Pacific Daydream
by Weezer
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 27, 2017
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 123 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 123
  3. Negative: 36 out of 123
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  1. nce93
    May 10, 2021
    7
    My first listen was hard to handle because I put so much weight into tracks I really don't like that are at the beginning of the album (beach boys, feels like summer, happy hour). However, when listening to the other 7 tracks on their own, you recognize how much talent is on display for this outing. QB Blitz, Mexican Fender, and Weekend Woman are insanely catchy. This album feels likeMy first listen was hard to handle because I put so much weight into tracks I really don't like that are at the beginning of the album (beach boys, feels like summer, happy hour). However, when listening to the other 7 tracks on their own, you recognize how much talent is on display for this outing. QB Blitz, Mexican Fender, and Weekend Woman are insanely catchy. This album feels like taking a second chance on the pop rock feel of Ratitude, and in many ways it outshined the predecessor. I congratulate Weezer on continuing to stay relevant and am happy "feels like summer" did well, even though it was not for me. Old school Weezer fans will probably not be happy, but they should give the second half of the album a chance, because it feels true to the band's quirkier, poppier, and more experimental side when it pays off.… Expand
  2. SherlockKiweez
    Mar 22, 2021
    5
    Overall pretty boring and not interesting. Especially "Feels like Summer" is Rivers literally trying to desperately write a TOP 10 pop hit and it is not working. But mexican fender is one of the best weezer songs of the 2010s. All in all this album is meh/okay.
  3. Seffor
    Jun 22, 2020
    8
    A great pop-rock album. That's all it is. Many are disappointed that there isn't "le crunchy guitar tone" but tbh? who. cares. Rivers has eclectic musical tastes. Maybe it's time more weezer fans do too.
  4. SethF34
    Apr 29, 2020
    4
    This album was pretty inconsistent. I loved a few songs, such as Get Right, but there were some absolute misses here. It is definitely not Weezer's worst though.
  5. Mongie
    Nov 29, 2019
    7
    Less like EWBAITE and White, back to being a bit more electronic, but still an enjoyable album with plenty of Weezerness.
  6. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    4
    More like Pacific Nightmare.
    Of course, after making two great-ass albums, Weezer messes everything up, with what is easily the worst album they've released this decade (up to this point).
    Rivers is back to sounding plain as a brick, and I've heard spoken-word with more enthusiasm, more energy than he gives on choruses like "Beach Boys". He does have some decent moments, of course, and    More like Pacific Nightmare.
    Of course, after making two great-ass albums, Weezer messes everything up, with what is easily the worst album they've released this decade (up to this point).
    Rivers is back to sounding plain as a brick, and I've heard spoken-word with more enthusiasm, more energy than he gives on choruses like "Beach Boys". He does have some decent moments, of course, and one a couple of songs, he can sound pretty alright. The guitars have been deleted, and, unlike White, which kinda had the same problem, nothing else makes up for it. Hell, there was only one solo! And, though, admittedly quite a great solo that suits the song, it's an acoustic solo! C'mon Weezer, Brian Bell exists!
    The lyrics are back to a terrible level. Apparently, Cuomo started using spreadsheets to write lyrics back in 2010, and this easily the most blatant example of this, with songs so bland that they've transcended. The album fails to be as fun as its predecessor, and most songs end up being repetitive messes.
    But, the album has some OK tracks, that saves it from being a complete mess. 'Pacific Daydream' is at its best (and I use the term loosely) when it's being loud and fun, and some songs, like "Weekend Woman" or "Happy Hour" manage to do that. Sure, I'd never return to them, but they're not bad.
    Overall, this album was quite a disappointment. It's got some of Weezer's worst material and were it not for some mediocre tracks that happen about every once-in-a-while, I would regard it as just behind Ratitude. Weezer might be one of the most inconsistent bands I've ever heard. And this got a Grammy nomination? What?
    Favourites: Weekend Woman, QB Blitz
    Least Favourites: Feels Like Summer, Beach Boys, La Mancha Screwjob    … Expand
  7. Tigs
    Mar 1, 2019
    6
    This is probably the 2nd time I have fully listened to this album. Weekend Woman is the best song on this album.
  8. peo
    Mar 1, 2019
    5
    it has some of the worst weezer work. Beach boys and happy hour are awful , anyway there are some good songs like mexican guitars , sweet mary or weekend woman . The rest its just meh..

    this album doesnt have a clear concept and thats make pacific daydream even worst.

