05. “Jamie”

Weezer (1994) B-Side

More of a “thank you” than an “I love you,” Cuomo wrote this for the band’s lawyer at the time, who apparently really had their back (“I’m so glad you’re mine” as in “I’m so glad you’re my lawyer”). Effortless, strong pop relegated to B-side status, but to be fair, Cuomo was churning out quality during this time. Love the awkward tempo change during the breakdown at the halfway point. –Justin Gerber

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04. “Susanne”

Mallrats Soundtrack (1995)

Arguably their most popular B-side to date, “Susanne” is often confused for actually appearing on their 1994 self-titled debut. Back when fans were sharing MP3s on Napster, you’d often see it labeled as track seven or eight off Weezer, which is kind of hilarious, but not exactly preposterous. Those Wilson harmonies, the shattered-heart romanticism, and that drive-in solo is like a bedfellow of “Buddy Holly” and nobody would have batted an eye had it been included on the album. –Michael Roffman

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03. “I Just Threw out the Love of My Dreams”

Songs from the Black Hole (1996)

Head-bopping, joyful misery from the discarded Songs from the Black Hole project, “I Just Threw Out…” is the lone Weezer track to feature lead vocals from an outside source (refuse to acknowledge Lil Wayne’s “Can’t Stop Partying” verse). The song is heavy on the moog and a Haden sister (Rachel in this case), and it’s no coincidence that around this time Sharp employed both moog and a Haden sister (Petra in his case) for The Rentals. –Justin Gerber

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02. “Simple Pages”

Weezer (2001)

Okay, so the beginning does sound a little like “Perfect Situation”, but don’t forget, this came out four years prior. Even so, there’s no disputing that earworm of a verse, where Cuomo leans heard on the “Gimme…” repetition. It’s angsty, it’s catchy, and it’s everything you love about Weezer. The way he goes full circle at 2:10, returning to the verses after one hell of a solo, is downright heroic, to say the least. And don’t even get me started on that last 25 seconds. Good lord. –Michael Roffman

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01. “The Angel and the One”

Weezer (2008)

The final track on Weezer’s sixth album is arguably the best. Hell, it is the best. A yearning, slow build that starts with Cuomo on soft electric, going against rejected-neckbeard beliefs with acceptance (“It’s not my destiny to be the one that you will lay with”), and by the time the rest of the boys have plugged in, it’s all about “peace” and “shalom” Earnest Weezer that evades treacly territory. Somehow played live only once. –Justin Gerber