Well into middle age, Rivers Cuomo and Weezer show no signs of slowing down on their intriguing, colorful new single, “Can’t Knock the Hustle.”

“My manager’s slacking so I gotta move quick / I’m lacking in natural gifts / I’m an ugly motherf**ker but I work hella harder / And you can write a blog about it.”  #Damn, Weezer!  While there are several arguments to be made that the alternative collective is well past their prime, give them credit for continuing to hustle. Honestly, just like the title of their promo single from their forthcoming album, you “Can’t Knock the Hustle.”

“Can’t Knock the Hustle,” which is set in a minor key, is incredibly groovy, incorporating Spanish cues.  Like much of their music in their middle age, Weezer shows an openness and willingness to experiment and also keep the modern pop audience in mind. While modern pop worked against them at times on Pacific Daydream, it works out superbly for Rivers Cuomo and company on “Can’t Knock the Hustle.”  Maybe it’s more of the hip-hop influence that gives Cuomo and company more oomph – ‘swagger’ if you will. Regardless, everybody knows that Rivers Cuomo is one of the most badass hipsters of them all.  His personality is turned up to the nth degree (in the nerdiest way possible) on this record, highlighted by the aforementioned lyrical gem that is the first verse.

Besides the memorable first verse, Cuomo provides more goodness on the second and the third.  That said, it is a ‘too-good-to-resist’, sing-along chorus that makes “Can’t Knock the Hustle” incredibly awesome.  Nah, Weezer don’t say too much, but, what they do say is highly effective.

“Can’t knock the hustle

Can’t knock the hustle

Leave a five-star review and I’ll leave you one too

Can’t knock the hustle

Hasta luego

Hasta luego

Hasta luego, adios.”

Final Thoughts 

If someone ever said that it wasn’t possible to “kick ass and take names” in your middle age, well, they were lying.  Weezer shows their flexibility and ability to successfully adapt to the times on “Can’t Knock the Hustle.” Honestly, this is one of the band’s most intriguing original singles in years.

Weezer • Can’t Know the Hustle – Single • Atlantic • Release: 10.11.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic