Released: Sep 14, 2010
Genre: Rock, Pop Rock
Label: Epitaph Records
Number Of Tracks: 10
Weezer has once again found its stride with a collection of immediately memorable pop rock tunes on Hurley.
HurleyFeatured review by: UG Team, on september 14, 2010 6 of 22 people found this review helpful
Sound: For many who reveled in the pop-rock perfection that was the Weezer’s debut (The Blue Album), the last few years could give one pause. The quartet’s previous release Raditude seemed to be an awkward stage for a band whose members were approaching their 40’s. Granted, that record was met with some positive feedback, but tracks like “I’m Your Daddy” bounced too frequently between lovable quirkiness and forced, uninspired coolness. It seems that in 2010 that vocalist/guitarist Rivers Cuomo and the gang have finally come full circle. The nerdy innocence and infectious pop melodies have returned with a beautiful vengeance on the latest record Hurley, making Weezer a completely viable band for more than a few generations.
In many ways Hurley (an album that lovingly features the visage of LOST actor Jorge Garcia) strips everything down. You get a garage rock type of vibe happening throughout most of the record, with only added instrumentation during appropriate moments. While a past song like “Beverly Hills” certainly felt as modern as you can get, the 10 tracks on Hurley concentrate on little more than the power of the standard band setup. “Memories,” “Smart Girls,” and “Ruling Me” are straightforward pop songs, but insanely likable – particularly “Memories,” which could be deemed “Buddy Holly 2.0”
That’s not to say that Hurley is devoid of musical creativity. The band utilizes a churchlike setup in the intro for “Trainwrecks,” which transitions from a solemn choral background into your basic rock tune fairly quickly. “Where’s My Sex,” an instantly memorable track for the title alone, actually changes up the primary melody in one of the center sections. It’s enough to make you sit up and listen a little more intently. The most satisfying and unexpected offering arrives with “Unspoken” – an acoustic ballad that builds and builds into a crescendo – and actually features Cuomo sounding like about three or four different guys in one. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Thankfully the “I’m Your Daddy” days are gone and Weezer has returned to a more innocent, geek-fueled approach to their lyrical content. Whether it’s a sweet love song in “Ruling Me,” an ode to cerebral-driven females of the world in “Smart Girls,” or the inspirational “Brave New World,” Weezer doesn’t waste opportunities to be insightful or clever. The standout has to be “Where’s My Sex,” of course, which reflects on a universal conundrum for the ages. // 10
Impression: If you’ve felt that Weezer has been in a bit of a slump post-Pinkerton, you’re in for a pleasant surprise with Hurley. There’s a purity to the recording process that allows for the bare basics (i.e., guitar, bass, drums, and vocals) to come through without feeling like this is a band that could afford the best producer and audio tricks in the world. Sure, you have guests like Michael Cera show up to sing backup vocals and play the hurdy gurdy on “Hang On,” but the spotlight is still on the usual quartet. Some may argue whether it lives up to the impression originally made by Weezer (The Blue Album), but this is one reviewer who believes that Hurley lives up to that hype and more. // 10
Hurley
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on september 21, 2010 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: There's been an elephant in the room for geek overlords Weezer for some time - will there be another album as emotionally honest as 1996's high point "Pinkerton"? And with 2009's "Raditude" recieving a mauling from both fans and critics alike, Rivers Cuomo promised Hurley to be a "raw, unpolished rock record." And, partly, he's right.
The two openers, "Memories" and "Ruling Me", are both musically pitched between the heavy thump of 2002's "Maladroit" and the pop of "Raditude", and are, alas, far too polished to make it old school Weezer. Thankfully, though, as soon as "Trainwrecks" roars into view, the album becomes their most consistent since "Maladroit". Angry guitars, screechy vocals and thumping choruses are firmly back on the menu.
