While sifting through the ashes of a failed romance, lead singer Rivers Cuomo concludes, “We should give all our love to each other, not this hate that destroys us/This is such a pity” (“This Is Such a Pity”). Lonely, he desperately wants a friend on “Pardon Me,” a humble apology to those hurt by his behavior (“I apologize to you and to anyone else that I hurt too/I may not be a perfect soul, but I can learn self-control”). “My Best Friend” promises loyalty to a person described as “such a blessing.” “We Are All on Drugs” alludes to the downside of addiction. Cuomo manages to cope with rejection by looking “The Other Way,” however …
That song and others (“Peace,” “Perfect Situation,” “Beverly Hills”) portray these guys as a knotted ball of insecurities and self-flagellation. A man seems indifferent to the pain he’s causing a woman on “Haunt You Every Day” and “The Damage in Your Heart.” The sarcastic chorus of “We Are All on Drugs” could be taken literally and adopted as a rallying cry by proud addicts.
A few upbeat cuts notwithstanding, Make Believe reminds listeners again and again what it’s like to feel worthless and rejected. Some teens will surely identify with the band’s dilemma. What they—and Weezer—need is the truth of Titus 3:3-7, not a self-defeating mopefest.
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