In preparation for Weezer's release of their Black Album, which was released in March, the brand drummed up the anticipation with a surprise release of a cover album.
Teal Album, which was released at the end of January, features a number of cheesy songs known especially for their sing-a-long-ability. When fans insisted that "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus had in fact been written by Weezer, Cuomo had the idea to jokingly play a cover of it at concerts. This was the humble beginning of what would eventually become Teal Album. Cuomo began working more and more covers into their concert set lists and decided that a cover album would be the perfect comedic nod to their fans.
Teal Album began with the release of their single cover of "Africa," (made famous by Toto), which is also the first song on the album. The album then ventures into several new wave and synthpop classics from the 80s, like "Everybody Wants To Rule The World," (made famous by Tears and Fears), "Sweet Dreams," (made famous by the Eurythmics) and "Take On Me," (made famous by A-Had.) Cuomo's take on "Take On Me" was impressive--especially his ability to hit each note that so many karaoke singers have struggled with over the past three decades. "Take On Me" was also released with a music video that is a not-so-subtle nod to the iconic music video released by A-Ha in 1984, animated sketchbook drawings and all.
The album takes a turn after that and features several fairly underwhelming covers from the late 60s and early 70s like "Happy Together," (made famous by The Turtles), "Paranoid," (made famous by Black Sabbath) and "Mr. Blue Sky," (made famous by Electric Light Orchestra.) None of the covers were bad, per se, just lacking in Weezer's typical geeky, pop punk vibes.
Next, they took on "No Scrubs" (made famous by TLC), the only 90s song in the set. The song's original sass was preserved, while Weezer added cheese. Unfortunately, the song's original boring melody and bass line were also preserved.
Finally, Weezer took on two of the most beloved classics of all time--a challenging feat to say the least and Rivers Cuomo was up to the task. "Billie Jean" (made famous by Michael Jackson), was up first. Weezer stayed true to the song and to the King of Pop and pulled it off well. Jackson's 80s pop classic was honored on the Teal Album and the song suited Cuomo's voice and Weezer's typical style.
Last, and most definitely not least, Weezer took on "Stand By Me" (made famous by Ben E. King), possibly one of the most well-known and well-loved songs of all time. Many think that people should stay away from covering this song in a sort of if-it-ain't-broke sentimentality, but Cuomo's smooth-as-butter tenor voice was the perfect match for this R&B hit of the 60s. Weezer stayed true to the original melody and chord progression that make the song what it is, while adding a very punk electric guitar to the bass line, plus a heavier drum than what was expected--making it the ideal combination of spicy and sweet.
At the end of the day, the album that began as a joke turned out to be something that will linger on the Top 100 charts for at least the next few months. The jumbled song choices work surprisingly well together and Weezer does a brilliant job of maintaining the integrity of each piece of music, while still adding their own delightful sound. While many music critics feel that bands should stray away from doing covers, especially covers of such well renowned artists like Michael Jackson and Tot, I felt that Weezer nailed the album and found a way to make unique songs spanning four different decades feel cool and fresh.
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