Weezer is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1992 consisting of Rivers Cuomo (lead vocals, lead guitar), Patrick Wilson (drums), Brian Bell (rhythm guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), and Scott Shriner
(bass, backing vocals). The line-up has changed three times since its
formation in 1992. Weezer has sold 9.2 million albums in the US and over
17 million worldwide.
After signing to Geffen Records in 1993, Weezer released their debut
self-titled album, also known as The Blue Album, in 1994. Backed by
successful music videos for the singles "Buddy Holly", "Undone – The
Sweater Song" and "Say It Ain't So", The Blue Album became a
triple-platinum success and received positive reviews. Weezer's second
album, Pinkerton (1996), featuring a darker, more abrasive sound, was a
commercial failure and initially received mixed reviews, but went on to
achieve cult status and critical acclaim years later. Both The Blue
Album and Pinkerton are now frequently cited among the best albums of
the 1990s. Following Pinkerton, bassist Matt Sharp left the band and
Weezer went on hiatus.
In 2001, Weezer returned with another self-titled album, also known as
The Green Album, with new bassist Mikey Welsh. Promoted by the singles
"Hash Pipe" and "Island in the Sun", The Green Album was a commercial
success and received mostly positive reviews. After the album's release,
Welsh left the band and was replaced by current bassist Scott Shriner.
Weezer's fourth album, Maladroit, was released in May 2002 to mostly
positive reviews, but did not match the sales of The Green Album.
Weezer's fifth album, Make Believe, was released in May 2005; despite
mixed reviews, its single "Beverly Hills" became Weezer's first single
to top the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and the first to reach the top
ten on the Billboard Hot 100. In June 2008, Weezer's third self-titled
album, also known as The Red Album, featuring "TR-808s, synths, Southern
rap, and baroque counterpoint", was released to mild reviews. Its lead
single, "Pork and Beans", became the band's third song to top the Modern
Rock Tracks chart, backed by a successful YouTube music video.
Weezer's seventh album, Raditude (2009) and eighth album Hurley (2010),
featuring more "modern pop production" and songs co-written with other
artists, achieved further mixed reviews and moderate sales. Their ninth
album, Everything Will Be Alright in the End, was released in October
2014, and received Weezer's most positive reviews since Pinkerton.