As Is Now

Without being a huge fan, I've followed Weller's career on and off ever since the early days of the Jam and bought the odd single along the way. Admittedly 'Wild Wood' (1994) and 'Stanley Road' were both good albums, but with subsequent releases slightly disappointing and Weller pushing 50, my expectations were not that high.

.....Wrong......

This album is an absolute corker. I'm really impressed. From the frantic bluesy chords of the opening track this album hardly misses a beat. I am absolutely gobsmacked just how good it is. It easily stands shoulder to shoulder with 'Wild Wood' and 'Stanley Road' and is possibly better than both!

Only on two or three tracks does the intensity of Weller's compositional style and delivery produce slightly over-wrought songs ('Fly little bird', 'Pan' and 'The Pebble and the Boy') but for the most part the album is loose, energetic and choc-full of great songs, dashed off in an effortless variety of styles......in short it's an absolute joy.

If you like Weller and you haven't already purchased this album, what on earth are you waiting for??


Finally, he ROCKS !!!   November 21, 2005
bunnyhon
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This album rocks! I had my doubt as I was not happy with "Studio 150" and to a lesser extent, with "Illumination". I kept thinking: where's the edge? What's with songs such as "Sweet Pea"? Of all the Paul Weller albums I have all the years these two unfotunately became fillers on the CD rack. I even deleted them from my ipod library as they are kind of a waste of space, literally. I was truly sadden as Paul's music has been a very important part of my life and I was so worried that maybe his fire had gone out.

Well. Worry no more. This album blows me away! Right from the start it is so gripping you can feel the energy oozing out- as good as the live version of "the Changingman" - that's how intense the sound is. I can't really tell you which song I like best from the album becasue they are all truly outstanding. I get really excited when I hear good music and this album a lot more than that. It is orgasmic. For those of you who have doubt like I had, give it a chance and you will be delighted. I promise. It doesn't get any better than this. Paul is god.


Weller's best since Stanley Road   June 30, 2006
fleet22 (derbyshire)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

A real barnstorming album this one. Three great rocking tracks stand out 'Blink and you'll miss it'- my personal favourite, 'From the floorboards up' and 'Come on - let's go'. This has been played over and over in my car CD since it came out. Together with the just released live album 'catch-flame' must represent the best quality two CD releases by anyone


Back to Top Form   October 11, 2005
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Weller back to his best, have listened four times now, and only one below average track Pan. Seems to take something from everything that he has done, can't wait to see him live again in November