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. Danorganplayer
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    Absolutely incredible album. A true masterpiece in every sense of the word.
  2. durham1984
    Feb 2, 2021
    10
    Best Weezer album in over a decade, the orchestra really sounds fantastic alongside Cuomo's vocals.
  3. 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.
  4. Bblunty
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    Short but so sweet, Aloo Gobi will probably be one of my favorite songs of the year. Thanks Weezer.
  5. greggraham
    Jan 30, 2021
    10
    After 10+ listens I can happily say: Finally, it seems we have another classic Weezer record.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. jdizzy189
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    This is seriously the best Weezer album since Pinkerton. It’s incredible they can produce material of this caliber so far along in their career.
  11. Clayyo
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    The Broadway, Randy Newmanesque, Pet Sounds album from Weezer is the most musically complex to date. Many will hate this, mostly those who place Weezer between Blue and Pink. I won’t get mad at them, this is something completely different. It shows a different side of Weezer’s creativity that is hard not to appreciate. I love it.
  12. mikerailey
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    Incredible melodies, personal lyrics, ethereal arrangement provided by a 38-piece orchestra. The album ties itself together in its efficiency and the themes of technology, loneliness, and disillusionment of everyday patterns we fall into.
  13. KungLaosHat
    Jan 30, 2021
    10
    A love letter to Abbey Road and the great singer-songwriter albums of the past when albums actually mattered, OK Human is easily Weezer’s most competent and cohesive album since Pinkerton, which in itself is a triumph the group.

    But the crowning achievement isn’t the coherent, flowing track structure or serene production with orchestral backing (which sounds beautiful, along with Pat    A love letter to Abbey Road and the great singer-songwriter albums of the past when albums actually mattered, OK Human is easily Weezer’s most competent and cohesive album since Pinkerton, which in itself is a triumph the group.

    But the crowning achievement isn’t the coherent, flowing track structure or serene production with orchestral backing (which sounds beautiful, along with Pat Wilson’s effective and inspired drumming), it’s the strength of Cuomo-penned tracks. The songs effectively bounce from noticeable bits of McCartney-inspired piano and vocal licks to soaring Beach Boys harmonies, and even brief shades of Randy Newman, while retaining Cuomo’s signature knack for ear-worm melodic choruses and reminding you at every turn this is still the group who wrote Buddy Holly. Highlights include Bird With A Broken Wing and Numbers, both tracks flex Cuomo’s often under appreciated (or unnoticed) talent as a truly great American songwriter, that recently we only see rare glimpses of, but he reaches corners and stretches to areas we have suspected but never knew he was truly capable of.