    Pd: I have to say that i love the artwork and the album title
  9. MysticManiac
    Jan 4, 2019
    5
    Another forgettable album by Weezer. You won't enjoy this album as much as the White album so if you didn't like the white album, this won't do anything for you and if you did like the White album, this will likely be a disappointment. Still some decent tracks on it. I'm one of the few people who actually liked Feels Like Summer (although it's not one of their best songs) but that'sAnother forgettable album by Weezer. You won't enjoy this album as much as the White album so if you didn't like the white album, this won't do anything for you and if you did like the White album, this will likely be a disappointment. Still some decent tracks on it. I'm one of the few people who actually liked Feels Like Summer (although it's not one of their best songs) but that's probably the best track on this thing. Other alright songs are Weekend Woman, Sweet Mary and Mexican Fender but even those tracks don't do much for me.… Expand
  10. Ricko
    May 30, 2018
    7
    Once Rivers Cuomo gets a creative streak he really goes for it. 2010's "Death To False Metal" was their 4th album in 3 years but the quality of that Weezer period was such that you would have struggled to get one great album from all the albums combined. There must have been a moment when Cuomo realised this as we had a 4 year hiatus. Now in what could be seen as the 4th age of Weezer weOnce Rivers Cuomo gets a creative streak he really goes for it. 2010's "Death To False Metal" was their 4th album in 3 years but the quality of that Weezer period was such that you would have struggled to get one great album from all the albums combined. There must have been a moment when Cuomo realised this as we had a 4 year hiatus. Now in what could be seen as the 4th age of Weezer we are on another roll of 3 albums in 3 years. 2014's "Everything Will Be Alright In The End" was a return to respectability while 2016's "White" was a true return to form and arguably the bands best work in 20 years. Album number 3 in the sequence is this one, "Pacific Daydream". While a qualified success, it fails to build on the momentum of its predecessors. Credit to the band for changing direction - Cuomo's incredible ear for a melodic riff is evident albeit watered down but the band have taken a completely different approach to the production of this album. We get attempts at radio pop rather than nerdy surf rock. It's this production which is the main problem with the album. The sound of "White" brought back memories their 90's peak and the songs were strong. "Pacific Daydream" sounds smooth and while it's an enjoyable listen it lacks edge.… Expand
  11. stgrunu
    Mar 26, 2018
    5
    This just feels like a b-side album and it's really not good. There's like 4 good songs at best and most of the album is just plain boring.
  12. MacsMusic
    Mar 23, 2018
    6
    Lots of people really dislike PD. Many Weezer fans don't like the change in style, and one critic said that "Feel Like Summer" is one of the worst songs of 2017. Thing is, I am not a huge Weezer fan. PD is the first album of their's that I really listened to, and I honestly don't hate it. The offbeat lyrics and unimpressive vocals are appealing and work alright with the often upbeat music.Lots of people really dislike PD. Many Weezer fans don't like the change in style, and one critic said that "Feel Like Summer" is one of the worst songs of 2017. Thing is, I am not a huge Weezer fan. PD is the first album of their's that I really listened to, and I honestly don't hate it. The offbeat lyrics and unimpressive vocals are appealing and work alright with the often upbeat music. "Beach Boys" and "Happy Hour" are really enjoyable and crazy catchy. "Weekend Woman" has a really nice, enjoyable chorus. "QB Blitz" fails a bit in the music department, but the lyrics are fairly interesting. "Sweet Mary" honestly has some real heart in the lyrics and music, and I like it as a result. "Get Right" has weird production; you can barely even hear what it's saying unit it hits the chorus. The chorus gets old fast, and the same can be said of the song. "Screwjob" starts off with some cool music, but the rest of the song is pretty dull. It is the worst song on the album lyrically, just behind "Feels Like Summer." Speaking of "Summer", I really don't hate that song. The music and production are pretty smooth and pretty epic. Still, the lyrics are not much. The final song is insanely repetitive and annoyingly catchy. The repetitive makes it easy to hate. In the end, PD didn't give me anything amazing, but does have a few enjoyable songs. My favorites are "Beach Boys" and "Happy Hour." The weaker songs on this album are the reason for the low score.… Expand
