Make Believe
by Weezer
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: May 10, 2005
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 325 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 183 out of 325
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 325
  3. Negative: 97 out of 325

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  1. MikeS.
    Nov 25, 2007
    7
    I can only hope that "tout ensemble" will be back to cuomo's old writing days,not that make believe was particularily bad,its just not up to true weezer standard!
  2. JoshB
    May 11, 2005
    7
    Wow, people are being really harsh. This is a good, solid album. I'm a life-long Weezer fan and I am quite pleased. I hope you naysayers remember that this is how people reacted to Pinkerton when it came out. Now look at the legend that is that album. Who know what may happen?
  3. KevinG
    May 11, 2005
    7
    okay so it's not lyrically up to standard or not breaking any ground but it's still damn infectious (as per usual great hooks) been humming it all day and for me thats makes it more than an average album
  4. SaeedG
    May 10, 2005
    7
    A bit better then Maladroit, has some great songs on it but does have a few howlers. Highlights: Perfect Situation, This is Such A Pity, The Other Way Skip: Beverly Hills, Freak You Out
  5. RobertA
    Jun 7, 2005
    7
    Well from listening to maladroit you can tell that weezer is on a downhill spiral. I am not sure which cd I like better maladroit or make believe. Well either way Make Believe was made with some kind of twisted humor. Is this really the Weezer we remember? No, but if you make believe that it is, it might just help you figure out that Weezer may be playing with your mind. 7 for the beats Well from listening to maladroit you can tell that weezer is on a downhill spiral. I am not sure which cd I like better maladroit or make believe. Well either way Make Believe was made with some kind of twisted humor. Is this really the Weezer we remember? No, but if you make believe that it is, it might just help you figure out that Weezer may be playing with your mind. 7 for the beats and treats, and -3 for the trickery and mediocrity.… Expand
  6. MatE
    Sep 27, 2006
    7
    this is an avarage weezer album. but compared to other records, its still a very good album with very good songs (Perfect Situation, Freak Me Out, Haunt You Everyday).
  7. J.Charreaux
    May 22, 2005
    7
    Great drummer, good singing and production. The guitar solos show joy and abandon, but for a band supposedly so obsessed by perfect pop, they come off as bland and uninspired as when I first saw them in L.A. right before and right after they got signed. The first CD suceeded due to a combination of contributors that never appeared on subsequent releases.
  8. NathanS.
    May 24, 2005
    7
    There was a lot of hype for this album, and it delivers in parts. Everyone was lookign for the next Blue album or Pinkerton, Instead, they got an album somewhere between 80s synth rock and your average emo band. That's not necessarily a bad thing. There are some decently good pop songs on here (I love the chorus on "Perfect Situation" and have grown to love both "Beverly Hills" and There was a lot of hype for this album, and it delivers in parts. Everyone was lookign for the next Blue album or Pinkerton, Instead, they got an album somewhere between 80s synth rock and your average emo band. That's not necessarily a bad thing. There are some decently good pop songs on here (I love the chorus on "Perfect Situation" and have grown to love both "Beverly Hills" and "We Are All On Drugs"). However, overall it doesn't sound like a Weezer album. Not too dissapointing, but nothing overly outstanding either.… Expand
  9. JeffS
    Jun 17, 2005
    7
    critics are scrutinizing this album way too hard. its the classic Weezer sound. And although its not as good as the Blue or Pinkerton, definately not as miserable as Malidroit...perhaps the bitterness of that album spilled over to the reviewing of this one.
  10. ChrisA
    Aug 22, 2010
    7
    A very inconsistent album that still has enough good songs to make it good. The first half is great and favourites are Hold Me and Peace. From there I find the album goes downhill with songs that have mediocre lyrics. I find that out of all Weezer albums I listen to this the least. I rated it the same as Raditude as it does have deeper songs, however it is not as catchy and fun. DespiteA very inconsistent album that still has enough good songs to make it good. The first half is great and favourites are Hold Me and Peace. From there I find the album goes downhill with songs that have mediocre lyrics. I find that out of all Weezer albums I listen to this the least. I rated it the same as Raditude as it does have deeper songs, however it is not as catchy and fun. Despite this I still enjoy it and feel it earns a 7 rating.… Expand
  11. peo
    Mar 1, 2019
    7
    This album its not that bad , in fact is a good album at all. I know the album has a lack of cohesion and have a few tracks that are really bad.
    But the best things of the album ends up having more weight altogether
  12. Chris182
    Apr 26, 2021
    7
    Whenever i think of albums that get way too much hate, Make Believe always comes to mind. This is not amazing, its not even great but its still a pretty good listen. I know a lot of people put this as their least favourite Weezer album but don't let those preconceived notions sour your listening experience. Its far from their best but definitely not one of their worst.
    Best Songs: Perfect    Whenever i think of albums that get way too much hate, Make Believe always comes to mind. This is not amazing, its not even great but its still a pretty good listen. I know a lot of people put this as their least favourite Weezer album but don't let those preconceived notions sour your listening experience. Its far from their best but definitely not one of their worst.
