November 10th, 2009 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Weezer
Album: Raditude
Genre: Rock
Label: DGC
Few mainstream bands have the staying power of Weezer. Even though each album seems plagued by old-school fans claiming the band has sold out more than ever before, still thousands shell out cash for the music and even more fill arenas for the band’s legendary stage performance. Last week, the group dropped their seventh studio album, Raditude, and once again, the wolves are coming out of the woodwork to speak their piece on the geek rock pioneer’s new album.
Personally, I am what is considered a “second wave” Weezer fan as I joined the bandwagon when Weezer [GREEN] was released, but I’m sure that’s only due to the fact that I was under ten when the two previous albums came out. I have since fallen in love with the band’s prior work, but will be the first to admit the last couple records have been quite hit and miss. Maladroit was pretty solid, Make Believe made me lose almost all faith, but Weezer [RED] restored some of my faith in the group. So as I approached the new record, I had, at best, mild expectations. What I got was, well, about that.
The album kicks off in pretty mediocre fashion with the quickly forgettable “[If You’re Wondering…]” that by this point has more than worn out its welcome with anyone that was awaiting this record. Some may look at this as a weak move by the group, but I took it as them getting the “fluff” out of the way to allow for a more in depth record to follow [much like how Eminem used to place his main singles near the middle of the album, often seperating the heavier tracks from the more radio driven ones – i.e. The Marshall Mathers LP]. However, the following “I’m Your Daddy” goes by without causing a single stir and the by-the-numbers “The Girl Got Hot” quickly follows, but the catchy drum line girl will probably grab the masses quite well.
At this point, I got nervous. Three “meh” tracks right off the top? Could this be another Make Believe disaster? Luckily, I found some salvation in the surprisingly awesome “Can’t Stop Partying” which, if you were unaware until now, features hip hop sensation Lil Wayne. Many called out Weezer for this collaboration, but after a single listen I think all those against the track will change their minds. The ludicrous lyrics that Rivers Cuomo is somehow able to deliver in his normal deadpan fashion will have you both entertained and in stitches with each listen while Wayne’s quick witted lines only work to further why he is so dominant in his genre.
Now back on it’s feet, Raditude continued to try my patience as gems like “Tripping Down The Freeway,” “Let It All Hang Out” and the closer “I Don’t Want To Let You Go” are buried amongst tracks that at some points [“In The Mall”] will force even the hardest Weezer fans to ask why the band chose them for the final cut of the album. However, it should be noted that “I Don’t Want To Let You Go” does make up a lot for these tracks by closing the album with some of the band’s most intriguing and engaging lyrics to date. It’s a bit more mild, but I’m sure even the die hards will love it – maturity at last!
While my hopes for the album were met, I am in no way floored by Raditude. It seems as the band has continued on, they constantly struggle with compromising intelligent songwriting for what is more consumer friendly. Much like the last two discs, Raditude is plagued with cliche rock riffs and underwhelming lyrics and I think the success of tracks like “Beverly Hills” are to blame. The public’s praise of the group’s most simplistic works probably makes it hard to justify pushing themselves professionally and if they’ve settled into mediocrity – what else can we really say?
Score: 6/10
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