Weezer – Weezer (the Black Album) (Vinyl)

Weezer’s sixth self-titled album (a.k.a. the Black Album), released a month after their fifth self-titled album (the all-covers album that featured “Africa”, a.k.a. the Teal Album), is the unofficial sequel to their fourth self-titled album (also known as the White Album).

Both 2016’s White Album and 2017’s Pacific Daydream were bright, sunny power-pop singalongs about sailing and summer romance, as the band tried to turn themselves into the Beach Boys.

The Black Album is a darker ode to the misery and ecstasy of L.A., where Cuomo attends raves, takes shots with celebrities, and bemoans the emptiness of the party lifestyle. Opener and lead single “Can’t Knock the Hustle” either satirizes or salutes the gig economy with a collection of internet-related tropes (“Leave a five star review and I’ll leave you one too”).

Though longtime fans will miss the loud guitars, the Black Album sparkles most brightly when the band aims for a synthetic pop gloss intended to reflect California sleaze. TV On the Radio producer, Dave Sitek’s dense and lustrous production allows “Living in L.A.” and “I’m Just Being Honest” to glide over chipper electronic beats festooned with the keyboard fluff of a Foster the People song. (Spin)

Vinyl, LP

Tracklist:
A1 Can't Knock The Hustle
A2 Zombie Bastards
A3 High As A Kite
A4 Living In L.A.
A5 Piece Of Cake
B1 I'm Just Being Honest
B2 Too Many Thoughts In My Head
B3 The Prince Who Wanted Everything
B4 Byzantine
B5 California Snow