HURLEY (15TH ANNIVERSARY)

After the pop-themed Raditude album, Weezer made a deliberate return to guitar rock on Hurley and it's a successful come-back to their original style (not that Raditude isn't a good album in its own right). Stand out tracks are the singles Memories and Hang On, although the acoustic stomp of Time Flies is a great album track. Worth getting the "International edition" for the bonus tracks.

When critics discuss Weezer, they tend to refer to two classic albums and a host of disappointments. I am inclined to agree with this view, though my two classics are Pinkerton and the unspeakably magnificent Green Album (the Blue album isn't quite at that level for me, they were still learning their trade). Following the Green Album, though, the fayre we have been treated to has been the disappointing `Maladroit,' the downright awful `Make Believe' and the overly poppy `Raditude.' Only the Red Album (in patches) has done anything to arrest this trend.However, with a new record label and some big-name assistance with the songwriting, with `Hurley' I am pleased to say Rivers and Co are showing signs of getting back on the right track.In style, this is probably most similar to `Green,' ten short-but sweet pop-rock blasts with no unnecessary frills or experimentation. In particular, `memories,' `Ruling Me' and the quirky closer `Time Flies' stand out.Possibly due to the jump to an Indie label (Epitaph) there is a freedom an unfettered feel to the songwriting (no contrived hit singles a la `Beverly Hills' or rap collaborations here) and Rivers certainly sounds like he's having fun. There is still the grating `teen angst' air to the lyrics, difficult to reconcile with a man who, last I heard, was happily married...but that is what you get from Weezer and maybe we shouldn't expect anything else.It is arguable that Weezer will never reach the level of their first three albums (unless Rivers goes through a messy divorce, which we wouldn't wish on him). But for the moment, this will more than do the trick.

I love ALL weezer albums!! (including ratitude- apart from the song with lil wayne 'cant stop partying', as its just cringey LOL - but i laugh at it when i hear it!!!). Hurley however is a step back in the RIGHT direction for rivers and co.!. There are some fantastic memorable tracks on here - being 'memories', 'trainwrecks', 'unspoken' (my fav). Hurley is NO 'blue' album or 'Pinkerton' for that fact! but it does sit proudly amongst the best of weezer. I have 1 flaw..and that is - i didnt want a silly cover of coldplays 'viva la vida', I REALLY wanted the lady gaga (pokerface) and the MGMT - mixed cover they did put on this cd - as that is pure MAGIC -i hope weezer continue to make music as they are an awesome band!

I am new to Weezer, picking this album after a paper review. And was very pleased, a mainly strong album of indie pop with intelligently written songs and some great rocking guitar-led tracks with good melodies. Particular stand out ones for me were the bonus tracks 'All My Friends Are Insects' (crying shame less than 2 minutes long!) and 'Represent', and the main album 'Ruling me' and 'Trainwrecks'. Some others are a bit predictable but can skip those. Will look forward to exploring the Weezer back catalogue...

Son loved this had it for his birthday

Good album, worth a listen

Weezer is a band that just makes you happy, drive your car a little faster, get the housework done faster when you listen to it, gets the dog walked a bit longer when it's on your headphones! Just makes me smile to listen to them!

Just look at that face, majestic! The albums good as well but that face