“Hearing him sing about Mom and Dad and Grandpa Joe, these personal family issues, in a really heartbreaking kind of innocent, childlike way, over these straightforward chords in a major key. But then the distortion kicks in, and he starts screaming. Sh*t! That’s what I want to do,” Rivers told Rolling Stone.

Nirvana’s music video for the song “In Bloom” would also be a huge influence for the band. During the video, the members of Nirvana are dressed in suits, playing as musical guests on a rendition of an old variety show, similar to the Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Cobain would wear glasses, which helped Cuomo feel comfortable wearing his own while performing.

Cuomo also hoped Weezer would have the same impact as Nirvana. “I seriously thought we were the next Nirvana,” Cuomo admitted to Rolling Stone. “And I thought the world was going to perceive us that way, like a superimportant, superpowerful, heartbreaking heavy rock band, and as serious artists. That’s how I saw us.”

Some critics would have a different take on Weezer, with one in particular calling their lyrics “comical.” “And that’s when I started to realize the world wasn’t going to see Weezer like I did and the world wasn’t going to see the Blue Album like I did.” While Weezer may not have had the same impact as Nirvana, they’re still one of rock’s greatest bands, and have demonstrated that with their body of work ever since their first album.