Weezer
– Van Weezer
Van Weezer, released in 2021, is a high-energy homage to the rock and metal sounds of the 1980s that shaped the band’s origins. Packed with electrifying guitar riffs, arena-ready choruses, and a playful sense of nostalgia, the album channels the larger-than-life spirit of classic bands like Van Halen, KISS, and Def Leppard while maintaining Weezer’s signature pop-rock charm.
This record stands out for its unapologetic embrace of shredding solos and over-the-top rock flourishes, showcasing a side of Weezer that leans heavily into their love for bombastic and theatrical rock. Despite its retro inspirations, Van Weezer retains a contemporary edge with sharp production and catchy melodies that ensure it feels fresh rather than purely nostalgic.
As a celebration of rock grandeur, Van Weezer is both a fun detour in the band’s discography and a testament to their versatility, proving they can channel a variety of influences while still sounding distinctly like themselves. It’s a love letter to rock’s golden era delivered with the quirky irreverence that fans have come to expect.
Choice Tracks
The End of the Game
Right out of the gate, this thing rips like someone dared them to write a song using Eddie Van Halen’s muscle memory. Wall-to-wall guitar heroics, but with that sweet Weezer hook tucked in like a secret handshake.
Hero
This is Cuomo doing earnest under layers of glam rock fuzz. A riffy anthem for underdogs with pizza-stained shirts and anxiety issues. The chorus punches through like it’s been waiting for years to be played in a stadium.
I Need Some of That
Catchy enough to count as pop-punk, but its heart is in the ‘80s. It’s about longing for the unexplainable—whatever “that” is. The guitars swoon, the lyrics reminisce, and it ends before you want it to.
Blue Dream
Yeah, that’s the riff from “Crazy Train.” No, they’re not kidding. And somehow, they pull it off. Cuomo doesn’t touch Ozzy’s menace, but he replaces it with bratty charm and pulls the whole thing into a strange new orbit.
Sheila Can Do It
Straight from the garage with hair metal dreams. It’s dumb in the best way. A chant-along chorus, some backyard fire pit wisdom, and a bridge that feels like it drove straight out of a Karate Kid montage.
Van Weezer isn’t trying to be deep. It wants to crank your stereo, hand you a beer, and air guitar on your coffee table. And if that sounds like a good time—you’re probably the target audience.