Maladroit [VINYL]

Yet Maladroit is really nothing like the others. Of course, no Weezer album is like another - each has its own distinct sound, and Maladriot's sound is pure and simple guitar rock. (And for once, the guitar solos don't merely mimic the chorus!) My guess is that "Dope Nose" will be the equivalent of "Hash Pipe" or "Buddy Holly" - the radio-friendly hit that is likely to be almost played to death. But there are other great songs to hear as well. "Burndt Jamb" stands out from much of the album - it's pretty damn catchy, too. "Take Control" has an entirely different sound from any other Weezer song I've ever heard . . . but this is no bad thing. Most of the other songs are really good, too - there's nothing that makes me reach for the skip button as yet. So yeah, ok, this is a lot different - but it's a good thing.

But then, that's the best thing about Weezer. Each album so far is unique from the overall work, unlike albums that have a lot of variety on each CD. Weezer's varied, but they're mostly the same ambience (for lack of a better word) from song to song on each album. This makes for nice mood-setting: if you're depressed and/or lonely, listen to Pinkerton; if you're feeling beachy and bubblegum, try Green; for your geeky days, have a bit of Blue; and when you want simple-yet-clever, catchy guitar rock, go for Maladroit.

1.AMERICAN GIGOLO- when i stuck in the CD my first thought "this is weezer"? but after hearin this song a couple of times you start to appreciate the hooks, great song 9/10

2.DOPE NOSE- Their first single off this album, this song is perfect in every way and reminds me of the older weezer, the guitar solo makes the song. 10/10

3.KEEP FISHIN- Almost "island in the sun" by the beat but, it is still unique in the way it doesn't stay at one tempo throughout the song. 8/10

4.TAKE CONTROL- I didn't like this song at all when i first heard it, but like most songs on this album they improve ALOT if you listen to them again. This song again supplies very good lyrics. 8/10

5.DEATH AND DESTRUCTION- a nice change of pace, with the slow beat..it picks up a notch about half way through the song, Rivers Cuomo's vocals have matured for the better in my opinion. 9/10

6.SLOB- my personal favorite on the CD, weezers never done anything like this..Starts out soft but almost evil sounding, a very nice change of pace. The guitar solo is almost creepy. 11/10

7.BURNDT JAMB- the lyrics on this song make the 10/10 right there, but assisted by a catchy drum beat and back drop singing. definately a 10/10

8.SPACE ROCK- nothing to interesting here, the vocals in my opinion [are bad] in this song and the chorus gets really old..worst of the best right here. 6/10

9.SLAVE- another single thats played on the radio. Very good song that sums it up right there. 9/10

10.FALL TOGETHER- the drum solo in the beginning deserves a hand *claps* then when cuomo starts singing damn, (song sounds very familiar i just cant put my finger on it) 9/10

11.POSSIBILITIES- they were goin for a hash pipe type reaction here, and if you ask me it worked, even though i dont think theres to much special about this, its catchy enough to be the next single. 9/10

12.LOVE EXPLOSION- EXCELLENT...i cant get enough of the first 20 seconds of this song the lyrics just [rock] "take a listen, around you all the people, that crowd around..." 8/10

13.DECEMBER- a good song to end on, but thats about it, basically it gets old after a while. 7/10

Overall this was a typical weezer CD (GREAT) and i hope they keep comin out with stuff like this.