A spirited cover album that is worth your attention - A review of Weezer's Teal Album

Usually, I'm not a fan of cover albums but Weezer's Teal Album is a positive exception. It's obvious that the record was put together rather spontaneously and that the band was enjoying itself while putting this release together.

The spontaneous guideline of the record is supported by softly floating synth pop keyboard sounds, versatile guitar play with heavy riffs and enchanting melodies, a smooth but precise rhythm section and soothing melodic lead vocals by Rivers Como and grittier backing vocals by Brian Bell who performs lead vocals on one of the ten tracks.

The song selection is quite diverse and varies from heavy metal over synth pop to soul. Toto's ''Africa'' is the obvious hit and lead single of the record and has kept the dreamy atmosphere and catchy melodies of the original tune. A-ha's ''Take on Me'' has a similar style. While it is more rhythmic than the original version, it has the comforting spirit of the rock and pop music of the eighties.

Electric Light Orchestra's ''Mr. Blue Sky'' is more diversified, energetic and progressive and shows that the band can also convince in its more experimental moments. The rendition of Black Sabbath's ''Paranoid'' convinces with powerful guitar tone and gritty rhythm section proving that the band can also play a heavier type of rock music.

Ben E. King's ''Stand by Me'' has been covered time and time again, mostly by female singers with thin vocals. Weezer's rendition is particularly great as it has an elegant and epic vibe to finish the record with a bang and Rivers Cuomo is in perfect control of the vocal lines as he proves that he is one of the most underrated singers in the contemporary commercial rock scene.

With a length just above thirty-six minutes and featuring ten diverse songs, Weezer's Teal Album is a particularly entertaining record that sounds timeless and would serve as great soundtrack for any party without lacking depth and style. The band managed to make the different songs their own while respecting the particularities of the original versions. This is the first cover record in quite a while that is worth your attention and you won't be able to stop listening to it for a while.

Final grade: 90%