release date: Jul. 3, 2020
format: digital (15 x File, FLAC - Deluxe)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,68]
producer: Paul Weller & Jan Kybert
label: Polydor Records - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Mirror Ball" - 2. "Baptiste" - 3. "Old Father Tyme" - 6. "On Sunset" - 8. "Walkin' " - 10. "Rockets"
15th studio album by Paul Weller, once again teamed up with Dutch producer Jan 'Stan' Kybert.
With the album Weller doesn't introduce us to a lot of new styles or genres but he does combine some of his latest outputs into one unifying sound. On the predecessor, True Meanings (2018) his output was acoustic and simple, on A Kind Revolution (2017) he sought a more electrifying form of pop soul and chamber pop, and before that he embraced alt. rock and mod revival more explicitly on the strong Saturns Pattern (2015). All this is found here, and mostly not as various pieces pointing here or there but as a nicely woven conglomerate that is so Wellerian. His mod revival and pop soul, and even his sophisti-pop traces of the past are all represented here in a combo of folk rock and singer / songwriter.
With the album Weller doesn't introduce us to a lot of new styles or genres but he does combine some of his latest outputs into one unifying sound. On the predecessor, True Meanings (2018) his output was acoustic and simple, on A Kind Revolution (2017) he sought a more electrifying form of pop soul and chamber pop, and before that he embraced alt. rock and mod revival more explicitly on the strong Saturns Pattern (2015). All this is found here, and mostly not as various pieces pointing here or there but as a nicely woven conglomerate that is so Wellerian. His mod revival and pop soul, and even his sophisti-pop traces of the past are all represented here in a combo of folk rock and singer / songwriter.
A first listen may not reveal strong single hits but on returning points it comes out as something original, which is an accomplishment. He works with many returning associates, guitarist Steve Cradock, bassist Andy Crofts, keyboardist Charles Rees, drummer Ben Gordelier as well as multi-instrumentalist Jan Kybert. The album also welcomes back former associate Mick Talbot from The Style Council on three tracks.
The Deluxe Edition adds another five compositions of which two are alternate instrumental versions.
It does seem as if Weller has found his niche on his older days by maintaining a high quality level as a mature musician.
The Deluxe Edition adds another five compositions of which two are alternate instrumental versions.
It does seem as if Weller has found his niche on his older days by maintaining a high quality level as a mature musician.