    Best Songs: Perfect Situation, Haunt You Every Day, The Damage In Your Heart, This is Such a Pity, Hold Me
    Worst Songs: Freak Me Out, We Are All On Drugs, My Best Friend, The Other Way    … Expand
  13. MarcB
    Jun 8, 2005
    6
    When i was 15, their blue album came in my life like a 300 tons rock on my head!It was refreshing, a new kind of pop-punk and the guys were doing great vocals almost reminding the beach boys. For this one the first time was really deceiving(except bev.hills and We are all on drugs). Then i heard it a couple of times(i work in a cd store),And found that there's credit to give to When i was 15, their blue album came in my life like a 300 tons rock on my head!It was refreshing, a new kind of pop-punk and the guys were doing great vocals almost reminding the beach boys. For this one the first time was really deceiving(except bev.hills and We are all on drugs). Then i heard it a couple of times(i work in a cd store),And found that there's credit to give to weezer for trying to try some new things.The last song (so alone in love,i think) is the best example(reminds me of Radiohead "Life in a glass house" )We are all on drugs will surely be the next big hit for them.… Expand
  14. HomieBB
    Jun 26, 2006
    6
    the first half is good but the second half of the record is garbage except for "best friend"
  15. PeterV
    May 12, 2005
    6
    Huge disappointment....The worst Weezer album yet. Although the Pitchfork review is too negative.
  16. JesseP
    Jan 30, 2006
    6
    This album is interesting. I've been a Weezer fan ever since I heard the opening notes to Say It Ain't So. At first, I heard Beverly Hills on the radio and completely dismissed the album, I immediately thought it a joke and pale imitation of music much less Weezer. After the first knee-jerk reaction, I gave it an actual listen when my cousin brought it over. I was reluctant, but This album is interesting. I've been a Weezer fan ever since I heard the opening notes to Say It Ain't So. At first, I heard Beverly Hills on the radio and completely dismissed the album, I immediately thought it a joke and pale imitation of music much less Weezer. After the first knee-jerk reaction, I gave it an actual listen when my cousin brought it over. I was reluctant, but curious so I just listened straight through. Now, I'm glad I did. While I feel this is their worst album, it at least has some real catchy tunes and pretty good lyrics. The ones that really stick out to me are Perfect Situation, This is Such a Pity, Hold Me, Peace, and Pardon Me (Freak Me Out is good as well, just a little.... weird). Some songs are just god awful... I'm sorry but We Are All On Drugs, Beverly Hills, and My Best Friend.... I just can't listen to them. Overall, I'd say its worth a listen through, although I don't think I will listen to more than 3 or 4 songs more than a few times.… Expand
  17. RobJ
    May 18, 2005
    6
    This new Weaver album is neither as great nor as terrible as people claim. It
  18. LucasW.
    Feb 16, 2008
    6
    Good album musical skill, and songs such as hold me as well as haunt you every day are very well crafted, however after listening i feel unsatisfied. It has no ability to evoke feeling.
  19. Ricko
    Dec 15, 2014
    6
    I've split Weezer into 3 periods. Early Days (Blue and Pinkerton) which was the band at the peak of their creative powers and when the created 2 modern classics. Then we have the early 00's (Green and Maladroit) which were not quite as good but still decent albums and really good fun. Then you have everything that followed - mediocrity - the rare ok tune and then lots of more mediocrity.I've split Weezer into 3 periods. Early Days (Blue and Pinkerton) which was the band at the peak of their creative powers and when the created 2 modern classics. Then we have the early 00's (Green and Maladroit) which were not quite as good but still decent albums and really good fun. Then you have everything that followed - mediocrity - the rare ok tune and then lots of more mediocrity. This is the start of the third Weezer period. The lead single "Beverly Hills" doesn't really sound like a Weezer track, more bland aimless AOR rock than the geeky surf/punk pop the band became renowned for. The good songs on this album can only really be classed as decent rather than great and even at that there are very few of these (We are All on Drugs, The Other Way are the only ones that immediately come to mind). The rest of the songs on this record fall somewhere under poor, average or boring and if I'm honest this album marks the beginning of the end for the band and where I stopped taking any real interest of note in what Weezer were doing.… Expand
  20. Jamison12
    Sep 26, 2013
    6
    A couple of really good tracks do a valiant effort for trying to make up for other poorly written, fairly bad songs. Don't get me wrong, I love Weezer, and if I let that bias in this review, I give it 10/10, but I find myself listening to their other albums more often than Make Believe.
  21. PeterA
    May 30, 2005
    5
    A mediocre album--I was expecting a lot more when I heard Rick Rubin was working on it. There are a few good tunes such as "perfect situation" and "hold me" but overall this is a fairly boring album... and I have all of their albums. I would hope for more on their next effort (if they last that long).
  22. JeffJ
    Jul 29, 2006
    5
    Rivers just tried too hard to come up with something good, it ends up sounding pretty cheesy at points. It's not totally unlistenable though.
  23. DanK
    May 11, 2005
    5
    I expected more from a comeback album. Compared to the likes of Pinkerton and the Blue album which i stil love to listen to now, this album is much like Maladroit in having jsut a few decent tracks. My fave track on the album is "perfect Situation" even though he seems to run out things to say by the time the chorus kicks in. The track "This is such a Pity" pretty much sums up the album I expected more from a comeback album. Compared to the likes of Pinkerton and the Blue album which i stil love to listen to now, this album is much like Maladroit in having jsut a few decent tracks. My fave track on the album is "perfect Situation" even though he seems to run out things to say by the time the chorus kicks in. The track "This is such a Pity" pretty much sums up the album for me in that it is a damn pity! We can only hope their next album if they do one, is an improvement. Don't get me wrong i don't think its tragic, just aint no pinkerton!… Expand
  24. kylea
    May 9, 2005
    5
    Worst Weezer yet, but they're still Weezer - there's definitely some good.
