Weezer

Weezer • Blue Album • 1994

Weezer. This album was the self-titled debut album of this young band newly formed in Los Angeles. They had just been signed in 1993 by DGC, a subsidiary of Geffen Records, and were to begin work on an album. Geffen insisted that they obtain the expertise of an outside producer for the project, and somehow they were able to obtain the services of Ric Ocasek, frontman for the great 80s band, The Cars, as their producer. Amazing! It obviously worked! 

The emerging musical personality of Weezer was a sort of grunge rock sound, yet mixed with large doses of fun and levity, in contrast to the heavier, darker themes of the grunge world at the time. Jamie Atkins (UDiscover Music) characterizes the style of Weezer as a focus on “social awkwardness,” while blending themes of love, romance, and familial issues. Whatever it was, people instantly loved it. The so called Blue Album sold 3.3 million copies in the U.S. By 1995 it was certified triple platinum. It ultimately sold 15 million copies worldwide.

The color theme worked for Weezer, so they would go on to create subsequent albums known as their White, Red, Green, Teal, and Black albums. But our only focus today is the Blue, and arguably the best one. It is my favorite. Whether the “Buddy Holly” song, or “The Sweater Song,” it is just a really fun and exciting record to enjoy. It might even put you in a good mood. I hope you’ll check it out: 

For a more detailed analysis, check out this excellent Pitchfork review: