OK Human
by Weezer
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jan 29, 2021
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 162 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 138 out of 162
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 162
  3. Negative: 8 out of 162
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  1. Ricko
    Jun 3, 2022
    7
    "OK Human" is the best Weezer album since 2016s "White" but lets be honest, that is no major achievement. After a blistering first decade, half of which was spent in hiatus, Weezer have gone on to produce on average one really good album a decade over the last 20 years. "White" was definitely one of them, as true heir to the Weezer of the 90's and very early 00's. "Ok Human" arguably"OK Human" is the best Weezer album since 2016s "White" but lets be honest, that is no major achievement. After a blistering first decade, half of which was spent in hiatus, Weezer have gone on to produce on average one really good album a decade over the last 20 years. "White" was definitely one of them, as true heir to the Weezer of the 90's and very early 00's. "Ok Human" arguably shades 2014's "Everything Will Be Alright in the End" as their other one. The band take a different approach in the recording of this one. While the typical Weezer trademarks are present, rather than power pop guitars, the songs are presented with piano and strings. It probably lacks the real killer songs that their very best work contains but "OK Human" is still a welcome addition to their back catalog, a statement not to be taken for granted when it comes to Weezer releases.… Expand
  2. Jakemup
    Dec 2, 2021
    8
    As the months have gone by, my opinions have OK Human have changed, but overall I think it's still a very solid album. The instrumentation, writing and overall sound is great, and is definitely going to age well as time goes on.
  3. Gummer
    Nov 15, 2021
    7
    I expected this too be bad, especially when i saw the title. But i'm pleasently surprised. The string work is really good, and it is really the sort of melodic experience Weezer should be making.
  4. MusicGuyMack
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    Personal, emotional, and quietly stirring - perhaps the most so that Rivers Cuomo and Co. have dared to get since their emo masterpiece "Pinkerton" - the baroque/chamber pop stylings of "OK Human" prove a natural, comfortable complement to Weezer's established alt-rock sound as well as a more than suitable soundscape for such an intimate, carefully crafted set of songs to play out against.Personal, emotional, and quietly stirring - perhaps the most so that Rivers Cuomo and Co. have dared to get since their emo masterpiece "Pinkerton" - the baroque/chamber pop stylings of "OK Human" prove a natural, comfortable complement to Weezer's established alt-rock sound as well as a more than suitable soundscape for such an intimate, carefully crafted set of songs to play out against.

