[REVIEW] Weezer – Hurley

Weezer’s eighth studio album, Hurley can be described as a wave of hope, in wake of the band’s recent discography.

After the last few releases from the band, a growing skepticism began to rear its ugly head regarding Weezer’s future. Last year, the band released Raditude. This album was largely viewed by fans as an enormous flop, falling far from the “bar” the band usually meets. Each cd was getting progressively worse. Rumor is, that the band wrote this album as a kind of Sara Bareilles “Love Song” diss. They saw that the road was coming to an end with Geffen Records and decided to make their last “harah” a burn or the label. Shortly after the release of Raditude, it was revealed that the band was no longer on Geffen. They would still release music but, at that time, they were unsure of the means. Eventually, the band revealed a signing with Epitaph Records.  In August of 2010, Hurley was announced, which now takes us up to present day.

The opening song, “Memories” begins with the echo of quiet violins before the full force of this new, refreshed Weezer truly hits. Also, synthesized effects run rampant throughout this song. Not to worry, it fits in perfectly!

“Where’s My Sex?” and “Hang On” are my absolute favorite songs on this album. “Where’s My Sex?” brings back the witty, funny Weezer we all had grown to love. Proof of this exists within the first minute of the song: “Mom made my sex, she knitted it with her hands. Sex making is a family tradition. Goin’ back to the caveman days, they were walkin’ around in a haze, until they figured it out, gosh dang this is great.” “Hang On” honestly has next radio hit written all over it. Expect this to be on the airwaves soon.

The final song on Hurley is “Time Flies.” The song brings down the otherwise upbeat tempo that is in almost every track. Sobering lyrics, heartfelt vocals and an acoustic guitar dominate this song and bring to an end, an unexpectedly impressive new album from Weezer.

Hurley provides a very distinguished mix of old and a new, rawer Weezer. You may have seen it coming or like most of us, you didn’t. Free from the shackles of a long-term contract with a major label, Weezer has brought something new to the table. It is a nod towards the old, the in between, and the witty side of the band that was arguably lost in the last few albums. Simply enough, they’re back.

Be sure to pick up Hurley, in stores everywhere September 14^th on Epitaph Records!