I once played Weezer in the car while driving a friend who was at least seven years younger than me. The friend asked, “Is this classic rock?” I was stunned that he didn’t know Weezer.
To me, Weezer was still one of the hot new groups around. I laughed as I began to realize that my favorite band had now been around so long that younger generations were fully capable of missing out on their brilliance the way I almost missed out on the true classic rock. If you’re looking to get into Weezer, Here are their top 10 songs.
10. Buddy Holly
Like most of their great work, “Buddy Holly” hits you with a melody you simply cannot get out of your head no matter what you do. The guitar riff is near perfect and maintains an upbeat tone that keeps your foot tapping throughout.
9. Hash Pipe
No one can deny that “Hash Pipe” is one of the most iconic of Weezer’s songs. The tone is rebellious and intense (like all good punk rock).
8. Island in the Sun
“Island in the Sun” is, simply put, a mood. Chilled out is probably too simple a term to describe it.
7. Beverly Hills
“Beverly Hills” was my first exposure to Weezer as a kid. The constant guitar beat in the background grabbed me, and the refrain held on. Anyone who hears it can’t help but get hooked immediately.
6. Say It Ain’t So
“Say it ain’t so” is such a ride when you listen to it. The dual nature of the song takes you on a rollercoaster of moods. From chilled out to hard guitar riffs, it is some of Weezer’s finest work ever.
5. Feels like Summer
Like the rest of the album, “Feels Like Summer” is a distinctly unique song. The music gives heavy vibes of the California sun and the feeling that accompanies summer.
4. Beach Boys
This one initially sneaks up on you when you listen to it. It doesn’t start in any iconic way like some of our selections. But “Beach Boys” is more about a vibe than anything else. It mimics the iconic sound of the titular band while throwing in a less than usual Weezer sound. It’s a fantastic homage to one of the world’s most iconic bands.
3. Hero
A more recent addition to Weezer’s music library, “Hero,” was an instant classic for me. The beat is decidedly upbeat and even hopeful.
2. L.A. Girls
A more classic-sounding Weezer song, “L.A. Girls,” relies on a middle-of-the-road tempo to carry its semi-somber tune to near perfection.
1. In the Garage
Number one on this list obviously had to come from one of their best albums, that being their debut self-titled album. “In the Garage” is a near-perfect love letter to the one place a teenage nerd feels safe. It may not be the first song that comes to mind, but it, arguably, captures the mind of the music’s audience perfectly.