    Choice Cuts: "All My Favorite Songs," "Aloo Gobi," "Numbers," "Here Comes the Rain"    … Expand
  5. bsimp3340
    Sep 23, 2021
    7
    This is a high 6 album, so on here I'll give it a 7. Yes I like the orchestral pop sound like the rest of the reviewers, but I think some of the tracks are forgettable and boring. There are definitely some nice moments though.
  6. frankiero
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    honestly this album is pure bliss, the baroque instrumentation is very tasteful and adds a lot to the record. while rivers writes some questionable Lyrics at times he wrote absolutely beautiful lyrics in "mirror image" and "dead roses". I would recommend listening to playing my piano, Numbers, bird with a broken wing, and grapes of wrath. the song screens has a banger of a chorus but ithonestly this album is pure bliss, the baroque instrumentation is very tasteful and adds a lot to the record. while rivers writes some questionable Lyrics at times he wrote absolutely beautiful lyrics in "mirror image" and "dead roses". I would recommend listening to playing my piano, Numbers, bird with a broken wing, and grapes of wrath. the song screens has a banger of a chorus but it has a lot of boomer energy. would recommend !!!… Expand
  7. Schnabbel
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    This album definitely proves that Rivers is an incredibly talented. musician. The instrumentation is simply beautiful and every track has something unique to add. The backup vocals on this album are fantastic and the bass lines really hit the spot. The production is high quality, but keeps it fresh. The extra ending lines on Mirror Image add a lot, and the break in La Brea Tar Pits fitsThis album definitely proves that Rivers is an incredibly talented. musician. The instrumentation is simply beautiful and every track has something unique to add. The backup vocals on this album are fantastic and the bass lines really hit the spot. The production is high quality, but keeps it fresh. The extra ending lines on Mirror Image add a lot, and the break in La Brea Tar Pits fits perfectly. The themes of the album are explored really well. The fear of technology on Screens may be a bit to 'boomer'-like for some, but when looking at the real world and the pandemic/lockdown, it isn't far from the truth. Same goes for the theme of loneliness and isolation. Let's hope that Weezer keeps evolving their sound in fun and creative ways, because this album is a masterpiece.… Expand
  8. memeSchool
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    [July 25, 2021; Metacritic...] I love Weezer so much This album sounds so good.
  9. rickkk
    Jul 4, 2021
    5
    really, it's not my style of music, it didn't live up to my expectations...
  10. RageAndGrace
    Jun 3, 2021
    9
    Before it was released, I felt that it would simply be a passion project. I figured that there would be a few songs that I like, but considering the fact that it all leads into itself, I thought it would be a half-baked experience. It's very important in an album with such cohesion that you never want to skip a single song, and OK Human absolutely delivers. Even some of my least favorites,Before it was released, I felt that it would simply be a passion project. I figured that there would be a few songs that I like, but considering the fact that it all leads into itself, I thought it would be a half-baked experience. It's very important in an album with such cohesion that you never want to skip a single song, and OK Human absolutely delivers. Even some of my least favorites, like Numbers and La Brea Tar Pits, are still on all of my playlists and are still very enjoyable. On the other side of the spectrum, songs like Aloo Gobi, Dead Roses, Grapes of Wrath, Bird with a Broken Wing, Here Comes the Rain, etc. all deliver on all fronts and make this album my first choice to listen to from start to finish. I have some minor problems with the writing philosophy for some of the songs, but they're few and far between and the album is definitely in my Top 3 for the band.
    I would also like to note that Jake Sinclair deserves all the credit in the world for his work on OK Human. Not only is the production solid all around, he was the one to initially suggest an orchestrated acoustic passion project album, and the one who engineered the project into what it is now. With the White Album, Jake proved that he could replicate the style of the classics, and with OK Human, he proved that he can take the band in fascinating new directions. I'm incredibly excited to see what he has prepared for Weezer's next project, SZNS.    … Expand
  11. Mushirock
    May 20, 2021
    7
    Probably the best weezer album ever to come out after white album. My favourite track were aloo gobi and grapes of wrath. The single All my favourite songs needs to refined more
  12. nce93
    May 10, 2021
    10
    An incredible outing for Weezer. So excited to have another album that demands cover to cover listening. Instrumentals work perfectly with Rivers voice and the Pinkerton esc. lyrics are a joy. An instant classic
  13. CoolcidProd
    May 8, 2021
    9
    One of the bigger releases of Weezer’s catalog, and an unexpected hit at that!

    Best songs: All my favorite songs, grapes of wrath (both catchy af), mirror image (great lyrics) and Worst song: Screens (the lyrics are “the world is ending because people won’t stop looking at their phones”, otherwise kinda catchy)
  14. mte122
    May 7, 2021
    9
    After a run of a few color-by-the-numbers Weezer records, I was excited to see what would come of OK Human based on the single All My Favorite Songs, which I thought was an amazing track when it released. OK Human gave a wonderful, relatable, quirky, enjoyable spin on struggles that unfortunately became far too real in 2020. Not a single unlikable track on the album, only one track thatAfter a run of a few color-by-the-numbers Weezer records, I was excited to see what would come of OK Human based on the single All My Favorite Songs, which I thought was an amazing track when it released. OK Human gave a wonderful, relatable, quirky, enjoyable spin on struggles that unfortunately became far too real in 2020. Not a single unlikable track on the album, only one track that has a bit of a tired subject matter (people playing video games and watching YouTube) that dampens the awesomeness of the track (Screens). Overall, my second favorite Weezer album now, after Pinkerton. Excited to see what comes of Weezer, especially now that we have heard Van Weezer, and we don't have much of an idea what comes next.… Expand
  15. Ahmeier
    Apr 3, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing and original word from everyone’s favorite band.
    The new work of Weezer count with 13 songs recorded with a 38-piece orchestra and we’re delightful to say that this is one of the best Weezer albums, for sure.    … Expand
  16. Datishat
    Mar 11, 2021
    9
    This is the best Weezer album in a long time. I enjoyed the singles from the Teal album, however, that wasn't a REAL Weezer Album. The hyped-up black album was nothing but disappointing. This album creates an argument for the greatest Weezer album of the 21st century.
  17. Piracy
    Mar 11, 2021
    10
    Ok Human got me into Weezer again after years of work that didnt stick out. Every song is solid & its an incredibly compelling & easy listen.
  18. thegetaway
    Mar 11, 2021
    10
    A musical triumph! It's everything a Weezer album, or any album should be, and it's clear that a lot of thought and care went into the making of this perfect record.
  19. Risewalker80
    Mar 1, 2021
    9
    Best Weezer album since Pinkerton. Fantastic production and super tight songwriting.
  20. MrPingTheKing
    Feb 15, 2021
    9
    This weezer album proves that they still have all the creativity and talent since the blue album. My only complaint being that it is a little short, but that could be seen as a compliment.
  21. Viktor85
    Feb 15, 2021
    9
    One of the only recent albums I want to listen to from start to finish. Like someone else already said this album is excellently sequenced, which makes this album better than the sum of its parts. I have enjoyed all recent Weezer albums to some extent, but this one might even overtake the White Album as their best album of the 2000s.
  22. JLuis_001
    Feb 12, 2021
    4
    Weezer stopped taking themselves seriously as musicians many, many years ago, and so I did the same.