  13. Applecrunch
    Mar 6, 2018
    8
    I thought it was really good weezer tried something new it might not worked to many but it did to me Trying to be a rock band in he 21st century so good for them for going with there gut. also if you want a second blue album go Listen to the actual blue album thx
    :D
  14. kylewagoner
    Feb 9, 2018
    2
    I initially wrote a review on my Facebook wall after listening to this a few times. I scored each song very generously, in my opinion, and determined there are about 3 songs with any melodies worthy of ever hearing again and the rest were either instantly forgettable or outrageously horrendous. Now looking back months later, I have to say that this album is about as forgettable as itI initially wrote a review on my Facebook wall after listening to this a few times. I scored each song very generously, in my opinion, and determined there are about 3 songs with any melodies worthy of ever hearing again and the rest were either instantly forgettable or outrageously horrendous. Now looking back months later, I have to say that this album is about as forgettable as it gets, but unfortunately not so forgettable that I can literally write it off as never happening. The highlight for me is easily "Weekend Woman" which is only somewhat good because the melody was written in 1999 or so. I saw someone on here say that this isn't as bad as Make Believe which made me literally laugh out loud. This is as bad as it's ever been. I'd say as bad as it gets, but I cannot underestimate Cuomo enough it seems. Clearly wanted to make a modern pop album with the assistance of modern pop songwriters (none of whom are actual "artists", just largely white dudes who get rich off of writing radio hits), and I can say that he achieve din writing an album that sounds like a modern pop album except NO ONE CARED. A few publications gave it 3/5 so they could keep Weezer in their good graces but for real, who is this for? A casual Spotify listener? Hoping to get their songs in as many playlists as possible? I can't rationalize the decisions other than Cuomo seems desperate to stay relevant and he's going down the same road every other rock band is going down. Have you noticed that? Pick any band that was popular between 1995 and 2005, ask yourself if they're still together, and then listen to their most recent release. It's probably going to go down this same road. I could go on for way longer but I'm already just ranting at this point. Rivers has written some of my favorite music of all time and I am just forever disappointed in seeing how low he will go. This is the first album of theirs (outside of DTFM) that I cannot defend at all. I fear the Black Album will be just as bad, if not worse. Rivers is becoming further and further someone whose music I can relate to and that's an endless bummer.… Expand
  15. brufrog
    Dec 15, 2017
    1
    This is even worse than Raditude, which is saying a lot. Overproduced, autotuned, and with terribly fake sounding drums. The songwriting is lazy and lacks any edge. It is a shame because the last two albums were really good. This album made this big Weezer fan angry. and I'm not one of those that only likes the first 2 or 3 records.
  16. duritzfan13
    Nov 25, 2017
    10
    just because this doesn't sound exactly like older weezer doesn't mean it's automatically bad. this is a SUPER solid record. give it a shot. really strong, catchy songs. "la mancha screwjob" and "sweet mary" are two favorites right now.
  17. CarelessQuill
    Nov 23, 2017
    7
    It's a pretty decent pop effort from Weezer. The lyrics are questionable at some points, and the production polish sort of irons-out the humanity a little bit, but the songs are there, and those catch choruses will get in your head. Listen to this one with an open mind though.
  18. brysonjake
    Nov 15, 2017
    7
    It's hard to write a review for an album when you're a fan of alt-rock Weezer and you get at best a pop-rock album (mostly pop).