  25. HoldenC
    Mar 31, 2006
    5
    A couple standout songs, a few more that are pleasant but not especially good. But Weezer is Weezer, and the album as a whole still has a good vibe, although it's not very exciting. 7/10 for Perfect Situation and Peace, -2 for the album lasting too long and boring me.
  26. carlos
    May 17, 2005
    5
    umm not so good, kinda playing.
  27. j30
    Aug 15, 2011
    5
    Not a terrible album but not a good one either. Average at best.
  28. Danm95VFF
    May 11, 2016
    5
    It's not quite the car crash that Raditude would prove to be. It tries to fuse the melancholy demeanour of Pinkerton with a much more radio-friendly punch never heard from the band before, and falls short for the most part, and much of the album isn't particularly memorable though it tries hard to be.
  29. BillS
    May 20, 2005
    4
    Rob J, Pinkerton and the blue album were excellent records. It has nothing to do with nostalgia. Make Believe is mostly a boring, generic record. It's not in the same league as the first two weezer releases.
  30. MattG
    May 11, 2005
    4
    The problem with this album isn't that it's awful. It's not. It's really, really not. However, it is so mediocre when compared to Weezer's past records it's heartbreaking. Even Maladroit and the Green Album has shining moments of creativity and good old fashioned rock in songs like "Burndt Jamb" and "Hashpipe". All Make Believe has are unsightful and The problem with this album isn't that it's awful. It's not. It's really, really not. However, it is so mediocre when compared to Weezer's past records it's heartbreaking. Even Maladroit and the Green Album has shining moments of creativity and good old fashioned rock in songs like "Burndt Jamb" and "Hashpipe". All Make Believe has are unsightful and uninspired whines set to standard chords. Such a disappointment from a such a talented band.… Expand
  31. FlynnN
    May 13, 2005
    4
    People who like this record just don't get it.
  32. MarkCh
    May 13, 2005
    4
    One of the biggest musical disappointments I've had. For me, Cuomo had previously managed to write perfect pop songs wrapped up in guitars that didn't sound like they were polished to a high sheen in the studio. Not always the most deep of lyrics but then that was never the point. I never questioned Cuomo's songwriting ablity as the quality of output had been strong over One of the biggest musical disappointments I've had. For me, Cuomo had previously managed to write perfect pop songs wrapped up in guitars that didn't sound like they were polished to a high sheen in the studio. Not always the most deep of lyrics but then that was never the point. I never questioned Cuomo's songwriting ablity as the quality of output had been strong over the last 4 albums (and check out those brilliant b-sides and rarities like Jamie) but then this...I've read in a few other reviews that the songwriting sounds lazy and I couldn't agree more. It seems that he has resorted to creating a Weezer template to avoid writers block or something. There are some truly awful moments on here - This Is Such A Pity being once of the worst offenders. Twee Cars rip-off was the first thought in my mind upon first listening and then the vocals begin to grate half way through the first "chorus" (i use that term loosely here). Surely an aberrition? Unfortunately not. The album does not improve - not even with repeated listening. Weezer always managed to write classic pop songs with just the right amount of unpredictability to throw off any expectations (just the right deviation at the right time in a chord sequence). I reckon Rivers could knock this stuff out in his sleep...and from the sounds of it he probably did. A real shame.… Expand
  33. SteveG
    May 17, 2005
    4
    Disappointing, considering the buildup. Mostly generic, awful grade-school poetry lyrics.
  34. Matt
    Jun 9, 2005
    4
    The songs are either catchy in an annoying way or bland. "Hold Me" is the only song I loved.
  35. vg
    Jun 6, 2006
    4
    this is "radio friendly" rock...yeah...and i can remember..but one of the songs....has the same bass line from "Dolphins and Dreams" (i cant remember exact title of song offhand) by This Perfect Day...and i know i heard snatches of Pink Triangle in there....but i am sure it will sell big time...*sigh*...it did sound a bit uninspired...oh well
  36. HexG.
    Nov 17, 2007
    4
    Only 2 or 3 songs here are worthy of being on a weezer album, the rest are just plain, boring and uninspired and the idea of putting "Butterfly" on this record is baffling. "This Is Such A Pity" and "The Damage In Your Heart" are just awful when you think of the music these guys have created together in the past. For me, this is Weezers poorest album by far.
  37. MarkD
    May 12, 2005
    3
    Devastatingly bad album, only about 2 great songs. It breaks any knowledgable weezer fan's heart that rivers didn't put more effort into this. I agree totally with Pitchfork. I can't stress how bad it was for this band when Matt Sharp left. And after listening to both The Rentals, and Weezer's two greats I can say that it was better when Matt was helping Rivers write, Devastatingly bad album, only about 2 great songs. It breaks any knowledgable weezer fan's heart that rivers didn't put more effort into this. I agree totally with Pitchfork. I can't stress how bad it was for this band when Matt Sharp left. And after listening to both The Rentals, and Weezer's two greats I can say that it was better when Matt was helping Rivers write, or at least containing his huge ego --which has destroyed his music. I'll always listen to the first two albums, their Bsides and a couple off Maladroit. and I'll probably give RIvers another chance, but nextime I'll be expecting nothing above the level of Taking Back Sunday.… Expand
  38. thomb
    May 13, 2005
    3
    Why bother?
  39. CorneliusW
    Jun 5, 2005
    3
    Sounds like a bad Rooney album. I'm serious.
