Weezer returns with “Happy Hour,” the fifth teaser track from their album, ‘Pacific Daydream,’ arriving October 27.  

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. “Happy Hour” marks the fifth single/teaser track issued from Pacific Daydream, following “Mexican Fender,” “Beach Boys,” “Feels Like Summer,” and “Weekend Woman.”

“Happy Hour” commences with bright, enthusiastic production.  Rivers Cuomo matches the exuberance vocally, making quite the alluring case for the record.  While he’s initially “like Stevie Ray Vaughan on the stage, high on music,” his boss serves up buzz kill. Quoting Cuomo directly, he sings:

“But then my boss calls and she’s crushin’ me with a 20-ton weight / Just like Monty Python.”

Yep, only Rivers Cuomo and Weezer would go there.  The chorus is beams like a beacon – in an auditory way that is. It’s simple, but effectively conveys the needs of the ‘down’ singer:

“I need happy hour on sad days (sad days) / I need a happy hour, I can’t wait (can’t wait).”

The second verse welcomes more interesting references, including Ponce de Leon and chilling on the beach.  After another beaming chorus, Cuomo and company lays the bridge on us.  Like much of “Happy Hour,” it airs on the side of ridiculousness:

“Maybe I’ll meet a scientist in sweatpants and a hair tie / We’ll conversate about rare birds and MIDI keyboards / And we’ll slow dance, head on my shoulder / Swing back and forth and my friends are gonna smile / Everything’s gonna be alright.”

Random. Also, isn’t it fun that conversate is used often despite the fact that there’s debate whether or not it’s a legit word? Rappers especially, and now, alternative rock artists.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Happy Hour” gives Weezer another enjoyable single, no question asked.  It’s bright, enthusiastic, and enjoyable ear candy.  It’s a bit loud and somewhat novel, but definitely worthwhile.

Weezer • Pacific Daydream • Atlantic • Release: 10.27.17

Photo Credits: Atlantic