    You can hear the potential in this album, the melodies and hooks are in the right places - but for most Weezer fans there is something missing here. The instrumentation just sounds too overproduced and like it could have done by another mainstream pop artist.    It's hard to write a review for an album when you're a fan of alt-rock Weezer and you get at best a pop-rock album (mostly pop).

    You can hear the potential in this album, the melodies and hooks are in the right places - but for most Weezer fans there is something missing here. The instrumentation just sounds too overproduced and like it could have done by another mainstream pop artist. The album definitely has a consistent vibe, which I think is positive, but I ended up feeling a bit sickly by the end of the album; yearning for more guitars and more rock.

    There are tracks on here that are likeable - see 'Mexican Fender' & 'QB Blitz', that have a more atypical Weezer style; great melodies and quirky lyrics. 'Happy Hour' is an example of where their pop experiment works, some of the lyrics in it are suspect, but they work against the mellow, sunshine vibes of the song.

    This would have stood as a strong pop album were it not for a couple of big misfires, namely 'Feels Like Summer' & 'Beach Boys'. The former just feels too far from Weezer that even repeated listens haven't saved it, it just feels too commercialized and lacking in soul. The latter is catchy, it isn't a bad song per se, but the lyrics are some of the worst I've experienced, in any song, really.

    Overall, the album feels like an unnecessary experiment, but fair play to them for trying something with a different vibe. Some of it works, some of it hurts. We all know Rivers & the band can make top quality music but it depends on their focus. No one minds experimenting, but perhaps next time they should do it within the genre they are famed and loved for? Either that or... release the album under a different name? Save themselves some backlash! This is a decent album, but not a great Weezer album.    … Expand
  19. oliviaemilyj
    Nov 13, 2017
    5
    Honestly I expected so much more from them. There are a few standouts, but the rest of it is underwhelming. I love Weezer, but I do not love this album. I have faith that they will make more music that I enjoy in the future.
  20. allisonjane65
    Nov 12, 2017
    2
    There's not much I can add to the other critical reviews. Weezer must be one of the most inconsistent bands out there, and unfortunately Pacific Daydream is up there, if not on a par with their very worst.
  21. antmolly1995
    Nov 7, 2017
    2
    Weezer have put a few albums out in quick succession in recent years but quantity and quality don't always go together as this offering proves. As others have said, PD is a career low.
  22. krado
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    Have played it over and over a couple times this week. River has the knack to write catchy tunes and keep a good mix of that rock with some pop. Notable standouts: Beach Boys, Feels like summer, happy hour, weekend woman.
  23. mrweerez
    Nov 6, 2017
    8
    This album has been a bit of a grower for me. The initial reaction to this album is that it doesn't sound like Weezer. Where are the crunchy guitars, the doubled vocals, the orgasm inducing guitar solos? It wasn't until after giving this album repeated listens, and after reading some very insightful interviews that were done with Rivers and company that I really began to appreciate thisThis album has been a bit of a grower for me. The initial reaction to this album is that it doesn't sound like Weezer. Where are the crunchy guitars, the doubled vocals, the orgasm inducing guitar solos? It wasn't until after giving this album repeated listens, and after reading some very insightful interviews that were done with Rivers and company that I really began to appreciate this album. This album is fresh! This album doesn't rehash past albums in any way. This record is mature and full of instrumental expertise. Scott Shriner's bass finally gets a chance to shine and he totally devastates on this record. Pacific Daydream has the best bass parts to ever grace a Weezer record. It's a shame to see a work of art so misunderstood by so many listeners and critics alike. This is a great Weezer album, and would hope that it becomes better understood over time. It took a little while for this album to click for me. It was in those moments when I was driving alone at night or laying in bed with my headphones in and the lyrics up on the screen that I really began to understand and appreciate this album. A job well done Weezer!… Expand
  24. pezbalubah
    Nov 3, 2017
    2