    I wouldn't say they've become a parody, but evidently their music over the years has shown a pitiful inconsistency. You have to be honest, after the green album, I doubt that anyone outside of their fans can say that there is any real significant difference in their sound or style.    Weezer stopped taking themselves seriously as musicians many, many years ago, and so I did the same.

    I wouldn't say they've become a parody, but evidently their music over the years has shown a pitiful inconsistency.

    You have to be honest, after the green album, I doubt that anyone outside of their fans can say that there is any real significant difference in their sound or style. And I'm talking about 10 albums. And that's not counting the delayed Van Weezer.

    OK Human is just Rivers Cuomo again turning the same ideas around and making it very clear that being prolific is not the same as being good.

    Even considering all the demos that he just put up for sale, I doubt there is much material in their vaults considering how much material they end up releasing regardless of the quality of it.

    OK Human is just one more time, more of the same.
    I respect the band having fun, they've built a career and a fan base that way, but personally I didn't find anything really salvageable or noteworthy on this disappointing album.

    Notable Tracks

    > Playing My Piano
    > Bird With A Broken Wing
    > La Brea Tar Pits    … Expand
  23. kazpereira
    Feb 12, 2021
    10
    It is astonishing how, without his electric guitar, Rivers has found a new sonic home in this brilliant 12 song opus. Featuring a magnificent orchestra arrangement, OK Human is undoubtedly his most solid, inspired and stable work in 20 years.
  24. connordalzin
    Feb 12, 2021
    7
    A very interesting change of pace for one of the the most inconsistent bands of all time. Weezer changed up their sound by having the whole album backed by an orchestra and it’s actually stunning. The transitions between songs are so smooth and make it not a drag to listen to the whole thing. It is as theatrical and over dramatic as I’ve ever heard from the band.

    The lyrics are    A very interesting change of pace for one of the the most inconsistent bands of all time. Weezer changed up their sound by having the whole album backed by an orchestra and it’s actually stunning. The transitions between songs are so smooth and make it not a drag to listen to the whole thing. It is as theatrical and over dramatic as I’ve ever heard from the band.

    The lyrics are Weezer's typical brand of immature, cheesy, and angsty, but even more sad than usual. While the lyrics can be really rough at times, it all seems genuine. It discusses the very relatable depression that has built up in the past year, like getting sick of routine, only listening to sad songs and not showering for a week but feeling free when you play the piano. My favorite track, “Numbers”, is about numbers always making you feel bad about yourself whether it’s your IQ, weight or bank account. The chorus somehow feels equally uplifting as it does melancholy.

    The lead single, All My Favorite Songs, is a perfect example of how I feel about most tracks. The first listen I think they are basic trash, but with each listen it becomes more and more of an anthem and turns into this therapeutic release I love singing along too. I feel like I shouldn't like it but I do. Ok Human is almost like AJR matured and refined their sound into something not terrible and it kind of works for them, which is so weird to say.

