Album Review: Weezer – The Black Album (Crush Music/Atlantic Records)

Released on March 1st via Crush Music and Atlantic Records, The Black Album is alternative rock band, Weezer’s 13th studio album. Coming only a few weeks after the release of the tongue in cheek covers record, The Teal Album which you can read a review of here.

Don’t let the title fool you, the new album from Weezer is not a darker or heavier release. In fact it’s playful, light and very tongue in cheek (“Die die, you zombie bastards / Keep on, blah blah”).

The quartet might be on their 13th studio album but they’re not looking at growing up anytime soon and the end feeling of The Black Album is one of…disappointment. It has just got far too many pointless and uninspired pop heavy tunes. Take a listen to the bluntly average piano ballad of High As a Kite, questionable silliness of the acoustic Zombie Bastards or the over-produced effects heavy, Living in L.A. to get an idea of what we mean.

All tracks that really don’t do much at all and make you wonder if Weezer are tiring of being Weezer.

It’s not all bad though thankfully. Piece of Cake’s emotive edge mixed with Cuomo’s wonderful vocals and catchy guitar melody works wonders. Even if it’s by the numbers for Weezer which also applies to I’m Just Being Honest, the star of the record thanks to the guitars.

Elsewhere it continues to be boringly unoriginal with Too Many Thoughts in My Head and Byzantine. Those two are interspersed between The a Prince Who Wanted Everything, a catchy toe-tapping tribute to Prince and the exciting synth use of California Snow. A decent end to an album that can be called serviceable and solid if unspectacular.

Weezer – The Black Album Full Track Listing:

1. Can’t Knock the Hustle
2. Zombie Bastards
3. High As a Kite
4. Living in L.A.
5. Piece of Cake
6. I’m Just Being Honest
7. Too Many Thoughts in My Head
8. The Prince Who Wanted Everything
9. Byzantine
10. California Snow

Check it out yourself via all the usual stores and streaming services.