Weezer doesn’t care what people think, and that stance comes through loud and clear on their sixth studio album. If Rivers Cuomo wants to declare himself the greatest man in a song that bursts into rock opera moments, he does so with a wry smile and a sense of drama that never feels forced. If another member takes the mic, the song keeps its momentum and the band’s personality stays intact. The group relies on tongue in cheek humor and razor sharp melodies, and though some listeners might chuckle at the swagger, the tracklist earns that confidence with tight arrangements and memorable hooks. The record sits at the crossroads where grunge grit meets pop rock polish, arriving with a sound that feels both classic and startlingly current. The production favors clarity and punch, letting guitars bite, the rhythm section snap, and keyboards glow in just the right places to elevate lines into anthems. The songwriting shows craft: concise verses that explode into catchy choruses; playful wordplay that lightly skewers pop tropes; and a willingness to venture into tonal detours that keep listeners guessing. Cuomo’s voice anchors the project, but the other members step forward in turns, lending harmonies and counter melodies that widen the emotional range. The lyrics blend affectionate humor with sly honesty, treating pop clichés with good humor while delivering sentiments that feel real. The album moves through tempos with ease, from brisk, punk flavored bursts to more expansive passages that breathe and stretch a bit, inviting both car rides and careful listening. The orchestral touches on a handful of tracks add a theatrical dimension that nods to early alt rock while keeping the music buoyant and accessible. Guitar tones stay crisp and direct, the bass underpins the grooves with sly warmth, and drums push forward with a natural, effortless momentum. That balance of grit and glide makes the record feel ready for both a living room binge and a festival main stage. Canadian and American listeners will hear a clear through line to the 1990s while recognizing a modern energy that keeps the sound relevant, a reminder that the era’s raw vitality can be reimagined without losing its core spirit. The collection never falls into mere nostalgia; it uses familiar hooks as launch pads for brave arrangements, surprising tempo shifts, and moments of earnest sincerity that reveal what the band can accomplish when it leans into its own peculiar charisma. VERDICT: The album channels the confidence and playfulness that defined a generation and invites a new audience to sample a familiar vibe with fresh ears. If you like this, you might also enjoy Pinkerton and Weezer.