    With each repeated listen I just buy it more. Sure it is odd that Weezer always makes music like a teenager, but there is a charm to it. There are songs that still feel way too cheesy like “Here Comes the Rain'' and, “Bird With a Broken Wing” and I do think the first half of this album is stronger than the second, but overall this was a pretty enjoyable Weezer album and their best since the White Album. It’s still very Weezer, so if you don’t enjoy them I don’t think that will change, but if you are a fan and have not revisited an album of theirs in a while, I recommend it.

    Best Songs: Numbers, Aloo Gobi, All My Favorite Songs, Grapes of Wrath, Dead Roses

    Worst Songs: Here Comes the Rain, Bird With a Broken Wing    … Expand
  25. lazrpo
    Feb 11, 2021
    8
    Shockingly good and shows that an experiment can lead to a fantastic outcome.

    After releasing The Black Album, which I feel is one of their worst of their catalogue, Rivers and co. have released its antithesis in the form of OK Human. Accompanied with a 38-piece orchestra, Weezer have created an interesting blend of baroque-pop and their signature sound, resulting in catchy, beautiful    Shockingly good and shows that an experiment can lead to a fantastic outcome.

    After releasing The Black Album, which I feel is one of their worst of their catalogue, Rivers and co. have released its antithesis in the form of OK Human. Accompanied with a 38-piece orchestra, Weezer have created an interesting blend of baroque-pop and their signature sound, resulting in catchy, beautiful melodies that stick in your head like a piano-driven parasite. Though the cheese can sometimes get cranked up to 10, the lyrics take a significantly mature direction on the album, with Rivers trading his infatuation with the ladies and wanting to party for more introspective things like his slob-like tendencies mid-quarantine, the world's addiction to clout, or his coming of age, not wanting to be seen as a has-been after decades of writing music.