The finest track, "Unspoken", begins as a tender acoustic lament similar to "Butterfly", before revving into an agitated rocker reminiscent of "Say It Ain't So". Weezer are connecting to their past, and in such a convincing way, and the hardcore riffs of "Run Away" and "Hang On" offer plenty to provide a smile to any exasperated Weezer fan. The pounding "Where's My Sex" is also a highlight which is close to a contemporary version of the "Blue Album". // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically, Cuomo finally offers a slightly more personal approach to 'Hurley', a trick he hasn't applied since "Perfect Situation". "Run Away" is one of the tracks close to the soul-searching of "Pinkerton", as does the Ryan Adams co-write "Unspoken". Lines such as "and if you take this away from me / I'll never forgive you" and "over and over / We swore it was over" sound considerably more characteristic of Cuomo as opposed to "I can't stop partying". Alas, Cuomo does indulge in his trademark woeful vignettes from time to time, though these are usually kept for "Smart Girls". "Where's My Sex" provides comic relief a la "The Sweater Song", in which Cuomo simply changes the word 'socks' for 'sex', creating a frustrated diatribe of sexual frustration, which cleverly changes tack halfway through into a snotty punk anthem. // 7
Impression: "Hurley" is indeed a full on rock record from start to finish, and though not as raw as Cuomo would have you believe, it's still a huge relief to hear them turn up the amps and channel the rocky spirit of "The Green Album" and "Maladroit", the two albums this LP best resemble. "Unspoken" and "Run Away" are both the highlights here, both sounding like Weezer offcuts from the '90s, which, as we know, is certainly no bad thing.
Though not as good as their first 3 albums, it's certainly their best work in nearly a decade, and let's just hope the next album plays down the polish even further. No Lil Wayne, either. (c) sam lambeth 2010. // 8
Hurley
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on september 16, 2010 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: There's been an elephant in the room for geek overlords Weezer for some time - will there be another album as emotionally honest as 1996's high point "Pinkerton"? And with 2009's "Raditude" receiving a mauling from both fans and critics alike, Rivers Cuomo promised Hurley to be a "raw, unpolished rock record." And, partly, he's right.
The two openers, "Memories" and "Ruling Me", are both musically pitched between the heavy thump of 2002's "Maladroit" and the pop of "Raditude", and are, alas, far too polished to make it old school Weezer. Thankfully, though, as soon as "Trainwrecks" roars into view, the album becomes their most consistent since "Maladroit". Angry guitars, screechy vocals and thumping choruses are firmly back on the menu.
The finest track, "Unspoken", begins as a tender acoustic lament similar to "Butterfly", before revving into an agitated rocker reminiscent of "Say It Ain't So". Weezer are connecting to their past, and in such a convincing way, and the hardcore riffs of "Run Away" and "Hang On" offer plenty to provide a smile to any exasperated Weezer fan. The pounding "Where's My Sex" is also a highlight which is close to a contemporary version of the "Blue Album". // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically, Cuomo finally offers a slightly more personal approach to "Hurley", a trick he hasn't applied since "Perfect Situation". "Run Away" is one of the tracks close to the soul-searching of "Pinkerton", as does the Ryan Adams co-write "Unspoken". Lines such as "and if you take this away from me / I'll never forgive you" and "over and over / We swore it was over" sound considerably more characteristic of Cuomo as opposed to "I can't stop partying". Alas, Cuomo does indulge in his trademark woeful vignettes from time to time, though these are usually kept for "Smart Girls". "Where's My Sex" provides comic relief a la "The Sweater Song", in which Cuomo simply changes the word 'socks' for 'sex', creating a frustrated diatribe of sexual frustration, which cleverly changes tack halfway through into a snotty punk anthem. // 7
Impression: "Hurley" is indeed a full on rock record from start to finish, and though not as raw as Cuomo would have you believe, it's still a huge relief to hear them turn up the amps and channel the rocky spirit of "The Green Album" and "Maladroit", the two albums this LP best resemble. "Unspoken" and "Run Away" are both the highlights here, both sounding like Weezer offcuts from the '90s, which, as we know, is certainly no bad thing.
Though not as good as their first 3 albums, it's certainly their best work in nearly a decade, and let's just hope the next album plays down the polish even further. No Lil Wayne, either. // 8
Hurley
Reviewed by:
Paul*Stanley, on september 15, 2010 1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Sound: Hurley has a pop sound that should be familiar to Weezer fans, but is more syth-heavy than their past albums. If listened to from beginning to end, the songs all kind of just blend together, and not in a good way. Except for the lead single, "Memories," it's all pretty forgettable, especially compared to some of Weezer's older work. It almost sounds like their label said, "Put out an album before September 15th. GO!"