    The soaring, catchy, yet emotionally melancholic chorus of Bird With A Broken Wing is the absolute best of classic Weezer in every way, but manages to sound vibrant, new and refreshing due to due the serious, poetic subject matter, Jake Sinclair’s sleek production, and new orchestral arrangement with the band. Change the arrangement on this track in the right ways and you could squeeze it into a 90s weezer catalogue and it would hold its own as a classic. However, where the band and Cuomo truly break new ground as an act is with his ability in both tracks to create earnest, heart-wrenching break downs during the bridge. “Nothing matter’s in the world, and everyone is free. But I’ll belong to you if you believe in me.” Cuomo admits in the emotional release of the song, as the orchestra fades out. He’s written arguably perfect, emotional bridges in the past, but none in this sort of context where he proves he can make moving, well-crafted songs that stand on their own without the all the bells and whistles that come along with chugging electric guitars and modern music production. This album isn’t going to define the decade or probably even the year, but art needs to be examined in context. Weezer have set out to do something they’ve never done before, that many would say they’re incapable of, and not only succeeded at it but proven they’re quite good at it, and I don’t see how this record could’ve come out better. Perhaps it was chart-chasing and misinformed views on what type of music they “had to” make that prevented them from stretching their wings for so long.    … Expand
  14. catric4
    Jan 30, 2021
    10
    Probably the best album I listened to in years and definitely their best since Pinkerton. I'm glad Rivers is finally listening to himself instead of other people's opinions and not trying to please anyone. The instrumentals, the strings especially are amazing and emotionally, it feels really strong. Good job guys and thank you for this beautiful album.
  15. Daniel4030
    Jan 31, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Weezer is always Weezer, if that makes sense. There’s always some great songs on each album, but not a great cohesive album - not for awhile now. But wow. Rolling Stone gives an above mediocre rating, but this has been my favorite album of theirs in a long time. Almost instantly. It’s just deeper, musically. More complex. The hooks are great. The stretch from Grapes of Wrath to Numbers to Playing My Piano is the best three song jaunt they’ve had in the second half of their career. I’m super happy with this.… Expand
  16. Tyleroch
    Jan 31, 2021
    10
    An absolute classic front to back. Fantastic songs and amazing strings arrangement and booming drums! A Weezer album that sounds so different yet so much like Weezer. A must listen!
  17. willguitar100
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    This album is so incredible in so many ways. It has wonderful sequencing, as well as a variety of unexplored themes and ideas from Rivers. The production is outstanding. It's particularly clean for a primarily analog recording. There are lots of lyrical highlights here too such as "dripping down from major to mixolydian". Unfortunately, the lyrics are a sticking point to many critics,This album is so incredible in so many ways. It has wonderful sequencing, as well as a variety of unexplored themes and ideas from Rivers. The production is outstanding. It's particularly clean for a primarily analog recording. There are lots of lyrical highlights here too such as "dripping down from major to mixolydian". Unfortunately, the lyrics are a sticking point to many critics, though they are often very clever and written about far more personal experiences than most are lead to believe. It's a short and concise album that never overstays its welcome while still taking you on an entire journey. I can't list a single track that I don't like. Easily their best work since the White Album, and a potential personal contender as top 4 Weezer.… Expand
  18. h3nrydimo
    Feb 2, 2021
    10
    This is their best album since Pinkerton I didn’t think I would ever hear a new Weezer album this good
  19. maxwellwood
    Feb 3, 2021
    10
    We don’t have many examples of rock artists aging gracefully, moving on from anxious records about love to records that reflect the serenity and anxiety of aging. Weezer has been one of worst offenders, with several albums positioning Rivers as a teenage narrator. But OK Human is a beautiful reflection of what it means to be, well, an OK human — maturing and making life work in this weird,We don’t have many examples of rock artists aging gracefully, moving on from anxious records about love to records that reflect the serenity and anxiety of aging. Weezer has been one of worst offenders, with several albums positioning Rivers as a teenage narrator. But OK Human is a beautiful reflection of what it means to be, well, an OK human — maturing and making life work in this weird, chaotic world.… Expand
  20. Btru
    Feb 4, 2021
    10
    Perfectly captures pandemic loneliness set in beautiful orchestral arrangements that deliver on melancholy but offer glimpses of hope.
  21. TheRatKing
    Feb 4, 2021
    10
    An incredible album and one of the best in Weezer's discography. The move away from guitars turned out to be a welcome one this time out.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. memeSchool
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    [July 25, 2021; Metacritic...] I love Weezer so much This album sounds so good.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. vyingformytime
    Jan 29, 2021
    9
    This is classic Weezer with a twist. Not to mention some of the catchiest tunes since White.
  29. jmush
    Jan 30, 2021
    9
    A rare true work of art from Weezer. Navigating their vast discography can be a minefield, but OK Human is front to back good and deserves to be heard in one sitting.
  30. bleed0range
    Jan 29, 2021
    9
    A fantastic record that explores the mundane, lonely every day life of Rivers Cuomo. The orchestra never made me miss the guitars. It never gets big and bombastic, it stays focused and small. Like the life he’s describing, like the attention stolen away for a moment by screens and how all of this is just kind of a bummer but, “oh well.” There’s hope to find something more and findA fantastic record that explores the mundane, lonely every day life of Rivers Cuomo. The orchestra never made me miss the guitars. It never gets big and bombastic, it stays focused and small. Like the life he’s describing, like the attention stolen away for a moment by screens and how all of this is just kind of a bummer but, “oh well.” There’s hope to find something more and find something new to say in here too. It’s the most real dive into Cuomo’s psyche since the days of Pinkerton. Mostly all Cuomo only tunes, save for the single, it explores territory that would only occur to, uniquely, Rivers. It isn’t perfect but then what is? A message in the album itself.… Expand
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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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