It’s going to make for some big radio hits, no doubt. Especially I Can’t Stop Partying, featuring Lil’ Wayne. The Lil’ twist is a good one, but the song also features one of the albums’ downsides – 80′s synth. Weezer seems to have followed the disturbing re-invention of the 80′s trend that seems so popular these days. Listen, the 80′s were fun, but can we please enjoy them from a distance? It took me a long time to get that synthesizer out of my head. I don’t want it back. And honestly, with The Girl Got Hot, I swear I hear the Eagles’ Heartache Tonight. Listen to both, and tell me what you think.

The reality is that Weezer was never better than their first full-length release. In the beginning they brought raw power. The music was simple but had an angry edge that was fun and quirky at the same time. Maybe part of it is that the Weezer blue album is, from beginning to end, one of the greatest rock albums of all time and hard to top. The closest they get on this album is Let it All Hang Out, with lyrics written by Jermaine Dupri.

That’s not to say the album isn’t enjoyable – it is. Weezer is a special band that will one day be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And Rivers Cuomo is a master at delivering a message clearly and with conviction. But the power is gone, and it has been for some time.

But hey – don’t just take my word for it. Have a listen to Raditude for free over at Lala.com. And I suppose I should mention that Weezer tends to be one of those bands that the new stuff doesn’t always strike right away … it grows on you. I’m just saying.

UPDATE: Win a copy of Raditude for free!

By the way, Raditude is selling on Amazon.com as an MP3 right now for just $3.99. The CD is going for $9.99 and a Raditude deluxe album is selling for $13.99. Vinyl is also available.

Below are Weezer’s current tour dates.

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