  40. TBoneM
    Jul 2, 2005
    3
    I've listened through this a few times. At first the songs seem to have some hooks but are a little annoying. Later you will realize they're just annoying. Let's start with a 10. -2 because it does nothing new, unless you live in 1995 or the suburbs. -2 because the first single - Beverly Hills- sucks and is annoying. -2 because the rest of the songs sound like a formula. -1 I've listened through this a few times. At first the songs seem to have some hooks but are a little annoying. Later you will realize they're just annoying. Let's start with a 10. -2 because it does nothing new, unless you live in 1995 or the suburbs. -2 because the first single - Beverly Hills- sucks and is annoying. -2 because the rest of the songs sound like a formula. -1 because people are hyping this too much. There you have it. I think I'm being generous.… Expand
  41. BlizakeB
    Apr 25, 2006
    3
    Blue Album great, Pinkerton great, but Make Believe? I wish I could make believe that Rivers didnt crank out this sloppy album, I feel ripped of as a Weezer fan. Please Rivers put yourself together and get the original Weezer back(Rivers Cuomo, Brian Bell, Patrick Wilson and Matt Sharp) and make another great album or at least a good one
  42. RobbinL
    Aug 1, 2005
    3
    Wow! I am truly at a loss for words. The band is clearly just a shadow of its former self. The hooks are gone, the melodies too. The lyrics?! Rivers is this what you are getting for your tuition money at Harvard? I'd ask for a refund, Dude. And No, getting Hugh Heffner to appear in your video will not help you save your faded reputation either. May the real Weezer R.I.P.
  43. JoeBriefcase
    May 11, 2005
    3
    I think the record is merely low level mediocre (with the bottom falling out), not as godawful as the Pitchfork review states. We don't read Pitchfork for bland status quo reviiews. You can expect bile and wit, or veneration and profundity, sometimes independent of the artist and the album. There's a lot of personal in that review. But we're talking about Weezer, not I think the record is merely low level mediocre (with the bottom falling out), not as godawful as the Pitchfork review states. We don't read Pitchfork for bland status quo reviiews. You can expect bile and wit, or veneration and profundity, sometimes independent of the artist and the album. There's a lot of personal in that review. But we're talking about Weezer, not Pitchfork. And I think Weezer has always been oversold. They were never much more than a guitar pop band that had a good hook now and then and a personality that apparently was highly lovable a few years ago and seems less appealing now. With so many good bands these days, their star doesn't shine so brightly. I don't have to sell my soul or wait 4 years for Weezer if I want to hear some crunchy chords. There are good bands releasing records every day. Not so back when Pinkerton came out. I didn't buy it. If I loved the copy I've gave a spin to I might have gone to get it. But no need. I doubt I'll ever play it again. This band was always a 5 or 6 even at their best, and this record is definitely not their best.… Expand
  44. BrianM
    May 11, 2005
    3
    This band has fallen hard and fast from their Pinkerton-days, getting worse with each passing album. The lyrics are totally absurd and doesn't speak to me at all. This album is awful.
  45. Swishalicious29
    Apr 1, 2016
    3
    Not much redeemable on this album. "Beverly Hills" and "We Are All on Drugs" are two of the worst singles that Weezer has ever put out. The beats are pretty stagnant and only feature a few chords like on "Perfect Situation" and the lyrics on "Freak Me Out" are laughable. This was the moment Weezer went mainstream, and the result is some pretty terrible tunes.
  46. alecvl08
    Jan 28, 2015
    3
    I think this album could hold the world record for most stupid lines of lyrics in a single album. Literally, every song has a major flaw somewhere, with the singles being the biggest offenders. Also, Weezer had no idea what sound or genre they were going for on this album. Beverly Hills and This Is Such a Pity are only separated by one track, but they sound like they could've come from twoI think this album could hold the world record for most stupid lines of lyrics in a single album. Literally, every song has a major flaw somewhere, with the singles being the biggest offenders. Also, Weezer had no idea what sound or genre they were going for on this album. Beverly Hills and This Is Such a Pity are only separated by one track, but they sound like they could've come from two different artists. What was Cuomo thinking when he wrote lyrics like the ones on Freak Me Out? (Man, you really freak me out/I'm so afraid of you/and when I lose my cool/I don't know what to do.) These could've been written by a mediocre ninth grade English student. It sounds cheap, and it is.… Expand
  47. MysticManiac
    Apr 25, 2018
    3
    Everything on this album can be summarised in a word: Generic

    There's seriously nothing here worth listening to. There are some moments where you think something might happen but then it just dissolves into mediocrity. At least with Raditude and Hurley, there were some highlights, and while this album doesn't really get as bad as some of the moments on Raditude or "Where's My Sex" from    Everything on this album can be summarised in a word: Generic

    There's seriously nothing here worth listening to. There are some moments where you think something might happen but then it just dissolves into mediocrity. At least with Raditude and Hurley, there were some highlights, and while this album doesn't really get as bad as some of the moments on Raditude or "Where's My Sex" from Hurley, it's basically just generic mediocrity throughout    … Expand
  48. MarkW
    May 11, 2005
    2
    Dull. Bad. I really enjoyed the harder polished edge of Maladroit, as it struck me as a creative step forward... I was really looking forward to Make Believe, and have been soundly disappointed. The songs are too simplistic, and the edge is gone. Even Beverly Hills seems like a forced effort. Worst =w= by far.