It isn't a terrible album, but it feels like the maturity and comfort that Weezer demonstrated so well with The Red Album is completely gone and now they're pandering to the radio listeners. // 5
Lyrics and Singing: Weezer's most recent self-titled album (the Red Album) was said to be Rivers Cuomo coming to terms with reaching middle age and having a child. Raditude, their other most recent release, was said to be his reflection on his younger days. Both of them felt like natural evolutions for the band. Hurley feels somewhat out in left field, however. There really isn't a lot of the catchy melodies that Weezer is known for here. // 6
Impression: Hurley might not absolutely ruin your opinion of Weezer, especially if you enjoyed the way they experimented with synthesizers on Raditude, but feels bland and forgettable.
Cuomo might be losing his touch with his amazing songwriting skills, because there's just not a lot here to satisfy Weezer fans. Expect to hear a lot of Hurley on the radio, but don't expect to be wowed by it. Download "Memories," but the rest of the album isn't worth it. // 5
I'm astonished. UG was not even close to complimentary of the last three albums, all of which I thought were pretty decent. If this is really a return to the quality, if not necessarily the feel of their earlier work, I think I'm going to die of excitement in a few hours when I buy my copy.
i thought the album was good...i don't think as good as blue though. theres about five tracks i absolutely love and i'm sure the rest will grow on me as well
I've listened through this album about twice now, and nothing stands out to me. I just can't get into it, which isn't to say it's bad, but I guess it might not be for me. I'll give it a few more tries, though, since many people seem to be digging it.
The problem with the cover is that the kids of the 2100s will think that Hurley actually played everything on the album and "Weezer" is a reference to a sort of weight related breathing difficulty. God, Weezer are a prolific band.
Hurley (Jorge Garcia) funded this weezer album. The actor is friends with the band and dished out a bunch of money for them and they named it after his Lost character as something of a thanks.
For the last 2 albums, I really didn't like the direction Weezer was headed, but I decided to give this album a try, especially since Rivers said he wanted to go back to the rock feel that they once had. I must say, I really like it. The album cover is pretty awesome too.
10? This review seems a little biased and why keep comparing this to the blue album instead of just letting it stand as its own for of musical expression?
hey ya'll just wanted to let you know if you dont physically need the album amazon is doing a discount on it today only. just downloaded mine, still not a fan but it was only 4.99. just type in 'PICKDEAL' anyways enjoy. nice review but def not a 10/10 for me, about 5/10. love the weez cant wait for the tour!!
10/10 what.... only albums like Back in Black should get this!AC/DC? Nah, nothing they released is 10/10 worthy, perhaps 6.5/10 at best. Sorry just my opinion.
You can't refute someone elses opinion saying that AC/DC is only ever 6.5/10 and then say that it's only your opinion. That's hypocritical.
I'm a huge Weezer fan, and I'd give this album a 7/10 after a few listens. It's a huge improvement over Raditude. I like the direction they took with this album, and I hope it's a sign of good things to come in the future. It definitely sounds more like the Weezer I know.
It isn't perfect, and some songs are just terrible (Where's My Sex? seriously Rivers?), but a lot of them are good. Lyrically it is a huge improvement over Raditude for the most part.
10/10 what.... only albums like Back in Black should get this!AC/DC? Nah, nothing they released is 10/10 worthy, perhaps 6.5/10 at best. Sorry just my opinion.
You can't refute someone elses opinion saying that AC/DC is only ever 6.5/10 and then say that it's only your opinion. That's hypocritical.
really??? AC/DC? have you even listened to Blue Album and Pinkerton? Those albums are better than anything ac/dc ever released. compared to those albums back in black blows harder than a catholic priest in a boys locker room
opinions aside, hurley has a rating on UG higher than albums that are clearly better than it. for those of you die hard weezer fans, hurley was rated better than the blue album and pinkerton.
it's clearly a biased review. now i like weezer to some degree but this is not a good album. at the very least, it's definitely not as good as their first two.
just picked it up... i wouldn't say 10/10.. i think memories is just plain awful, that whole screaming section gave me chills, and not the good kind. when the album was leaked i headed over to youtube and listened to where's my sex? and time flies.. where's my sex? was weak, yet time flies is amazing. after listening to the whole album, i felt trainwrecks, unspoken, run away, and time flies were the best on the album, even though i enjoyed everything. also, on the deluxe edition, check out their cover of viva la vida.. it's quite good.
