release date: Apr. 19, 2010
format: cd
[album rate: 3 / 5] [2,90]
producer: Simon Dine
label: Island Records - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 2. "Wake Up the Nation" - 3. "No Tears to Cry" - 8. "Find the Torch, Burn the Plans"
10th studio album by Paul Weller following 22 Dreams (Jul. 2008) finds him on repeat - I think. This is his usual formula, as heard on all of his post 2000 albums: in search of producing another Wild Wood (Sep. 1993) album with the right blend of mod revival, singer / songwriter, with hints of pop soul, but it basically lacks great melodies and memorable songs. However, the album was generally met by positive reviews in Britain and it reached number #2 on the UK albums chart list. Furthermore, the album was nominated the Mercury Prize for best album of the year, which was handed to The xx for the album xx.
I'm fully aware that the album is highly regarded, but to me, it simply never unfolds and I don't find it a recommended release.
[ allmusic.com 4,5 / 5, Slant 4 / 5, Q, The Guardian, The Independent 5 / 5 stars ]
