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. AndWeezer’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

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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”