75 10.5/14 = .750 -> 5.63    Weezer (Red Album) by Weezer: 5.63

    Troublemaker: 0.5
    The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations On A Shaker Hymn): 1
    Pork And Beans: 1 :)
    Heart Songs: 0.75
    Everybody Get Dangerous: 0.75
    Dreamin’: 0.5
    Thought I Knew: 1
    Cold Dark World: 0.75
    Automatic: 0.75
    The Angel And The One: 0.75
    Miss Sweeney: 1
    Pig: 0.75
    The Spider: 0.25
    King: 0.75

    10.5/14 = .750 -> 5.63

    Weezer’s Red Album is so far the most wacky of their albums, and that isn’t necessarily a good thing. While I found that there are several problems with Weezer’s Red Album, perhaps the most critical issue of it was its lyrics. Even for Weezer, which always comes with sometimes corny lyrics, the words to many of the songs on here were just too weird. As for the music, while a few songs certainly did not disappoint with the “classic Weezer” sound, it got on my nerves that there were so many acoustic songs right in a row at the end. I guess I shouldn’t look too much into that specifically since those songs make up the deluxe version. That being said, Weezer really did like to use the acoustic guitar as a starting instrument, which got repetitive over time. The synths also could feel a little intrusive at times.

    Thanks to the character limit, I am unable to provide my song-by-song commentary, which would perhaps give people who don't agree with my rating more understanding as to why I gave this album what I gave it.

    In general, I had a rather mixed experience with this Weezer album. It just felt repetitive and low effort. While there were some good things about it, I found myself frowning at the music more often than I would have liked. The synths were hit-or-miss and the lyrics could also be rather disappointing. There are only a couple songs from this album I would listen to again, and compared to the Green Album I had a not-so-great experience. I will listen to the next Weezer album because I really hope that I will get another good one. That being said, I didn’t completely hate the Red Album, it was just not nearly as good as I would have hoped. In the excitement that the release of Van Weezer made, I was really looking forward to listening to more Weezer, though after this I should probably lower my expectations. Weezer fans may like this but it’s hard imagining that any non-fans will be won over to the band by this album alone. Highlights: The Greatest Man That Ever Lived, Pork And Beans, Thought I Knew, and Miss Sweeney.    … Expand
  3. Seffor
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece. All of these songs are excellent. Especially the bonus tracks.
  4. SteveJohnson
    Mar 1, 2019
    10
    AN incredible album, even the members that aren’t rivers can deliver great performances.
  5. MysticManiac
    Apr 26, 2018
    4
    The second half of the album is better than the first. Although that's not saying much. Some of the tracks that the others take lead vocals on work on some level, and Angel and the One is a solid enough ending but even still, none of the songs are really worth getting too excited about.
  6. Mumbizz01
    Feb 2, 2018
    5
    This album honestly isn't really that bad. It's only the lyrics that ruins the album. However, the final song is hands down, one of the best songs Weezer has ever recorded.
  7. noorder
    Jan 5, 2016
    6
    An OK record, slightly better than Make Believe.
    Includes great songs like Pork and Beans, Pig, the catchy troublemaker, and a few more, but, in general, you feel like Weezer can give you so much more than this
  8. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    8/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  9. alecvl08
    Jan 30, 2015
    4
    This album flows in the vein of Make Believe with its hastily written lyrics that stretch to unbearable lengths to rhyme. For every decent track, there's a mediocre one. The instrumentals aren't bad, but they aren't anything spectacular. Overall, it's a step up from Make Believe, but two steps down from Weezer's next best album, 2001's Weezer.
  10. Ricko
    Dec 22, 2014
    6
    The thing about Weezer albums is relativity. On its own, this record is quite decent, even very good in places (Old school Weezer fans will love "Pork and Beans"). However when stood next to the band at the peak of their powers, "Red" lacks the consistency of the bands early and best work.This is probably partly down to the sharing of the songwriting duties as well as vocal contributionsThe thing about Weezer albums is relativity. On its own, this record is quite decent, even very good in places (Old school Weezer fans will love "Pork and Beans"). However when stood next to the band at the peak of their powers, "Red" lacks the consistency of the bands early and best work.This is probably partly down to the sharing of the songwriting duties as well as vocal contributions of other band members - while in some ways this adds to the album, in other ways it detracts. This approach means that at times the band are unrecognisable and allows them to explore other stylistic directions. On the other hand it means the album can lack coherency and sounds a bit messy and all over place. One thing I would say - if your going to check this record out, get the deluxe version as the extra tracks really add to it and show some of the most adventurous and ambitious songwriting of the bands career. Overall, its probably the bands bravest record if not their best. A set of good ideas but the execution could have been better.… Expand
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. ChrisK.
    Jan 15, 2009
    3
    if weezer's debut was a 10 and pinkerton an 8.5 this is a 3 at best. weezer was the first album i ever bought and i'm embarassed that 14 years later this is what they've come up with. "everybody get dangerous"? who do they think they're singing to?
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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"
  21. sydneyo.
    Aug 5, 2008
    2
    What happened to this band? thought they were better than this... they seem so pathetic on this album! wat a shame. i liked thembetter a long time ago.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. JohnC.
    Jul 8, 2008
    0
    I have done a full listen scott v And this album is a complete let down. What happened to this band?
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. TerryC.
    Jun 24, 2008
    7
    First 6 tracks are excellent the rest are a bit so-so.
  28. Michelle
    Jun 19, 2008
    0
    If I didn't already know it was Weezer, I'd be saying, "Who's this awful band that's trying to sound like Weezer?" What a shame. The most ironic thing is that Rivers specifically wrote a song about refusing to sell out, and ended up making the most contrived piece of garbage imaginable. I could have tolerated this from any other band. Not Weezer.
  29. JulieM.
    Jun 19, 2008
    1
    I feel like I cannot relate to this band anymore. Make Believe was terrible, terribly pop, but this, man, I can't even comprehend some of this drool.
  30. JoeG.
    Jun 19, 2008
    0
    Didn't like anything past the Blue Album, do not like the bands modern sound and this album is by far the worst. Thanks Weezer. Does anyone remember Undone?
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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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