  49. JoeG
    May 12, 2005
    2
    Wow, this is just plain bad. Stop holding on to these guys being what they used to be. They are simply ordinary and crappy now. Where do I start-The lyrics are plain horrible and simple. I have no songwriting talent and may be able to write better than this crap. The music is even worse. Not a single guitar riff worse remembering. nothing cool at all. It really seems like these songs were Wow, this is just plain bad. Stop holding on to these guys being what they used to be. They are simply ordinary and crappy now. Where do I start-The lyrics are plain horrible and simple. I have no songwriting talent and may be able to write better than this crap. The music is even worse. Not a single guitar riff worse remembering. nothing cool at all. It really seems like these songs were put together in 30 minutes. Do not buy, you will be sorry… Expand
  50. neutro
    May 27, 2005
    2
    This album is almost entirely disposable. If these were the "cream of the crop" of all the songs the band had worked on since the last potboiler - I think it's time to hang up the instruments and stop tarnishing what's respectable of their previous material.
  51. bretttc
    Jun 1, 2005
    2
    Awful. Terrible. Bad. Useless. Futile. CRAP. Etc..
  52. fredfred
    May 13, 2005
    2
    it Sucks
  53. JamesW
    May 14, 2005
    2
    Stinks.
  54. AlexS
    May 9, 2005
    2
    Man, this is worse than the last 2 efforts. For me, anyway, weezer haven't been the same since bassist Matt Sharp's departure from the group.
  55. PaulH
    Jul 21, 2005
    2
    The songs are so corny, it's embarressing to actually listen to it.
  56. DaveK
    Jun 20, 2006
    2
    Soooo far removed from what is their best work ever. Oh how we long for the days of Blue Alubum/Pinkerton. I guess this is just the direction theyre going in, and it seems to be the end of what was a good run. Blame this on whoever, but this CD resembles nothing of old. I can understand you wanting to grow musically, maybe weezer fans are just hardcore on what they love....better luck next time.
  57. WesD
    May 22, 2005
    2
    I give it a 2 only because I saw a stripper dance to "Beverly Hills." Ever since, my appreciation for the tune has grown a bit. I thought Maladroit was horrid, but it didn't prepare me in the least for how disappointing this album is. Those who think it is similar to the first two albums in sound at all just aren't listening.
  58. KevinK.
    Mar 22, 2006
    2
    About 2 or 3 good songs. The rest is arena-ready angst-rock garbage. Either give up or actually try the next time out, Rivers.
  59. AlphaMexican
    Sep 29, 2014
    2
    This lazy, dull, and shameless album had me try and "Make Believe" my way to a better Weezer album. It's so lifeless, the songs drag on forever, it tries to have heart and sincerity but fails on almost every occasion. Beverly Hills is catchy, but depressing at a closer listen and it's also lazy. That's the whole problem with this album, the songs are lazily constructed both in terms ofThis lazy, dull, and shameless album had me try and "Make Believe" my way to a better Weezer album. It's so lifeless, the songs drag on forever, it tries to have heart and sincerity but fails on almost every occasion. Beverly Hills is catchy, but depressing at a closer listen and it's also lazy. That's the whole problem with this album, the songs are lazily constructed both in terms of music and lyrics. Most songs only use 2 chords, and is a complete step-down from Weezer's previous album, Maladroit. There are a few classic Weezer songs, Perfect Situation and Haunt You Every Day, but other than that this album sucks.… Expand
  60. Mumbizz01
    Feb 2, 2018
    2
    Make Believe is an album that is uninspired, uninteresting and sometimes even boring to listen to. Unfortunately, Make Believe is the beginning of the end for Weezer until nearly a decade later.
  61. CosmoJPrelog
    Jun 4, 2005
    1
    The first album to influence me to vacuum
  62. drewe
    May 10, 2005
    1
    perhaps the most interesting facet of the weezer 'legacy' is the polarity with which their later albums have been received. the blue album and pinkerton are almost unanimously hailed as classics. however, starting with the green album, weezer's albums have seemed to elicit two responses: glowing praise and utter disgust. the division of weezer's fan base over these perhaps the most interesting facet of the weezer 'legacy' is the polarity with which their later albums have been received. the blue album and pinkerton are almost unanimously hailed as classics. however, starting with the green album, weezer's albums have seemed to elicit two responses: glowing praise and utter disgust. the division of weezer's fan base over these albums makes sense. the blue album was an album of good pop music. it was accessible enough to appeal to a wide audience, yet clever and catchy enough to satisfy music elitists. pinkerton was not so immediately successful, though in time it earned due praise for its raw emotion and honesty (it stands as my all-time favorite album). however, the green album and maladroit lacked the elements that made the first two releases so special. the green album had some catchy melodies, but its songs were so sterilized and watered down that it was hard to take weezer seriously. maladroit was an even worse failure, allowing rivers to indulge his guitar-god fantasies at the expense of any real substance. to weezer's loyal fan base, these albums stood up against their earlier work. to the rest of us, these albums represented perhaps the greatest musical letdown we'd ever known. where the green album and maladroit had some saving graces, 'make believe' has next to none. here rivers seems to regard cliche and generality above emotion and expression. most of this album's songs seem much more fit for pre-teen journals than the author of some of rock's greatest anthems. the one bright spot on the album is 'perfect situation,' which serves as, if anything, a taunting reminder of weezer's former selves. the rest of the album is bland and boring and, for a fan whose obsession with pop music is strongly rooted in weezer's early work, the equivalent of betrayal. have some decency, boys.… Expand
  63. Travis
    Jun 7, 2005
    1
    Absolutely can not believe this garbage is from the same band that created the Blue album and Pinkerton. I never expected any of their albums to top either of those, but this a horrible display of slant rhyme and moronic songs. The first awful track is about how he doesnt belong in Beverly Hills. Then a few songs later he's in his Mercedes-Benz and on drugs. How retarted.
