Hannah and Matt on Music: “OK Human” by Weezer
HANNAH LUTEREK AND MATT TURNER
For this installment of “Hannah and Matt on Music,” we are joined by Evan Frew to review Weezer’s latest: “OK Human.”
Matt’s Take: Weezer, as seen in mine and Hannah’s review of Billy Cobb’s “Zerwee,” is one of my all-time favorite bands. Rivers Cuomo, however flawed his views have been, is an excellent lyricist. That is why the band’s decline over the last two decades has been seriously frustrating. For every “White Album,” there’s a “Raditude.” Weezer fans have never known what to expect. Take for instance their upcoming “Van Weezer.” It can be a colossal meme, or a phenomenal tribute to the metal music that Rivers Cuomo grew up with. If it follows the subversion of expectations that “OK Human” has given us, I think we’re in for a real treat.
“OK Human” was the first real music surprise of 2021 and let me say that it did not disappoint. While the debut single “All My Favorite Songs” was a bit light, it fits! This album is a smooth and easily digestible work of art. I dug the lack of electric guitar, sorry Brian, instead opting for an orchestra. This is the most stylistically daring Weezer has been yet, and it definitely works! Like many others, my main issue with this album is the lyrics. It comes off a bit too quirky and modern, with references to Audible instantly dating the album. I think my main issue with the lyrics is that I don’t really feel Cuomo’s full genius on display.
Don’t let this criticism detract from your excitement for this album though, it really is worth checking out, especially if you want a short listen that isn’t too daunting. With a duration of just over a half-hour, this album is perfect for those suffering the quarantine blues.
Three Standout Tracks: “Aloo Gobi,” “Bird with a Broken Wing” and “La Brea Tar Pits.”
Overall Score: 8.6/10
Hannah’s Take: Weezer’s latest release, “OK Human,” is like a good skirt: long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to keep it interesting.
The album, half an hour in length, struck me as unexpectedly pop-ish. Maybe it’s because I’ve never been an avid Weezer listener, but I was shocked at how upbeat and radio-friendly the record seemed within the first three tracks. By the middle of the album, however, it is clear as day that frontman Rivers Cuomo has infused himself into every last lyric.
Emotional and chock-full of beautiful melodies, “OK Human” serves as a great departure from the Weezer of the past. As a listener, some of the songs even felt like something you’d hear during a Broadway musical. “Playing My Piano,” though a tad overproduced, takes me someplace else. It’s almost as if I’m visualizing the band performing in front of a crowd. This is not to say that the album is bad or cheesy; it’s just plain different. Maybe on the dramatic side, but hey, I’ve always loved the drama of it all.
The album also scores bonus points with me for wonderful transitions in between quite a few tracks. Weezer’s technical charm is not lost on me, and as I said to start my review, “OK Human” proves to be short, but mighty. Before I listened, I was skeptical of how well the album would hold up in just over 30 minutes time, but I was proven very wrong.
As a whole, “OK Human” offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of modern pop, musicals, or classic rock, I think Weezer caters to every possible listener out there. The album is refreshing, out of character, and whimsical. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but I’m happy that 2021 has started with an album as quirky as “OK Human.”
OK HUMAN? MORE LIKE OK GREAT!
Written by Evan Frew
After several listens, I can now say with confidence that OK Human is a top-five Weezer album.
My hopes were high when listening to the single, All My Favorite Songs, which is probably the most radio-friendly single on the track listing and the opening track. If you love the single, which is easily one of Weezer’s most unique singles in their release history, then you’re going to love the album. The album’s direction of using strings and avoiding electronic instruments pays off wonderfully, thanks to the analog recordings and sessions at Abbey Road. During your first listen, take note and appreciate how the tracks flow into one another. This might be the closest thing we get to Weezer’s unreleased rock opera, Songs From The Black Hole. Additionally, the emotional and personal undertones throughout the music, paired with Rivers’ lyrics of isolation and loneliness, makes this a distinctive piece to be appreciated by both the fans and critics.
I have one complaint that stayed from my first play-through to my most recent one: Some of the lyrics sit a little odd with me. Don’t get me wrong, the lyrics are still a high point of this album and this is easily one of their most intelligently written works. My thing is that the A-side, and sometimes the B-side, can feel cheesy at certain points because a bizarre call back is dropped on your lap during a sonically intense moment. Weezer isn’t afraid to use odd and quirky one-liners throughout their works but, with how personal this one is, it feels out of place at times.
I’m looking at you Kim Jong-un…
Another complaint that came to mind but is forgivable involves the first and last track, All My Favorite Songs and La Brea Tar Pits. They are great tunes but with how wonderful and complex the composition is within the tracks placed in the middle of them, they feel a little weak in their placement. That is just my opinion and that might change during future listens. They are still great tracks nonetheless.
But, if you have the time, please listen to this album and take in multiple listens when you can. It’s a little over 30 minutes so definitely make the time. This is a beautiful album and it deserves the praise it is getting. Now… Will Van Weezer keep that positive dialogue going?
Three Standout Tracks: Aloo Gobi, Mirror Image, Bird with a Broken Wing
Overall Score: 8.5/10