With added contributions from Brian Bell and Patrick Wilson, humor and playfulness, Weezer’s 20th album, The Gold Album, is a strong sign of life for the band, delivering on a clear statement of purpose and intent

Not all of 'Gold' shines so brightly, but when the four members sound like they’re playing for the love of making a racket it feels like bumping into an old friend

Spurred on by producer Kenneth Blume, Weezer get back in a room together to write rock songs that wallow, reminisce, and, very occasionally, wow

There’s no denying that the Weez stick to what they do best on The Gold Album, but their insistence on returning to their musical roots feels increasingly played out

If you squint (or, better yet, don't pay attention too closely), then the Gold Album can pass for classic Weezer

I’m not going to pretend that this is their best album, but it is a strong showing that will give longtime fans what they’ve been craving

With its looser feel and top-shelf songs, it’s hard to imagine a better record from this band this far down the line than the Gold Album

Weezer are back, Weezer never left, Weezer are here to rock

The Gold album is a blast from the past that could work as a reset and propel the band to make more records as stripped-down, brutal, and real as this