Rock band Weezer has just released their 14th studio album OK Human, and it’s everything you expected and more. Weezer has built up quite a name and reputation for themselves over the years. With this comes several expectations from devoted fans. I would go as far as saying this is one of the best albums the band has put out.
This album took the place of Van Weezer, a rock-based album set to come out in 2019. Since Van Weezer was put on hold due to the pandemic, the band shifted their focus to working on OK Human. This also has to do with their Hella Mega tour with Green Day and Fall Out Boy being delayed.
Weezer is one of those bands that you can identify from the moment you hear them. Their pop-rock sound has a unique flair that is specifically “Weezer”. This album is no different, despite it being different than even their usual music. This album can be classified as “orchestral pop-rock” more than anything. Most of the songs include a full orchestral instrumental on top of their normal music.
This album is also a little softer than usual. Weezer is known for their most popular hits like “Buddy Holly” and “Beverly Hills," which are, for lack of a better term, absolute bangers. However, this album flips that script and slows it down a little. For example, “Playing my Piano” has a very melancholic tone to it, while “All My Favorite Songs” sounds more like sad pop.
Regardless of being slowed down, the album has the same familiar catchiness that Weezer is always good for. “Aloo Gobi” is probably the catchiest on the album. Its quick tempo and beat is a nice little head-bobber, and gets you going without being overly dramatic. I like the step back that Weezer has taken to focus on poppier music.
This is one of those albums that is nice to listen to alone on a weekend. It’s the perfect amount of chill but still fun. It’s enough to put you in a good mood but not throw you over the edge. I tend to enjoy middle-ground music like this, so I love this album.
I always hear mixed opinions about Weezer, but they’re definitely a favorite of mine. I’ve heard of them referred to as “rock for nerds” and honestly, there is something so charming about that to me. I think we are hitting a point where Weezer is classified as “dad rock” and I really like that. Although it means, essentially, that I am old, it feels right to call it dad rock.
Overall, I really like this album. Weezer is one of the names I get excited to hear, so when I heard they released a new album I immediately jumped on Spotify to check it out. I recommend the album to anyone looking for some chill out pop. If that isn’t your style, I’m sure Weezer will have something else you’ll enjoy.
