Hipsters Weezer returns with “Feels Like Summer,” an uncharacteristic, modern-pop track that served as the early promo single for ‘Pacific Daydream.’  

Some bands seem to fade and lose interest in recording new music past their prime. Weezer isn’t one of those bands.  While their popularity and relevance have diminished over the years, the alt-rockers continue to be prolific. Once more, Weezer returns with a new album, Pacific Daydream, due October 27.  “Feels Like Summer” serves as the promo single, arriving months in advance of the album’s release.

The sound of “Feels Like Summer” is the first thing that stands out.  Whoa! This doesn’t sound like a traditional, rock-driven emo record. Better yet, this doesn’t sound like the majority of Weezer records.  The groove and overall production sounds more like a pop record, specifically, urban-pop.  This is very slick, modern sound. Ask yourself, when has Weezer used 808s and trap percussion? Exactly. This change of pace is actually interesting, but definitely won’t please everyone.

Vocally, Rivers Cuomo embraces his upper register on the chorus, which is more powerful than expected.  His energy is apparent throughout the course of the song, most prominently during the catchy, repetitive, chorus of course.

“I’m holding on and I don’t want to let you go / Yeah it feels like summer / Yeah it feels like summer to me / Yeah it feels like summer / Yeah it feels like summer to me / And she was a lover to me, to me, to me, to me.”

While the chorus is no lyrical masterpiece, arguably, it makes more cohesive sense compared to the random lyrics on the verses.  Random they may be, they’re certainly interesting, such as the Cuomo’s reference to his computer, being “spiritual, not religious,” as well as being “A Libra, if it matters”

Cons? This song is random AF.  As aforementioned, the modern pop production won’t be for everybody.  Furthermore, the lack of cohesiveness lyrically won’t be for everybody either.  After listening to it, a takeaway is, what’s the point?  “Feels Like Summer” feels like it goes a wee bit dumb.

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Feels Like Summer” is okay.  There’s nothing particularly transcendent or clever here, save for the few, aforementioned lyrical highlights. The production is in line with contemporary pop, but definitely breaks from the sound traditionally associated with the band.  This isn’t bad, but it’s no tour de force either.

Weezer • Pacific Daydream • Atlantic • Release: 10.27.17 

Photo Credits: Atlantic