  64. Steve
    Jun 7, 2005
    1
    "why bother? its gonna hurt me, its gonna kill when you desert me, this happened to me twice before, it wont happen to me anymore." As I look back on these lines from Why Bother, I can only think that Rivers could see the future up to 2005 when he wrote that song. Yup, twice before (green, maladroit).
  65. DavidB
    Jul 10, 2005
    1
    Unlistenable. What a disappointment...
  66. RachelA
    Aug 8, 2005
    1
    It is so difficult for me to separate Rivers' biographical vignettes (since it is no secret this band is ALL ABOUT HIM) from my overall impression of this album. His emotional development may have arrested sometime around 1986 (he was 15). In some instances, this can produce quality art. Specifically, his sordid sexual experiences as a rock star compelled him to pen "Tired of Sex". It is so difficult for me to separate Rivers' biographical vignettes (since it is no secret this band is ALL ABOUT HIM) from my overall impression of this album. His emotional development may have arrested sometime around 1986 (he was 15). In some instances, this can produce quality art. Specifically, his sordid sexual experiences as a rock star compelled him to pen "Tired of Sex". For that most Pinkerton fans are grateful. However, this lack of emotional development is also reflected in his desire to become a rock god of sorts. The result is pandering to 14 year olds and fratboy types who can "rock out" to Beverly Hills. Yay. Perhaps we expected too much from Rivers. We forgave past transgressions such as the green album and Maladroit, which both had a few glimmers of hope for the future. I should have whipped out my old copy of Pavement's "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain for the sad, prescient truth: Songs mean a lot when songs are bought And so are you Let's run down to the practice room tension and fame a career career, career, career I feel duped.… Expand
  67. DylanP
    Jan 3, 2006
    1
    We Are All On Drugs is one of the worst songs ever recorded. What the heck happened to =w=
  68. mikem
    May 11, 2005
    1
    This album is probably the worst disc of this decade so far, but it is not the worst that i have ever heard. too bad guys.
  69. SethWilson
    May 10, 2005
    1
    I don't mean to make over generizations or be one of those people who gives things a zero just because they hate a band. I really like weezer. but this album just sounds lazy and makes me wonder about the 70+ songs that didn't make the album. Are these the brilliant songs that Rivers wants to hide away, or are they even more lackluster than these? the lyrics are juvenile and, I don't mean to make over generizations or be one of those people who gives things a zero just because they hate a band. I really like weezer. but this album just sounds lazy and makes me wonder about the 70+ songs that didn't make the album. Are these the brilliant songs that Rivers wants to hide away, or are they even more lackluster than these? the lyrics are juvenile and, quite frankly, BS. You can tell they have no real basis in true emotions and could have been written by a 12 year old's basement band. Even the production is off base, which is surprising from someone like Rick Rubin. Perhaps I expect too much... but this is just very disapointing and almost insulting.… Expand
  70. LawenceP
    May 12, 2005
    1
    Everything their first two LP's were.........Yeah right! This is trash!
  71. jamesc
    Jan 29, 2006
    1
    its a real piece of shit.
  72. EC.
    Feb 20, 2008
    1
    The album that ruined Weezer for me. I could care less about their upcoming '08 album. I would call this their sell out album, but they sold their souls to their record label years ago. It's just painfully obvious on this album. When the nostalgia fades (if you every even feel it during any of these songs) you're just left with a bitter realization that one of the most fun The album that ruined Weezer for me. I could care less about their upcoming '08 album. I would call this their sell out album, but they sold their souls to their record label years ago. It's just painfully obvious on this album. When the nostalgia fades (if you every even feel it during any of these songs) you're just left with a bitter realization that one of the most fun bands of the 90s is officially irrelevant.… Expand
  73. DevinB
    May 10, 2005
    0
    The scathing, hateful Pitchfork review is right. This is not just an awful album, it's so jaw-droppingly, impossibly bad that it retroactively destroys the enjoyability of everything Rivers Cuomo has ever done. Pinkerton was one of my favorite albums as a kid. However, I've been so traumatized by Make Believe that I can no longer listen to it without curling my toes in horror. I The scathing, hateful Pitchfork review is right. This is not just an awful album, it's so jaw-droppingly, impossibly bad that it retroactively destroys the enjoyability of everything Rivers Cuomo has ever done. Pinkerton was one of my favorite albums as a kid. However, I've been so traumatized by Make Believe that I can no longer listen to it without curling my toes in horror. I hope you're happy, River. You've finally, definitively ruined your legacy.… Expand
  74. [Anonymous]
    Jun 6, 2005
    0
    horrible, ugh
  75. KoenDeCrock
    May 11, 2005
    0
    I can't believe this!!! This is sooooooooo bad it makes me wish metacritic allowed negative scores. Of course, "Beverly hills" was a good indicator for how bad this album was going to be, but believe it or not, it is one of the "best" songs on the album. weezer is going into Def Leppard territorium with this album, an ancient long forgotten land that noone has dared to thread since I can't believe this!!! This is sooooooooo bad it makes me wish metacritic allowed negative scores. Of course, "Beverly hills" was a good indicator for how bad this album was going to be, but believe it or not, it is one of the "best" songs on the album. weezer is going into Def Leppard territorium with this album, an ancient long forgotten land that noone has dared to thread since the end of the eighties.… Expand
  76. ryanb
    May 10, 2005
    0
    Absolutely brutal. The Pitchfork review sums up my thoughts nicely, though I'd like to add the song "Hold Me" smells strongly of "I Started A Joke" by the Bee Gees.
