Make Believe

It took quite a while for Weezer to release this, their fifth album "Make Believe," especially when you consider how prolific they were in the beginning of the decade. Well, the time it took to make this album was time well spent. Together with the legendary Rick Rubin producing the bulk of the album, Weezer have delivered their most diverse album to date. All thirteen tracks are simply Weezer at their best, and frontman Rivers Cuomo at probably his most honest.For starters, if you are expecting Weezer to repeat themselves, or are just looking for another "Blue Album" or "Pinkerton," turn away. "Make Believe" is not for the close-minded. Most of the album seems focused on the problems and in-fighting that go on in the group, thanks mainly to Rivers' own self-admitted dysfunction, as heard on apologetic songs like "Pardon Me" and "Peace." However, there is standard Weezer fare such as "Hold Me" and "Damage In Your Heart" to satisfy, alongside instantly cacthy tunes like "We Are All On Drugs" and the first single "Beverly Hills." Elsewhere, however, the band makes giant leaps. "This Is Such A Pity," which wears it's 80's new wave influence proudly, will make you do a double take to make sure you have the right CD playing. "Perfect Situation," the best song of the album, is arguably the best song Weezer have written since the "Pinkerton" era. This one song demonstrates perfectly Rivers' studying of other like-minded groups such as Green Day, Oasis and Nirvana, in the quest to write the perfect song. In fact, I'd have to say the album as a whole is perfect. Each and every song just as good as the next, with the band tinkering around so much with their sound that it's hard to get bored.So, the wait was well worth it. If it takes three years to release an album this good, than so be it. They could take the next five years off, so long as they promise another album of this caliber to follow. But like I said before, if you wanna hear Weezer repeat themselves, this album isn't for you. Face it: The Weezer you knew circa 94-96 is gone. Take "Make Believe" for what it is, a great album. For those who want a rock album that's got pretty much everything, this was made for you.

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All in all, this is a very good album. The only song that really stands out as weaker then the rest is Beverly Hills, which is actually the first song that got me into Weezer. Its a good song, but there's not a lot of layering instrumentally, and the lyrics are pretty shallow. And Rivers Cuomo confirmed that the lyrics were NOT sarcasm, and was out of a legitimate desire to live in Beverly Hills. So there's that.Personally, I didn't like We are all on Drugs. Its a nice tune and beat, it just wasn't one of my favorite.The other single on the album, Perfect Situation, is a great song. Usually singles get old fast, but I still love this one. Perfect Situation and Hold Me are reminiscent of the Blue Album (Hold Me reminds me of Only in Dreams). The Other Way is also a very good song. The whole album has the feel of the Blue Album, not specifically the way it sounds, but the style of it. The instruments are very layered; there's a lot to hear on each song, and the parts where there isn't are used sparingly and to great effect (the lone guitar on Hold Me builds anticipation). The lyrics are clever and will remind you of the nerdy, lonely intelligence of Weezer's original albums, instead of their latest albums, where it seemed like they tried to take advantage of their reputation as dorks.Final Words: One of the best from Weezer. If you're an old Weezer fan, you should give this a try. If you're a new Weezer fan, buy this. If you don't have the Blue Album, buy that too, and try Pinkerton.

After the near miss Maladriot this CD first released Beverly Hills...which was kind of too popish. I bought it nonetheless and was glad I did. Hills is probably the worst song on the disk, Rivers returns to what Weezer does best, simple songs with easy to follow lyrics and great hooks. This album has allot going for it. Mostly songs that are non conventional yet familiar. This is Such a Pity - is no doubt one of the best songs Weezer songs ever written...and bizaarly has a interlude with Mike Tysons Punch Out nastogla included in the 80's sounds. Most songs are heart drenched like Haunt You Everyday and Hold Me (pfft) but still keep you replaying them. A great effort.

The seller did a great job shipping it promptly, the product was in excellent condition, and they even included a free clear jewel case. Thanks for the great buying experience!

I don't think this is the worst weezer album as many say, I really Like this, specially "This Is Such a Pity", "Perfect Situation", "Hold Me", "The Other Way" Not everything can be "Blue" or "Pinkerton" so calm down haahaha. I like Beverly Hills too, this album has a nice energy.

Very quick shipping and great cd!!! Cd is in excellent condition!!!

Weezer is now "old school", but I for one am happy that they retained their nineties sound & style. There's a little more hip-hop floating around in there, but not enough to turn me off (and I can't stand hip-hop). Brings back the good ol' days. Makes me feel like I'm not a mom with two kids running around. By the way... they like this CD too.