Music Review: Weezer’s self-titled ‘Gold Album’ delivers faithful, nasal power pop

Weezer, the kings of nasal power pop, are set to release their 20th studio album on Friday. Titled "Weezer (Gold Album)," it follows the band's tradition of self-titled, color-identified records. Despite the title, the album stays true to the group's signature energy and delivers the faithful experience that fans have come to expect.

The opening track, "Say Yes," is an easy earworm, with lead vocalist Rivers Cuomo questioning his place and worth. The song can be read as a thinly veiled reflection on the band's 30-plus years career journey. Cuomo and the other members have made it big, and their "Gold Album" lives up to the band's standards. While there are filler tracks like "C.E.O." and "Nowhere," the album is overpowered by stellar efforts such as "We Might as Well Be Strangers," which features the alt-country indie rock band Wednesday.

The pattern of Weezer's song matrix remains consistent: something awkward is said, Cuomo sings his way into the predicament, and the band breaks through with memorable hooks and trusty chord progressions. The song "We Might as Well be Strangers" is a solid example, examining a relationship that has given way to soaring guitar work.

Overall, Weezer has always straddled the line between stardom and the laughingstock, taking wry shots at the fame machine while basking in their odd acceptance. Fans of Weezer will appreciate their consistency, longevity, and meta songs about aging, which should age just fine.