"Raditude," Weezer

A rock critic might say the Strokes are better than Mariah Carey, but a pop enthusiast would argue that they are both potentially worth love and attention. And Weezer’s Raditude is the band’s poppy challenge to their staunch rocker fans. Why? Because Weezer was once a stronghold for capital-R rock — Pinkerton is shorthand for emotional authenticity, the kind made by four dudes in a room with amp buzz and cymbal rings resounding.

RADITUDE
Weezer
DGC/Interscope

Raditude, however, bludgeons the listener with pop, pop, pop: songs written with the guy who writes Avril Lavigne singles, a verse from Lil’ Wayne, club and bhangra beats, super-duper compressed guitars, lyrics about hot girls and the mall. Is this really what we wanted from a rock band when we admitted we liked Kelly Clarkson? It’s too late to renege.

DOWNLOAD: “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To”