10/10 what.... only albums like Back in Black should get this!
AC/DC? Nah, nothing they released is 10/10 worthy, perhaps 6.5/10 at best. Sorry just my opinion.
You've missed the entire point: 'influence', 'inspiration', 'all modern rock music as we know it' and 'damn good tunes'. We would not have these things if it weren't for AC/DC.
WHAT THE FUCK? BtBAM's Colors album didn't even get a 10?
Thats cuz its TERRIBLE. Mastadon meets Dream Theater = Not good..
That would be your opinion. The truth is, even if you don't like the music, there is no filler and the production is perfect. It is a totally original work and masterfully executed. All of that constitutes a perfect album.
Honestly I don't get why you're arguing with me at all, I only meant that this album is definitely not a 10.
10/10 what.... only albums like Back in Black should get this!AC/DC? Nah, nothing they released is 10/10 worthy, perhaps 6.5/10 at best. Sorry just my opinion.
You can't refute someone elses opinion saying that AC/DC is only ever 6.5/10 and then say that it's only your opinion. That's hypocritical.
really??? AC/DC? have you even listened to Blue Album and Pinkerton? Those albums are better than anything ac/dc ever released. compared to those albums back in black blows harder than a catholic priest in a boys locker room
Hurley (Jorge Garcia) funded this weezer album. The actor is friends with the band and dished out a bunch of money for them and they named it after his Lost character as something of a thanks.
WHAT THE FUCK? BtBAM's Colors album didn't even get a 10?
Thats cuz its TERRIBLE. Mastadon meets Dream Theater = Not good..
That would be your opinion. The truth is, even if you don't like the music, there is no filler and the production is perfect. It is a totally original work and masterfully executed. All of that constitutes a perfect album.
Honestly I don't get why you're arguing with me at all, I only meant that this album is definitely not a 10.
You say that, but that too is an opinion. So... You're just a hyprocrite.
guy 1: "BTBAM SUCKS!"
you: "THAT'S YOUR OPINION! THE FACT IS, IT'S AWESOME! BUT THIS ALBUM SUCKS!"
WHAT THE FUCK? BtBAM's Colors album didn't even get a 10?
Thats cuz its TERRIBLE. Mastadon meets Dream Theater = Not good..
That would be your opinion. The truth is, even if you don't like the music, there is no filler and the production is perfect. It is a totally original work and masterfully executed. All of that constitutes a perfect album.
Honestly I don't get why you're arguing with me at all, I only meant that this album is definitely not a 10.
You say that, but that too is an opinion. So... You're just a hyprocrite.
guy 1: "BTBAM SUCKS!"
you: "THAT'S YOUR OPINION! THE FACT IS, IT'S AWESOME! BUT THIS ALBUM SUCKS!"
Wow.
Your point being? Hypocrisy made you. Dont hate human nature. BE FREEE AND SEXY.
Is it guitar driven though like Maladroit? Are there lots of sweet solos?
No, and to my knowledge, there only seemed to be one solo on the album in the song "Smart Girls," and imo it was not that sweet.
This review is appalling and I'm wondering why I look at the date on my computer and see the date is 9/14 when it should be April 1st for something this biased and campy to be released as an offical review. I'm just waiting for UG to be like, "Just kidding!"
I love the Blue Album and Pinkerton, and would love to feel that Weezer was making that kind of music again, but let's get it straight: THEY AREN'T. This is not a return to form that all the fan boys want, and overall, this is not even a good album. They should not be compared.
And I know I sound like a fanboy, but I like albums that many Weezer fans deplore, mostly speaking of Make Believe. And the songs that I actually like from Hurley remind me of Make Belive, but NOTHING on this album reminds me of Blue, nor Pinkerton.
