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I bought this album earlier this week and I just can't stop listening to it.

Weezer's sixth effort, and their third self-titled album (unofficially dubbed "the red album") is the most creative album in the band's catalogue, and very satisfying. It's a journey into the musical frontiers that Rivers has been exploring over the past several years. But this is not the Rivers Cuomo show, as Brian, Pat, and Scott all take turns at center stage - and with good results.

At first listen, some of the songs may sound unfamiliar, but as Rivers sings in "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived," "Hey, this is nothing new / I've got more than enough for you." The line is almost a reassurance that Weezer is far from done - a promise that they've got more to give their fans. The song itself is a showcase of a broad range of musical styles, which is probably why some people are comparing it to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." The bottom line is that it works, and it rocks.

Of course, you can't talk about the album without mentioning "Pork and Beans." When Weezer released the song on their website, I let it loop over and over. I still haven't gotten sick of hearing it. To me, the song is a proclamation from Rivers to the world, announcing that he is finally secure in who he he is - that's he's finally got a self-esteem. The video takes that message to the next level, becoming an anthem for misfits everywhere who just wants to be themselves. And who better to empower us weirdos than the guys that made geek chic 14 years ago?

The rest of the album doesn't disappoint either. "Troublemaker" is catchy; "Heartsongs" is heartfelt, and different; and Pat's "Automatic" is impressive. "Dreaming" and "The Angel And The One" are the most Weezer-like of any on the album, and they're both nice. I'm glad that the rest of the album is so divergent, however, because after five albums I wasn't really hoping to hear the exact same stuff on album six.

Only time will tell how this album stands up against the rest of the band's catalogue, but I don't get the feeling Weezer really cares how this one is remembered.

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