    There are about 3 songs on this album that I can listen to. They're not even up to par with some of their recent B-sides. I have always found something to like in Weezer albums but Raditude, Hurley, and even the black sheep DTFM are better albums than this one. The sad truth is that Rivers has terrible taste in music while also being a composer capable of genius (including White andThere are about 3 songs on this album that I can listen to. They're not even up to par with some of their recent B-sides. I have always found something to like in Weezer albums but Raditude, Hurley, and even the black sheep DTFM are better albums than this one. The sad truth is that Rivers has terrible taste in music while also being a composer capable of genius (including White and EWBAITE). This album shows him to be a follower rather than the leader we know he is capable of being. You would think rave reviews of EWBAITE and a Grammy nod for White would satisfy him. The truth is he doesn't want music fans. The fan club has been left dormant. He wants that soccer mom and teenager money.… Expand
  25. Edgar821
    Nov 3, 2017
    9
    Weezer bring back the pop experimentation seen on some of their less acclaimed albums, this time getting it right. Essentially different from last year's White Album, but still an enjoyable listen.
  26. Music_Observer
    Nov 2, 2017
    4
    There was almost no worthwhile musicality present in this work, with tasteless melodies that lack any strong harmonic tendencies and disastrous synthetic sounds within bleak and prescribed instrumentation creating a dreary and unsettling album that could only possibly appeal to the musically immature. My Score: 79/180 (Bad) = 4.4/10
  27. minime
    Nov 2, 2017
    10
    Can't stop listening to this. I've never been a fan, but this is a game changer. If you love pop, this is the gold standard. So sweet, so perfect. I loved it from the moment I heard it.
  28. GerardistheWay
    Nov 1, 2017
    7
    “We belong in the rock world,” Rivers Cuomo opined on Weezer’s late-career gem Everything Will Be Alright in the End, and many of us would very much agree. Their Raditude days are probably best forgotten, which is why some of you out there in the Weezerverse no doubt balked at the distinctly pop production present on Pacific Daydream. For these people this step backward may be“We belong in the rock world,” Rivers Cuomo opined on Weezer’s late-career gem Everything Will Be Alright in the End, and many of us would very much agree. Their Raditude days are probably best forgotten, which is why some of you out there in the Weezerverse no doubt balked at the distinctly pop production present on Pacific Daydream. For these people this step backward may be unforgivable, especially after their apology for their previous foray into the genre, but for the rest of us Cuomo and Co. have delivered a catchy and fun (if unremarkable) collection of summertime tunes.

    Let me say right now that Daydream is no Raditude. Yes, Butch Walker reappears in the production credits, and no, the album is by no means a masterpiece like Pinkerton or even on the same level as the band’s last love letter to the summertime season, but despite its flaws (of which there are many) I found it oddly endearing. The tunes are catchier, punchier, and more tightly crafted than those on Raditude, with just enough guitar to maintain a “pop-rock” label and oddball pop culture references to satisfy fans who can’t wait for the fabled Black Album to get their Weezer fix.

    I mentioned flaws earlier. Let’s talk about those. The wit and sheer cheerful energy that the sun-soaked banger “Mexican Fender” kicks off the record with is only sporadically seen again, and a feeling is given off while listening that the band couldn’t come to a consensus in regard to the big idea on Pacific Daydream, causing the record to come off a little tonally constipated. Had a better balance been struck between the carefree day and the more self-serious night (perhaps a re-ordering of songs might have helped this) we could have seen an interesting progression through a single summer day, but the latter more often overwhelms the former and the resultant melancholy moping that abounds is shockingly reminiscent of The Chainsmokers’ melodramatic drivel. Further strengthening the comparison to everyone’s favorite talentless EDM duo is the fact that on several songs Cuomo’s songwriting and singing seem particularly weak – on “Happy Hour” he gratingly holds a single note for most of the first verse, and his shoutouts to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Monty Python feel forced and out of place – and eager to take advantage of the current trend towards electronic (a la “Feels Like Summer”). In these instances, it’s (surprisingly) more often Walker who salvages the song with beats that are catchy and fun even when the accompanying vocal delivery is crushingly dull. One final thing: who releases an album full of summer-ready songs just as it’s starting to get cold? It’s more than a little depressing to be reminded of sunny days on sandy shores with winter on its way.

