Adding to its rainbow of albums, Weezer released its sixth different-colored album in its 27-year history. After releasing the “Teal Album” on Jan. 24, which was just 10 cover songs, the band released the “Black Album” on March 1.

Following the release of “Can’t Knock the Hustle” in October and then “Zombie Bastards” in November, the band was pretty silent until the “Teal Album” was released. But, on Feb. 21, two more singles came out from the “Black Album”: “Living in L.A.” and “High as a Kite.”

Weezer, once again, is coming back to its Los Angeles roots, making sure to include the aforementioned song “Living in L.A.” and “California Snow.” Previously, it was one of the only songs the band released relating to its origin city.

This album is extremely diverse between all 10 songs, from a song like “Zombie Bastards,” which has a more mellow, simplistic sound, to the final track “California Snow,” where the chorus has a stronger and heavier sound that comes out of nowhere during the verses. It is also a big change from the ninth song, “Byzantine,” which is much lighter.

Weezer is still straying away from what it was once known for in the band’s early years. Once a more rock-heavy band, with songs like “Beverly Hills” and “Hash Pipe,” adding in guitar solos and a deeper guitar sound, Weezer seems to be evolving with the alternative rock universe. Now, it adds electronic pieces to its music, including outside music elements and different noises outside of the “standard” vocals, guitars, bass and drums.

However, one of the interesting things about this album is the different styles of songs that Weezer has not really branched out to until this album. One of the biggest changes the band presented is in “The Price Who Wanted Everything.” The song is more of a swing style with bounce and rhythm. 

“California Snow” is probably the closest to the original 1990s Weezer that fans once knew. But, going back to the idea of evolving with alternative rock, there is a unique rapping-style tone to River Cuomo’s lyrics during the verses and a basic chorus in terms of lyrics. 

The band does a great job with where each track was placed. The opening is strong, especially since the opening songs are the pre-released singles, with the final three songs also being very strong with their unique sounds.

There was a distinctive process to this album, which really made a lot of listeners, perhaps, a lot less excited for the album. Cuomo said that 2017’s “Pacific Daydream” was originally supposed to be the “Black Album,” but the former came together well enough to be released prior. 

And, after the unexpected “Teal Album,” which featured the band’s cover of “Africa” on it, a lot of people seemed to forget that, in just over a month and a half, Weezer would be releasing “the Black Album.” That is primarily why this album got the rating it did.

Moving forward, Weezer needs to try to get back to its roots, even though each album has had some top singles so far. Cuomo also said the band is getting its next album ready, which has the working title “OK Human,” and also has a future album, going back to its heavier rock and guitar solos, with the working title “Van Weezer.” 

If “California Snow” has any indication as to what Weezer’s new “heavier rock” sound might be, listeners should be excited as to what is in Weezer’s future.

Image from Weezer via YouTube