These lyrics are still primitive and forced, and remind me of Raditude. How can anyone trash Raditude and then have the nerve to say that Hurley is a return to form!? Songs like "Ruling Me" and "Trainwrecks" are MUSICALLY good; they are ruined by the horrible lyrics. Even the vocal melody might be great. It's the content that sucks.
And I even liked "I'm Your Daddy"...I don't understand how someone can trash that song and then build an altar to these songs. The best songs on this album have Rivers singing more seriously (a la Maladroit or Make Believe) instead of sounding like a 7th grader writing poetry. And I absolutely love Weezer's quirky songs like "Buddy Holly" and "El Scorcho"...I just don't think the songs on Hurley have that same essence. They aren't that great.
"Unspoken," "Hold On," and "Run Away" are the star tracks here, imo. Everything else seems to be lacking in some area. Definitely not deserving of a 10/10 on a reputable site where we expect content to be honest, or at least unbiased.
So now that the clothing company Hurley sponsored the Weezer album, how much are they paying UG to tell people this album is great? Because that's the only excuse I can find for this review; it's corporate, sell out mish-mash.
If Colors by BTBAM couldn't get a 10/10 then nothing ever released by any band ever should be able to get a 10/10. Don't get me wrong I like Weezer but not that much.
10/10 what.... only albums like Back in Black should get this!AC/DC? Nah, nothing they released is 10/10 worthy, perhaps 6.5/10 at best. Sorry just my opinion.
This is the most overproduced Weezer album I've heard, and I've heard them all. Every time there's a spot for an extra guitar or a mirror-sheen polished synth there is, imho its draining to listen to.
If Colors by BTBAM couldn't get a 10/10 then nothing ever released by any band ever should be able to get a 10/10. Don't get me wrong I like Weezer but not that much.
Too many closed-minded idiots who are butthurt that their favorite band's album, apparently BTBAM is a common choice, didn't get a 10/10. Jesus Christ, lighten up.
If Colors by BTBAM couldn't get a 10/10 then nothing ever released by any band ever should be able to get a 10/10. Don't get me wrong I like Weezer but not that much.
Too many closed-minded idiots who are butthurt that their favorite band's album, apparently BTBAM is a common choice, didn't get a 10/10. Jesus Christ, lighten up.
I see what you're saying here, but I would agree with the first guy that Colors is a very good album. My opinion would be that its better than this, if anyone cares (which I doubt).
OT, I would agree that this album is a step up from the last, but is it perfect? From from it.
Kudos to whoever pointed out our rating system.
10/10 what.... only albums like Back in Black should get this!
AC/DC? Nah, nothing they released is 10/10 worthy, perhaps 6.5/10 at best. Sorry just my opinion.
You've missed the entire point: 'influence', 'inspiration', 'all modern rock music as we know it' and 'damn good tunes'. We would not have these things if it weren't for AC/DC.
The Two wrote:
If Colors by BTBAM couldn't get a 10/10 then nothing ever released by any band ever should be able to get a 10/10. Don't get me wrong I like Weezer but not that much.
Jeez, why is everyone name-dropping Colors in a Weezer article? XD though I guess it's my go-to "10/10" album as well. Maybe 5 albums I've ever heard deserve a rating that I consider "perfect" and I sincerely doubt that Hurley rates a perfect score THE DAY IT CAME OUT. Seriously, even if you got an advance copy, not enough time to really judge fairly. If first impressions were everything, then I would rate Colors closer to 7/10.
This is the most overproduced Weezer album I've heard, and I've heard them all. Every time there's a spot for an extra guitar or a mirror-sheen polished synth there is, imho its draining to listen to.
AGREED.
How to make a Track for Hurley
1) insert lame synth intro
2) make a garage band riff
3) Insert synth into all riffs that that sound a little too much like like a garage band
really??? AC/DC? have you even listened to Blue Album and Pinkerton? Those albums are better than anything ac/dc ever released. compared to those albums back in black blows harder than a catholic priest in a boys locker room]
Who says that about AC/DC, little keyboard warrior
IMO Weezer has been going downhill since Maladroit and this album just IMO proved me even more correct. It's sad but nothing they will do will ever again compare to their first three cds, the best of which, being there debut.
