Weezer's 'Hurley' is 'Lost'

The cover of Weezer's latest album is a close-up shot of Jorge Garcia, the actor who plays the big, bumbling Hurley in the hit television series "Lost." You might think to yourself, in true "Lost" fashion, what does this mystery mean? Why is he there? And besides sharing a name with the album, what exactly does Hurley have to do with Weezer?

Well, none of the songs have anything to do with mysterious islands or big-boned TV stars - which means that it's probably just another inexplicable curveball from eccentric lead singer Rivers Cuomo, whose career hasn't exactly been short on oddball choices. Last year, he confused fans and psychiatrists alike when he made "Raditude," an album that departed significantly from Weezer's musical style.

The good news is that Cuomo is no longer trying to make teenage party music with Lil Wayne. The bad news is that despite a return to the band's stylistic roots, this album still falls short.

The opening track, "Memories," clearly establishes the album's intent to embrace the band's fun, '90s rock roots. The lyrics immediately give that away: "All the memories, how can we make it back there, back there. / I want to be back there again." Unfortunately, if "back there" refers to "Pinkerton" or "Blue," the next few songs make it clear that we are not, in fact, back there. Yet.

In line with the first track, "Ruling Me," "Hang on" and "Brave New World" are serviceable head-bangers but are otherwise rather single-minded and unremarkable. Luckily, there are a few gems lurking deeper within the album. "Smart Girls" leads the pack with its harmonies and catchy rhythm. "Run Away" is also a winner, thanks to a chorus layered with whimsical guitar lines.

The band is at its most effective when slowing down the crunchy guitar lines and taking a moment to make something interesting out of a melody. "Trainwrecks" does this well while maintaining the rhythmical, raw aggression that the album strives for. Likewise, "Where's My Sex" has an intriguing sense of movement and energy. Unfortunately, the song is also full of silly and half-assed lyrics. Here, Weezer's attempt to be goofy - trading "socks" for "sex" - completely backfires.

Overall, "Hurley" has potential but tries too hard to appear fun. Rather than relying on gimmicks like album covers to draw interest, Weezer needs to stop chugging out music and take some time to produce something a little more thoughtful. Devoted Weezer fans might be drawn in by the album's nostalgic appeal, but the truth is, the band just sounds "Lost."

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