Weezer is experiencing a resurgence 23 years after their first album dropped. Though the band never really went away, in the last few years they have produced great albums including “Weezer” (the white album) and now “Pacific Daydream.” These are the band’s two best albums since the 1990s.

“Pacific Daydream” has new classic after new classic. That’s not very common on a band’s 12th album. “Mexican Fender,” “Feels like Summer” and “Beach Boys” headline this gem-packed effort. The marginally weakest songs “Get Right” and “Sweet Mary” are still enjoyable and the lack of any true weak link make “Pacific Daydream” an easy listen.

After their Beach Boys inspired 11th album, Weezer decided to go for a similarly inspired album, though it is definitely a heavier, album. Gone is the boy and girl love story of “Wind in our Sail” or the sweet sadness of “Summer Elaine and Drunk Dori.” Even when “Pacific Daydream” does not feel dark and heavy, it’s no longer about the good things in life or a childhood romance.

This album has everything. References to the ice planet Hoth from Star Wars are thrown around as readily as a football should be on “QB Blitz.” The hook-heavy tracks reach their peak with “Sweet Mary” and “Any Friend of Diane’s.” Cuomo proves he still has a knack for straddling the experimental and inspired with the commercially successful.

Weezer has strayed away from the commercialized works of their 2009 album “Raditude” and in doing so has found a way to get closer to their roots. Their four strongest albums are their first two (“Weezer” (the blue album) and “Pinkerton”) and their latest duo. Nearly a quarter century has passed since their first album was released and Weezer, one of the most important and influential pop-rock acts from the 1990s on, has never reached their original heights. However they have always found new and interesting ways to grow. If you have ever enjoyed any of Weezer’s work from “Buddy Holly” and “Pink Triangle” to “Beverley Hills” and “Trainwrecks,” give this album a listen. You may find a few gems to add to your playlist.

Recording Process:

For their last two albums, Weezer has had unique process for recording. Instead of getting all four band members in the studio together, Rivers Cuomo, the frontman and creative force behind the band, has sorted through thousands of audio files, hooks, and sounds. He then creates the songs he wants and informs the band’s manager who then brings in Cuomo, Patrick Wilson (drums), Brian Bell (Guitar) and Scott Shriner (bass) one at a time to record their parts. After recording has finished they lay the audio on top of each other to finish the tracks.