  77. DaveS
    May 10, 2005
    0
    everytime i hear this album it makes me want to vomit. I also can't believe that Rolling Stone is calling it great and comparing it to Pinkerton... last time I checked, Pinkerton was named "worst album of 1996" by RS
  78. Josh
    May 11, 2005
    0
    Totally awful. Every song is formulaic--they take a trite sentiment and repeat it over and over. All of the lyrical magic I expect from Weezer is gone. I still love Blue, PInkerton, and Maladroit, though.
  79. HollisH
    May 10, 2005
    0
    Just simply awful. Kinda like if a computer tried to write a power-pop album.
  80. MatthewM
    May 12, 2005
    0
    I would have been better prepared for the boring songwriting of this album if it had been titled "Weezer Sings Songs From Junior High Poetry Class." Unless you are in a junior high poetry class, you're heart will break when the once-creative Cuomo sings, "How is your heart little darling? I didn't mean to get so mad. Let me just hold you closely. How did things get so bad?" Mad I would have been better prepared for the boring songwriting of this album if it had been titled "Weezer Sings Songs From Junior High Poetry Class." Unless you are in a junior high poetry class, you're heart will break when the once-creative Cuomo sings, "How is your heart little darling? I didn't mean to get so mad. Let me just hold you closely. How did things get so bad?" Mad and bad, eh Rivers? My personal favorite low is the atrocious cliche "taller than a mountain, deeper than the sea." How this painfully trite disc was ever concocted by the poet behind "Pinkerton" is beyond me. Anyone spotting Rivers Cuomo's talent should notify the proper authorities: 1-800-MB-BLOWS.… Expand
  81. JasonB
    May 15, 2005
    0
    Utterly Bad! I say use this CD as a coaster!
  82. WillO
    Jul 18, 2005
    0
    This album is so empty of emotion. I've heard their more recent self-titled (green) album and I thought that was pointless. This is merely horrid. Even without comparing it to their first two albums, the songs are childish and have stupid riffs and choruses that aren't really catchy but just make one shudder to hear how lacking his songwriting is.
  83. ShaneM
    May 10, 2005
    0
    I have a ticket for the Philly show I bought on Ebay for $65 but after hearing Make Believe I don't even want to go. Actually, I changed my mind - I do want to go....so I can hurl the new album at Rivers as soon as they play the any song off the new album....
  84. RandyK
    May 10, 2005
    0
    Weezer played it way too safe, and the result is INCREDIBLY bland and boring. A cd that doesn't deserve to be placed next to my copies of Blue and Pinkerton. The Pitchfork review is spot on.
  85. JonS
    May 12, 2005
    0
    I knew this album was not going to be good when I first heard "Beverly Hills". Then I heard "we are all on drugs" and "my best friend". It was then I realized that Weezer has done something truly aweful. Just now, when I was walking home from class I passed some frat guys on their balcony with thier shirts off blasting "beverly hills" and drunkenly screaming the lyrics. ughhhhh. The I knew this album was not going to be good when I first heard "Beverly Hills". Then I heard "we are all on drugs" and "my best friend". It was then I realized that Weezer has done something truly aweful. Just now, when I was walking home from class I passed some frat guys on their balcony with thier shirts off blasting "beverly hills" and drunkenly screaming the lyrics. ughhhhh. The pitchfork review is dead on.… Expand
  86. JebJ
    May 12, 2005
    0
    I remember clearly when I was a child and my great-grandfather (who lived with us at the time) was forced by some invisible demon to walk down the driveway and tap on the mailbox every morning for 2 straight minutes in failed attempts to get the ringing in his ears to cease. He equated the mailbox with his ringing in his ears which in effect was simply a symptom of an impending stroke he I remember clearly when I was a child and my great-grandfather (who lived with us at the time) was forced by some invisible demon to walk down the driveway and tap on the mailbox every morning for 2 straight minutes in failed attempts to get the ringing in his ears to cease. He equated the mailbox with his ringing in his ears which in effect was simply a symptom of an impending stroke he would suffer. Simply put, this album is awful. Anyone who says that it isn't hasn't yet heard the album.… Expand
  87. attaboy
    May 12, 2005
    0
    so absolutely atrocious. worse than pitchfork wrote. i am shocked there are still people who will like a weezer album on the basis of it being a weezer album. jesus, it's so bad.
  88. VincentC
    May 13, 2005
    0
    I also agree with Pitchfork. Weezer have always gotten by on the kind of goodwill generated by this imagined notion that they are somehow underdogs or anti-establishment heroes, despite all evidence to the contrary. Every Weezer fan since Pinkerton has been aware of this, yet we've always given Rivers the benefit of the doubt, because despite the fact that we knew that in his heart I also agree with Pitchfork. Weezer have always gotten by on the kind of goodwill generated by this imagined notion that they are somehow underdogs or anti-establishment heroes, despite all evidence to the contrary. Every Weezer fan since Pinkerton has been aware of this, yet we've always given Rivers the benefit of the doubt, because despite the fact that we knew that in his heart his earnest goal was to be a bloated rock star, the music continued to speak to us, to give us a glimpse into his human thoughts and feelings. Well, seeing Hugh Hefner in the new video completely changed all that for me (oh yeah, and the music stinks, too). If this is what Rivers was striving to be all this time, then so be it. They've lost me completely. I am no longer a Weezer fan, and will forget I ever was one.… Expand
  89. FrankW
    May 14, 2005
    0
    I have a friend who was crying by the second song and just turned it off. He had listened to the two best songs of the album. They just grew progressively worse. The album wouldn't be quite as bad as it is if it was completely instrumental (not saying that the songs are decent because the just plaing aren't), but Cuomo's lyrics are so disgustingly bad they might have failed I have a friend who was crying by the second song and just turned it off. He had listened to the two best songs of the album. They just grew progressively worse. The album wouldn't be quite as bad as it is if it was completely instrumental (not saying that the songs are decent because the just plaing aren't), but Cuomo's lyrics are so disgustingly bad they might have failed in a high school poetry class. For troubled inner city kids. With learning disabilities. People who argue this album's merits have never listened to a good song in their entire life.… Expand
  90. jon
    May 18, 2005
    0
    Could honestly be one of the worst things ever recorded. It makes you wonder if all their old stuff was as good as you thought it was when you were in middle school.
