On Sunset

I have followed Paul Weller through various incarnations over the years, from the Jam and Style Council through to his solo albums. I only every saw him live in concert once, but definitely not a typical gig, the Red Wedge farewell Concert to the GLC, where Ken Livingston was on tambourine, and politics was to the fore.I have liked some of his solo albums, in particular Wild Wood with its more back to the country and folky leanings, and Stanley Road. I have found his more recent albums very eclectic, often experimental and more challenging, with somethings that I love, but others than jar with me. Many of them gave me the feeling that he was trying too hard to be different and all things to all people, creating a finished work a bit disparate that for me personally did not hang together so well as a whole. These more recent offerings were often albums that for me were sometimes critically lauded, but I found difficult to really like and live with.This new release is for me his best for a long time, it is much more soulful, and maybe with his more mature outlook, now being over 60 , he has taken a more reflective view on some of the simple things in life that matter and add value to the quality of life. The opener Mirror Ball is a bit more experimental , like 3 different songs bolted together, with stop start changes in style, which initially jolted with me, but has grown on me improving with repeated listens.I can empathise with his views on the beauty of nature and a veteran old oak tree on Old Father Thyme, and respect him valuing his local sense of place and community in Village. I am a keen walker, so the jaunty uplifting Walkin' also hits the spot for me. His singing is strong, clear, assured throughout , no longer the shouty angry young man of the Jam, but rather the mature Modfather looking back reflectively on life through the lens of experience. As the album unfolds there is a great deal to admire, and this is a set of songs that I do respect. The whole vibe of the band and the sound captured here is a joy, it sounds like he was having a blast. Old Style Council comrade Mick Talbot crops up on several tracks on Hammond Organ, but also relative newcomers like Hannah Peel arranging the sympathetic subtle supporting strings, while the Brass section arrangements are a pleasure to relish too. Classy female backing vocals on some tracks are the icing on the cake.It all works incredibly well, complex, tuneful, intriguing, thoughtful and considered, mellow and soulful, a beautiful album that I do not just like and admire, but now also love. For me this is his best album in a long time, a real strong return to form, that hangs together well as a whole, and is a pleasure to listen to. Highly recommended.

I love Paul Weller's stuff but can rarely get on with a whole album: I've bought most of his solo albums but usually don't like enough of the tracks. Wildwood is the only one I kept over the years, I have Modern Classics, but this is great, love it. Great songs and like Wildwood a great, to my ears, style that's unique. It really grows on you too. Weller is a massive talent and long may he continue.

Nice n loud

A fantastic album, it was bought as a present but I do get to listen to it whenever it’s played

Great album, he just keeps producing 👍🏻

On first listening was not keen to be honest, but grew on me more and more, absolutely love this album now, brilliant tracks, mirror ball, village are fantastic tracks, the last track, rockets, amazing, brought a lump to my throat and gave me goose bumps, the guy is a genius x

Paul and friends do not disappoint. Good quality music both in artistic and technical terms. Good addition to his back catalogue.Sufficient packaging to avoid any damage to the CD, Very fast delivery by Amazon.

I've got his Modern Classics albums , so thought I'd buy this one.Decent album that is growing on me.I see Jim Lea features on one of the tracks too, which is always a bonus.

It was ok ! I really like his older music better from style council !

Meine neue Lieblings-CD!Von Anfang bis Ende nur Klasse!!!

love the music

L'évolution de Weller sur plusieurs décennies est impressionnante: dans cet album 2020, on est loin de la jeunesse fougueuse et parfois rageuse des Jam mais c'est un plaisir à écouter. Depuis quelques albums, il semble avoir atteint une sorte de sérénité, ce qui n'empêche pas la nostalgie, les doutes et les questions (sur la religion par exemple dans Baptiste). Les arrangements et les orchestrations de cordes sont toujours magnifiques et un titre comme Earth Beat est un tube potentiel, très efficace. Le livret du CD contient les paroles des chansons et de très belles photos prises visiblement à Los Angeles, je pense. Weller y est en costume classe et décontracté au volant d'une Pontiac: un avant-goût d'été sans doute! Un bien bel album de plus dans une discographie qui n'en manque pas.

This Weller album is a bit different but listen to it twice and you'll be hooked. You have to admire this artist. He is an artist in the true sense of the word. Evolving and growing, willing to try new styles, a mature and insightful writer and just a plain honest and good musician.