    It should be noted that there’s lots to like here as well. Regardless of your opinion on the record as a whole, many of you will likely find “Weekend Woman”, where roaring guitars that blast away twinkling pop flourishes recall ghosts of Weezer past, agreeable, and I’ll be damned if “Mexican Fender” doesn’t pop up in a few playlists next summer (I’ll tell you right now that it’s already in mine). Other tunes like “Any Friend of Diane’s”, “La Mancha Screwjob”, and “Get Right” are nice little pop ditties that won’t stick with you for long afterwards but go down smooth as a cold drink on a hot summer day when they’re on, making them some primo background noise for a little fun under the sun. “QB Blitz” is one of the better-written songs on the album, showcasing a singer-songwriter aspect to Cuomo that we’ve only occasionally seen before (“Butterfly” on Pinkerton, “Endless Bummer” on the White Album, and a few others), and while more successful in some aspects than others the boys do show a willingness to experiment with their sound.

    In short, does this deserve to be remembered as one of the great albums among Weezer’s catalogue? Not really. But it is a fun little diversion while we wait for something bigger and better from the boys, though hoping for another Pinkerton this late in their career might be expecting a little too much. But it’s nice to dream, isn’t it? Weezer certainly thinks so. 7/10

    Choice cuts:
    "Mexican Fender", "Weekend Woman", "Any Friend of Diane's", "QB Blitz"    … Expand
  29. wpl
    Oct 31, 2017
    10
    Haven't played a Weezer album repeatedly like this since the Green album. Fabulous lyrics, tons of catchy melodies, great vibe. I think the production is great. I find it more musically interesting than virtually any of their other albums, with notable exception of Pinkerton, as I keep hearing little harmonies, guitar parts, and sounds with each listen. The tracks all flow nicely. It worksHaven't played a Weezer album repeatedly like this since the Green album. Fabulous lyrics, tons of catchy melodies, great vibe. I think the production is great. I find it more musically interesting than virtually any of their other albums, with notable exception of Pinkerton, as I keep hearing little harmonies, guitar parts, and sounds with each listen. The tracks all flow nicely. It works really well as a whole. Only complaint is that it's a little short, but all the best Weezer albums are short, I guess. Rivers, ignore all the haters. I've been a fan since seeing you guys in 1994 at UCSD opening up for Live. This is a phenomenal addition to the catalog.… Expand
  30. yadevol
    Oct 30, 2017
    2
    A MESSAGE TO WEEZER.

    Please, please, please don't rush the next album {Black Album?}. Take your time. If it doesn't come out next year or the year after , so be it.
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Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2017
67
#67 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. No Ripcord
    Nov 27, 2017
    50
    Much of the album’s electro-lite flavoring does provide some hummable moments, but as the cringingly tricked out Mexican Fender and stomping chants of La Mancha Screwjob suggest, they’re most likely to suffer a slow and gradual death at your local Forever 21.
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  2. Magnet
    Nov 21, 2017
    65
    The lyrics are often stupid as hell. ... What's novel about Pacific Daydream is that its giant, overcompressed choruses really do burrow their way into your skull. [No. 148, p.51]
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 3, 2017
    80
    It’s the ever-present hint of neurosis in Rivers Cuomo’s voice and vaguely bi-polar lyrics (thankfully not produced using the cut-up technique he employed for last year’s self-titled release) that give this band their perennial edge of strangeness, and reaffirm Weezer’s unique place in American rock fans’ affections.
    Read full review
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