  91. ElDuderino
    May 18, 2005
    0
    I remember a small scene from the Simpsons where Homer and Flanders were in Vegas, and their hotel marquee read that the entertainment was a Moody Blues cover band, whose opening band was the Moody Blues. After this crap-heap of an album, that scene serves as an analog for the future of Weezer.
  92. BradM.
    May 23, 2005
    0
    A five year old could write "Beverly Hills." It might be the worst single of the year. It's the kind of song that 14 year olds trying to learn guitar will take to their instructors. These guys once wrote fun songs like "The Sweater Song" and "Surf Wax America." What happened? The only thing that seems to be keeping this band in the spotlight is River's geek glasses. "Oh Rivers, A five year old could write "Beverly Hills." It might be the worst single of the year. It's the kind of song that 14 year olds trying to learn guitar will take to their instructors. These guys once wrote fun songs like "The Sweater Song" and "Surf Wax America." What happened? The only thing that seems to be keeping this band in the spotlight is River's geek glasses. "Oh Rivers, you're so....sensitive and bookish." What a pile.… Expand
  93. Rowdy
    May 9, 2005
    0
    They've come a long way..........and the road they've traveled has been a steep downhill one.
  94. PopeJohnPaul
    Jun 11, 2005
    0
    Goodbye Rivers. I know we had some great times together, but that was 9 years ago. It's over.
  95. FLauren
    Jul 25, 2005
    0
    The critics are right, that's why people read what the write. This album blows. If every band changes with each cd, Weezer has changed into the one of the many ironic drunks that pervade crappy parties and pop their collars. I'm going to make believe this album never happened.
  96. matt
    May 28, 2006
    0
    i was weezer superfan #1 all through high school (pre green album) and this album makes me feel like i wasted my time back then, it makes me wish time travel was possible so i could go back to 1998 and uppercut myself.
  97. A.J.C.
    Mar 27, 2007
    0
    There is not much to say here, except everything. It's painful, yes, but it needs to be done. For someone like me who's been following Weezer since I was 12 and popped in the Blue album, their tour de force and in my opinion the album that they've painfully tried to recreate ever since Pinkerton (which in reality was one of the best albums of the 90's) was critically There is not much to say here, except everything. It's painful, yes, but it needs to be done. For someone like me who's been following Weezer since I was 12 and popped in the Blue album, their tour de force and in my opinion the album that they've painfully tried to recreate ever since Pinkerton (which in reality was one of the best albums of the 90's) was critically assaulted. I don't ever want to dream of the feeling a musician as devoted as Rivers Cuomo must get when he goes out on a limb and pours his feelings into an album like Pinkerton, only to have it rejected for not being as upbeat and catchy as his previous album. Ever since then, that one Rolling Stone review, Cuomo and crew have been on a downword spiral. Several failed attempts to revisit that pop music bliss that was Blue...but in my opinion they could have tried a million times to get that old juice flowing again only to be thouroughly dissapointed each time. Blue album was fantastic, not only because of its music and lyrics, but because it stood out in an era where heavy guitars and scraping metal along with kitchy pop plastered the top 40. Since then, Blue has influenced so many bands and knock offs that any reattempt at that originality again by Cuomo would be futile. And don't get me wrong when I say this...in no way am I implying Make Believe would have been as big as Blue had their release dates been switched, Make Believe is a horrifying album. There is nothing appealing at all about these contrived and cliche melodies, these do goody high school jock band lyrics, this fake innocence Cuomo evokes when he sings "girl, you really freak me out" when in reality, after his shaky voice croons these words, he goes backstage and pisses all over everything he once created, then lights it on fire. Never in my life would I have expected Cuomo, a man as humble as to turn his cheek to his fellow Harvard classmates who neglected to even notice him while they blasted "Buddy Holly" through a boombox, to sell out like this. Sell out may even be an understatement, Cuomo promotes and seems to adore this album with so much idiocy and obliviousness he may not even think he's sold out. I'm sorry sir, but I would say when you start touring with Taking Back Sunday and the Fray, you've given your heart to the record industry.… Expand
  98. Aaron
    Nov 11, 2005
    0
    This album is just plain fu**ing awful!!!
  99. VincentGallo
    May 13, 2005
    0
    We can't let Weezer get away with this shit.
  100. JosiahR
    May 15, 2005
    0
    unbelievably horrid
Page:

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2005
86
#86 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 25
  3. Negative: 8 out of 25
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Weezer's most conventional disc... a cleaner-sounding record heavy on way-earnest power ballads. [13 May 2005, p.85]
  2. Rolling Stone
    80
    A breakthrough for Weezer... Cuomo's songs are his most plaintive and brilliant since Pinkerton. [19 May 2005, p.74]
  3. Pitchfork
    4
    Sometimes an album is just awful. Make Believe is one of those albums.
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