2 stars (out of 4)

The biggest surprise of Dave Grohl’s career as a songwriter and band leader came at the very start — when he demonstrated on the Foo Fighters’ 1995 debut that he was more than just one of rock’s best drummers but a decent singer and songwriter. Not great, decent. Ever since he’s been churning out workmanlike albums, brimming with boilerplate arena-rock songs.

On “Wasting Light” (RCA), the band’s first album since 2007, Grohl distills his formula to its leanest essence with the help of some old friends: Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic and Husker Du guitarist Bob Mould put in cameos. More crucially, he’s reunited with producer Butch Vig (who, in case you forgot, produced Nirvana’s “Nevermind”). Vig and mixer Alan Moulder give Grohl’s songs a concise punch; each riff, drum fill and chorus is chiseled into a sharp weapon.

The hired guns help trim the fat, but not all the clichés. The songs come in three styles common to all Foo Fighters albums: hardcore punk screed (“White Limo”), streamlined rocker (“Bridge Burning”), melodramatic power ballad (“I Should Have Known”). It’s all competently done, but none of it matches the invention of Grohl’s drumming in the last decade with Queens of the Stone Age, Probot or Them Crooked Vultures. Grohl sings with appropriate desperation, like a man who knows he’s overachieved and is thankful for the opportunity to make the most of it. “I never wanna die,” he wails, but it’s difficult to imagine these songs achieving immortality.

greg@gregkot.com

Lil Wayne: Not even eight months in federal prison on a weapons charge can slow down Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., who released an album while in the joint and has “Tha Carter IV” ready to pop in the next few months, 7 p.m. Friday at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison, $49.75, $79.75, $115.75; ticketmaster.com.

Queens of the Stone Age: Josh Homme and company revisit the Queens’ self-titled 1998 debut album, playing the reissued stoner-rock landmark in its entirety. For sheer relentlessness, the Queens were never better than on the debut’s leadoff track, “Regular John,” 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Riviera, 4746 N. Racine, $32.50 (sold out); etix.com. 

Smoking Popes: A classic punk-pop band out of McHenry County in the ‘90s, distinguished by driving melodies and Josh Caterer’s lovelorn croon, the quartet is back as good as ever with a fine new album, “This is Only a Test,” 8 p.m. Sunday at the Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee, $15; ticketfly.com.

greg@gregkot.com