The glory that is Weezer will be descending upon Baton Rouge on Friday night for the annual Groovin’ on the Grounds concert. The alt-rock quartet has been banging out its signature sound for more than 20 years, and many students are extremely excited for the performance.
In all the hullabaloo, it’s important to look back at Weezer’s career and consider why people love the band so much. Weezer has made a name for itself with songs filled with loud, crunchy guitar and funny lyrics about nerdy seclusion. Since the band’s eponymous debut, more often referred to as “The Blue Album,” many have latched onto the all-encompassing lifestyle and mindset involved in being a Weezer fan.
Weezer’s debut hit was “Buddy Holly.” Right off the bat, the song launched the band into the limelight with a catchy hook and showed off just how open lead singer Rivers Cuomo could be with his insecurities. “The Blue Album” was immediately accepted as a staple of ’90s emo music with the singles “Say It Ain’t So” and “Undone — The Sweater Song.”
“Pinkerton,” the band’s sophomore album, was infamously shunned by diehard “Blue Album” fans, noting its darker tones. Weezer suffered extensive backlash, causing many admirers to reconsider how far the band would go musically.
In the years that followed, Weezer has released record after record. As a fan of Weezer, I feel safe in saying I am among the many who have not felt the need to keep up with the band’s endeavors. I have maintained interest in Weezer since I first heard “Say It Ain’t So.”
Even today, I will defend Weezer’s validity as a reputable band while also acknowledging my lack of savvy concerning the band’s current albums. Basically, Weezer has not put out a noticeable record since the early 2000s, and I fully accept that my interest is in those albums that are deemed “popular.”
This is a sentiment I hope many admirers of Weezer are willing to accept. If anything, this situation is an example of how those who love a band’s music are not required to be up-to-date with all of its works. It is perfectly acceptable to be familiar with only popular music.
This worry of not being deemed a proper fan is something forcing many people to listen to music and make opinions they do not actually agree with. The force of out-fanning someone stifles organic opinions, and organic opinions are what give artists the fuel to create something they, too, will enjoy.
All of this doesn’t mean that Weezer is making music its members don’t believe in. The band will continue to put out music for many years, judging by its track record of nine albums. Personally, I hold Weezer in the highest esteem and know it proves to be an influence for many of the acts I admire today. When Weezer puts out something that breaks through the thick layer of stifling aficionados, I will listen, and I will love it. Until then, I’ll continue to blare 20-year-old songs like “El Scorcho” and “Surf Wax America” and wait for Groovin’ on the Grounds on Friday night.