"Pinkerton" is the second studio album by American rock band Weezer, released on September 24, 1996, by DGC Records. Much of the album was written by frontman Rivers Cuomo while he was studying at Harvard University, during a period when he abandoned his initial rock opera project, Songs from the Black Hole. This album marked the last appearance of bassist Matt Sharp, who left the band in 1998.
Self-produced to capture a more authentic live sound, Pinkerton diverged from the polished style of their self-titled debut, showcasing a darker, more abrasive edge. Cuomo's lyrics delve into themes of loneliness and disillusionment with the rock lifestyle. The album's title references B.F. Pinkerton, a character from Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly, which Cuomo likened to an "asshole American sailor" reflective of a touring rock star. The album also incorporates elements of Japanese culture, mirroring the opera's themes.
Featuring singles like "El Scorcho" and "The Good Life," Pinkerton debuted at number 19 on the US Billboard 200 but initially underperformed commercially and received mixed reviews. It was even voted the third-worst album of 1996 by Rolling Stone readers. However, over time, Pinkerton has been critically re-evaluated and is now celebrated as one of the best albums of the 1990s, achieving platinum certification in 2016 and influencing numerous emo bands in the years that followed.
In 1994, following the success of their debut album, Weezer took a break from touring over Christmas. During this time, frontman Rivers Cuomo felt constrained by the limitations of rock music. He found inspiration in Giacomo Puccini's 1904 opera Madama Butterfly, drawn to its emotional depth and tragedy, which motivated him to explore new musical directions.
Cuomo began crafting material for what would become Weezer's next album using an 8-track recorder in his home state of Connecticut. Initially, he envisioned a rock opera titled Songs from the Black Hole, aiming to express his complex feelings about success. The band intermittently recorded songs for this project throughout 1995.
In April 1995, Cuomo underwent extensive surgery to lengthen his right leg, which resulted in a long recovery period filled with pain and physical therapy. This experience influenced his songwriting, as he spent significant time hospitalized and under the effects of painkillers.
During this challenging period, Cuomo applied to study classical composition at Harvard University, articulating his disillusionment with the rock lifestyle in a candid letter. He described the fleeting nature of interactions on tour and the pervasive loneliness that followed.
By May 1996, his songwriting had shifted to become darker and more visceral, leading him to abandon the Songs from the Black Hole concept. Instead, the forthcoming album would reflect his feelings of loneliness and frustration, exploring what he called his "dark side." This change paved the way for Pinkerton, which ultimately became a pivotal release in Weezer's catalog.