    Songs like "Grapes of Wrath" and "Dead Roses" are certainly standouts for me, though the entire album is an absolute masterpiece and is warranted a listen.    … Expand
  26. ABDOSAJI
    Feb 8, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great chamber pop style production. One of their best since the White Album… Expand
  27. robalarcon
    Feb 8, 2021
    10
    Rivers Cuomo said at some point that he wouldn't write another record like Pinkerton (citation needed I know) but I think he just did it, OK HUMAN is my favorite weezer album after pinkerton and blue it is a complete enjoy listening to these themes of the lockdown, the orchestra is delightful and somehow I have the sense that the band really liked to play/record this album, if I need toRivers Cuomo said at some point that he wouldn't write another record like Pinkerton (citation needed I know) but I think he just did it, OK HUMAN is my favorite weezer album after pinkerton and blue it is a complete enjoy listening to these themes of the lockdown, the orchestra is delightful and somehow I have the sense that the band really liked to play/record this album, if I need to say a bad thing of the record is that is too short.
    The first single is good, the second song of the record is really good too (you might need to search about the meaning of some things mentioned in the song), now Grapes of Wrath, Numbers and Playing my Piano are my favorite, so strong somehow find myself singing these songs in my head all day long. The rest of the album is delightful and I highly recommend you to get this on vinyl, cassette, cd or your spotify and enjoy this because I don't think we'll see another weezer record like this in a long time. Cheers.    … Expand
  28. mrweerez
    Feb 5, 2021
    9
    Now that I've been able to stew with OKH for a week I'm ready to share my initial impressions. I waited until Friday evening one week ago to listen to it for the first time. I had 5 close friends and family members over for a listening party. A couple of those people are very casual Weezer fans, and the others are a little less casual.
    Everyone really enjoyed the album. For a couple of    Now that I've been able to stew with OKH for a week I'm ready to share my initial impressions. I waited until Friday evening one week ago to listen to it for the first time. I had 5 close friends and family members over for a listening party. A couple of those people are very casual Weezer fans, and the others are a little less casual.
    Everyone really enjoyed the album. For a couple of them it restored their faith that modern Weezer can still put a great album together. The commentary we had going about the album was so much fun! It was awesome to just sit and listen together. Each track seamlessly led into the next, and each track brought with it so many cool surprises. The album is incredibly well produced and keeps bringing me back for listen after listen. I'm trying not to wear it out, but it doesn't seem to be losing it's flavor for me. This album is rich with nuance and varried instrumentation. Everything from Rivers' songwriting to the rest of the band's contributions are all spot on. Brian's backing vocals are fantastic, but I wish they were brought up a little higher in the mix. I'm not sure if Scott had any backing vocal contribution, but his bass playing was great as usual. Pat's drumming was off the charts! They achieved such a great, crisp, punchy drum sound on this record.
    *AMFS - 8/10 I like the song a lot, but it's one of the weaker tracks. It's a great intro into the album.
    *Aloo Gobi - 9/10 such a fun song! Fantastic bridge. One of the more nuanced songs instramentally. That bridge!
    *Grapes of Wrath - 9/10 What a groovy tune. If the album had another single this would have to be it. These track transitions and sequencing are the best on any Weezer album, period.
    *Numbers - 10/10 One of the best songs Rivers has ever penned. I get teary every time I listen to this track. The bridge is absolutely brilliance! "I'm a 1 I'm a 0, in the end does it matter?...But the numbers don't compute, when we love and the 2 becomes 1." Are you freaking kidding me Rivers? Damn!
    *Playing My Piano - 9/10 "I just can't let gooooooo" I love this track. Rivers' vocals are top notch (as it is on the entire album), and once again the bridge is fantastic!
    *Mirror Image - 10/10 Short, sweet, and to the point. This song makes for a great interlude and bridges the two halves of the album nicely. Pat's drumming and the backing vocals really shine on this track.
    *Screens - 7/10 Though this is the weakest of the tracks, I still really like it. That thumping beat perfectly kicks off the 2nd half of the album. Weakest lyrics on the album, but nothing bad here. I love the horns on this track. Love the outro, "I miss my friends! I miss my family!"
    *Bird With a Broken Wing - 10/10 This is what I feel to be one of the most honest and personal tracks on the album. Lyrically and musically beautiful. That chorus! That bridge! I can't even begin to express how grateful I am that Rivers is writing his age. Please please keep this up!
    *Dead Roses - 10/10 Like an intro to a great Bond movie, this upbeat yet minor and tragic track keep the momentum and mood going strong to begin winding up the album. These are among Rivers' most poetic and Gothic lyrics he's ever written. Bravo! Keep writing songs like this.
    *Everything Happens For a Reason - 8/10 Probably should have just been added to the intro of HCTR. I like it. It's nice.
    *Here Comes The Rain - 8/10 This song is a ton of fun! It brings a needed lighthearted lift to the more dramatic previous few tracks. Another outstanding bridge here and great vocal delivery. I love the little vocal nuances Rivers delivers throughout this whole album.
    *La Brea Tar Pits - 10/10 Not the closer I was expecting, but that's what I love about it. Extremely interesting musically, and closes the album out perfectly thematically. This track has been discussed heavily on the boards, so I don't have a lot more to add, but I love it! A perfect closer to an album I consider to be a masterpiece.
    I am so so happy and grateful to have a Weezer album of this caliber in 2021. I would have never guessed that they could reach or exceed what they achieved with White, but they did! God bless you Rivers, Pat, Scott, and Jake Sinclair for so artfully and meticulously creating this album. It is easily the best sequenced Weezer album ever and certainly holds its own as a Weezer classic. I've never had an emotional connection quite as strong as I do to this album. It resonates with me right now in my life more than any other Weezer album has been able to. There have been many Weezer songs that have resonated with me on a very emotional level over the years, but this album experience was very special to me. My hats off to you Weezer!    … Expand
  29. RevolvedTekno
    Feb 5, 2021
    8
    A beautiful album, filled with powerful orchestral movements that fit perfectly with Weezer's indie rock style, as well as moving and well written lyrics that tie the project together well.
  30. conorcaldwell
    Feb 5, 2021
    4
    Maybe better than their last few albums, but that bar is SUPER low. Bonus point or two for mixing up the production and bringing in the orchestral arrangements. That is cool at times... but otherwise this is blah. I listened once and probably never will again.
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Mar 2, 2021
    90
    An unlikely masterpiece. [Apr 2021, p.89]
  2. Mojo
    Feb 19, 2021
    80
    It's Numbers that punches hardest, it's compassionate message about the futility of measuring ourselves against others deftly handled. [Apr 2021, p.86]
  3. Under The Radar
    Feb 3, 2021
    70
    The record isn’t groundbreaking material, but it’s definitely nice to have a new Weezer album that isn’t trying to recreate their old material and instead looks to the future of their sound.
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